Sephora.com, Inc.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Review + Comparison: Royal & Langnickel Revolution Brush Set (Part 2)


This post will focus mainly on the eye brushes of the Royal & Langnickel [R]evolution Brush Set.
For more information about the [R]evolution Collection, check out Part 1.

BX-60 ~ BX-90 ~ Chanel #19 ~ BX-95 ~ Inglot 80HP ~ BX100

BX-60 ~ BX-90 ~ Chanel #19 ~ BX-95 ~ Inglot 80HP ~ BX100

BX-55 ~ BX-60 ~ BX-90 ~ BX-95 ~ BX100





Royal & Langnickel BX-60 Pointed Concealer Brush ($13.99) is ideal for applying concealer under the eye area and setting powder around the small crevices of the face and for highlighting the bridge of the nose, cupid's bow and chin. The BX-45 (review) is firmer and offers better control and coverage, but I still like the BX-60 because the shape is unique and it allows it to be multi-functional. It has a crescent shape, so it fits nicely under the eye area. It's flat on one side and curved on the other. I love using the flat side to apply my concealer in a patting motion because it allows the product to blend in with my foundation seamlessly. The brush retains its shape very well and never splays. If you have a large eye area, you could also use it to soften harsh edges. (The brush only takes about 3 hours to dry. It measures 6.55 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-90 Crease Brush ($11.99) is ideal for crease work and for blending eyeshadows. The head is longer than the typical crease brush and the tip is quite flexible, but the base is firm, so it still offers control and fits nicely along the socket of the eye. However, those with a small eye area will find the BX-75, BX-80 and BX-95 to be more suitable for crease work. I prefer to use the BX-90 for spot concealing, blending out dark harsh lines and applying setting powder around the small crevices of the face. It buffs in product nicely without leaving a cakey finish and it diffuses color, effortlessly. (The brush only takes about 3 hours to dry. It measures 6.80 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-95 Lg Smudger Brush ($8.99) is ideal for defining the outer v, highlighting the inner corner of the eye, applying eyeshadow on the lower lash line and smudging. The Chanel #19 (review) is bigger, rounder and more suitable for crease work, while the BX-95 is denser, firmer and more suitable for detail work. When compared to the Inglot 80HP, the BX-95 is just as firm, but it has a pointed tip, so it allows for a more precise application. This has become another staple in my makeup collection. (The brush only takes about 2.5 hours to dry. It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-100 Pencil Liner Brush ($7.99) is ideal for detail work, lining the eyes, and applying color to the lower lash line. The bristles are densely packed and feel very firm. It's thinner and offers more precision than the BX-95. To create a line that's not too thin or too thick, I pick up the product using only the tip of the brush. For a more dramatic effect, I dip the brush farther into the product and it'll provide a thicker application. (The brush only takes about 2.5 hours to dry. It measures 6.70 inches in total length.)

BX-65 ~ BX-75 ~ BX-80 ~ MAC 239 ~ BX-85

BX-65 ~ BX-75 ~ BX-80 ~ MAC 239 ~ BX-85


Royal & Langnickel BX-65 Large Round Eye Fluff Brush ($11.99) is ideal for applying and blending eyeshadows. It provides a sheer wash of color and can cover a large area in one swipe. The tip of the brush is wide and the bristles have the perfect amount of density to blend flawlessly and effortlessly. It's also great for applying concealer under the eye area and setting powder around the small crevices of the face. (The brush only takes about 3 hours to dry. It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-75 Md Fluff Brush ($12.99) is ideal for applying and blending eyeshadows. The brush head is smaller and denser than the BX-65. It packs on color better and offers more control. When you hold it horizontally, it fits perfectly in the crease and is great for defining the eye. When you hold it vertically, it's great for blending and for softening harsh lines. This has become one of my favorite tools because it's so multi-functional and it reduces the amount of brushes that I have to bring with me when I'm travelling. (The brush only takes about 3 hours to dry. It measures 6.60 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-80 Detail Brush ($9.99) is ideal for applying eyeshadow on smaller lids and for defining the crease. The brush head is smaller and thinner than the BX-75, but it's still wide enough at the tip for crease work and for applying eyeshadow on the outer corner. When compared to the MAC 239 (review), the BX-80 is fluffier and more flexible. I especially love using it to apply my transition color because it fits perfectly above my crease area and it picks up and deposits the right amount of product. (The brush only takes about 3 hours to dry. It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-85 Angle Fluff Brush ($9.99) is ideal for applying and blending eyeshadows. It's flimsier than the BX-65 and BX-75, but it still blends out dark harsh lines effortlessly and leaves a natural finish, which amazes me because most, if not all, brushes that are flimsy do not diffuse color well. (The brush only takes about 3 hours to dry. It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

