Why These Real Techniques Tools Are My Everyday Essentials (2025)

When I first started experimenting with makeup, I quickly learned that one of the keys to achieving a flawless makeup look isn’t just about the products you use—it’s about the tools. You can have the best foundation, blush, or eyeshadow, but without the right tools, your makeup may not apply as smoothly or blend as seamlessly as you’d like.

Thankfully, having good makeup tools doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune. Some of the best tools I’ve ever used come from the drugstore. One brand that stands out, in particular, is Real Techniques.

Real Techniques has made it easy and affordable to get high-quality brushes and sponges that rival high-end brands. Let me share why I love Real Techniques and give you a peek at the tools I use the most.

Why These Real Techniques Tools Are My Everyday Essentials (1)

(This post has affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase I will make a small commission.)


About Real Techniques

Real Techniques is a brand that’s been around for a while and has earned a stellar reputation for delivering quality makeup tools at affordable prices. Whether you’re a makeup novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll find tools to help you create a full face of makeup with ease.

Their product range includes brushes for applying eyeshadow, liquid foundation, setting powders, contouring, cream blush, and more. The brand also offers a variety of sponges that are latex-free and versatile. These sponges can be used wet or dry to apply everything from liquid foundation to powder makeup, giving you options for building coverage, blending body makeup, or buffing on powder seamlessly.

Another thing I love about Real Techniques is how accessible their products are. You can find them in stores I frequent regularly, like Walmart, Target, Ulta, and even Amazon. This makes it so convenient to pick up a replacement brush or sponge whenever I need one.

Related read: How To Easily Clean Your Makeup Brushes

The Real Techniques makeup tools I use the most

If you were to take a look at my makeup table, you’d see that most of my brushes and tools are from Real Techniques. I love their affordability and versatility, and I sometimes use the makeup tools beyond their intended purposes. Here are the Real Techniques tools I use the most and how I use them.


Real Techniques Ultra Plush Blush Makeup Brush

I don’t wear blush much but when I do I prefer to use this brush to apply it. The Ultra Plush Blush Brush has large, dome-shaped bristles that are perfect for applying powder foundations, powder bronzers, and setting powders.

I like to use this brush to apply my blush or bronzer when I’m aiming for a softer, more diffused look. Its plush bristles make blending so easy and effortless so I don’t get heavy-handed with the blush or bronzer.

Real Techniques Eye Shade & Blend Eye Makeup Brush Trio Set

This trio set is my go-to for eye makeup. It includes a Deluxe Crease Brush, a Base Shadow Brush, and an Angled Brow Brush with a spoolie.

Deluxe Crease Brush: Although it’s intended for sweeping shadow across the lid and building color, I use it to blend my eyeshadow shades together for a seamless look.

Base Shadow Brush: This is my go-to for applying my base eyeshadow shade. Its soft bristles ensure an even application every time.

Angled Brow Brush & Spoolie: I use the spoolie to brush my brows and the angled brush to lightly fill in my brows with gel. These tools are great for achieving natural-looking brows.

Why These Real Techniques Tools Are My Everyday Essentials (4)


Real Techniques Dual-Ended Angled Liner and Spoolie Brow Brush

This tool is another staple in my makeup routine. I use it interchangeably with the spoolie and angled brow brush from the trio set.

What sets this one apart is its lightweight feel, which makes it easier to handle when applying brow gel or brushing through my brows.

Related read: A Review Of The Best Affordable Makeup Brushes

Similar brushes to discontinued favorites

Real Techniques has discontinued a few brushes I used to love, but I’ve found similar replacements:

Why These Real Techniques Tools Are My Everyday Essentials (5)


Real Techniques Tapered Cheek Makeup Brush

This brush has small, tapered bristles that are perfect for blush, highlighter, and contour.

The similar brush I have is used to apply blush or bronzer when I’m looking for a more saturated color. It’s great for creating a bolder cheek look.

Why These Real Techniques Tools Are My Everyday Essentials (6)


Real Techniques Expert Face Makeup Brush

This brush is ideal for applying liquid and cream foundation. I believe that’s also what the discontinued brush I have is intended for. I use the brush I have to apply setting powder and powder foundations. The dense bristles pick up the perfect amount of powder for a smooth finish.

Other Real Techniques makeup tools I’ve tried

Why These Real Techniques Tools Are My Everyday Essentials (7)

​​
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

When it comes to makeup sponges, Real Techniques has an impressive variety. One of their most popular sponges is the Miracle Complexion Sponge, which I used religiously for years.

This sponge is great for applying liquid and cream foundation, skin tints, and illuminators. The flat edge is designed for applying foundation, while the rounded side is meant for blending.

Admittedly, I didn’t always use it as intended. For years, I only used the rounded side for blending and never touched the flat edge. It just didn’t make sense to me! Even though I wasn’t using it the “right” way, it still delivered a flawless finish.

While I’ve since switched to another drugstore brand for my sponges, the Miracle Complexion Sponge remains a fantastic option for anyone looking for an affordable, high-quality makeup sponge.

Related post: Is The Real Techniques Makeupsaver Sponge Worth The Hype?

Why These Real Techniques Tools Are My Everyday Essentials (8)


Real Techniques Makeupsaver Blending Sponge

This makeup sponge is Real Techniques attempt to solve for one of the main dislikes of makeup sponges which is so much of the makeup gets absorbed into the sponge.

Per Real Techniques, the Makeupsaver Sponge “is lab proven to save up to 90% of your makeup. The Makeupsaver Sponge is designed with innovative fingerprint technology to reduce absorption because we believe makeup should land on your skin, not in your sponge.” It’s made to be used dry with liquid and cream foundations, concealers, skin tints, and illuminators.

I like how my makeup looks afterward since so much more stays on my face and less on (or is it in?) the makeup sponge. When I use it I feel like I can use less foundation and still get an even and nearly flawless finish.

Despite this, I don’t think I’ll buy another one. I like its benefits, but for some reason, I prefer a traditional makeup sponge. Maybe over time, I may change my mind.

The Makeupsaver Sponge is easy to clean as you just need a damp cloth or makeup remover wipes to remove leftover makeup from what’s called the film side.

Shop Real Techniques for yourself


Why These Real Techniques Tools Are My Everyday Essentials (9)

Why These Real Techniques Tools Are My Everyday Essentials (2025)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Madonna Wisozk

Last Updated:

Views: 6171

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Madonna Wisozk

Birthday: 2001-02-23

Address: 656 Gerhold Summit, Sidneyberg, FL 78179-2512

Phone: +6742282696652

Job: Customer Banking Liaison

Hobby: Flower arranging, Yo-yoing, Tai chi, Rowing, Macrame, Urban exploration, Knife making

Introduction: My name is Madonna Wisozk, I am a attractive, healthy, thoughtful, faithful, open, vivacious, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.