Winning Sample Room x Soffia Worth Over 5K Makeup Brush Giveaway

I used to love joining giveaways on Instagram until a few years ago when I get swamped with work (well, mostly) while struggling with personal things. I kind of feel like joining again when I saw that Sample Room teamed up with Soffia into giving away makeup brushes. If you've read some of my past blogs, brush-related, you'll realize that you've met a makeup brush junkie.

Nowadays, you will rarely see me buying them considering the price (you know they aren't exactly cheap!), and the fact that it's unnecessary since I am working from home and seldom goes out. I am actually trying to get rid of some - the ones I think are pretty similar to my holy grails, and some that I just do not like for a reason. It's either because of quality or just simply because they don't appear pleasing to me (LOL!).

So yeah, I joined the Instagram giveaway where the mechanics are just simple. I have included my entry down below. You just have to post a photo/flatlay/video and then share it on your social media. You also need to share your experience with the brushes you got from them and make sure you follow both pages too. They selected four winners and I was lucky to be one of them. I have always known Soffia and Charm Essentials brushes but just couldn't get myself to buy them. Now, finally!

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I just want to share what I've got here in my loot. First on the list is this medium-sized PVC pouch, lined with blush pink synthetic leather and Sample Room PH print. This pouch is so chic, I love it! It would fit your basic necessities. It also comes with this pink mini notebook. I like writing random stuff so, yup, cool!

My loot included four pieces of Soffia opulence brushes. Soffia Perfect Skin Foundation Makeup Brush (P700) is the same foundation brush which I already have and was initially purchased from Sample Room. Well, you can't have enough base brush! It's tiny but works really well in blending your foundation.

I've got a couple of big brushes here which I like. Soffia Opulence Soft Focus Makeup Brush (P2850) is just so fluffy and I imagine myself using it for bronzer or powder application. Next one is the Soffia Opulence All Over Face Makeup Brush (P2500) which is a denser brush that can also multitask as a finishing brush. Unlike the soft focus brush which is round and tapered, the all over brush is somehow pinched on the handle and reminds me of the powder brush I once owned from Sigma. Both are about on the same price range.

The last one is the Soffia Opulence Small Contour Brush (P1500) which works for blushes and contours. This is nice if you want to achieve a well-defined contour.

All the brushes I got are really nice investments if you are to ask me. They feel well-made and really gentle on the skin. They are currently on sale at Shopee (Sophie's Choice PH) so head there now, if you'd like to take advantage of this limited-time sale.

I am truly grateful to Sample Room PH and Soffia for this opportunity and for being generous with these prizes. Forever a Sample Roomie here! Thanks for dropping by and see you on my next blog!

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Mini Haul: Free Soffia and Charm Essentials Brushes

I've never been this excited to cast my vote, but the unofficial result is really making me puke. This is not the place to discuss the specifics, but I'm honestly disheartened and in need of a quick break. I'm still in shock and couldn't get it off my mind but whatever. Today, I want to share with you a mini haul with items I got for free from Sample Room.

I have always been a makeup brush junkie - believe me, I have way more than what my face needed right now (LOL!). Still, I get too excited whenever I discover something new. I dare not lie - these brushes here are must-haves!

Charm Essentials Kabuki (PHP 600) and Luxe Mini Kabuki (PHP 336) Brushes - these brushes have really soft bristles and has the enough density to multitask from applying your powder, blush or just simply setting everything in place. They are so handy and probably, the only thing that I wish they came with, were mini pouches to protect transferring pigments from bristles to other surfaces. Other than that, I have all the reasons to keep them in my collection. I mean the color of the top bristles is simply awesome, despite the fact that not everyone is fond of pink. But whatever, hello there, pink-lovers! ;)

Soffia Perfect Skin Angled Foundation Brush (PHP 700) - this is a small foundation brush with a matte black handle which makes it easy and comfortable to grip and also has gold accents for that added luxurious aesthetic. The brush's functionality and softness actually reminds me of my Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush but is about half the price and is slightly bigger in surface area. It works to buff foundation seamlessly and the size is also a great option for travelling! I love this brush! Well, I love them all!

