Can you believe Real Techniques brushes came on the scene in 2011? The range of affordable, cruelty-free brushes designed by make-up artists and YouTube queens Nic and Sam Chapman has without doubt, altered the tools of the trade and made it accessible for everyone.
Now the ladies have set their sights higher with the arrival of a luxe collection of brushes named Bold Metals. They are identifiable by their metallic sleek handles, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication and they have created quite the tidal wave on the beauty blogging scene.
I popped into the big Boots store in Brent Cross recently and their stand had been stripped bare except for one or two brushes that some imbecile had tried to rip open. They are priced slightly more than the original range but still way below the mark of the high-end cosmetic companies.
There are seven brushes in total and they are colour coded into three categories – silver, rose gold and gold – referring to the key steps of make-up application. Gold is for the base, rose gold is for definition and silver is for the eyes.
The complete line-up is as follows:
100 Arched Powder (£25)*
101 Triangle Foundation (£22)
200 Oval Shadow (£15)*
201 Pointed Crease (£12)
202 Angled Liner (£10)
300 Tapered Blush (£24)*
301 Flat Contour (£22)
The synthetic bristles are delightfully soft and densely packed, retaining product well. The handles are more comfortable to grip too, giving better hold. The Arched Powder brush is perfectly shaped to sweep across the cheeks without the need to add pressure.
However, it’s the Triangle Foundation brush that has piqued my interest the most. It’s a design I have been curious to try since I first came across a very similar one from London Brush Company’s Pyramid Foundation brush spotted 2 years ago at UMAe. LBC’s brush, which is also cruelty-free is dearer but also difficult to get hold of. Thankfully I managed to track Real Techniques’ one down and I haven’t stopped using it. I read a bizarre review on Boots’ website from a consumer who claimed this brush streaks your foundation. Absolute rubbish! Lady, are you sure you’re using this on your face?
The flat side of the brush applies foundation neatly and tackles surface area quickly and overall the shape of the brush head itself allows for more control and precision especially the pointy bit which is great for around the nose and the eyes. It does NOT streak your foundation and I have used it with different foundations (Illamasqua’s Skin Base, MUFE’s HD foundation and Clinique’s Even Better in case you’re wondering). The outcome has been consistent – smooth, easy to blend with a flawless finish. If you must choose one brush to invest in from Bold Metals then let it be this one.
Price point wise, I don’t think Bold Metals is overpriced. Yes, they cost more than the original brushes but you are paying for design, comfort and finish. (OK they look prettier too.)
Which brushes do you like the look of and if you’ve got them, which one is your favourite?
The Real Techniques’ Bold Metals Collection is available from Boots, both in store and online.
Leave a Reply