Ever since I found out that Real Techniques is launching Real Techniques Nic’s Picks set back in August 2014, I was super excited. I’ve always been fond with chrome-handle brushes and they’re near impossible to get in Malaysia. I knew that I can get my hands on Real Techniques brushes easily. Can you imagine my excitement when this set is made available in iHerb.com?

Real Techniques Nic’s Picks is a limited edition brush set from Nic Chapman, one of the sisters behind beauty blog and YouTube channel Pixiwoo and it was finally launched in October 2014. It wasn’t until middle of November that I placed my order from iHerb.com. I was patiently waiting for iHerb to come out with the special 20% OFF offer and it finally happened. Needless to say, I placed my order in less than 5 minutes and a few days later, the brushes arrived my doorstep. These beauties remained in the box until two weeks ago. I took them out, gave them a good deep thorough bath and eagerly used them the next day.

Sam Chapman came out with a similar set last year aptly named as Sam’s Picks. I was contemplating if I should get Sam’s Picks earlier this year and while I was still contemplating, I heard about these chrome-handle Nic’s Picks. It’s just about the right time as Sam’s Picks was discontinued and Nic’s Picks made it’s way in.

Nic’s Picks set consist of a collection of Nic’s favourite brushes. The set features five brushes including three exclusive brushes that was specially designed just for the set.

Here comes the brushes! They are all in it’s original shape before deep wash. The chrome is so shiny that it catches the sunlight all the time, making it a challenge to photograph. The first thing I notice is the print-on brand name on the chrome handles. Now, these non permanent wordings even on other Real Techniques brushes rubbed off after a while, which I don’t like. I could only imagine how fast they will rub off from chrome surface. It’s such a shame because a Real Techniques is not a Real Techniques without the brand print on it. These brand print are especially pretty on the chrome handle because there is a mixture of orange, pink and purple color this time.

I have friends telling me that they are not fond of Real Techniques brushes being light in weight. Personally I have no problem with them. I didn’t even realized they’re lighter than normal wooden handle brushes until I was told so. However if you’re not fond with the regular Real Techniques brushes being light, you may have a problem with this Nic’s Picks. Despite being a chrome-handle brushes, they are extremely light. Even lighter than the regular Real Techniques brushes. I certainly did not expect this. Does it effect the application? It definitely did not.

Duo-Fiber Face Brush

This duo-fiber face brush is not new. It is one of Real Techniques most favourite face brush. Nic said that duo-fiber brush is good because you can never over-apply due to the bristle. It’s perfect for any lightweight application, blending of face powder as well as pigments. This is the brush that I’ve yet to used yet but I’ve seen lots of video on it. I think I will either use it for blush or for face powder.

Exclusive Cheek Brush

This is the main reason why I wanted this set badly. This cheek brush is exclusive to the set. As the name suggest, the brush is meant for any makeup application across the cheekbone. I love this brush because it is rounded on the top but flat surface on the side. I used one side for blush and the other side for highlighter. It’s perfect. And the soft bristle can also be good for bronzer / contour application as well.

Exclusive Angled Shadow Brush

Also another brush which I’ve not used yet but I will soon. I keep on forgetting this brush everytime I do my makeup. The top tip is perfect for crease application. It packs on color and blend at the same time. Do note that the size of the brush may be too big for small Asian eye lid so it will be a challenge at the begining. Once you get the hang of it, it will be just like any other eye brush.

Base Shadow Brush

I’ve always wanted Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush and I finally have it in chrome handle. I’ve kinda used it for the wrong purpose i.e. to apply color on the crease. Due to the densely packed bristles, I ended up with strong crease color lol. This brush is perfect for packing on color to the entire lid. I’m also using the curvy side to blend eyeshadow away. Did I tell you the soft bristles is great for everything?

Exclusive Eyeliner Brush

Yes this is new and exclusive. You might have notice that there’s a similar bigger brush from Your Eyes/Enhanced Starter Set. In fact that is the brow brush and this is the angled eyeliner brush. Many of you complained saying that you wished the brow brush is smaller, well now you have it. The brush is small, which is good as eyeliner brush, bristles are shorter and densely packed which means it’s firm enough to draw a perfect line. Suits small Asian eyes too lol.

Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection – New line of luxury makeup brushes

Lo and behold! Real Techniques have just released a brand new line of luxury makeup brushes which consists of everything in metal. These are pricy, ranging from USD16 to USD26 each depending the type of brush. At the moment they are available in-store only such as Ulta and Boots. I shall wait for it to be made available at either Real Techniques website or iHerb although I doubt iHerb will have it.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review. I bought the product on my own.