Real Techniques (Pixiwoo) Eyeshadow Starter Set plus a giveaway

You didn’t think I’d last long without getting Real Techniques eyeshadow brushes did you? I knew it was just a matter of time (and a short one) until I had my hands on the Starter Set that contains the eye brushes from Samantha Chapman of PixiWoo fame.  I’ve previously reviewed the Travel Essentials and the Core Collection  and told you how impressed I am with these brushes. The sets are all $15.99 and worth a lot more than that.

The Starter Set contains 5 brushes

• Base Shadow Brush – “applies a smooth, flawless foundation of color”
• Deluxe Crease Brush – “soft, oversized design for effortless contouring”
• Accent Brush – “designed for precision detailing, spotlighting, highlighting and smudging
• Pixel-Point Eyeliner Brush – “tapered cut is ideal for dense or fine eyeliner application”
• Brow Brush – “distinctive shape easily defines eyebrows”
• Panaramic Case – “dual carrier and stand keeps brushes organized on your counter or on the go”

If you didn’t know the price of these brushes you could easily tell someone they cost at least double or more. The pretty purple ferrule and the soft yet firm taklon make these brushes special.

My opinions:

I have switched around the use of the Base Shadow brush and the Deluxe Crease brush. For my eyes and the techniques I usually use, I find that the Base Shadow brush is much better for my crease. I can use the brushes as indicated obviously but I find myself picking up the crease brush to start my eyes and then the base brush next.

The Base Shadow Brush above is a tapered brush that fits the area of my crease perfectly. It’s not too big or too small Goldilocks.

The Deluxe Crease Brush (above) has a more rounded tip and is similar to the Domed Shadow Brush in the Travel Essentials set except it’s wider across. Both of these are great for applying and blending eyeshadow colors. I find the Deluxe Crease brush too big for crease and for any subtle work but I think it’s perfect for blending.

The Accent Brush has a little bitty brush head. It’s perfect for the inner corner of my eyes especially since it doesn’t overstep its boundaries. I can get into the deep nook there to apply color without changing what I put on my lids. It’s good for lining under your eyes and getting a smudged look there.

The Brow Brush was my biggest surprise. It didn’t appear to be firm enough to do my brows. I’m used to a very stiff brush so I was afraid this was useless. Instead it’s extremely useful. It’s got enough firmness to do the job and enough softness to blend with a soft unharsh look.

My only disappointment in the set is the Pixel-Point Eyeliner Brush. For my taste it’s too wide and too loose. I’m a die hard fan of Paula Dorf’s eyeliner brush though so it would be extremely hard for any brush to beat that out in my world. I didn’t have trouble lining with it but it gave me a broader look than I am comfortable with. On the other hand the Angled Brow Brush makes a great liner brush especially at the outer corners of the eye with powder shadow.

I discussed the Panaromic Case in my previous review.  It’s a great addition to the set.

These are brushes that I’d feel comfortable traveling with. I could get my entire look done easily, they are extremely lightweight and they aren’t expensive. Once you’ve had your luggage lost by an airline you are very hesitant to put expensive tools in your suitcase (or at least I am). The brushes are color coded: purple for eyes, orange for a flawless base and red for the “perfect finish”. Because the brushes are taklon you can use them with cream or powder products with equally great results. Real Techniques makes things so easy. Watching the videos of Sam Chapman using these brushes make you realize that you too can make things pretty easy.  — Marcia

Now for the good news – I purchased 2 fabulous brushes for our Anniversary Contest from Real Techniques; the Stippler Brush and the Eye Shadow Shading Brush, plus I’m adding in a Panoramic Case. 
This way our winner can see why I’ve been raving so much. To enter this contest you need to do the following:

1. Be a Beauty Info Zone subscriber.
2. Comment on this post telling us what your favorite eyeshadow brush currently is.
3. Email us at beautyinfozone@gmail.com with the title PIXIWOO BRUSHES; identify the name you use on your comment.
4. For extra entries either copy the link to this post and post it on Facebook and/or Tweet “@beautyinfozone Enter the Real Techniques/Pixiwoo brush contest http://www.beautyinfozone.com”
   
5. Be sure to email us again with the title Pixiwoo brushes with your information for FB and/or Twitter.
6. This contest is open to any of our subscribers anywhere. Enter by Friday, April 22nd at 11:59 p.m. EST.