MAC Cosmetics: Guide For The Newly Addicted, Part 6
Brushes
- Face | These are the brushes I could not live without: 129 (for blush and powder), 168/169 (to contour), 182 (for buffing), and 187 (for stippling). Brushes that are good, but you could get away with not having are: 150 (good for powders), 188 (smaller stippling, more precision), 183 (flat buffer), and 194 (concealing).
- Eyes | These are the brushes I could not live without: 210 (for precision lining), 219 (for lining with shadow, precise crease definition), 239 (shadow application), 249 (cream product application), and 266 (for upper lash line lining and brows). Brushes that are incredibly popular: 217 (blending), 222 (blending), and 224 (blending).
- Lips | I like the 318 because it is a retractable version of the 316, which makes it convenient for on the go. The 311 is nice, but I find I can line well with cremestick liner already.
- Sets | Once or twice a year, MAC puts out brush sets with four to five brushes in them. Each set comes with a brush bag and then four or five miniaturized brushes. Typically, they have a basic set, which includes both face and eye brushes; an eye brush set; and a face set. I always encourage newcomers to check these out as a great way to get quality brushes for less. They also make excellent travel options.
- SH vs. SE | SH stands for “Short Handled,” which means the brush is specially made for a certain launch or collection. It may be pink handled or ornately decorated, but the brushhead is of the same quailty as the typical version. SE stands for “Special Edition,” which tend to be short handled brushes included in brush sets. These are man-made, mass-produced, and do tend to have less quality than a full-sized version. However, they are packaged in sets, which are much less expensive than individual, full-size brushes making them a good deal. To be sure, I personally find that the difference in quailty is not really that big. I mostly can feel it in a fluffy brush like the 129, which does feel a bit rougher compared to the full-size version.
tatiana
Thursday, February 21, 2008
this helps alot, im currently saving to get more brushes :D
for the 217, 219, and 239 plus 129 and 190 aannnnnndddd i think the 150… lol so i got a long way to go!!! i got 50$ right now… anywho thanks this really helps !!!!
Christine
Friday, February 22, 2008
I’m glad this helps you, Tatiana! Good luck!
Kirsten
Friday, February 22, 2008
what is your opinion on the 134 brush?
i use it for mineralize skin finish and bronzer everyday, but no one else seems to use it often even though a MAC artist recommended it for the products i bought about 5 months ago, so im just wondering =]
Christine
Friday, February 22, 2008
I don’t personally own it, so I can’t say, Kirsten! I think I’ve played with a bit, and I don’t find I really need it!
D
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
What do you think is better and more useful if I had to pick one of the two mac brushes for blending etc…the #219 or #224
Christine
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
224 for blending! 219 is really best for precision application, not so much blending.
JennBee
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Hi :) Quick question, do you know if the 242 and 249 are really similar, maybe just a size difference? I got the 242 thinking (or rather, being told) it was good for cream product application, but I hope I didn’t make a mistake…
Thanks so much, your articles are wonderful :)
Christine
Friday, March 28, 2008
I like the 249 better for cream products personally.
Donna Edwards
Monday, April 7, 2008
What is the best brush for doing crease work. One that will not make me look like I have black eyes.
Christine
Friday, April 11, 2008
You can try the 222 or 224!
Donna Edwards
Friday, April 11, 2008
Thanks Christine. Which is your favorite the 222 or 224?
Donna
Christine
Friday, April 11, 2008
I find them equal, honestly, but the 222 if I had to pick!
Donna Edwards
Friday, April 11, 2008
Thanks for the great advice Christine.
Donna
Christine
Friday, April 11, 2008
My pleasure, Donna! If you have other questions, feel free to ask!
Kiarra
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
I use a matte mousse foundation, what brush would you recommend?
Christine
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
I suggest using a flat brush like the 190 to initially get the product out, and then a stippling brush like the 187 to blend it out.
Suzie
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Hi Christine,
I went to MAC today to buy the 249 brush. I wasn’t paying attention but when I got home discovered the artist gave me a 252 brush. Could that brush be used the same way as the 249? So frustrated! =) If not, it’s back to the store tomorrow!
Christine
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
It’s similar, and it could do the trick. I personally have both, and I never use the 252, but it would work in a pinch. If the store isn’t out of your way, then I’d probably return it for the 249! Then again, what are you using it for?
Suzie
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
I want to use the 249 for paint pots. I went and exchanged it!
Christine
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Yeah, good thing you exchanged it! 249 is definitely great for paint pots :) 252 is a bit big!
Donna Edwards
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Hi Christine,
I see you like the 210 for lining. Is this brush good for use with the fluidlines? I like a real thin precise line. When you line your eyes do you start at the front or the back?
Thanks,
Donna
Christine
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Hi Donna! I use it for fluidlines to get more precision, as well as a finer line. I know everyone loves the 266 for fluidlines, but I find it is a bit too thick for my preference. I usually start in the middle, actually!
