Review + Comparison: Royal & Langnickel SILK Pro Synthetic Hair 12 PC Brush Set

case measures 10" x 0.45" x 8.75" when opened

The Royal & Langnickel SILK Pro 12pc Brush Set comes with 12 brushes, all of which are made from synthetic material and feel very soft like a bunny's bum. (Don't worry, no animals were harmed during the manufacturing process.) The bristles retain their shape very well and they do not splay, even without using the plastic brush guard that comes with the set. Also, I did not experience any shedding with any of the brushes.

case measures 4.75" x 0.85" x 8.75" when closed 

The C101 powder brush and C111 blush brush come with their own plastic brush guard.

Packaging: The 12pc set comes with a faux leather case, which is very slim, lightweight and travel friendly. It may seem like there are only 12 brush slots inside, but there are actually 14 brush slots because there is a tiny slot on each end of the case, which is perfect for storing brushes with a thin handle, such as the Royal & Langnickel C212, C441 and C491. Other brands of brushes will fit nicely in the case too.

The handles are attached to a nickel ferrule and are matte black, which looks attractive, classy and professional. They are also full-size, which is a major plus for me because (1) I like my brushes to look uniform and (2) they won't get lost or be hard to find if I store them in my brush holder.

Scroll down to find out how they perform individually!

Sonia Kashuk Large Powder Brush ~ C101 ~ C111 ~ Studio Gear #13

Sonia Kashuk Large Powder Brush ~ C101 ~ C111 ~ Studio Gear #13

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C101 Powder Brush is ideal for applying setting powder and bronzer to the face, neck and decollete. The brush head is bigger, wider and denser than the C111 and Studio Gear #13 brush (review). The Sonia Kashuk brush is slightly wider at the tip and is not as dense. I find that the C101 gives me better control because of its density, but it also provides a light application of product because of its synthetic bristles. (Synthetic hairs tend to apply products more lightly than natural hairs.) For this reason, it always makes my makeup look natural and not cakey. (The brush takes about 11 hours to dry, but if you use a paper towel to absorb the excess water, then it'll take about 4.5 hours to dry. It measures 7 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $24.99.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C111 Blush Brush is ideal for applying blush and bronzer. The brush head is slightly longer and less dense than the Studio Gear #13 brush, but it is by no means flimsy. I love using it to apply highly pigmented blushers because it deposits the right amount of product without making me look like a clown. The tip of the brush has a wide oval shape and it's great for sweeping the product back and forth, upwards towards the hairline. The side of the brush can be used in a tapping motion for a precise application of product on the apple of the cheeks. (The brush takes about 11 hours to dry, but if you use a paper towel to absorb the excess water, then it'll take about 4 hours to dry. It measures 7.25 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $19.99.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C201 Foundation Brush is ideal for applying liquid and cream foundation. The brush head is thick and the bristles are not too flimsy, which allows it to apply the product evenly without streaking. It is also a great size for the face and it can get under the eye area really well when using the flat side of the brush. When using the tip, it fits nicely around the nose area and the small crevices of the face. (The brush takes about 5.5 hours to dry. It measures 7 inches in total length.)

C411 old version ~ C411 new version ~ C212 ~ C601

C411 old version ~ C411 new version ~ C212 ~ C601

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C411 MD Eye Shader Brush is ideal for applying and blending eyeshadows. This brush comes with the 12pc set, but I also purchased it individually about a year ago and the handle is slightly longer and not as matte. The brush head is also thinner and firmer than the new version, which is thicker and fluffier, but it's by no means flimsy. It still offers great control and I actually prefer it over the old version because it's more multi-functional. It's great for (1) spot concealing and for applying cream eyeshadows because the bristles don't absorb as much product as natural bristles do and it distributes the product evenly, (2) for applying a sheer wash of color onto the lids or an intense amount when layered, (3) for defining the eye when using the tip of the brush, and (4) for softening harsh edges. This is definitely a must-have for me because I can kill at least 4 birds with this one brush. Ha! (It only takes about 3 hours to dry and measures 6.70 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $10.99. )

