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.
Posted in Guides, MAC Cosmetics
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 !!!!
I’m glad this helps you, Tatiana! Good luck!
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 =]
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!
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
224 for blending! 219 is really best for precision application, not so much blending.
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 :)
I like the 249 better for cream products personally.
What is the best brush for doing crease work. One that will not make me look like I have black eyes.
You can try the 222 or 224!
Thanks Christine. Which is your favorite the 222 or 224?
Donna
I find them equal, honestly, but the 222 if I had to pick!
Thanks for the great advice Christine.
Donna
My pleasure, Donna! If you have other questions, feel free to ask!
I use a matte mousse foundation, what brush would you recommend?
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.
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!
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?
I want to use the 249 for paint pots. I went and exchanged it!
Yeah, good thing you exchanged it! 249 is definitely great for paint pots :) 252 is a bit big!
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
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!