Natasha
Friday, August 15, 2008
I’m off to a good start i have most of the brushes since I brought the recent brush set =)
miss anna
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Hi Christine,
i’m new to this makeup stuff and all.. can you help me?
i’m trying to decide whether to get MAC 134 or 150 to apply my mineralize skinfinish natural pressed powder? i’m not sure which one to get..
Christine
Monday, August 25, 2008
I know a lot of people prefer the 134, 189, or 190 for the MSFN!
Mariann
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Dear Mac lovers,
Do you think buffer brush 182 is good for applying powder blush?
I am considering getting one now. Thanks
Jen
Monday, September 1, 2008
For Blush, I like the new smaller buffer brush #181, it’s a limited edition brush but I have been reaching for it more than my blush brush #129. The 182 is better for all over face powder coverage.
Christine
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Hi Mariann! Try the 181 instead, much better!
uscpharm07
Saturday, September 13, 2008
did you mean “machine-made” and not “man-made” when describing SH/SE brushes? i heard that’s why they are not as good b/c they are mass produced via machines vs the full brushes are handmade. Is this true?
Christine
Saturday, September 13, 2008
SH are man made still, SE are machine made. SH just means the handles are shorter, but the brush itself should be the same.
A
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I have a question? which set is more useful the one with the basic brushes or the one with the eye brushes? did u say they are miniature brushes?
Christine
Friday, October 17, 2008
I like the basic set personally, but it just depends… do you do a lot of eye makeup? Because then the eye set is probably better.
A
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I was reading about the brushes that come in gift sets and it sounds like they are not the same quality, do u strongly recommend to get the full size ones instead?
ANother question, which is the best foundation for flawless look and that doesnt cake after a few hours. And one that doesnt emphasize lines?
A
Friday, October 17, 2008
thank you so much for your advice.
You mentioned the brushes are not as good as the originals although the difference is not that big. Would you recommend getting the full size ones better?
Its very nice of you to take time and respond to emails. I appreciate it! by the way your website is awesome!!!! You know a lot of everything..lucky you!
Christine
Saturday, October 18, 2008
If you can afford full size, then go for that. I still think having one mini brush set is great – travel and all that – and it’s a better value. I think the face set is the best value, as well. It’s more a matter of budget, IMO, because if you can go for full-size, then you should. They are better, not leaps and bounds better, but still better.
A
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Thank you sooooooo much for your advice on the brushes and the sets i appreciate it! YOur website is awesome!
Christine
Monday, October 20, 2008
No problem, A! :D
Jasmine
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Thanks for this!! I’m getting the Red She Said Eye brush set this weekend! I heard that the brush sets aren’t as good as the regular brushes because they are machine made, but I’m just starting out so I think that this would be a good investment…or a more econmical one. lol. Then I’ll work my way up! Thanks!!!
Christine
Monday, October 20, 2008
They’re definitely the way to go for the beauty girl on a budget :)
A
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Cool! it does look like the set has useful brushes. I think you should hurry and get your set because i bet they will be sold out quickly. I bet on Monday or Tuesday it will be on maccosmetics website that you can order online and its free shipping to US and Canada till the 25th!
Thank you!
Tiara
Monday, November 3, 2008
I’m not sure if you answered this one or not but of the blending brushes (217, 222, 224) which is THE must have? I could probably get all 3 eventually but which one would you recommend for a beginner?
Christine
Monday, November 3, 2008
Of the three, I like the 222 best!
NinjaB
Friday, December 26, 2008
HI! DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE I CAN GET THE MAC BRUSH SET – THE 5 PIECE RED ONE THAT CAME OUT? THE MAC STORES ARE ALREADY SOLD OUT.
Christine
Monday, December 29, 2008
Try online at maccosmetics.com!
Salma
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Hi, I have a combination skin and oily in T-zone, what foundation and powder you recommend? I dont want my skin to look oily after one hour or so coz thats what usualy happens. Thanks by the way very informative website!
Christine
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Studio Fix Fluid and/or MSFN!
Kendra
Friday, March 13, 2009
Do you think that the 165 brush is a good brush to do contouring? if not what would you recommend. i have sort of a small face so i dont know.
Patrixia
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Hi Christine,
I just recently got hooked on make-up..lol..late bloomer…anyway..I bought 2 mac products the satin finish foundation and the skin finish powder..also bought nars deep throat blush….For a beginner on a tight budget..can you recommend 4 essential mac brushes?…
Thanks! :)
Christine
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
What’s your budget, Patrixia?
I’d say it just depends on what you’re going to use a lot! I like the 239, 129, 182.
Esther
Friday, May 15, 2009
Hi Christine
what do you think of 213 brush? i bought it wrongly n i dunno whats it good for.
Appreciate your advise.
Christine
Saturday, May 16, 2009
You can use it to apply eyeshadow or blend eyeshadow!
