The Travelling Trio

Hello all! Today I have a brush review for you guys - a trio from Real Techniques. Seriously though, pretty much my whole brush collection is comprised of Real Techniques so I basically feel the need to collect all of their brushes - what's new? This is their Travel Essentials set containing the Multi-task, Essential Foundation and Domed Shadow brushes, also including a brush case. As I've already mentioned in previous Real Techniques reviews, they are made from synthetic taklon bristles, making them appropriate for all forms of makeup.

First up is the brush I practically bought the whole set for, the Multi-task brush. I've already spoken about how much I like it here, but to recap and expand, the Multi-task brush is basically the lovechild of the Blush and Buffing brushes. It is shorter and more paddle shaped than the Blush brush, and is a bit more dense, but still has the fluffiness and slight tapered sides that allow it to blend products excellently. I find this brush perfect for patting on face powder, as well as applying blush - powder or cream, but more of the sheer variety as it is still quite dense. In the cheek area, it's pretty perfect in the way of its size and shape. Like the name suggests though, this is pretty much awesome for any powder product, and some creams!

Blush brush, Multi-task brush

I was not too excited for the Essential Foundation brush as these traditional, paint brush style brushes are definitely not my favourite to apply foundation. It is however much better than the Pointed Foundation brush from the Core Collection. It is much bigger (about double the width), denser and stiffer making it much more effective in application however it does still leave some streaks which need to be patted and blended away. I also find these styles of brushes only really work well with liquid foundations. I do however use it occasionally to blend in concealer, or apply cream highlighter. 

Essential foundation brush, Pointed foundation brush

The Domed Shadow brush is basically what I like to call a fat shader brush. It is the same paddle shape but much thicker and denser with a slight domed top. Where I've said the Deluxe Crease brush is like a mini version of the Buffing brush, the Domed Shadow brush is like a mini version of the Expert Face brush. It works well for applying and blending both cream and powder eyeshadows. I also really like it for concealer (which I use the Deluxe Crease brush for) and it blends the product very well. These two brushes pretty much perform in the same way, but different methods are used when using them. The Domed is more of a swiping and blending with the side or top, and the Deluxe is more of a circular buffing motion.

Domed Shadow brush, Deluxe crease brush

Overall, I really love this set and I think you probably could travel with just these three brushes (though I'd need a brow brush)! I've definitely found a new favourite in the Multi-task brush, and if you're a Real Techniques collector, I think you should definitely check out this set! I purchase these brushes from iHerb and by using the code TKZ374 you can get a discount off of your first purchase!

Have you tried the Travel Essentials?