Charm Pro Wet/Dry Eyeshadow Brush (PHP 339) - applying your eyeshadow in different consistencies will be so much easy with this brush from this brand. Indeed a great hypoallergenic tool to use on our sensitive skin around the eyes, without the poking/irritating feeling. Could also be used wet and dry to play around with different looks.

Charm Pro Mini Fan Brush  (PHP 250) - this is your typical small-but-terrible brush. I find this brush versatile too as aside from de-clumping mascara, it can also be used to place highlight on your nose bridge or brow bone. It's not necessary to own this brush, but still useful in my opinion.

All these I got from Sample Room for free and only paid shipping. You may wanna head out to the site to see if there are still stocks available ('cause they run out fast!). I hope you enjoy using them as much as I do!

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Real Techniques 412 Custom Cheek 3-in-1 Brush Review

Because I am a sucker for makeup and beauty, here's another short feature on a makeup brush I've got last year. I bought it around the same time I got my Real Techniques Retractable Bronzer Brush. This isn't practically new in the market but I like sharing things I like in this blog so I hope you don't mind.

I'm sure you got at least one brush from Real Techniques in your stash (never heard of any beauty enthusiast who does not), so you are familiar how each brush are packaged so I won't go over it anymore hehe, just look at the pictures. ;)

First and foremost, let's just appreciate how the brush handle looks like. I mean look at that ombre pink shade, isn't that gorgeous!? The handle is made of plastic and has a matte texture. It has a button on the side that allows you to retract and custom the brush in three levels depends on how you'd like to use it. The higher you push the button upward, the more it flares to its full size. You can slide it down and fully hide the brush to avoid it getting flimsy or dirty.

So far, I don't know any brands who ever released brushes like this so I think that's really smart of Real Techniques. For one brush, you get multiple uses.

Real Techniques 412 Custom Cheek 3-in-1 Brush has a tapered end. For me, the density is just fine at minimum since I always opt for a natural-looking flush. However, it's still up to you because you can customize it depends on how intense you need the color to be. You can slide it up to min for a translucent kiss of color, mid for a natural flushed blush or max for a pop of color on apple of cheeks. It's really up to your liking.

If you're gonna ask me, I use my brushes for more than one single purpose. This brush right here is so travel-friendly and versatile that I sometimes use it as an all-over powder or setting brush in place of my other bigger brushes. It doesn't only save the day, but some space in your makeup pouch too! So far, the brush is still looking good in my possession. I mean the button is still functional as it still sets in place without moving or breaking. I just hope that it would last for years because I think that the moment the button breaks loose, it'd be as good as a piece of junk.

Apart from this custom cheek, they also have the custom complexion and custom contour brush which I've been wanting to buy ever since but always are out of stock. Should I spot an available one, I'd definitely buy!

Thanks for stopping by! Love lots!

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Real Techniques Retractable Bronzer Brush Review

The year's just starting so that probably explains why my energy is still at full blast. I hope I don't get lazy as the days go by. LOL. Anyway, here's a quick review on a makeup brush I've got in early 2020 and which I happen to write about just now. Believe me, I don't know what's wrong with me for taking that year-long hiatus but what's important is that I'm back! I hope I don't change my mind. Kidding aside, what we're going to talk about today is the Real Techniques Retractable Bronzer Brush.

I bet all makeup junkies out there know that this brush exist but oh well, here goes my unpopular opinion. So I got this for PHP550 from a reputable U.S. makeup retailer online. I thought that it was already a good deal because I didn't have to pay more for tax and shipping. It was shipped right away and voila, I found myself liking it.

