I have ordered a few Real Techniques Brushes from Target recently and have been loving them. They seem to be less expensive on the Target site than at Ulta or Bed Bath & Beyond (even with coupons). Plus you get the extra 5% off with the Target REDCard.
If you want to learn more about Real Techniques brushes, you can visit their website here. Real Techniques was founded by Sam and Nic Chapman, the Pixiwoo sisters on YouTube. The brushes have hand-cut bristles and are cruelty free. They are high quality brushes at an affordable price.
Real Techniques Travel Essentials Set - $11.59, Target
From RealTechniques.com:
Everything you need to create flawless looks at home and away:
- Essential Foundation Brush: Build flawless custom coverage with liquid foundation or concealer
- Multi Task Brush: for effortless application of powder, blush, and bronzer
- Domed Shadow Brush: tapered design smoothly shades and defines eyes
- Panoramic brush case is a 2-in-1 case + stand
I bought this set pretty much because of the raves over the Multi Task Brush. I use it for setting my all-over face powder. It's extra fluffy and dense, and does an amazing job. I prefer putting on my foundation with a domed brush or sponge, so I use the foundation brush included for my under eye concealer, then set it with the setting brush (mentioned below). One can never have too many shadow brushes (in case some are dirty, or for blending). This little guy is a dense dome brush great for packing on shadow all over the lid or blending in the crease.
This small little brush is PERFECT for setting under eye concealer. The size is just right for getting powder right where you want it, either under eyes or on a small pimple or some other mark you are trying to cover. Sometimes you don't want to powder your whole face so this is great for setting concealer and your t-zone area.
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush - $6.79, Target
This brush is great for buffing in foundation. It would work great with liquid or powder/mineral foundations. I have only tried it with liquid but its so dense it reminds me of the bareMinerals Kabuki Brush but not as scratchy and with a full handle. It blends in my foundation beautifully.
Originally, when I was scoping out Real Techniques, I was going to get the Miracle Complexion Sponge ($4.99, Target) instead of the BeautyBlender. However, I couldn't get my hands on it because it kept going out of stock. I had placed my order and checked out, but they cancelled the sponge off my order because it was so backordered. I also want to eventually get the Powder and Blush brushes.
These brushes are fantastic! I can't believe they are so reasonably priced. The quality is much better than the elf brushes I have and use, and the price point is awesome.
I have been hearing about the Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse for a while now and have been meaning to pick one up to give it a try. When I finally went out to buy it, my brain happened to erase the word Smooth. For some reason the Dream Matte Mousse seemed to be what I saw everywhere, so that's what I bought. Then watching a review one day I wondered why my pot looked different. Oh. That little word Smooth makes it an entirely different foundation. So that brings us to today's post...a duel!
The Duel: Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse v. Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse.
Dream Matte: Normal to Oily Skin, 12 shades
Dream Matte has double the shade range of Dream Smooth, so it would be easier to find a perfect match. I bought this one first and in shade Nude (Light 4) at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Dream Matte*
I applied Dream Matte with my fingers and it's a light, fluffy, whipped texture that glides right onto skin. I actually forgot I was wearing makeup because it was so light, even hours later! It stayed matte, even without powder, and I wouldn't even use powder with this foundation because it almost has a powder look already to it once it's on.
Dream Smooth: Normal to Dry Skin, Hydrates for 14 Hours, 6 Shades
This one seems not as readily available as the Dream Matte. I bought shade Nude Beige 180 based off my shade (Nude) in Dream Matte at Target.
Dream Smooth*
I can definitely see why they call it Dream SMOOTH because that's exactly how it feels! It has great medium coverage and feels extremely weightless. I applied it with the sponge that's housed in it's lid, and it glides right on. Another day where I felt like I had no makeup on.
WINNER: TIE! Both these foundations apply beautifully and are great lightweight foundations, especially for summer. I love the flawless finishes and easy to travel packaging. Both give a 'My skin...just better" look and feel. If I had to pick, I would say the Dream Matte looked slightly better on me, but that may be because I have an oily/combo skin type. It was really so close though, and I will be keeping both in my foundation cycle.
*For the pictures, all I have on is the foundation and the L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Waterproof Mascara in Blackest Black. I didn't want to add anything else to distract from how the foundations looked.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
My Foundation Shade Comparisons:
MAC -- NC 20-25
Makeup Forever HD -- 117-118
Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation -- Light 48
Kat Von D Lock-It Powder Foundation -- Medium 52
Urban Decay Naked -- 3.0
Bare Minerals -- Medium Beige
Revlon Colorstay Combo/Oily -- Medium Beige 240
Revlon Colorstay Whipped -- Medium Beige 250
Neutrogena Healthy Skin -- Nude
Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear -- Nude 40
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers -- Nude 40
Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse -- Nude (Light 4)
Maybelline Dream Smooth -- Nude Beige 180
L'Oreal Magic Nude -- Natural Buff 318
L'Oreal True Match -- N3
