Must have: Real Techniques Powder Brush

Regular blog readers know I have a soft spot for brushes. Today's feature - the Real Techniques Powder Brush - is a reliable stalwart among my collection of face brushes. I realized I had to write a post on this brush when I caught myself procrastinating washing it because I didn't want to wait for it to dry to use it again.

The Real Techniques Powder Brush retails for $9.99, but you can frequently get it for less with sales and coupons. I bought mine at Ulta.

Details:

• Synthetic taklon bristles
• Aluminum ferrule
• Tapered end - can stand upright and will take up extra room in your brush cup
• Cruelty free
• Larger size than a typical powder brush

I use the Real Techniques Powder Brush with pressed face powders, most often with powder foundations. After applying my liquid foundation or BB cream, I will use this brush with a tapping motion  to apply a powder foundation or mattifying setting powder. The tapping motion allows me to mattify and build a little bit of additional coverage without disturbing the foundation. This brush is soft and supple, leaving a natural finish.

I also use this brush for touchups partway through the day and it does a very good job. I don't enjoy this brush as much for applying a full coverage powder foundation because I prefer a brush with more tightly packed bristles for building coverage. Similarly, I prefer a brush with more loosely packed bristles for loose powders.

Pros:

• Soft bristles
• Durable and easy to wash (especially with my beloved Benjabelle Daisy brush tree)
• Affordable
• Easy to use
• Very good basic powder brush

Cons:

• Useful in specific circumstances but too large to be a true multitasking face brush (you can find a great multitasking brush from Real Techniques in this set)
• Tapered bottom takes up extra room in brush cup
• Orange color isn't my cup of tea

Overall, I think this brush is must have and I use it all the time. As with all of my Real Techniques brushes, the quality is excellent for the price - after owning the brush for over a year, it looks and feels the same as when I bought it. If you are in the market for a large powder brush, take this one for a spin.