MAC 182 Buffer Brush Photos & Review

Posted in: Beauty Tips, MAC Cosmetics, MAC Cosmetics Product Guides, Product Photos/Swatches, Series, Tools

Beauty Basics: MAC Face Brushes

Beauty Basics is a series covering basic products and tools that help to make applying your makeup easier. To view the entire series to date, be sure to visit the beauty basics, or you can view posts within the series about MAC Face Brushes.

Focus On: MAC 182 Buffer Brush

MAC 182 Buffer Brush ($45.00) is large, densely-packed dome-shaped brush with dyed-black goat hair bristles. My photos are of the limited edition release of the 182 brush from MAC’s Couture Collection (I believe these retailed around $54), and I fell absolutely in love with it so much so that I purchased a second one. I actually really love the square handle on it, but the round handle works just as well.

The brush is extremely dense and full, but the most amazing thing about it is how flawless it makes your face look. No matter what powders, liquids, or blushes you use, the 182 is always there to soften your look and eliminate any harsh edges or unevenness. I also LOVE it for applying liquid foundations like Studio Fix Fluid (moreso than the 109 and 187). I do find this is a high quality brush, so I personally believe it is well worth the cost.

This ranks amongst my top five must-have brushes if you’re on a tight budget! However, if this is just too expensive for you, I recommend putting it on your wishlist for birthdays/holidays. Everyone should have at least one buffer brush, though — MAC or another brand!

How do you like to use this brush?

See close-ups

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38 Responses to “MAC 182 Buffer Brush Photos & Review”

  1. BINNIE

    Saturday, July 4, 2009

    I really want this brush but its so pricey x

  2. barbie

    Saturday, July 4, 2009

    Thats a wicked looking brush. Love it ;)

  3. Sass

    Saturday, July 4, 2009

    Love, love it.

  4. Ria

    Saturday, July 4, 2009

    Those poor goats :( Guess their lives are only worth 45 bucks. I actually like Coastal Scent’s synthetic buffer; even though it’s cheap wholesale stuff, it feels and works great.

    • cloudburst

      Sunday, July 5, 2009

      I believe MAC shaves or clips the hairs off animals to make their brushes, so the goats/badgers/squirrels etc aren’t harmed in the process.

      • Christine

        Thursday, July 9, 2009

        Yes, that’s what MAC’s policy/claim is! :)

    • Christine

      Thursday, July 9, 2009

      Actually, if you read (and/or believe) MAC’s policy, the hair is shaved off of goats in a non-cruel way — they aren’t KILLED for brushes.

  5. Nicole15

    Saturday, July 4, 2009

    This was my first MAC brush I ever owned & I fell in love instantly. I couldn’t believe how soft it was. I justified the price by telling myself that if i took care of it, I would probably have it for like 10 years minimum. With other brushes I was having to buy new ones every year at like $15-$20 a pop cause they just fell apart so for me it was a well worth it purchase. Many people will complain about shedding & i do run into that issue especially after washing it but that’s what happens with man made brushes & it’s not so bad that it prevents me from getting my makeup done. Your look is still flawless when all is said & done. I use this brush for applying my MSF Natural or BE Mineral Foundation.

    • Christine

      Thursday, July 9, 2009

      ME TOO, Nicole! My first ever. Total and utter splurge — and AMAZING splurge at that.

  6. isabella

    Saturday, July 4, 2009

    i use it for my msf natural
    its love <3

    • Christine

      Thursday, July 9, 2009

      Never used it with MSFN, good idea!

  7. Andrea

    Saturday, July 4, 2009

    I have the regular handle 182 and I love!!! I think though that seeing these pics makes me want the square handle!!!

    • Christine

      Thursday, July 9, 2009

      I’m so glad I bought this brush when I did — I think I’d have regretted it otherwise!

  8. victoria

    Saturday, July 4, 2009

    of all mac’s kabuki, this is my favorite. i had the 182 and 180 but i prefer this one the most, it’s the absolute teddy bear brush. if i was into mac when the couture one was out, i too would’ve bought 2 of them.

    • Nicole15

      Saturday, July 4, 2009

      This is the 182! ;)

    • Christine

      Thursday, July 9, 2009

      I definitely prefer 182 over all other kabukis!

  9. Ashley

    Saturday, July 4, 2009

    Like other natural hair brushes, this one irritated the hell out of my skin, as well as possibly broke me out (although I haven’t used it in a while so I’m not sure)
    From first use and after washes, every time it would make my face go red. Too bad they wouldn’t let me return it because I had already exchanged the 187 for that one.

    • Christine

      Thursday, July 9, 2009

      I’m really sad to hear it didn’t work out for you, Ashley :( Might be allergic to goat hair/natural hair brushes.

  10. lisa

    Saturday, July 4, 2009

    I love this brush it is my go to brush when i want to achieve a flawless face look!

  11. tess

    Saturday, July 4, 2009

    i actually tried it with my foundation earlier today and i must say… it’s very impressive… i’ve always used this only as a powder brush until i read this… and wow… 8-9 hours later… my foundtion still looks flawless… love it… i am considering getting another one… hopefully soon…

  12. shangrila

    Monday, July 6, 2009

    I have two of them! I use one for my foundation, and one i just keep on my vanity to look pretty! lol. I love that handle. I’d love to get another one for powders, though.

    • Christine

      Thursday, July 9, 2009

      Haha, that sounds just like me :D

  13. Sue

    Monday, July 6, 2009

    How do you use them for applying liquid foundation? I’ve always used Taklon-type brushes for that.

    • Christine

      Thursday, July 9, 2009

      I first apply dabs of foundation to my cheeks, chin, and forehead. Then, I just spritz my 182 brush with water, and then I buff the foundation in.

  14. Jae

    Monday, July 6, 2009

    I use the 182 for both foundation and bronzer application. I have the couture version and 2 of the rounded handled ones. Its definitely a fave brush of mine!! One of them is strictly for traveling use and the other two are dedicated to foundation and powders. I don’t like mixing! I think the bulk of my costs went to brushes (but I’ve been building my collection for a VERY long time)!

  15. Catherine @ Salescoop

    Tuesday, July 7, 2009

    This brush is awesome! I love the design of it! Leave it up to MAC to make a chic makeup brush. This would definitely be a fun addition to my makeup case. I may just have to go pick one up!

    • Christine

      Thursday, July 9, 2009

      Definitely a must-have, sooo, get it :D

  16. lelila

    Thursday, July 9, 2009

    I just got my 182 brush, the same one pictured here, and i super duper love it!

    good thing is i got it for 37USD from a local reseller here (Philippines), MAC Phils. sells a regular 182 for 52USD.

    I’m so happy!

  17. Kayra

    Tuesday, July 14, 2009

    This will be my next b-day gift I guess LOL

  18. Anna

    Monday, July 20, 2009

    I’ve been needing a new buffer brush and have been looking at this for so long. Maybe, I’ll add this as an anniversary gift from my bf or just splurge as soon as I hit the mall today. Haha :P.

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