Real Techniques Duo Fiber Face, Contour & Eye Brush
Real Techniques has released a new limited edition Duo Fiber make-up brush collection. I already use quite a few of the Real Techniques brushes - designed by Pixiwoo, Samantha Chapman - and this review illustrates whether you need to add this trio to your stash. Let’s start with what duo fibre brushes are: in essence, brushes made with two different synthetic fibres to enable light application of product for a natural looking, airbrushed finish. Their base is of average density, the upper half of the brush fibres are fine, sparse and super soft.
If you imagine dipping a densely packed, firm brush into bronzer, then swiping it on your face, you can imagine how much product will adhere to the brush (lots) and how heavy the application will be (very). In contrast, the long, sparse hairs of a duo fibre brush ‘stroke’ the surface of product and apply a gentle whisper of bronzer onto the skin, perfect for gals like me who love the natural look.
The Real Techniques Duo Fiber brushes are extremely soft and gentle. Too soft I’ve heard some say, but I beg to differ. Duo fibre brushes are meant to be soft; their purpose is to achieve a subtle, natural finish. While my preference is definitely to use these for powders, I’ve had no trouble applying cream blush with the Contour Brush and like using the Eye Brush for blending under eye concealer, especially the light diffusing kind.
Function
After testing the brushes with a variety of products, I find they work best for the following…
Face Brush
- adding a light dusting of bronzer or powder
- finishing the face with a final, gentle swirl to blend product and soften any harsh lines without disturbing the make-up underneath
Contour Brush
- applying highly pigmented blusher, eg Illamasqua, Cargo or Paul & Joe
- contouring the face
- adding highlighter to cheek and brow bones
Eye Brush
- an all over wash of eye shadow or blending out shadow
Design
I love the white ferule, which looks much more stylish than the original design. The slightly flattened, slim shape (see above) adds to the brushes’ versatility - allowing you to use the wide or slim side depending on the product and where you are applying it. For example I’ve used the flat of the contour brush for blush and the slim side for highlighter.
Packaging
I’m a fan of the simple packaging, colour coded brushes and lightweight, easy-grip handles. I also like that the box provides guidelines on what each brush is designed for… obviously we are free to do our own thing but it’s always good to have a steer!
Are they for you?
Anyone who likes to use a light amount of product or build colour gradually; bronzer and highlighter fans; pale girls who like a whisper of bronze and blush; lovers of the airbrushed finish; those who live in fear of The Orange Tideline. Anyone heavy handed or anxious about looking overdone: these brushes are your friends.
Owners of bronzer in a shade that looks a touch too dark or blusher that’s frighteningly bright may be pleasantly surprised just how useable the products are with these babies. Particularly Summer friendly, mainly due to the bronzer friendly nature, I’ve used the face and contour brushes daily since I got them and consider them a welcome addition to my collection!
While the Contour Brush isn’t poles apart from the existing one by Real Techniques, there is nothing quite like the Face Brush. I haven’t tried any of the Eye Brushes, so can’t comment on those. As ever, it’s a shame you can’t buy these brushes individually, but at the same time you’d easily pay more for a single brush of equal quality.
Real Techniques Limited Edition Duo Fiber Brush Collection* £23.99 at Cloud10Beauty
