Real Techniques Brushes Review

About Real Techniques

Real Techniques is an award-winning cosmetics company that specializes in producing premium-quality brushes and sponges.

With over 2.4M followers on Instagram and an array of awards on their mantle, they’re a powerhouse brand with refined products for the modern era.

One unique thing about these brushes, some of them have been shot into space!

In 2018, the brand sent a selection of their brushes into space using a helium balloon, sending them 19k meters into the upper atmosphere to celebrate the launch of their Brush Crush Volume 2 collection.

While covering a range of products, this is primarily a Real Techniques brushes review, which will consider customer reviews, product differentiation, discounts, and everything else that you need to make an informed decision.

Overview of Real Techniques

The mission of Real Techniques is to bring sophisticated, industry-grade makeup tools to the average makeup enthusiast.

Founded in 2011, they have since been busy creating brushes, sponges, and other accessories to help people across the world present their true selves.

Real Techniques’ early days were well-documented on the co-founders and sisters Sam Chapman and Nicola Haste’s Youtube channel, “Pixiwoo”.

Launched in 2007, Pixiwoo grew to an astronomical success, reaching over 2M subscribers and 350+ million views. They were among the first virtual Influencers to share makeup tutorials, winning the affection of fans worldwide.

When the Pixiwoo team had the opportunity to develop a brand with beauty giant Paris Presents (PPI Beauty), they knew it was too good to pass up.

Real Techniques was launched four years later, garnering a joint audience for their high-quality tools and online tutorials.

But it wasn’t meant to last. Cosmetics Business reported in December of last year that the Pixiwoo sister duo will no longer be involved with the brand they helped create.

According to Paris Presents, “Like any relationship, we are evolving, and it was time for both them and us to explore new directions. We’re grateful for all the success we’ve achieved together.”

One thing that will continue on is Real Techniques‘ reputation in the makeup community. But every brand has upsides and downsides.

While makeup aficionados absolutely adore Real Techniques powder brushes, sponges, and more, they have also noted that some products live up to their standards more than others.

Pros

• Affordable pricing compared to other brands 
• Brushes are made from vegan and cruelty-free synthetic materials
• Recyclable products
• Frequent product giveaways and promotions in their newsletter and Instagram
• Developed by an established beauty brand and YouTube-famous makeup enthusiasts
• Sold internationally by a wide range of third party retailers 

Cons

• Some customers reported that the newer, less absorbent sponges made blending difficult. They also take a while to “break in” 
• Cofounders Sam Chapman and Nicola Haste left the company in 2020
• Reports of lightweight and cheap-feeling plastic handles that are too long 

Real Techniques Brushes Review

This Real Techniques brushes review will go over nine of their best-selling products in detail, including techniques, customer response, and pricing. By the end of it, you will know which brushes, sponges, and sets to add to your collection, and which ones to skip. 

As a note, you can only shop Real Techniques products through third-party retailers. Their website offers easy links to listings on online stores such as Ulta Beauty, iHerb, Amazon, and Walmart.    

Real Techniques Sculp + Shape Review

A new item in the Real Techniques brush lineup, the Sculpt + Shape brush is used for… well, you probably already know—nuanced and refined contour application.

That isn’t to say it makes things complicated, because that’s not the case at all. It’s actually a versatile addition to any makeup kit. The dual-ended feature of this makeup tool gives the customer control over how they define exquisite features, and manipulate the shape of their face.

The Sculpt + Shape brush works with powder, liquid, or cream contour makeup. Plus, it’s easy to clean and is adorned with UltraPlush bristles, which are cruelty-free.

Unfortunately, this Real Techniques brushes review has to report that the Sculpt + Shape brush appears to be discontinued. You may be hard-pressed to find one.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush Review

Real Techniques’ Expert Face Brush is a classic. Its soft UltraPlush synthetic bristles make it easy for you to apply foundation. It’s also completely cruelty-free. The best part is, it’s easy to clean makeup buildup from this brush, even though it looks dense! 

All in all, the Expert Face Brush enables everyone to apply even and streak-free makeup, whether it is medium or full coverage. It does this through a wide face that properly distributes liquid, powder, as well as cream foundations for a flawless finish. 

This Real Techniques Foundation Brush has over 3,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, where you can buy it for $6.

Real Techniques Setting Brush Review

The Setting Brush is for those finishing touches that give your makeup work a professional appearance.

Channel your inner Kardashian and use it for highlighter, setting concealer, contour blending, and more. It’s a multi-purpose tool that goes well in any collection.

