Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge and Silicone Liner Brush

If they created it, every beauty addict and their mom must have it. This much is true when it comes to the beloved Pixiwoo (Chapman) sisters. New in the Real Techniques range now available in Canada are the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge  ($9.99) and the Real Techniques Silicone Liner Brush ($8.99) at Pharmasave, Lawtons Drugs, London Drugs and online at Farleyco.ca. 

Before the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, my favourite way to apply foundation was with a wedge sponge - those Quo brand ones from Shoppers Drug Mart. This is definitely a step up from disposable wedges, as it has three different dimensions. (1) the flat side - for the largest areas of your face (2) the rounded edge - for stippling and blending (3) the edge - for hard to reach areas and precision blending. 

Who knew a sponge could be so versatile? Use it dry for a fuller coverage or use it wet for something more sheer and natural. Once you use a sponge, you can't go back. Sponges are great for blending out streak marks and achieving a natural, even coverage from your foundation.

The material that the sponge is made of is easy to clean with a bit of gentle facial cleanser, however I don't think it's the best quality. It's not that it absorbs a too much excess product. After a couple weeks of use, there are already tears in the sponge from where my long-ish nails had attempted to squeeze the water out. 

I fear that the Miracle complexion sponge is a gateway drug to the Beauty Blender (of which is double the price ~$22). For now, I'm content with the Miracle Complexion Sponge, as it's well-priced and works like a dream with my heavier coverage foundations (Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet Plus, Rimmel Stay Matte Mousse, CoverGirl Outlast 3-in-1).

[Right: Real Techniques; Left: Bristled Brush]

In theory, the silicone liner brush is meant to provide precise application of eyeliner without pulling or tugging the skin. In practice, I was not as impressed. 

The fact that the Real Techniques Silicone Liner Brush doesn't have bristles is actually its downfall. The lack of brush hairs creates an inability to pick up product. Instead, this results in the need to get the product on the piece of silicone in a "scooping" motion, and then plop it down on the lid. I find that compared to a bristled brush (ex: the Eco-tools Angled Eyeliner Brush), it doesn't create as even of a line. Yes, the tip is very fine, but the silicone doesn't allow the product to glide in the same way that a brush would. Perhaps, I'm not using it correctly and I need to play with it a bit more. For now, I'm not a fan. If my thoughts change, I'll be sure to let you know. 

For the most part, I've been above and beyond impressed with Real Techniques beauty tools. They're well-made and perform extremely well in comparison to products that are much more expensive. 

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