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MAC 188 Small Duo Fibre Brush Photos & Review

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 188 Small Duo Fibre Brush

MAC 188 Small Duo Fibre Brush ($34.00) is a flat-topped, circula brush with a blend of goat and synthetic fibres. This is a smaller version of the larger and pricier 187. Both brushes are ideal for softer, more controlled application that allows you to build-up color and intensity through layers rather than diffusing color from the get-go. I actually prefer the 188 for creamy blushes and highlighters, because the small size allows me to apply it exactly where I want it and nowhere else. I can then use the blush to blend it outwards if necessary, but I never apply or have too much when I use this brush.

If you’re on a budget, I’d probably recommend the 188 over the 187, just because it is about eight dollars cheaper, and I think they’re both incredibly useful. However, the 188 is smaller, so it allows you to do things the 187 can’t. You can do many (if not all) the things the 187 can do with the 188–just some things might take you a minute or two longer (e.g. foundation), because it is a bit smaller.

How do you like to use this brush?

See close-ups

22 Comments

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Sara Avatar

hi christine,

plz tell me wht lipstick megan fox wore to the Giorgio Armani Prive Fashion show as part of Paris Fashion Week? Please, I love tht shade!
thnks

Simply Avatar

I love this brush for applying really pigmented blushes, applying highlighter on the top of my cheeks, and for foundation in hard to reach places like around the nose and the eyebrow area (I hate getting foundation on my eyebrows!). I tried using it for a face foundation brush but I really don’t have the patience and I think the 187 is much better for that; I find less streaking with the 187.

rick Avatar

MAC at henri bendel 5th ave and 56th street in NYC is having a masterclass on july 14, 2009 hosted by the head of makeup artistry for all of mac, Gordon Espinet!! the class will cover trends for F/W 2010 from the man who starts them! comp champagne and strawberries, videos, demos, and shopping…$75 redeemable in mac product. please call rick or lizbeth at mac henri bendel now to book your appointment! 2129047966

ReenyLu Avatar

I LOVE this brush. I use it for my tinted moisterizer (no foundation during the summer) and it’s pretty. Since the consistancy of tinted moisterizer is thicker than regluar foundation, I find by doing small circles I get the stipled look. When I use reg. foundation I stiple (or get lazy and blend with my 129, which is my 2nd fave face brush). I have yet to get the 187 and will more than likely not cuz I love this so much =)

Toni Avatar

I absolutely love this brush!!! It is so multi-purpose. In the same session, I am able to use it to apply prep+prime face protect spf 50, blend concealer under my eyes (small circular strokes), and apply and blend Studio Sculpt (stipple, drag, and buff). Definitely a great brush investment so far!

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