Review: Real Techniques vs Sigma Bunny Collection Brush Kit

Real Techniques Eye Starter Set and Base Core Collection

If you watched any of my makeup tutorials on youtube, you'll know that I love my bunny collection brushes from Sigmabeauty.com. They are so soft like my Ecotool brushes and they come in the cutest packaging ever! ^_^

Sigma Mrs. Bunny Collection Travel Size Brush Kit

I went to Walmart to do some shopping for home and somehow ended up in the makeup aisle... go figure. -_-"  I spotted the Real Technique Brushes for only $18.95 per kit.  I was excited to try these because I heard so many good things about them. The line was created by Samantha Chapman, a makeup artist as well as a beauty guru on youtube. Both the Sigma and RT brushes are made from synthetic/ cruelty-free taklon bristles.  I experienced no shedding with both brush kits.

Real Techniques Eye Starter Set

Left to right: deluxe crease brush, base shadow brush, accent brush, pixel-point eyeliner brush, brow brush, and panoramic brush case is a 2-in-1 case + stand ( I don't see myself ever using this but it would be nice if you don't have a brush holder or case)

Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush 

I love the color and design of these eye brushes but unfortunately, I wasn't all too impressed with this particular kit. The Deluxe crease brush is nice but it's much too big for my lid space. This would actually work better to blend in concealer. The base shadow brush is too fluffy to pack on eyeshadow, in fact, it would work better for blending. I also find that the brow and eyeliner brush are too big for their intended use. Out of the entire kit, I would probably only use the deluxe crease brush and the base shadow brush.

Real Techniques Base Core Collection  

Left to right: contour brush, buffing brush, pointed foundation brush, detailer brush, panoramic brush case is a 2-in-1 case + stand 

I was far more impressed with the Base Core Collection; in fact, I can see myself using three out of the four brushes in this kit. The contour and buffing brush are just fantastic. I use them for power, blush, highlight, and contour. They aren't as dense as the Sigma Sigmax brushes but you really get your bang for your buck! When you break it down, these brushes cost under $5 each. The detailer brush is small but it's the perfect lip/spot concealer brush. The only one I didn't like was the pointed foundation brush. I was going to use this for concealer under the eyes but it was too scratchy and irritating. If you can see from the picture below, I compared it to the Sigma foundation brush. The Sigma brush is just smooth but the RT has tiny bristles sticking out on top which makes it scratchy. I also find that the Sigma talon fibers are a tad softer than the RT brushes.

So how do these RT brushes compare to my Sigma Bunny Collection brushes? It's hard to say. Both kits come with completely different brushes that serve different purposes but in terms of quality, I think the Sigma's synthetic brushes are softer. Although the Sigma Bunny collection costs 3x more, I use every single brush in that kit. If you're on a budget, the RT brush kits are great for the price!

Above: Sigma Mrs. Bunny Collection Travel Size Brush Kit

Would you recommend RT brushes: Yes! If you love Ecotools brushes , you'll love RT because I find that their brushes are more for professionals. The Ecotool brushes are nice but a lot of them have very basic shapes for beginners. Real Technique brushes are affordable and better than the average "drugstore" brush kits. I can't say that I like them more than Sigma's bunny brushes but for the price, you're getting a good deal.

Canadians can get these brush kits at Walmart, Shoppers Drugmart, and London Drugs. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the individual brushes in stores but you can buy them online here.

Until next time, ciao bellas!

 Bebexo

The Balm Nude 'Tude Eyeshadow Palette Review and Swatches

Hey guys! Long time no blog! I really miss reviewing and sharing my experience with beauty related stuff so I decided to start getting back into the swing of things. Over the past year, I've tried many new products-- some I liked and others not so much. Today I'll be sharing my thoughts on the Balm Nude 'Tude eyeshadow palette. :)

This palette retails for $36 USD for 0.382 oz. but sometimes the Balm is on hautelook.com for 50% off so keep an eye out for it! The packing is made of cardboard but the built is pretty sturdy IMO. The double ended brush is a nice addition but I always travel with my Sigma brushes. I also like the fact that it comes with a nice big mirror inside! The Nude'Tude comes in two packagings-- Feeling Naughty and Feeling Nice. The eyeshadows are exactly the same but the Naughty palette (pictured above) has cartoon girls posing provocatively. I think I would really like this if I were a lesbian. ^_^" This palette reminds me of the Urban Decay Naked Palette and the Too Faced Natural Eye Palette because it consists of everyday neutral colors. The finish of these eye shadows includes satin, matte, and shimmery. Finger swatches below with no primer. I think they stand out pretty well against my medium skintone. :)

Top row: Sassy, Stubborn, Selfish, Sophisticated, Sexy, Serious

Bottom row: Snobby, Stand-offish, Sultry, Seductive, Silly, Sleek

Pros: 

- Nice variety of neutral colors for daytime and night time looks.

- Eyeshadows are very smooth and pigmented. I consider the formula on the high quality side.

- Matte shadows are usually chalky but these matte colors are so buttery smooth (i.e. Serious, Sultry, and Sleek).

- Good for the price. Especially if you can find it for $18! That would be a steal!

Cons: 

- Some eyeshadows look beautiful in the pan but don't translate well on my skin (i.e. Silly and Sophisticated)

- Not readily available in Canada. Sephora doesn't carry it and only some Rexall stores have it. You can always by it online though. :)

Would you recommend this: Yes! This is great for those who love their nudes/neutrals. The colors are nice and perfect for everyday wear. I don't own the Urban Decay Naked Palette so I can't really compare the two. But in comparison to the Too Faced Natural Eye Palette which I do own, I would say the quality is at par with the Balm having lesser fall out.  You can find this palette on the Balm website and if you live in Canada, you can find the Balm cosmetics at Rexall Pharma Plus and London Drugs. 

Do you have this palette? What are your thoughts? :)

Until next time, ciao bellas!

Bebexo