BX-150 ~ BX-145 ~ BX-35 ~ BX-70 ~ BX-110 ~ BX-125 ~ BX-105

BX-150 ~ BX-145 ~ BX-35 ~ BX-70 ~ BX-110 ~ BX-125 ~ BX-105

BX-35 ~ BX-70 ~ BX-110 ~ BX-125


Royal & Langnickel BX-150 Fan Brush ($12.99) is ideal for light application of products and for dusting away excess products. The bristles are flimsy, which allows it to perform its job, effectively. It is practically fool-proof when used to apply highly pigmented blushes because it won't leave you looking like a clown. The BX-150 is also great for gently removing fallouts underneath the eye area without disrupting your foundation. (The brush takes about 4.5 hours to dry. It measures 6.70 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-145 Fan Mascara Brush ($7.99) is a great supplement to the standard mascara wand. I find that some mascara wands are too big to fit in the inner and outer corner of my eye and they tend to leave a mess on my lower lash line. The BX-145 doesn't separate my lashes, but it's great for reaching the root of my lashes and coats even the tiniest hairs without disrupting my lower lash line. (The brush only takes about 3 hours to dry. It measures 6.65 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-35 Highlight Contour Brush ($19.99) is ideal for contouring and highlighting. The shape allows it to fit perfectly on top and in the hollow of my cheekbones. It leaves my face looking defined and sculpted. Also, the bristles are not too dense or too flimsy. It picks up the right amount of product and blends flawlessly. (The brush only takes about 3 hours to dry. It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-70 Lg Flat Eye Fluff Brush ($13.99) is ideal for contouring and highlighting. It's smaller and offers a more precise application than the BX-35. It works well for highlighting the brow bone, bridge of the nose, cupid's bow and chin. It's also excellent for defining the nose to create a slimmer appearance. (The brush only takes about 3 hours to dry. It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-110 Flat Liner Brush ($8.99) is ideal for creating a thick application of eyeliner and for smudging. It's bigger and doesn't provide as much control as the BX-135 when applying gel eyeliner, but it's excellent for smudging products on the upper and lower lash line because it has the right amount of flexibility and it's not too flimsy. (The brush only takes about 3 hours to dry. It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-125 Square Lip Brush ($7.99) is ideal for applying lip products. Because the bristles are longer and slightly thinner than the BX-110, it doesn't provide as much control when used for smudging products. However, the tip of the brush is excellent for shaping the mouth, while the side is great for filling in color. (The brush only takes about 3 hours to dry. It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-105 Detail Liner Brush ($7.99) is supposed to provide a precise application of eyeliner. The stock photo on their website looks thinner than the one that I have. Mine is thicker and is too flimsy for applying eyeliner. Maybe mine is just from a bad batch? (The brush only takes about 3 hours to dry. It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro BC530 ~ BX-115 ~ BX-135 ~ BX-130 ~ BX-140

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro BC530 ~ BX-115 ~ BX-135 ~ BX-130 ~ BX-140

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro BC530 ~ BX-115 ~ BX-135 ~ BX-130 ~ BX-140

Royal & Langnickel BX-115 Angle Liner Brush ($8.99) is ideal for applying eyeliner and for filling in the brows. The bristles are firmer and slightly thicker than the Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro BC530 (mini review). When I use it to apply my eyeliner in a patting motion, it creates a line that's not too thin or thick and it offers great control. When I use it in a dragging motion, it leaves a thicker line and creates a more dramatic look. It also has an angled shape, so the tip of the longer end of the brush makes it easier to reach the inner corner. (The brush only takes about 2.5 hours to dry. It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-135 Brow Spoolie Dual Brush ($9.99) is ideal for applying eyeliner and shaping the brows. The brush is thicker and stiffer than the BX-115. I personally prefer the BX-115 for applying eyeliner and shaping my brows because it creates a more natural look, but if you prefer a more dramatic effect, then the BX-135 is a more suitable option because it allows you to create a very thick line and brow shape. The spoolie end of the brush is just like any other spoolie in the market. It grooms the eyebrows and blends in the color of your brow product with your natural brow seamlessly(The brush only takes about 2.5 hours to dry. It measures 6.80 inches in total length.

Royal & Langnickel BX-130 Eyebrow Brush ($7.99) is ideal for applying eyeliner and for filling in the brows. The bristles feel very stiff and is thinner than the BX-115 and BX-135. I personally prefer the BX-115 for shaping my brows because the tip is thicker, but if you prefer a more precise application, then the BX-130 is a more suitable option. Also, because the tip is very thin, it allows you to get close to the lash line and to create a very thin line when used in a patting motion. When used in a dragging motion, it creates a line that's not too thin or too thick.  It also has an angled shape, so the tip of the longer end of the brush makes it easier to reach the inner corner. I also love using it to set my eyeliner with a powder eyeshadow. (The brush only takes about 2.5 hours to dry. It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-140 Lash Comb Spoolie Brush ($10.99) is ideal for shaping the brows and separating the lashes. The metal comb separates each hair and removes mascara clumps, effortlessly. Just be careful not to poke your eyes out with it because the ends are really sharp. The spoolie end of the brush is just like any other spoolie in the market. It grooms the eyebrows and blends in the color of your brow product with your natural brow, seamlessly. (The brush measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Bottom Line: I highly recommend the Royal & Langnickel Revolution brushes because they allow your makeup application to look polished and flawless. Each brush is carefully designed to endure extreme daily use and to perform exceptionally well with powder, liquid and cream products. The bristles pick up the perfect amount of product, pack on color well, and apply evenly without shedding, absorbing product, or leaving a patchy finish. The durability and versatility make the [R]evolution brushes 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.

Which brush are you most interested in from the [R]evolution Collection?

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

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. ^_^

 
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...