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C212 Concealer Brush is ideal for spot concealing and for applying eyeshadow on the upper & lower lash line. The brush is thin, firm and small, which allows it to provide excellent control. I love using it to apply powder eyeshadow on my upper lash line to set my eyeliner. It also works well for filling in the eyebrows because it deposits a light amount of product, thereby creating a more soft and natural appearance to the brows. Those with a smaller eye shape will find this brush to also be great for applying cream eyeshadows. (The brush only takes about 2 hours to dry. It measures 6 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C601 Lip Brush is ideal for applying lip products & eyeliner and for filling in the brows. Because the brush is thin and firm, the tip is great for shaping the mouth, while the side is great for filling in color. I also like using it to apply eyeliner because it allows me to create a line that's not too thick or too thin. It can also be used for applying eyeshadow on the lower lash line or upper lash line to set eyeliner and for filling in the eyebrows. When compared to the C212 brush, the C601 brush offers a more precise application and leaves a more concentrated amount of product. (The brush only takes about 2 hours to dry. It measures 6.75 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $4.99.)

Chanel #19 ~ NARS #12 ~ C422 ~ Inglot 80HP ~ C441

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C422 Smudger Brush is ideal for highlighting the inner corner of the eye, applying eyeshadow on the outer corner of the eye and smudging. The Chanel #19 (review) is bigger and more suitable for crease work, while the C422 is firmer and more suitable for detail work. However, those with a small eye shape will find the C422 to be a more appropriate for crease work. The NARS #12 is flimsier and doesn't offer as much control. When compared to the Inglot 80HP, the C422 is just as firm, but it has a pointed tip, so it allows for a more precise application. It is one of my favorite brushes from this set because it's so versatile. (The brush only takes about 2 hours to dry. It measures 6.85 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $7.99.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C441 Liner Brush is ideal for detail work, lining the eyes, defining the outer v, and applying eyeshadow on the lower lash line. The bristles are densely packed and feel very firm. It's thinner and offers more precision than the C422. I thought that the C441 was going to be too thick for applying eyeliner, but it actually creates a line that's not too thick or too thin because it has a thin pointed tip. This has become another one of my favorites from this brush set. (It measures 6.50 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $5.99.)

C501 ~ C491 ~ C451 ~ C521

C501 ~ C491 ~ C451

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C501 Angle Fluff Brush is ideal for crease work, blending eyeshadows and applying a sheer wash of color onto the lids. The bristles are not as densely packed as the C411 brush, but it's not too flimsy and still offers great control. The tip of the longer end of the brush fits perfectly right above the crease area and I love using it to apply my transition color. It's also great for defining the crease and for blending out light colors. (The brush only takes about 3 hours to dry. It measures 7 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $5.99.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C491 Angled Brow Brush is ideal for applying eyeliner and for filling in the brows. The brush is very thin and firm, so it allows you to get close to the lash line and to create a very thin & natural looking line. It also has an angled shape, so the tip of the longer end of the brush makes it easier to reach the inner corner of the eye. Therefore, I love using it to set my eyeliner with a powder eyeshadow. It's also great for shaping the brows if you prefer a more precise application. (The brush only takes about 2 hours to dry. It measures 6.25 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C451 Flat Eyeliner Brush is ideal for tightlining and for applying eyeshadow & eyeliner on the lower lash line. The brush is thin and firm, and it offers great control. It creates a line that's not too thick or thin; however, it's difficult to get into the inner corner of my upper lash line because I have hooded eyes. I prefer to use the brush to apply eyeshadow on my lower lash line because it gives a precise application and it doesn't tug or irritate my skin. (The brush only takes about 2 hours to dry. It measures 6 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro C521 Brow Lash Groomer Brush is ideal for shaping the brows and separating the lashes. I love using the metal comb to remove mascara clumps because it can easily separate each and every one of my lashes. The plastic ones just don't compare. Just be careful not to poke your eyes out with it because the metal teeth are really sharp. The spoolie end of the brush grooms the eyebrows into place and softens the color of your brow product to create a more natural appearance. (The brush measures 7 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $9.99 and it also comes with an additional brow comb that's attached on the back of the metal comb.)

Bottom Line: The 12pc brush set is a great addition to any brush collection and it's also very travel friendly. It has everything that you need for a perfect makeup application! Also, it comes down to about 10 bucks per brush, which is extremely reasonable for the quality that you're getting. I highly recommend it, especially for those who are an avid user of cream products or for those who are just starting out with makeup and want a well-rounded brush set.

