Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Review + Comparison: Royal & Langnickel SILK Pro Synthetic Hair 12 PC Brush Set

case measures 10" x 0.45" x 8.75" when opened

The Royal & Langnickel SILK Pro 12pc Brush Set comes with 12 brushes, all of which are made from synthetic material and feel very soft like a bunny's bum. (Don't worry, no animals were harmed during the manufacturing process.) The bristles retain their shape very well and they do not splay, even without using the plastic brush guard that comes with the set. Also, I did not experience any shedding with any of the brushes.

case measures 4.75" x 0.85" x 8.75" when closed 

The C101 powder brush and C111 blush brush come with their own plastic brush guard.

Packaging: The 12pc set comes with a faux leather case, which is very slim, lightweight and travel friendly. It may seem like there are only 12 brush slots inside, but there are actually 14 brush slots because there is a tiny slot on each end of the case, which is perfect for storing brushes with a thin handle, such as the Royal & Langnickel C212, C441 and C491. Other brands of brushes will fit nicely in the case too.

The handles are attached to a nickel ferrule and are matte black, which looks attractive, classy and professional. They are also full-size, which is a major plus for me because (1) I like my brushes to look uniform and (2) they won't get lost or be hard to find if I store them in my brush holder.

Scroll down to find out how they perform individually!

Sonia Kashuk Large Powder Brush ~ C101 ~ C111 ~ Studio Gear #13

Sonia Kashuk Large Powder Brush ~ C101 ~ C111 ~ Studio Gear #13



Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C101 Powder Brush is ideal for applying setting powder and bronzer to the face, neck and decollete. The brush head is bigger, wider and denser than the C111 and Studio Gear #13 brush (review). The Sonia Kashuk brush is slightly wider at the tip and is not as dense. I find that the C101 gives me better control because of its density, but it also provides a light application of product because of its synthetic bristles. (Synthetic hairs tend to apply products more lightly than natural hairs.) For this reason, it always makes my makeup look natural and not cakey. (The brush takes about 11 hours to dry, but if you use a paper towel to absorb the excess water, then it'll take about 4.5 hours to dry. It measures 7 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $24.99.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C111 Blush Brush is ideal for applying blush and bronzer. The brush head is slightly longer and less dense than the Studio Gear #13 brush, but it is by no means flimsy. I love using it to apply highly pigmented blushers because it deposits the right amount of product without making me look like a clown. The tip of the brush has a wide oval shape and it's great for sweeping the product back and forth, upwards towards the hairline. The side of the brush can be used in a tapping motion for a precise application of product on the apple of the cheeks. (The brush takes about 11 hours to dry, but if you use a paper towel to absorb the excess water, then it'll take about 4 hours to dry. It measures 7.25 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $19.99.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C201 Foundation Brush is ideal for applying liquid and cream foundation. The brush head is thick and the bristles are not too flimsy, which allows it to apply the product evenly without streaking. It is also a great size for the face and it can get under the eye area really well when using the flat side of the brush. When using the tip, it fits nicely around the nose area and the small crevices of the face. (The brush takes about 5.5 hours to dry. It measures 7 inches in total length.)

C411 old version ~ C411 new version ~ C212 ~ C601

C411 old version ~ C411 new version ~ C212 ~ C601



Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C411 MD Eye Shader Brush is ideal for applying and blending eyeshadows. This brush comes with the 12pc set, but I also purchased it individually about a year ago and the handle is slightly longer and not as matte. The brush head is also thinner and firmer than the new version, which is thicker and fluffier, but it's by no means flimsy. It still offers great control and I actually prefer it over the old version because it's more multi-functional. It's great for (1) spot concealing and for applying cream eyeshadows because the bristles don't absorb as much product as natural bristles do and it distributes the product evenly, (2) for applying a sheer wash of color onto the lids or an intense amount when layered, (3) for defining the eye when using the tip of the brush, and (4) for softening harsh edges. This is definitely a must-have for me because I can kill at least 4 birds with this one brush. Ha! (It only takes about 3 hours to dry and measures 6.70 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $10.99. )

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C212 Concealer Brush is ideal for spot concealing and for applying eyeshadow on the upper & lower lash line. The brush is thin, firm and small, which allows it to provide excellent control. I love using it to apply powder eyeshadow on my upper lash line to set my eyeliner. It also works well for filling in the eyebrows because it deposits a light amount of product, thereby creating a more soft and natural appearance to the brows. Those with a smaller eye shape will find this brush to also be great for applying cream eyeshadows. (The brush only takes about 2 hours to dry. It measures 6 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C601 Lip Brush is ideal for applying lip products & eyeliner and for filling in the brows. Because the brush is thin and firm, the tip is great for shaping the mouth, while the side is great for filling in color. I also like using it to apply eyeliner because it allows me to create a line that's not too thick or too thin. It can also be used for applying eyeshadow on the lower lash line or upper lash line to set eyeliner and for filling in the eyebrows. When compared to the C212 brush, the C601 brush offers a more precise application and leaves a more concentrated amount of product. (The brush only takes about 2 hours to dry. It measures 6.75 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $4.99.)