So it came in typical Real Techniques boxes and has this retractable technology. The handle is made of thin metal and is lightweight. It comes with an orange plastic cap "so you can retract, cover and go mobile." My only concern is that the cap tends to set loose after a while when on pouches. It's not that much of a big deal for the makeup brush itself is still functional with or without it. The brand and brush name is also printed on the handle. As most RT brushes, they rub off pretty quickly unless you are careful.

The brush itself is synthetic and is made of ultra-plush bristles as most, if not all, Real Techniques brushes. It has "two bristle types and lengths to easily buff and blend." This is a duo-fiber brush that is similar to regular stippling brushes except this comes with a bigger circumference and is evidently thicker as it's ideally a bronzer brush.

Compared to most bronzer brushes though, this is more compact so it would be a great travel brush too. The size is just right for me. I have small chubby face but it fits the hollows of my cheeks and temples well and it makes that perfect "3" shape as I bronze. You don't wanna overdo or spread the makeup on your hair and other places you don't need warmth, do you?

The size of the brush is also ideal for buffing in your foundation. The result would be a sheer-looking, natural finish. If not carefully blended, it could leave streaks too.

Overall, I really like Real Techniques Retractable Bronzer Brush. So far, this has been my go-to travel bronzer brush. It feels sturdy in my hands and it never once sheds. Please note that I have this brush for almost a year now but I don't use it very often. I am working from home and I don't wear that much makeup now so I wouldn't say that it already stood the test of time. However, to this date, the brush still looks good to me. Since it's retractable and comes with a cap, it's able to keep dusts and dirt away and retain its shape despite multiple washes. Still a good price for a good brush indeed.

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Keep Your Makeup Tools Clean

Let’s be honest: Cleaning our make-up tools can get tedious. But now more than ever, it’s important to sterilize our brushes and sponges and throw out expired beauty products to prevent further spread of germs, bacteria and/or virus. Ever Bilena, the country’s leading cosmetics brand, shares some tips on cleaning make-up tools: 

Clean your make-up brushes regularly. Because make-up brushes are used on our faces, the cleaner it is the better. Make-up professionals suggest to clean sponges at least once a week and brushes at least twice a month to prevent product build-up. Cleaning make-up tools doesn’t only keep skin clean but also extend their life and make better product application. 

You can use cleaning products at home. Dip brushes in a solution of gentle soap of shampoo and lukewarm water and then one by one, rub bristles gently with fingers to get a good lather. Swirl the brush on your palm to remove product build-up then rinse off the soap with clean water. After washing all the brushes, lay them in a neat row with bristles hanging on the edge of the counter to maintain its proper shape, and let them dry overnight. 

Throw away old make-up tools. Cleaning your make-up tools regularly will help extend their life. But there are signs you need to watch out for to know when it’s time to throw them away: brushes with bristles that are shredding, fraying or losing shape as they will no longer perform well. Regular sponges must be thrown away after one use whereas beauty sponges like Ever Bilena Blend Me Sponge can last up three to four months especially when cleaned regularly. 

Don’t let germs, bacteria or virus hang out in your make-up tools! Stay safe by cleaning your tools regularly. To know more about Ever Bilena and its products and makeup tips, visit Ever Bilena’s official Facebook page (@everbilenacosmetics) and Instagram (@everbillenofficial).

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Real Techniques Artist Essentials Makeup Brush Set Review

I haven't done a thorough research yet but I think there's not much written reviews about these Real Techniques Artist Essentials Makeup Brush Set. I am happy to be able to write one myself. I cannot help myself from buying makeup brush sets from Real Techniques whenever I find available stocks from legit resellers online. It's not everyday that local beauty stores here in the Philippines restock on brushes so I consider myself lucky to be able to snag this particular set when I had the chance.