Note: The Royal & Langnickel SILK Pro Synthetic Hair 12 PC Brush Set retails for $119.99 and some of the brushes can be purchased individually on their online store. Also, for a limited time, you can get 40% off using coupon code ROYAL40 at checkout. The 40% discount can be applied to ALL Royal & Langnickel products and will expire by the end of this week.

*This post contains affiliate links and the products mentioned were provided by the manufacturer for consideration. This does not affect my opinion about the products. I don't do paid or guaranteed reviews. My reviews are based on my own honest opinion.

Have you tried any brushes from Royal & Langnickel's Silk Pro Line?
Do you prefer to buy brushes individually to tailor to your needs
or in sets for a better value?

Review + Comparison: Royal & Langnickel Revolution Brush Set (Part 1)

Royal & Langnickel recently launched the [R]evolution Collection, which consists of 32 makeup brushes. The only brush that I'm missing from this collection is the BX-66, which is currently out of stock on their online store, but I will be reviewing the rest of the brushes in two parts. 

Royal & Langnickel BX-oo Lg Domed Kabuki ($49.99) is ideal for buffing out over-applied products, such as blush and for applying bronzer to the face, neck and decollete. The bristles feel very soft and are more densely packed than the Chanel #1 (review) and MAC 182 brush (review). I personally use the BX-00 for blending highly pigmented blushes. I just tap the brush on my cheeks lightly and it'll blend out the product seamlessly with barely any effort and much more quickly than a brush that's made from natural hairs. When I try to buff out over-applied products with a dense synthetic brush, such as the EcoTools Bamboo Bronzer brush (review), it rubs off my makeup and leaves a blotchy finish. The BX-00 always leaves a polished look. It is definitely a must-have and is one of my favorite brushes from the Revolution line. (The brush takes at least 19 hours to fully dry, but if you use a paper towel to absorb the excess water, then it'll take about 12 hours to dry. It measures 6.80 inches in total length. The handle weighs more than any other brush that I own. I can definitely whack somebody unconscious with it, but I love the luxurious feel to it.)

BX-05 ~ BX-10 ~ Studio Gear #13 ~ BX-30

BX-05 ~ BX-10 ~ Studio Gear #13 ~ BX-30

Royal & Langnickel BX-05 Lg Powder Brush ($39.99) is ideal for applying setting powder. The brush head is bigger, wider and fluffier than the BX-10, BX-30 and Studio Gear #13 brush (review). It applies the perfect amount of product and leaves a light natural finish to the skin without ever looking cakey. (The brush takes about 14 hours to dry, but if you use a paper towel to absorb the excess water, then it'll take about 8 hours to dry. It measures 6.75 inches in total length. Also, it only shedded one strand of hair, during its initial wash.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-10 Sm Powder Brush ($39.99) is ideal for applying blush. For regular pigmented blushers, I sweep the product back and forth, upwards towards my hairline. For highly pigmented blushers, I use a tapping motion to prevent over applying the product. The results always look natural with barely any effort because the brush does all the work for me. I find that when I use the Studio Gear #13 brush to apply blush, it requires more blending to achieve a polished finish. (The BX-10 takes about 13 hours to dry, but if you use a paper towel to absorb the excess water, then it'll take about 7 hours to dry. It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-30 Kabuki Blush Brush ($29.99) is ideal for applying any type of blush. I prefer the BX-30 over the BX-10 because it's smaller and fits better on my cheek area. Also, the bristles are more densely packed; therefore, it picks up alot of product and is great for applying sheer blushers. For regular and highly pigmented blushes, I use the tapping motion to prevent over applying the product. (The brush takes about 10 hours to dry, but if you use a paper towel to absorb the excess water, then it'll take about 5.5 hours to dry. It measures 7 inches in total length.)

