The Complete Lowdown on Real Techniques Makeup Tools

About Real Techniques

Real Techniques was founded in 2011 by YouTube makeup superstars, Sam and Nic Chapman. The sister duo set out with the goal of creating high-quality, affordable makeup brushes and sponges that could help beauty lovers of all levels achieve picture-perfect looks.

With professional insight but drugstore prices, Real Techniques fills a void in a beauty space dominated by either inexpensive, low-quality tools or ultra-pricey pro kits. Over the past decade, the brand has exploded in popularity thanks to rave reviews from everyday users, beauty influencers and expert makeup artists.

Real Techniques Product Range

Today, Real Techniques offers a wide range of cruelty-free, vegan-friendly makeup accessories including:

• Complexion sponges
• Facial cleansing brushes
• Powder and blush brushes
• Eye makeup brushes for shadow, liner and brows
• Lash and brow grooming tools
• Brush sets and kits

While best known for its top-selling Miracle Complexion Sponges, Real Techniques has over 100 individual products and sets to choose from. Most items retail between $5 – $30, making the line super budget-friendly!

Sponge Review: Real Techniques‘ Claim to Fame

Any Real Techniques review would be remiss without an in-depth look at the legendary Miracle Complexion Sponges that helped put the brand on the map. These egg-shaped makeup sponges strike the perfect balance of affordability and quality.

Miracle Complexion Sponge+

The OG Miracle Complexion Sponge+ features a pointed tip for precision blending around the eyes and nose, with a wider base to flawlessly buff foundation and concealer.

The smooth, seamless foam provides buildable coverage and a natural finish. It applies both liquid and powder formulas like a dream. Compared to Beautyblender‘s $20 iconic sponge, Real Techniques‘ $6 version performs just as well at a fraction of the price.

While some cheaper makeup sponges feel flimsy, the dense foam structure of the Complexion Sponge+ ensures it will last through months of washes without tearing. The material also resists harboring bacteria which leads to faster breakdown.

For a versatile sponge at an unbelievable value, Real Techniques can‘t be beaten!

Price: $5 – $8 | Rating: 5/5

Miracle Skincare Sponge+

Double-duty cleansing and makeup sponges have been trending, bringing the Miracle Skincare Sponge+ to the Real Techniques lineup. One side features a soft, porous foam for seamlessly blending makeup. Flip it over to reveal a ribbed microfiber side to gently exfoliate and cleanse skin.

The Skincare Sponge+ contains probiotics and antioxidants to calm and balance all skin types while washing away impurities. The material also allows products to better penetrate for boosted efficacy. Sensitive skin will rejoice at the ultra-gentle formula.

While the concept is interesting, some users feel the cleansing side doesn‘t provide enough manual exfoliation for problematic skin. However, as part of a double cleanse, the texture does help massage products deeper into pores.

For an affordable 2-in-1 that effortlessly removes makeup on the go, Real Techniques comes through again! Just don‘t expect hardcore exfoliation.

Price: $6 – $9 | Rating: 4/5

Brush Review: Real Techniques‘ Makeup Must-Haves

Aside from sponges taking over as the it-tool, quality brushes are still essential for seamless makeup application. From ultrasoft powder brushes to precision eye brush sets, Real Techniques offers pro performance without the shocking price tags.

Limited Edition Animalista Multitask Brush

This chubby round-top brush launched with Real Techniques‘ 2022 Animalista collection. The super soft, ultra dense bristles allow versatile use across powder products. Effortlessly sweep blush, bronzer highlighter or powder foundation onto cheeks and temples.

While the $10 price makes it easy to impulse buy, the uniqueness of special edition collections means once it‘s gone, it‘s gone. So if the styling speaks to you, grab it before it sells out!

Some users found the shorter handle less comfortable for controlled blending compared to standard powder brushes. The wider Ferrule base also limits precision placement.

Overall, it‘s a cute addition for quick all-over powder application but likely not a holy grail brush long-term.

Price: $10 | Rating: 3.5/5

Ultra Plush Powder Brush

This luxuriously soft brush is specially designed to pick up and distribute powder seamlessly. The rounded dome head and tapered bristles grab powder and pigment then softly buff onto skin.

The Ultra Plush brush works perfectly to set liquid foundation with pressed or loose powder. It also excels at applying mineral makeup foundations. The versatility makes it easy to replace multiple brushes with this one plush tool!

Some users found the longer bristles didn‘t provide enough control for defined contouring or concentrated color. The weight distribution of the handle could also feel awkward until adjusted to.

Overall an amazing quality brush that makes powder a dream for only $7 – $10. Definitely a wise investment for your collection!

Price: $7 – $10 | Rating: 4.5/5

Everyday Eye Essentials Brush Kit

Perfectly curated for enhancing eyes from lid to lash line, the Everyday Eye Essentials contains 8 brushes for all your shadow, shaping, smudging and defining needs.

The handy roll-up case makes storage and travel a breeze. The zippered side is also perfect for holding eyeliner pencils and brow products. At just $16 for the complete set, this is an unbelievable deal for such excellent quality. Even professional brands charge over $100 for similar sets!

Some users felt a couple of the brushes seemed too similar to justify keeping both. However, overall the versatility provided makes this kit a makeup bag must-have.

For flawlessly blended eyes without the blown budget, Real Techniques can‘t miss with this set!

Price: $15 – $20 | Rating: 4.8/5

Comparison: How Real Techniques Stacks Up

When it comes to quality at affordable pricing, Real Techniques dominates among major makeup brush and sponge brands. For similar products, no one comes close to the performance Real Techniques consistently delivers.

