You probably already know about affordable, cruelty-free makeup brushes from Real Techniques and EcoTools. Over the past few months, I’ve been using some particular brushes from both of these brands that I think you might like, if you haven’t tried them already.
EcoTools
The first set – EcoTools Define & Highlight Duo – is mentioned in the most recent catalogue I got from Ulta.
They’re on sale as part of a buy one, get one half off deal right now. Both brushes are among the most densely packed and softest makeup brushes with synthetic bristles that I have ever used.
I usually use the huge fan brush to apply highly pigmented blushes, though I occasionally contour my cheeks with it because it’s so long. The rounded brush with the somewhat tapered tip is great for applying blush or for highlighter.
The duo is regularly priced at $11.99. It’s sold at Ulta as well as other retailers.
Real Techniques
The second set is from Real Techniques, and they’re eyeshadow brushes that were designed for applying loose pigments: Real Techniques Instapop Eye Duo.
Truth be told, I haven’t been using them for loose pigment because I so seldom use that form of shadow. I like them for both pressed powder and cream shadow application. What’s great about them is that they are tapered, and I think that makes application easier.
The slant of the narrow Crease brush seems to fit my eye better. The tapering of the bristles of the longer and wider Shade brush makes it easier to get into the inner corner of the lid. And the tapering really holds onto the shadow, making it easy and clean to sweep color across the entire eyelid. Like the EcoTools brushes, these also have soft synthetic bristles. The MSRP is $9.99, and you can find them at Ulta, Kohl’s and Target.
I bought both of these at Ulta some time ago, and I often find myself reaching for them. I thought you might like them too. Do you own either of these duos?
This EcoTools brush set looks wonderful! I love their brushes!
The EcoTools Define & Highlight duo are so incredibly soft and packed. They’re a pleasure to use!
I couldn’t agree more about Real Technique and Ecotools! They are some of my earliest makeup brushes and some are still going on strong after 5 years!
I think a travel size EcoTools foundation brush was the first makeup brush I bought. I’m glad to hear that the brushes last for the long haul!
Waving Hi 🙋🏻 I really think that both brands of these brushes are right up there and comparable to the It Cosmetics Brand of brushes. I have been trying to budget my spending on beauty products and Real Technique and Eco Tools has really helped me stay on track. I love my Real Technique Beauty Sponges too. They are as good if not better than the pink Beauty Blender Sponge. ❤️🌷
I’m glad you like EcoTools and Real Techniques too, DiEtta. I’m glad you mentioned the RT blending sponge. I bought one some time ago, but haven’t started using it yet, but I will! Hope you’re having a sunny day 🙂
I love how dense most EcoTools brushes are, and the ones I own are real workhorses. I have a few RT too but they have that annoying handle that’s wider at the base than the ferrule, and they don’t fit nicely in my brush containers. It looks like they’ve changed that on some now to be more straight, so that’s good. Maybe I will look at them again now.
I hear you about the RT brushes. These two are straight. The lid brush is about a 1/4″ wider than the Luxie brush handle, and the skinny crease is about 1/8″ or so thinner than the Luxie. I really like these brushes because of the tapered bristles. I agree with you 100% on the EcoTools – they rock!
I don’t have either of these duos, but one can never have enough brushes right? 🙂
pretty much, Kristi! Where to put them though?
Allison have you tried Morphe brushes? I love them and they are very affordable!
no, not yet, but I will someday
I don’t have any EcoTools brushes but I have quite a few from Real Techniques and like them a lot. I especially like RT face brushes.
The Instapop eye brushes were the first RT brushes I’ve tried. I bought them because I really like the tapered bristles. I should try some more!
I’ve seen this brand and haven’t bought them. It’s great to know that there’s good quality and affordable brushes out there.
I have that duo from ecotools. I love that fan brush a lot
It’s such a good specific use brush!
Real Techniques brushes are hands down some of the best at drugstore price range. I also like some of the elf brushes, they’ve really upped their game lately.
I haven’t tried an elf brush in a couple of years because one that I bought at CVS was awful. But it looks like they’ve upped their game across the board so I am sure you’re right.
Ooh, I will be adding both of these sets to my collection! I have a ton of the original RT shadow brushes and love them,.
They were specific use brushes that I thought I needed and I haven’t been disappointed!
You should try the Ecotools retractable kabuki brush – it’s perfect for buffing base into an airbrushed finish
I enjoy using both these brands, as well as Sigma and Makeup Revolution, both of which are CF. The RT contour brush is one of my favourite highlighter brushes, and I love the EcoTools ones for travel.
I haven’t tried Sigma and MR brushes yet but I will!
I’ve looked at the Eco Tools brushes in the store before but never purchased. I don’t think I’d use them enough so I stick with my cheapy ELF brushes. I really should look into getting some better ones though, I have a feeling it would make a big difference in application.
I’m not sure, Katie. EcoTools brushes are quite inexpensive, but they’re really good quality. I don’t have a lot of experience with elf brushes. I had bought two super cheap ($1 each) elf brushes at CVS a couple of years ago, and they were terrible, but what did I expect for $1. I’ve heard good things about elf recently however. If they work for you, that’s all that matters.