Royal & Langnickel Brushes

A few weeks back I was invited to a Royal & Langnickel Blogger Breakfast where they would have a complimentary breakfast, a presentation by Kevin James Bennett and complimentary gift bags.  Inside the gift bag was a Royal & Langnickel S.I.L.K Pro Synthetic 12 Piece Set and a Majestic 7 Piece Paint Brush Set.  I know what you're thinking, Paint Brush Set?  As someone with an art background (drawing, painting etc) I've purchased art store paint brushes to use in my makeup kit.  Sometimes the art store quality has been better than some of the beauty brushes out there.

Royal & Langnickel is a family owned business that started out making paint brushes and within the past few years started making Beauty Brushes as well.  One of their best sellers is the S.I.L.K Pro collection and I have to say these brushes are absolutely amazing.  They're soft to the touch and literally just glides over the face for a flawless finish.  The construction of the brush itself says a lot.  The ferrule (the metal part that connects the bristles to the handle) is made of chrome-plated brass which pretty much guarantees that the metal wont deform or rust and because the ferrule is pressed twice into the hard wood barrel handle, your brush handle will stay put and never become loose or fall off.  My favorite brushes from this set is the Angled Eye Shadow Brush and the Blush Brush.

SILK Pro 12 Piece Set

The SILK Pro 12 Piece Brush Set Includes:

Powder Brush

Blush Brush

Eyeshadow Brush

Foundation Brush

Smudger Brush

Liner Brush

Eye Fluff Brush

Eyeliner/Brow Brush

Flat Liner Brush

Brow/Lash Brush

Concealer Brush

Lip Brush

Majestic 7 Piece Round Short Handle Paint Brush Set

The Majestic set is also super soft and already I've used them for applying foundation on face and body, concealer (both large and small areas), smudging eyeshadow and applying lipstick/gloss.  Another thing that I love about this brush set is that the handle comes with a slanted end which is absolutely perfect for scooping out product (in the case that you don't have a spatula or mixing knife).

Majestic 7 Piece comes with brush no. 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 & 24.

As for the event, the Royal & Langnickel staff and president were so nice and helpful in answering any questions I might have had.  Here are some photos for your viewing pleasure.

For more information on Royal & Langnickel, their brushes, brush sets and instructional how to videos please visit www.royalbrush.com.

Brushes vs. Sponges

Foundation Brushes vs. Sponges.  To be honest they both do different things so to compare them would be pointless.  Also, each brush gives a different finish as well.  Below I'll discuss the one's I carry in my kit and why I like them so much.

1. Sonia Kashuk - Large Duo Fibre Multipurpose Brush - $12.99
I put this first because it is literally my all time favorite brush to use with liquid foundation.  It gives the most beautiful airbrushed finish but without the airbrush.  The end result is super smooth, flawless and seamless.  It's the brush I reach for first.  I find that it also covers more ground especially in the neck area.  It's also available in small for smaller areas such as the nose, under eyes and chin (or for a flawless powder blush application).

2. Sonia Kashuk - Synthetic Pointed Foundation Brush - $12.99
My favorite when applying cream foundations.  Cream foundations (when not thinned down) can be a bit tough to pick up and spread when using a regular foundation brush.  But with this one, because it's pointed, the brush itself is a bit sturdier and the bristles closer together.  Great for getting in those deep set corner of the eyes and around the nose area.

3. Crown Brush - Mineral Series: Taklon Foundation Brush M10 - $3.25
Although there isn't really anything "special" about this brush I really like it because the bristles are pressed together really tightly and I can use it for my older clients who have a bit of wrinkles.  I feel it get's really in there especially near crows feet and laugh lines.

4. Crown Brush - Luna Series: Deluxe Oval Foundation Brush BK9 - $4.99
My second favorite brush next to the Sonia Kashuk one.  I like that although its a flat head, the bristles aren't as tight and it has a bit of a feathering affect at the tip.  I love to use it when I highlight and contour with any cream products.  It doesn't give a harsh line and makes the product go on super smooth.  Also wonderful with cream or cream to powder blushes.

5. Crown Brush - Luna Series: Oval Camouflage Concealer Brush BK10 - $2.88
Yes I know, I know...we're discussing foundation brushes.  But I had to add this one because I own about 3 of these.  It has the same effect as the Foundation brush above.  Concealer goes on as smooth as a baby's bottom and leaves no streaking.

6. Beauty Blender Sponge - $19.95 - $39.95
As a makeup artist who isn't too fond of sponges (trust me, it even took me a while to give into using this product) I gotta say this little egg of happiness makes my day!  My favorite way to use it is to wet it, squeeze any water out and get into the corner of the eyes.  I also absolutely LOVE it to blend out the edges near the hairline.  There are many that look like it and claim they're better, but they're not.  The material that it's made of is patent and there is no other like it.

7. Alcone Non-Latex Sponges - $2.50 for a block pre-cut into 8 individual
These are the sponges that I started out using 7 years ago and these are the sponges I use to this day.  I might not use them often but when in need of a sponge, this is my go to.  I personally like to use them dry to take away or "erase" any mistakes.  Great for toning down too much blush or any product for that matter.