Fiona
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Hi Christina,
I recently bought the 129 brush and I was so excited to use it when I got home. I did as the store lady instructed to wash the brush before my first use. Upon the first shampoo, the brush shed. I was very surprised as I did not expect the Mac brush to do that. Then I thought maybe this is the first wash so it should be expected. I let it dry for a day and used it the next morning. I was even more surprised when it shed as I was using it! A few hair came out and some landed on my face. I was very upset as I expect Mac to be top of the line brush. On my way to work, I looked into the mirror and found another hair on my temple that I had missed.
Is this something to expect from a new brush? This is the full size brush i got. I was wondering if it is possible I got a ‘defective’ brush and if I should go back to the store to exchange for a new one.
It also come in the shorter version that I was initially going to get. Is the full size and shorter brush the same quality?
Christine
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Brushes do shed, though they shouldn’t shed excessively after you use them a few times. If you feel like it is shedding excessively, I’d definitely say exchange it for another one.
The short handled version is the same quality :)
Sienna
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Hi there, I just started getting into makeup and i have liquid foundation(studio fix) and im really undecided on whether to get the 187 or 109 i really want to get both but because im just starting out i really just want to get one for now. Which do you reccomend i should get? thanks
Christine
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Both are really great brushes, but for liquid foundation, I’d recommend the 109 over 187!
Sienna
Thursday, July 9, 2009
THANK YOU THANKYOU THANKYOU… I bought the 109 and i cannot believe the difference it made!!!! Thankyou so much for your help christine i really appreciate it!!!
Christine
Friday, July 10, 2009
YAY! I am ecstatic to hear it is working so well for you, Sienna! What are you using it for?
Sienna
Saturday, July 11, 2009
I am using the 109 for liquid foundation application… it’s awesome, I am saving the amount of product I use and it looks flawless. So many times now people have commented on how flawless my skin is!! I cannnot thankyou enough for the advice, this brush was well worth the money. Thankyou again Christine!!!
Christine
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Yayy! I’m happy to hear it is working out for ya, Sienna :D
kellianne
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Hii i was wondering if you’ve heard of the two new brush sets out in mac, i forgot which brushes were in it. i live in hong kong and a single face brush costs $200 divided by 7 if your in america; and the brush set which contains 2 face brushes and other brushes costs $520 divided by 7 in america. do you think its worth buying, im young and don’t have a job so i won’t be able to buy single ones all the time.
can i have your opinion?
thanks :)
Christine
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The brush sets are OK. If you don’t have any brushes and can’t afford full sized ones, they’re not a bad deal.
carrie
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Hi Christine and other MAC lovers! I dont have a duo fibre brush yet; I already use a 116 for blush but I need another one for more pigmented blushes like Dollymix, MSFs (like shimpagne) and other cream blushes.., . What do you recommend? The 187, 188, or do you think I should wait for the 130?
Your posts are always very helpful! Thanks!
Christine
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Hey Carrie,
I personally like the 187 the most for pigmented blushes!
carrie
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Thanks Christine!
vctoria
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Christine,
so the holiday brushes arent good ???
Christine
Thursday, November 19, 2009
They’re okay, but they’re not fantastic. I’d recommend purchasing one or two full-sized brushes you know you’ll use rather than a brush set.
Meagan
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Hi I just bought studio sculpt foundation, what is the best brush to apply it with? Also I purchased strobe cream
how would you use it, a d with what brush? Help!
Christine
Monday, December 28, 2009
I like the 109 :)
I apply Strobe Cream like a moisturizer (with fingers) after my moisturizer but before foundation.
Meagan
Monday, December 28, 2009
Hi again, I forgot to mention that I have a liquid fondation. Is the 109 still best for that? Thanks again!!
Christine
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
YES! Love the 109 for liquid.
Hannah
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Hi!
I was wondering which brush do you think is better for foundation. The 187? or the smaller 188? Eventually I will probably get both (im a makeup artist so I can always do with the brushes) but cause im out of work at the moment im trying to figure out which i should get first. I heard the 187 is really good for cheeks and the forehead but that its harder to get in really well around your nose. Should i just get the 188 and spend the extra few minutes stippling?
Christine
Monday, January 18, 2010
The 188, then, because you can get around the nose and eyes. I don’t love the 187 or 188 for foundation, personally (prefer the 109!), but I’d say get the 188… more versatile :)
claire
Monday, January 25, 2010
hi christine… sorry, this is a really old post, but i am hoping that you will still respond to this question, as i am incredibly new to the makeup world (not to mention inept). I have heard that MAC is the best high end, low cost, cosmetics brand. i am frustrated with cheap quality drugstore makeup, but am on a SEVERE budget. i am south asian (vietnamese) and have many of the defining physical characteristics (i.e. “hooded” lids – NO crease – narrow, small eyes, olive-golden skin, ect.) could you give me some specific advise for which MAC basics i should buy? and also which brush is better for the crease if u would like precise application, the 222 or the 219? thank you so much, i love ur posts. (sorry this comment is so long!)
Christine
Monday, January 25, 2010
219!
Thanks, Claire!