Customers report that this Setting Brush does not shed, the bristles are soft and “just the right size for setting makeup, especially round the eyes and nose.”

You can use it for locking in foundation and concealer, and much more, starting at $5 (prices vary by retailer).

Real Techniques Easy as 1 2 3 Foundation Review

Anyone can use the Easy As 1 2 3 Foundation brush. It was designed to make foundation application effortless and mess-free.

According to customers, it has made their makeup ritual so much easier. It is most compatible with powders, rather than heavier formulas. 

But while the Easy As 1 2 3 Foundation brush does its job, it’s not the prettiest specimen.

“My only complaint is the overall design and feel,” says one 4-star review on Amazon. “Looks cheap, feels cheap, very lightweight, I’ve loved Real Technique brushes because they are so beautiful, and this is so plain and boring.”

If you’re looking for a simple brush that does its job and nothing more, then pick up Easy As 1 2 3 Foundation for $7 at Walmart.

Real Techniques Light Layer Blush Brush Review

Tri-layer bristle technology, it’s as good as it sounds. The Light Layer Blush Brush uses it to blend, build, and blur to perfection.

Customers agree that this angled brush is a quality product and a great addition to their makeup kit.

The bristles are a pink-to-white gradient, while the handle is a subtle lavender shade. This brush is light as a feather, helping you enhance your look with just a touch of product (avoiding a clown-like appearance). 

Available on Ulta Beauty, this Real Techniques Blush Brush is currently marked down to $5.39 from $9. Use it with a cream or powder blush, or with bronzer.

Real Techniques Prep + Prime Set Review

Who has time to buy brushes one at a time? And why bother? Everything you need for your primers, serums, moisturizers, and masks is in the Prep + Prime Set. Pull these out at the next sleepover, to impress friends with your elevated techniques.  

As this Real Techniques brushes review examined customer feedback, it found out that many were drawn to the eye reviver tool. But buyers also loved the lip scrub brush for its ability to handle heavy-duty scrubs and the dry brush for light exfoliation.

Feel confident that your face is ready to take on anything, after methodically using each item in this set. 

The Prep + Prime Set is offered by Amazon for $10.59, and four other retailers. 

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge Review

The Miracle Complexion Sponge is one of Real Techniques’ best-selling products, and for good reason. Infused with an antimicrobial formula, this sponge is designed to keep your skin clean and healthy after every use.

Real Techniques recommends using the Miracle Complexion Sponge damp with products for a “dewy glow,” and to use it dry for full coverage.

You can buy it individually or in packs on Ulta, Target, and Amazon. Prices range from $3.59 to $21, depending on the retailer.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge 2 Pack Review

What kind of a fool would pass up on a package deal? Not you, because now you know about the Miracle Complexion Sponge 2 Pack. Fans of this Real Techniques sponge get more of what they want with this offer. 

Using latex-free foam and antimicrobial properties, the Miracle Complexion Sponge 2 Pack provides clean and smooth coverage for all forms of foundation.

This Real Techniques brushes review wouldn’t be complete without including rounded criticism from customers. Some shared that while the sponge was “amazing and so soft” at first, after six months, it started feeling like rubber.

That being said, this Real Techniques brushes review suspects you can avoid this problem by properly replacing the Miracle Complexion Sponge 2 Pack after 30 uses. You can buy the 2 Pack on Amazon, Ulta, and iHerb for around $6 to $10.

Real Techniques Brush Cleansing Gel Review

Wait, this isn’t a brush…For a Real Techniques brushes review, we’re branching off into uncharted territory. But seriously, the Brush Cleansing Gel is worth it.

If you like your brushes, why not keep them clean? Besides the obvious hygiene benefits, it will make them work better and last longer.

Basically, the Brush Cleansing Gel keeps your makeup tools clean. Some people prefer to use regular soap or baby wash, but a specialized cleanser helps speed up the process. It gets out all the buildup without damaging the bristles.

For a quick wash: squirt some gel out, wet your dirty brush, and swirl it around against your palm. Rinse it off, and squeeze out excess water before leaving it to dry. 

But, all in all, customers who bought the Brush Cleansing Gel seemed to enjoy it. You can buy it on Amazon, Walmart, and a few other places for about $7.

Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Review

For those that don’t have the time to pick out their individual brushes, or simply are new to makeup, the Everyday Essentials collection is worth looking into.