BX-20 ~ Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Flat Top Multi Purpose Brush ~ BX-15 ~ MAC 109

BX-20 ~ Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Flat Top Multi Purpose Brush ~ BX-15 ~ MAC 109

Royal & Langnickel BX-15 Sm Domed Kabuki ($37.99) is ideal for applying bronzer as well as powder, liquid and cream foundation. The MAC 109 (review) is rounder and offers more control, but the BX-15 does not shed, even when used with liquid and cream products. It is also smaller and less dense than the BX-00. When I use the BX-15 to apply my Dior Forever foundation, I find that I need to use more product to get the same amount of coverage that I get when I use my MAC 187 stippling brush (review), but the BX-15 buffs in the product much quicker and is ideal to use during the morning rush. When used to apply powder foundation, it doesn't offer as much coverage as the Sonia Kashuk Dense Blush Powder brush (review) because the bristles are not as densely packed. So, the BX-15 is ideal for those that prefer a lighter coverage. (The brush takes about 16 hours to dry, but if you use a paper towel to absorb the excess water, then it'll take about 7.5 hours to dry. It measures 6.65 inches in total length.) 

Royal & Langnickel BX-20 Flat Top Kabuki ($39.99) is ideal for buffing out over-applied products and for applying bronzer as well as powder, liquid and cream foundation. The bristles are more densely packed and offers more control than the BX-15. The Sonia Kashuk Flat Top Multi Purpose brush is slightly denser, but it tugs my skin a little bit and the bristles are not as flexible or easy to move as the BX-20. I prefer the BX-20 because it's bigger and buffs in foundation much easier. Also, even though it wastes more product compared to the MAC 187, I don't mind because it gets the job done quick. (The brush takes about 19 hours to dry, but if you use a paper towel to absorb the excess water, then it'll take about 11 hours to dry. It measures 6.65 inches in total length. Also, it shedded 4 strands of hair during its initial wash, but it has stopped shedding since.)

BX-25 ~ MAC 168 ~ BX-55 ~ Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Pointed Foundation Brush

BX-25 ~ MAC 168 ~ BX-55 ~ Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Pointed Foundation Brush

Royal & Langnickel BX-25 Angled Kabuki ($39.99) is ideal for blending products and for applying blush and bronzer. The brush head is wider and denser than the BX-30 and MAC 168 brush (review). I love using the BX-25 to apply bronzer because the angled shape allows it to fit the contours of the face perfectly, while the density allows it to blend product effortlessly. It also works well with sheer blushes because the densely packed bristles pick up alot of product and distributes evenly. (The brush takes about 9 hours to dry, but if you use a paper towel to absorb the excess water, then it'll take about 7 hours to dry. It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-55 Pointed Foundation Brush ($27.99) is ideal for highlighting, contouring and applying foundation and concealer. The firm, pointed tip perfectly fits into all the natural contours of the face. I love using it to apply concealer underneath my eyes because it blends seamlessly with my foundation when I just gently tap the product onto my skin. The Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Pointed Foundation brush is similar to the BX-55, except it's slightly stiffer and offers better control, while the BX-55 looks more attractive. Regardless, I still love both of them equally and I highly recommend them because they are so multi-functional. (The brush takes about 9 hours to dry, but if you use a paper towel to absorb the excess water, then it'll take about 6 hours to dry. It measures 6.6 inches in total length.)

BX-40 ~ BX-45 ~ BX-50 ~ BX-120

BX-40 ~ BX-45 ~ BX-50 ~ BX-120

Royal & Langnickel BX-40 Lg Foundation Brush ($28.99) is ideal for applying liquid and cream foundation. The side of the brush feels similar to the traditional synthetic brushes with that waxy texture, but the tip has a very soft and natural feel to it. I find that when I use it to apply my L'oreal True Match foundation in a painting motion, it does not streak at all. It is also the perfect size for the face and it's not too dense or too flimsy. (The brush takes about 9 hours to dry, but if you use a paper towel to absorb the excess water, then it'll take about 6 hours to dry. It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-45 Sm Foundation Brush ($15.99) is ideal for applying concealer. The side of the brush feels similar to the traditional synthetic brushes with that waxy texture, but the tip has a very soft, and natural feel to it. I was never a fan of concealer brushes because I found them to be too small and they took forever to blend the product into my skin. So, I always just used my ring finger until I discovered the BX-45. The brush head is medium-sized and it fits perfectly underneath the eye area. Also, because the bristles are densely packed, it offers great coverage and it blends the concealer seamlessly with my foundation with barely any effort. The BX-45 also works well for applying cream highlighters on top of the cheekbones. This has become a staple in my collection. (The brush takes only 3 hours to dry. It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-50 Flat Concealer Brush ($9.99) is ideal for applying concealer to the smaller areas of the face. The side of the brush feels similar to the traditional synthetic brushes with that waxy texture, but the tip has a very soft and natural feel to it. The brush head is longer and has more give to it compared to the BX-45 and BX-120, but when you use it in a tapping motion, it feels firmer and offers more precision. (The brush takes only 2.5 hours to dry. It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-120 Oval Lip Brush ($7.99) is ideal for spot concealing and for applying lip products. The side of the brush feels similar to the traditional synthetic brushes with that waxy texture, but the tip has a very soft and natural feel to it. I prefer the BX-120 over the BX-50 because it's smaller, firmer, and offers more precision. (The brush takes only 2.5 hours to dry. It measures 6.70 inches in total length.)