Five (5) full-sized face and eye brushes make up the Artist Essentials Collection. They come in different solid colors and sheer brass handles that contribute greatly to the overall aesthetic of the brushes. Correct me if I'm wrong but all the brushes here are limited editions and cannot be bought individually. Most RT brushes in sets comes in different sizes and shapes and sad news, they aren't here for long. This is the main reason why I am buying them. For a makeup brush collector like me, variations of brushes are important, not just quantity.

I guess RT is finally clearing off the old RT packaging - the ones with black rubber handles. I like the old packaging but I think they have their reasons for the revamp. One of the good things is that we could have better options. There are a lot of counterfeit RT brushes that look similarly like the old ones so with these changes, we can now make sure that we're only buying authentic pieces.

The handles still have the brush names so despite their versatility, it's nice to get familiar with them and to know what purpose they serve.

The brush heads are made of soft, synthetic bristles and as always, the overall look and feel is very sturdy and definitely of quality. My old Real Techniques brushes have been with me for years. The oldest are like seven years old and with proper care and storage, they can even last for more years.

I have used and washed these for more than five times in two months and I'm not surprised at all that they do not shed and they also keep the shapes intact. A bit flaring occurs from time to time especially to the Spotlight Fan and Soft Accent but brush nets always are my remedy. They are also easy to clean with minimal to no staining with my BeautyBlender Liquid Cleanser.

The best thing  about RT brushes are the price! A set ranges from P1000-1250 depends on where you buy it but I got mine for only P1000 after applying discounts and points plus free shipping! Anyway, let's talk about each brush.

The RT 217 Expert Edge Large  has a symmetrical cut featuring five unique edges; precisely apply liquid or cream foundation and contour makeup. This is similar to one of my favorites - Real Techniques Expert Face Brush from my buffing brushes. It has a domed head but has three multifaceted angles that blends makeup seamlessly in all areas of the face. The tip allows it to apply foundations on hard to reach areas like sides of the nose and lips. The size is enough to blend your contour like a dream too. For an additional function, you can use it for baking and setting the under eyes. It works for both liquid and creams. 

The RT 421 Soft Accent has a soft, tapered cut that blend cream highlighter or blush. I tried it as a concealer brush but it doesn't work well because it's not as dense as I expected. For me, it's even small to be used a blush brush unless you really don't have a choice. I'm just used to medium-sized, fluffy brush heads to do my blush.

The Soft Accent brush has a tapered cut on one end and it's like a smaller version of Real Techniques Instapop Face Brush. The cut makes it easy to put on top of the cheekbones to apply highlighter. The size and feature make it more applicable for setting the undereyes and other smaller part of the faces. Despite not much uses, I'm still keeping it because again, I like variations in my brush stash and the pink handle is just too cute.

The RT 420 Spotlight Fan has a precision fan shape that softly glide powder contour makeup or highlighter. This is the very first duo-fiber fan brush I ever own and I don't know but I am liking the trend haha! I didn't like duo-fiber stippling brushes in general but if they are shaped like a fan brush, I think I am buying.

This particular brush has a light pink handle that adds an extra oomph to the overall look. The brush head is kind of dense on the bottom but sheer on the top part. It disperses highlighter in the most natural way possible. You can even use it to powder your face very lightly especially if your have dry skin that doesn't need to much setting. You can also use it to lightly contour and bronze. Just a very effective brush that's worth keeping.

The RT 317 Smudge Liner  has a thin, angled bristles to apply and smudge liquid or cream eyeliner. This brush feels and look just like my favorite Zoeva 322 Brow Line Brush - it's firm, thin, wide and it gets the job done faster. The size is about the same except the bristles of the RT brush is much more flexible. On the other hand, the one from RT is advised to be used an eyeliner brush. You know that brushes are supposed to be versatile so we can use it however it pleases us.

I think this brush is effective to create perfect strokes and to smudge it for a nicer effect. However, I have small, round eyes so I reach out to thinner and smaller liner brushes more. I think I will be using this as a brow brush and I will keep it because of the solid purple handle.