Coming with an array of brushes to do the most basic of makeup tasks, this selection includes the:

• 400 Deluxe Brush
• 300 Deluxe Crease
• 402 Setting
• 200 Expert Face
• Miracle Complexion Sponge

With over 900+ reviews and a 4.8/5 star average on the brand’s website, this selection of the brand’s best-selling brushes is definitely making makeup gurus happy and, of course, more experienced in the art of makeup.

Grab the Everyday Essentials set for just $20 at Ulta, or at Amazon, Walmart, and Target.

Real Techniques Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

Let’s get one thing out of the way, Real Techniques is a solid brand with a huge following and international consumer base.

There are no glaring red flags with any of their products. The makeup community can be picky as heck, but even their worst criticisms of Real Techniques are fairly mild.

One Reddit user had this nit-picky comment to share: “I personally am not the biggest fan of the RT blush brush. It’s really big and floofy. Unless you have large cheeks its size is too much, and if you’re working with a less pigmented blush, it’s hard to get any color payoff on your skin” 

On Sephora, Real Techniques boasts an impressive 4.5/5 star average. One customer left feedback, saying:

“As usual, [Real Techniques’] brushes do not disappoint. The finish of my makeup looks great! However, while the bristles are soft, I do feel that it’s kinda pokey on my face when I’m buffing in my foundation.”

Customers on Amazon left Real Techniques products a 4.5/5 star average across 25,000+ reviews.

One happy customer reported, “I was needing some new makeup brushes and didn’t want to spend an arm and a leg on a set. I was kinda skeptical on how the quality would be for these. When I received them they were so soft and had no shedding. They blended my makeup beautifully.”

So, is Real Techniques a good brand? Without question, yes. And while not every customer was 100% satisfied, keep in mind that Real Techniques has literally tens of thousands of 5-star ratings across many retail outlets. 

Is Real Techniques Worth It?

In short, yes. Real Techniques has built a community of millions because they offer quality and affordable makeup tools.

Having a variety of retailer partners means that best-selling products are also more accessible. That Real Techniques Beauty Blender you have your eye on? It could be found at your local Walmart. 

Real Techniques’ tools are both versatile and refined for any type of makeup application. What you can be sure of is a product designed to the highest standard. Customers who left reviews in the tens of thousands swear by their products.

While some had issues with hardening sponges and bristles falling out, at the end of the day, Real Techniques offers a reliable, full range of makeup tools that will have you looking your best.

Real Techniques Promotions & Discounts

Unfortunately, this Real Techniques brushes review must report a real lack of discounts and promotions. However, we’re told that Real Techniques offers promotions to their mailing list subscribers and Instagram followers. 

Their retail partners also host Real Techniques clearance sales occasionally , so check out all the outlets before making your purchase online. 

Where to Buy Real Techniques

You can browse all Real Techniques products on their website: RealTechniques.com. They can only be purchased through third-party retailers, such as:

• Amazon
• Walmart
• Target
• Ulta
• iHerb
• Publix 
• Bed, Bath, and Beyond
• Well.ca
• Look Fantastic

At this time, there is no option to make a Real Techniques wholesale purchase.

FAQ

Do Sam and Nic own Real Techniques?

This Real Techniques brushes review hates to be the one to tell you, but no, Sam and Nic do not own Real Techniques.

The brand was created in collaboration with beauty giant Paris Presents (PPI Beauty), which retains ownership today. 

The Real Techniques headquarters is one and the same as Paris Presents, in Libertyville/Chicago, Illinois.

What are Real Techniques makeup brushes made of?

The Real Techniques Buffing Brush, and all of their other brush products, are made from vegan and cruelty-free synthetic, recyclable materials.

It should also be noted that the brand does not engage in any animal testing of their products.

What is Real Techniques’ Shipping Policy?

This one is easy. There is no shipping policy because Real Techniques does not ship its products. That’s because everything from sales to shipping and returns is handled by third-party retailers like Amazon and Walmart. 

What is Real Techniques’ Return Policy?

Same as above. Real Techniques does not sell or ship any of its products directly. You will find their website has a catalog of products, reviews, and information, including links to where you can make a purchase, but there is no cart or way to place an order. 

So, the return policy will be determined by where and how you bought that Real Techniques brush set. With most in-person purchases, you get around 14–30 days to make a return.

We could safely assume that brushes will need to be returned unused and in their original packaging.  

How to Contact Real Techniques

For any questions unrelated to this Real Techniques review, you can contact the brand via:

• Phone: 1-844-284-0774
• Filling out the contact form on their website 

A customer service agent will email you back within 24 hours (not counting weekends). Their phone lines are monitored Monday to Friday, 8 AM–4:30 PM CST, or 2 PM–10:30 PM GMT.

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