Chanel #19 ~ NARS #12 ~ C422 ~ Inglot 80HP ~ C441


Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C422 Smudger Brush is ideal for highlighting the inner corner of the eye, applying eyeshadow on the outer corner of the eye and smudging. The Chanel #19 (review) is bigger and more suitable for crease work, while the C422 is firmer and more suitable for detail work. However, those with a small eye shape will find the C422 to be a more appropriate for crease work. The NARS #12 is flimsier and doesn't offer as much control. When compared to the Inglot 80HP, the C422 is just as firm, but it has a pointed tip, so it allows for a more precise application. It is one of my favorite brushes from this set because it's so versatile. (The brush only takes about 2 hours to dry. It measures 6.85 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $7.99.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C441 Liner Brush is ideal for detail work, lining the eyes, defining the outer v, and applying eyeshadow on the lower lash line. The bristles are densely packed and feel very firm. It's thinner and offers more precision than the C422. I thought that the C441 was going to be too thick for applying eyeliner, but it actually creates a line that's not too thick or too thin because it has a thin pointed tip. This has become another one of my favorites from this brush set. (It measures 6.50 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $5.99.)

C501 ~ C491 ~ C451 ~ C521

C501 ~ C491 ~ C451




Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C501 Angle Fluff Brush is ideal for crease work, blending eyeshadows and applying a sheer wash of color onto the lids. The bristles are not as densely packed as the C411 brush, but it's not too flimsy and still offers great control. The tip of the longer end of the brush fits perfectly right above the crease area and I love using it to apply my transition color. It's also great for defining the crease and for blending out light colors. (The brush only takes about 3 hours to dry. It measures 7 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $5.99.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C491 Angled Brow Brush is ideal for applying eyeliner and for filling in the brows. The brush is very thin and firm, so it allows you to get close to the lash line and to create a very thin & natural looking line. It also has an angled shape, so the tip of the longer end of the brush makes it easier to reach the inner corner of the eye. Therefore, I love using it to set my eyeliner with a powder eyeshadow. It's also great for shaping the brows if you prefer a more precise application. (The brush only takes about 2 hours to dry. It measures 6.25 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro Synthetic C451 Flat Eyeliner Brush is ideal for tightlining and for applying eyeshadow & eyeliner on the lower lash line. The brush is thin and firm, and it offers great control. It creates a line that's not too thick or thin; however, it's difficult to get into the inner corner of my upper lash line because I have hooded eyes. I prefer to use the brush to apply eyeshadow on my lower lash line because it gives a precise application and it doesn't tug or irritate my skin. (The brush only takes about 2 hours to dry. It measures 6 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro C521 Brow Lash Groomer Brush is ideal for shaping the brows and separating the lashes. I love using the metal comb to remove mascara clumps because it can easily separate each and every one of my lashes. The plastic ones just don't compare. Just be careful not to poke your eyes out with it because the metal teeth are really sharp. The spoolie end of the brush grooms the eyebrows into place and softens the color of your brow product to create a more natural appearance. (The brush measures 7 inches in total length. It can be purchased individually for $9.99 and it also comes with an additional brow comb that's attached on the back of the metal comb.)

Bottom Line: The 12pc brush set is a great addition to any brush collection and it's also very travel friendly. It has everything that you need for a perfect makeup application! Also, it comes down to about 10 bucks per brush, which is extremely reasonable for the quality that you're getting. I highly recommend it, especially for those who are an avid user of cream products or for those who are just starting out with makeup and want a well-rounded brush set.

Note: The Royal & Langnickel SILK Pro Synthetic Hair 12 PC Brush Set retails for $119.99 and some of the brushes can be purchased individually on their online store. Also, for a limited time, you can get 40% off using coupon code ROYAL40 at checkout. The 40% discount can be applied to ALL Royal & Langnickel products and will expire by the end of this week.

*This post contains affiliate links and the products mentioned were provided by the manufacturer for consideration. 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 brushes from Royal & Langnickel's Silk Pro Line?
Do you prefer to buy brushes individually to tailor to your needs
or in sets for a better value?

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