Review of Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Stippling Brush by skelterhelter
Why didn't I know about this brush before I bought the MAC 187?! This is truly a great find. After hearing some youtubers mention how wonderful this brush was and at such a cheap cost, I decided I'd head to Ulta and check it out for myself. There were a bunch of brushes available, but I stuck with this one for now because I needed something that would do multiple things (apply blush, highlighter, foundation, etc). Plus, I was really getting sick of the 187, which, although did the job, was too big and too loosely packed for me. Enter the Real Techniques stippling brush. I used this brush to apply my Smashbox Studio Skin foundation and my Tarte Amazonian Clay blush. First, I dipped the brush into my sample jar of foundation and then proceeded to dot & stipple on to my face. Now, I'm not sure if it's because the foundation is on the thicker side or if it's because the bristles are so densely packed, but it took a little work to blend my foundation in. So I simply dragged it across my face and worked the streaks out with a stippling/buffing motion. This is why I gave it 4 lippies instead of 5 -- you really need to work the foundation in to get that flawless, airbrushed look. But this could be because of the formulation; it's too early to tell. However, the finished look on my face was absolutely gorgeous: so smooth and flawless, as if I wasn't wearing anything at all. Plus, the blush went on so precisely and with a similar soft, airbrushed finish. I love how it fits so perfectly on my cheekbones -- there's nothing I hate more than blush that goes "outside the lines" so to speak because of a big brush. I'm sincerely impressed with the quality of this brush and plan to pick up more. Why invest in MAC if this brush can do the same thing, if not better? :)