The RT 425 Lip Smudge has dense, domed bristles to apply and blend cream lipsticks and liners. This is like your basic pointed pencil brush and I'd like to use it to smudge and blend eyeliners on my lower lash whenever possible. What I like about this is the softness and density of the brush that makes gentle enough even for lip use. This brush works well for the lips but I would like it to be a little bit smaller.

Overall, Real Techniques Artist Essentials Makeup Brush Set is one of the best brush collection I purchased from Real Techniques. The bristles are incredible soft and the handles are really cute! I really like every single brush in this set and I think they are just a great investment whether or not you are a professional.

What is your favorite brush/brush set from Real Techniques?

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Real Techniques Instapop Face Brush Review

Hey, there! It's been a while! I've been binge-watching some Korean dramas that the intensity of the series made me divert my focus and alter my priorities LOL. Anyway, checking everything in my draft folder - it seems like we have too much makeup brushes to review so we'll start off with this Real Techniques Instapop Face Brush I got from a reputable online retailer. If I am not mistaken, the brand released three brushes under the Instapop Collection but because it sucks that we're living in the Philippines so stocks are very limited. I looked up wherever I can and so far, they only have this biggest brush in the collection.

This brush retails for $10.99 when you're someone who's buying from overseas/US site but because of tax and shipping, I got mine for P650 which I think is a pretty decent price. The version I got is the revamped one because way back 2017 or 2018, the first release of this collection had them in the old packaging (orange handle and black rubber butt). I've always liked the old packaging of Real Techniques if you would ask me but production has been halted so the new version will do.

As you can see, it comes in a salmon pink brass handle (?) and a darker shade of pink on the bottom. I loved the quality of Real Techniques brushes as they never shed at all even with numerous washes. The brush heads flare very minimally but nothing a cheap brush net wouldn't fix. I think that the bristles are very soft in general and is made of high quality synthetic hairs. The handle is sturdy and the name imprinted on it doesn't come off so easily. I've always think that they are the best drugstore brushes you'll find out there in terms of price and performance.

According to the website, the Instapop Face Brush is designed for full coverage setting, baking and powder application. Product features include extreme taper for concentrated application and is ideal for loose powders. This brush is 100% cruelty-free.

For me, the shape is unusual but effective. It reminds me of my old Marc Jacobs Face Brush II - Sculpting Foundation Brush which I got for over 2k. You can buy Instapop for a fraction of its price. Instapop is just bigger and less denser than that of the Marc Jacobs'. The brush has a greater flexibility so it can reach the nooks and curves of the face. Since it's not that firm, I just think that it's not the best choice for blending base makeups like foundation and concealers. This is my own personal preference though. I know other people who like to use this brush for liquid foundation application and they claim that this gives light coverage.

Anyway, it's not intended for liquid makeups but because of the shape, I thought of experimenting a bit and maybe I could find other uses more than what it's made for.

What I like about this brush is the softness of the bristles (won't scratch the face at all) and the tapered edge so it's really great for packing loose powders on the face or setting the face after you apply your foundation. It's really great for baking under the eyes too. The size of the brush head makes it applicable for blush and bronzer. It picks up a great amount of pigment and then pack it to your skin with minimal fallouts.

Despite all the good things we've heard about this brush, I wouldn't recommend splurging for this because there are other brushes that are more versatile and would do a better job. I just got this brush out of impulse since I am a makeup brush collector and that it feels right to own even just one brush from the collection. Overall, it's a good, useful brush but if I am to separate my top and holy grails, this wouldn't count as one.

Do you own an instapop brush? Care to share your thoughts?

