4 Ways to use Real Techniques' Brushes to Go Plastic-free

We’re always looking for ways to be more eco-friendly and to cut down on plastic waste. But did you know that Real Techniques' brushes offer many stylish, cost-effective and easy ways to do so? My collection of Real Techniques makeup brushes is understandably ever-expanding. Having gotten used to using each brush for its correct purpose, I was interested to discover that many of the brushes can be used in other ways too. I don't know about you, but I find myself constantly reaching for tissues and cotton buds to correct make-up application errors. As somebody who consciously tries to minimise her consumption of single-use items where possible, I wanted to see if there was a way around this. After testing out the potential alter-egos of many of my makeup brushes, I found a solution in my Real Techniques brushes. These 4 brushes by Real Techniques are ideal tools that will enable you to ditch those single-use cosmetic items for good. 

Real Techniques Buffing Brush

A buffing brush can be used to touch up hair roots with makeup powder.

How is this saving on single-use plastic and cosmetic items? 

Did you know that you can use this buffing brush on your hair for times when you want to cover up root outgrowth? Perhaps you want to cover up your grey roots or maybe your hair is dyed and you want to disguise your roots for a little longer. Either way, all you need is a buffing brush and a powder in the colour of your choice. Simply buff the powder into your roots to cover up and disguise root outgrowth. I find that bronzers, contour colours and eyebrow powders work best for this. This method isn't going to give you long-lasting results and it doesn't last longer than a day, but it is certainly more convenient and cheaper than getting your roots touched up right away!

Real Techniques Powder Brush

Use the powder brush with talcum powder as a dry shampoo.

How is this saving on single-use plastic and cosmetic items? 

Dry shampoo has reached a new level of popularity again in recent years. Washing your hair daily isn't healthy for your hair and doesn't do much for that beloved bounce we all strive to achieve. So for that reason, dry shampoo is truly a hair care must-have. That being said, it's easy to get through cans of dry shampoo like you wouldn't believe, so naturally any alternative tips to save money and product packaging are most welcome. Well, I've found that using simple talcum powder with the Real Techniques Powder Brush to be a cheap and effective alternative to dry shampoo. All you need to do is sprinkle a little talcum powder into your hair and then use the buffing brush to blend in. I'd advise that you apply a little talcum powder at a time, work it in to the hair before repeating if necessary.

Real Techniques Accent Brush

An accent brush to smudge and correct make-up.

How is this saving on single-use plastic and cosmetic items? 

I love using cotton buds for touching up and correcting my makeup. Unfortunately, over time the number of cotton buds adds up and you realise you've smudged your way through an entire box of cotton buds and thrown them away after 1-2 uses. Cotton buds are one of the worst cosmetic items for generating high volumes of waste in my opinion, because there is no possible way for you to use them more than a couple of times - even if you're really frugal! Fortunately, I found that the Real Techniques Accent Brush - a brush I hadn't quite found a real use for from my starter kit, is actually the ideal, sustainable replacement for all those cotton buds I used to get through! The accent brush is thinner than a cotton bud, allowing you to carefully smudge and correct your eye makeup, without ruining all your hard work. I'm pleased to say that this little brush no longer stands alone and unused in my makeup brush holder and now gets plenty of use!

Real Techniques Concealer Brush

A concealer brush to blend and correct lipstick and lip liner.

How is this saving on single-use plastic and cosmetic items? 
Again, this is all about saving on cotton buds and finding a suitable replacement for the task at hand. I also used to get through lots of cotton buds by touching up my lipstick and lip liner. I now feel guilty at the thought of how many cotton buds I used to use in an average week just through applying and touching up my makeup! But that's now a thing of the past. The replacement brush I've found for using cotton buds to perfect your lipstick is the Real Techniques Concealer Brush. I've always loved using a concealer brush for applying my lipstick but it's also useful to have a spare for correcting any uneven, "bleeding" or harsh edges.
 

What do you think? Have you found any beauty items to help you save on single-use plastic and other cosmetic items? Let me know, I'd love to hear what you're using!