Meeting the Pixiwoo Sisters & My Favourite Makeup Brushes

Photo Credit: John Goldstein Photography

If you watch YouTube as much as I do, you’ll understand why I was SO excited to meet the Pixiwoo sisters when they visited Toronto last month – I’ve been watching their videos for YEARS! Sam and Nic are EXACTLY the same in person as they are in their videos…and their makeup application is flawless – they are both just so gorgeous! Aside from their Youtube videos, the Pixiwoo sisters are also famous for channeling their professional makeup artist expertise to create the Real Techniques brush line.

The meet-up was hosted by Farleyco Marketing – the official Canadian distributors of Real Techniques brushes. After taking pictures with the Pixiwoo sisters, we sat down for a Question and Answer session. Here are some of my favorite tidbits from their talk:

• Their favorite Real Techniques Brush: Sam loves the Expert Face Brush and Nic thinks that the Setting Brush does not get the attention it deserves.
• How NOT to wash your brushes: One of their pet peeves is seeing their brushes being “drowned” in a sink full of soapy water…it may seem like a quick way to wash your brushes, but submerging your brushes in water is a BAD idea – it will make the bristles fall out. (Try this instead – my top makeup brush cleaning tips)
• Dealing with Haters: They are open to opinions and suggestions on makeup, but ignore baseless and personal attacks, as those reflect more about the commenter than their videos.
• Who they watch on YouTube: Sam likes Lauren Luke and Nic enjoys Kandee Johnson’s videos.  They said they don’t watch too many other YouTubers as they don’t want their style to inadvertently get influenced.
• Using their platform for more than just makeup: The sisters recently posted a video about their experience with domestic abuse. They wanted to share their story and let other people going through a similar situation know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Not only do I love Pixiwoo’s videos – I’m also a HUGE fan of their Real Techniques Makeup Brushes. The quality is amazing yet they’re so reasonably priced. They are made of the softest synthetic bristles (no shedding!) which are hand-cut to ensure flawless makeup application. Their aluminum metallic handles are lightweight (and pretty!!!), while their non-slip bases ensure that the brushes won’t roll off the counter when you set them down. BONUS – the Pixiwoo sisters film YouTube tutorials on how to use each brush!

My most-used Real Techniques brushes (In case you’re wondering – I purchased these brushes myself and have been using them for at least a year, if not longer)

• Domed Shadow Brush – I use this to apply concealer under my eyes – it smooths on an even and thin layer.
• Buffing Brush – One of the most famous brushes in the Real Techniques line. It’s the best foundation brush I’ve ever tried – it takes even the thickest foundation and applies it so that it looks smooth and airbrushed without any caking.
• Multi Task Brush – I use this with my pigmented powder blush – the large domed head deposits a light dusting of even color.
• Contour Brush – Smoothly applies my bronzer for contouring – subtle application which allows you to build up intensity without overdoing it.
• Detailer Brush – Not a complete necessity, but I use this to apply lip balm at night. It helps to work the balm into my lips…and it feels really nice too!

Real Techniques Brushes to try (these were gifted by Farleyco Beauty, they kindly allowed me to select the products I wanted)

• Sculpting Brush – Specially designed (with a wide angled head) for contouring –  I think it will make it even easier to define my face with highlighter and bronzer.
• Miracle Complexion Sponge – Their version of the beauty blender. Modified from the classic teardrop shape, this design adds in a flat edge to make it easier to work around the eyes and nose.
• Silicone Liner Brush – I can’t wait to use this brush with my gel liner. It features a solid silicone tip rather than bristles – and is meant to apply liner smoothly and precisely. I also think the silicone will make it easier to keep clean.
• Retractable Kabuki Brush – Will keep this in my travel makeup bag for applying powder, blush and bronzer. Also, I kind of wanted it just because it’s pink and portable – it’s SO pretty!

Do you watch Pixiwoo on YouTube? Do you own any Real Techniques Brushes?

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