Real Techniques Instapop Face Brush

Bought for: P650 | SRP: $10.99

Bought from: an online retailer

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Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Brush Set Review

Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Brush Set

Bought for: P1,100 | SRP: $19.99

Bought from: an online retailer

So this whole new blogger look is pissing me off. Now, I don't even know how I would enlarge my photos or even customize paragraphs!!! Hmf. Anyway, I'll just go and proceed with writing because I'm sure I won't be able to do anything about it. Today, we'll talk about my recent haul from Shopee which is the Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Brush Set. The set is composed of 5 makeup tools for a complete makeup look - a miracle complexion sponge, a blush brush, setting brush, expert face brush and a deluxe crease brush. Absolutely not bad at all for the price 'cause if we do the Math, it's like we're paying for only $4 a piece!

PACKAGING

The item was well packed in a plastic box and since I'm biased towards eco-friendly packaging, I just wished that Real Techniques will limit their plastic use. But I'm still happy that it was able to protect the brushes inside as none of them was damaged during transit.

I have the old versions of these brushes and there's not much difference on the brush heads (we'll talk about it more later) but it's kind of refreshing to see them in an updated and new looks. I can't exactly tell what the handles are made of - probably brass or something - but it's actually pretty cool since they come in different shades. I like that they are sleek and sturdy but lightweight too so they are perfect for travelling. I'm not gonna lie though, I still prefer the old version just 'cause.

Just like the old versions of these brushes, I'm happy that no matter how many times Real Techniques revamp their brushes, they still make sure to have names printed on the handles. It's very helpful for beginners who are just starting out their makeup careers. I know that we don't normally use a brush merely for what it's suggested but it's nice to give them names and characteristics for aesthetic reasons, don't you think?

THE MAKEUP BRUSH SET

RT 400 Blush Brush - tapered, soft and fluffy bristles that blend powder blush evenly for a smooth, natural look. This blush brush, just like the rest, comes with a two-toned brush head with fluffy bristles that disperse blush very effectively. It is ever-so-slightly less dense than the original one but still works just fine. However, I'm just not a fan of long, tapered blush brushes like this because it's too big for the apples of my cheeks. Still, this one right here is very versatile as you can also use it to apply setting powders or bronzers.

RT 402 Setting Brush - soft, and fluffy bristles and is used to dust on highlighting or setting powder precisely for a natural looking illumination. I have the old one for like years now and I keep it with me because it is one of the brushes that I reach out most often. I think the brush head is so soft and is perfect to set my under eye area because of it's small size. It also blends highlighters effortlessly wherever I'd like to have some glow.

Miracle Complexion Sponge - made of soft flexible foam that blend liquid and cream foundation into a luminous finish and you can use it dry for full coverage or damp for dewy glow. I don't think I have justify my love towards miracle complexion sponges because they are already popular all over the globe and they are popular for a reason. I really like the softness of the sponge and how it blends every single foundation in my stash so seamlessly. They will last for quite some time too with proper care. Definitely a more economical alternative for BeautyBlenders!

RT 200 Expert Face Brush - has firm bristles to buff liquid or cream foundation for a glowing, flawless finish. I really love the old expert brush that I own so I was slightly disappointed when I got a hold of this RT 200 brush. The brush head is smaller than the former one so it covers a less surface area. They're about the same density though and the bristles are really packed together. They blend liquid and cream products well but I still wished that they retain the original size of the brush head since blending takes some time. When I do my makeup with this set, I use the sponge for my base and use this for contour instead and it does the job surprisingly. The size makes it easy to shape and add dimension to the hollows of my cheeks.

RT 300 Deluxe Crease Brush - has short, dense bristles that layer and blend cream or powder shadows and build concealer. This is one of my favorite brushes from the brand as it blends cream and liquid products very well. It packs on pigments and make the eyes pop and I can also use it to blend and blur concealer because the bristles are round and are tightly packed.

Overall, I really love this Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Brush Set. The name truly stands for what this set is all about. I can go anywhere with just this 5 tools to complete my makeup look. They are also pretty inexpensive and durable. You really would get what you are paying for. Now, I'm too excited by just planning my next purchase from Real Techniques!

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