The Royal & Langnickel Revolution brushes are not like any brush that I have used before. The bristles are made with DuPont™ Natrafil® fibers, which are synthetic material, but they mimic the performance of natural hair and can be used with both cream and powder products. They feel extremely soft and they don't have that rigid, plastic or fake feel to them like the traditional synthetic brushes do, but they don't feel 100% like natural hairs. The best way to describe the texture of the brushes is that they feel like they're made from a hybrid of both synthetic and natural hairs. The bristles are flexible and they glide onto the skin smoothly without tugging. Also, they retain their shape very well and do not splay.

Another feature that makes the Revolution brushes stand out is that the ferrules "will not loosen or detach, even if soaked in water" because the "handles are impervious to water damage and fused to the non-corrosive, titanium plated, solid brass ferrule." In essence, they are constructed in a way that makes them extremely durable and resistant to damage. I only had these brushes for about a month, but so far, they are holding up pretty well. However, a few of the ferrules are dented, which I'm assuming occurred during shipping and not during the manufacturing process because the brushes were packaged with paper. Hopefully, Royal & Langnickel will be more careful with their packaging and use bubble wrap in the future.

The handles are made from acrylic and are finished with a rubbery Silk Touch™ coating, which provides better control and comfort for your hands. Initially, the handles felt more heavy than what I'm used to, but after using them for about a month, I prefer them over the traditional wooden handles because they feel more luxurious and I get a better grip of them. 

The bottom of the handles are flat, so the face brushes can stand upright. Most of the eye brushes have a small circumference, so they have to be stored in a brush holder or laid flat in a brush roll. I usually store my brushes in my Anna Sui brush holders because I love how organized they look when they're all spread out, but they waste alot of space and I don't have any more room to store any more brushes. (Currently, I have 84 brushes, not including the Revolution brushes!) So, the Revolution brushes are temporarily sitting in my Sigma Brush Cup Holder until I find a better storage solution. The BX-00 is resting on my vanity along with my other kabuki brushes because the base is too wide to be stored in a brush holder. 

As for maintenance, I don't find the Revolution brushes to be easier or harder to clean compared to my other brushes. They are just as easy to clean when used with powder products and just as hard to clean when used with cream and liquid products. (To get all the cream and liquid product out of the brush, wash it once with 1/4 tsp of olive oil and once with baby shampoo afterwards. If you don't have olive oil or are just stingy like me, then just wash it 2-3 times with baby shampoo and your brushes will be sparkling clean.)

The eye brushes take about 3 hours to dry, but the face brushes can take anywhere between 4.5 to 19 hours to completely dry. However, if you use a paper towel to absorb the excess water, then it can reduce the drying time by at least 2 hours.

Bottom Line: I highly recommend the Royal & Langnickel Revolution brushes because they will make your morning makeup routine so much easier and quicker. There is just something about the bristles that make them blend liquid, cream, and powder products seamlessly and effortlessly and without shedding. Also, they provide a polished and a natural-looking finish to your makeup. The technology that went into designing the [R]evolution brushes is truly [R]evolutionary.

Note: The Royal & Langnickel Revolution brushes are sold individually as well as in sets on their online store. 

*This post contains affiliate links and the Revolution Brush Set was provided by Royal & Langnickel because I was one of the winners of their sweepstakes. This does not affect my opinion about the products. I don't do paid or guaranteed reviews. My reviews are based on my own honest opinion.

Have you tried any of the [R]evolution brushes?

Click here for Part 2. ^_^