Didn’t the Pixiwoo sisters change the make-up brush market as we know it with the launch of their affordable yet *amazing* brushes? Actually, technically it was just Sam who launched the brand (check out her brush picks here) but Nic recently jumped on board too – can you blame her? – and now we have both beauty gurus sharing their immense expertise in designing and releasing new additions to their brilliant Real Techniques range.
The Real Techiques Nic’s Picks set is, as you’d expect, awesome. A collection of five soft, easy-to-use brushes that you will find an absolute godsend, especially if you’re like me and struggle with blending – I always find getting the pressure right a problem as I either don’t blend effectively enough, or I overdo it and remove the make-up entirely. The Nic’s Picks set is here to help!
The five brushes in the Nic’s Pick set are limited edition with chrome and black handles, plus three out of the five are exclusives to the set. Included is everything you need for a complete look, starting with the largest brush which is the Duo Powder Fibre Brush. It’s main purpose is for lightweight base application which I figured would be a waste on me as I need a heavy coverage, but what this is brilliant for is post base application – it blends everything together (such as base, powder, blush and contour) making it all look more natural and seamless. It started as the brush I figured I’d reach for least, but I actually reach for it the most!
I’m working through them in size, so next we have the Cheek Brush which is dome shaped and designed for either blush or bronzer. I feel its’ a little too dense for bronzer, but I like to apply a lot of cheek colour which I then blend down and out (I think it gives a more natural finish) which this is great for. It’s probably my least favourite of the set, but it’s still handy nonetheless.
Next we have the first of the eye brushes which is the Angled Shadow Brush. Oh. My. Word. This is the most perfect shape and density for getting the contour/crease just right on eye make-up. I absolutely adore this as it sweeps colour on perfectly and it’s great for anything from an easy, slightly defined daytime look to a smokier evening eye. I will be purchasing more of this one!
The Base Shadow Brush is another lovely brush that delivers a wash of colour, allowing for a gradual build which again is great for a number of different eye looks. I think I would love this a lot more if it hadn’t been so heavily usurped by the Angled Shadow Brush, but it’s safe to say this gets plenty of use and is especially great for smokey eyes.
Last we have the Eyeliner Brush which is a very soft, angled brush great for anyone who struggles to apply colour under the eye, as it delivers a very soft finish. I actually prefer to use this after application of powder to the lower lash line as I find it really handy at blending it out, but it works for both purposes.
I think the key vibe of the Nic’s Picks set is that it allows for gentle and soft application rather than anything too structured or defined. It’s a great, great set for any make-up enthusiasts and I really rate both this set and the Real Techniques collection as a whole. Keep your eyes peeled for the Bold Metals collection which launches shortly and looks wonderful! The Real Techniques Nic’s Picks can be found here – link – for £29.99, where there’s currently an online offer of a free Kabuki Brush with the set.
*PR Sample
I’m in desperate need of a brush upgrade- I still use brushes that came in a GWP from clinique! This set looks great and I’ve heard really good things about real techniques.
Honestly, they are such fantastic brushes, so well worth investing in, especially as they don’t cost the earth xx