Compared to E.L.F, Real Techniques brushes feature higher quality construction from handles to bristles. Blending is smoother and application more seamless. Price points are also very similar but favor Real Techniques for longevity.

Up against EcoTools, fibers may be comparable with both brands excelling in softness However, ferrules and handles are sturdier from Real Techniques while shapes provide better control. Once again, value leans Real Techniques overall.

In the battle against original Beautyblender sponges, Real Techniques holds its own every time. For 3-4 times lower cost, application and blending are virtually identical. Plus Real Techniques‘ durable material resists tearing with regular use over time unlike the pricier icon.

No matter which way you compare, Real Techniques prevails as the brand offering the best balance of affordability and quality. Brushes and sponges stand miles apart from cheaper brands, while still saving major bucks over premium names.

Tips for Maintaining Your Real Techniques

Caring properly for brushes and sponges ensures they last and perform as expected. Here are some key tips for keeping Real Techniques tools like new:

• -Clean sponges and brushes weekly
• -Use brush shampoo and lukewarm water
• -Avoid harsh cleansers which degrade bristles
• -Always lay flat to air dry
• -Deep clean tools monthly to disinfect
• -Spot clean between uses as needed
• -Store upright in protective cases

Skipping regular brush cleaning risks bacteria accumulation which leads to breakouts. Daily spot cleaning with brush wipes or gentle cleanser keeps them fresh between deep cleans.

For sponges, lightly massage cleanser generating a light lather to lift residue. Using too much pressure can shorten the lifespan so handle gently!

Where To Buy Real Techniques

The good news about Real Techniques only selling through third-party retailers means the products are widely accessible both online and in-stores!

You can shop Real Techniques at major big box stores like Target, Walmart, Ulta and Walgreens for instant gratification. Online giants like Amazon, iHerb and SkinStore also carry large selections with fast shipping.

One downside is inconsistent stock across retailers. If a specific item you want is sold out, call around to all stores or check alternate websites before paying jacked up resale prices!

When purchasing online, keep an eye out for extra perks like:

• Free Shipping
• Buy One, Get One 50% Off
• Buy Two, Get Third Free
• Loyalty Rewards
• Influencer Promo Codes

Combining ongoing sales with coupon codes can save big bucks, letting you grab even more fabulous tools!

Reviews: What Are People Saying?

Across beauty forums, vlogs and reviews one sentiment about Real Techniques is clear: people overwhelmingly love the brand! Consistently receiving 4+ star ratings, the quality compared to low cost leaves everyone awestruck.

On Influenster, the Complexion Sponge+ earns an average 4.8 stars after nearly 2k reviews:

"Literally the best sponge for flawless application every time! Other sponges soak up too much product but this one doesn‘t waste anything. Plus it‘s so easy to clean."

The Ultra Plush Powder Brush also impresses, with a 4.7 star overall rating:

"Soooo incredibly soft! Picks up and distributes powder perfectly for the most airbrushed looking finish."

Thrilled buyers at Target applaud the brilliance of the Everyday Eye Essentials brush kit:

"This is absolutely my favorite eye brush set EVER. Such great quality and has all the brushes needed for literally any eyeshadow look."

Overall, beauty lovers praise the silky soft bristles, durable construction and flawless performance that helps anyone achieve pro-level makeup application. Unbeatable quality and affordability make Real Techniques a top contender across categories!

Is Real Techniques Worth It?

If this Real Techniques review has taught you anything, let it be this: YES, Real Techniques is hands down worth it! No matter which individual tools or sets you choose, the value is truly unmatched.

Brushes and sponges stand miles above cheaper drugstore brands in quality and performance. Yet prices still ring in at budget-friendly levels – a rare win-win when shopping beauty!

Even among more prestige names, Real Techniques consistently rates as well or better than counterparts 3 times the cost. Why overpay when you can get stellar performance at a fraction of premium prices?

When everyday folks, pro artists and beauty editors alike count a brand among their essentials, you know they‘re onto something! Looking at price compared to quality and results, I confidently say Real Techniques creates some of the very best makeup tools you can buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have some questions about Real Techniques brushes and sponges? Here I‘ve covered some of the key FAQs:

* Who founded Real Techniques?

YouTube influencers and makeup artists Sam and Nic Chapman launched Real Techniques in 2011.

* Does Real Techniques test on animals?

No, Real Techniques is 100% cruelty-free and does not test ingredients or products on animals. All brushes are vegan as well.

* Where are Real Techniques tools made?

While founded in the UK, manufacturing now primarily takes place in China for worldwide distribution.

* Are Real Techniques worth it?

Yes! By combining professional quality with drugstore pricing, Real Techniques is absolutely worth investing in for makeup tools that outperform!

* How should I clean Real Techniques sponges and brushes?

Use brush shampoo or gentle cleanser and lukewarm water weekly. Disinfect with brush cleaner monthly. Always lay flat to air dry.

Take Your Makeup To the Next Level!

Now that I‘ve spilled all the tea on Real Techniques brushes and sponges, time to elevate your beauty game by grabbing these must-have tools! Ditch those old, stained sponges for fresh new ones delivering flawless complexion perfection.

Toss out funky brushes shedding worse than your pet to enjoy buttery soft versions that seamlessly blend powder, shadow, contour – you name it!

No matter which Real Techniques products make it into your makeup bag, prepare to be wowed by performance rivaling even high end brands. Unbeatable quality paired with accessible pricing means achieving exquisite looks is finally within reach!

Have you tried Real Techniques? Share your reviews below!