Beauty Basics: MAC Eye 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 Eye Brushes.
Focus On: MAC 212 Flat Definer Brush
MAC 212 Flat Definer Brush ($21.00) is a stiff, flat brush made out of synthetic fibers. It works well as a precision lining tool, but it can also create sharp, defined creases and shapes. The flatness and width of the brush (about 10mm in width) helps you create a wider line in one press. It can be useful in creating the “flick” of cat-eye liner. A fairly dense brush, it picks up product well and deposits it evenly. It really is quite a firm bristled brush, so that gives you more control when you use it.
How do you like to use this brush?
See close-ups…
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About the Reviewer
Christine has normal-to-dry skin with areas of dryness (cheeks, nose, and under the eyes). She has a light-medium skintone with subtle, warmer yellow undertones. Her best foundation matches include: Tarte Rainforest of the Sea in Light-Medium Neutral (best match), Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup in Desert Beige 2N1, Giorgio Armani Maestro Glow in 4.0, Hourglass Warm Ivory Vanish Seamless Finish, Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous in Dusk, MAC NC20/NC25, Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Liquid in Y305 (140). (For more information, please check the FAQ.)
We hope you'll consider supporting Temptalia by shopping through our links below. Thanks!
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I heart this brush! I use it with my gel liner for lining the upper lash line and I also use it with shadows or pigments for adding color to under my eye. It’s really soft but firm and deposits color very well.
I rarely use this brush, but now I will try to use it more often 😀
i love this for gel linning and eyebrows!! <33
I wouldn’t have thought to use it for brows, but now I see why!
I use this brush for my eyebrows…after filling my eyebrows in with the 266 I use this brush to give them that fresh crisp look w/concealer!..then i blend out!
Killer eyebrows everytime
Ooh that sounds like a good idea, I’ll have to try it! I found it too thin for much else.
I am going to try this, Elbone! Thanks!
i love this brush! i use it with MAC’s fluidline eyeliners. it’s great for someone with hooded eyes because you can get the line really thin and build up to your preference and also for someone who doesn’t know who to sue pencil eyeliners and the pointy eyeliner brushes so well.
Thanks for sharing your experience with it — I know it’s going to help others with hooded eyes, too!
I have this brush, but I find it is too wide to use for fluidline. My eyes are small, so it takes up about 1/3 of my eye when I place it on my lash line. I do use it for using eyeshadow on my bottom lash line since it picks up lots of product.
I’m totally going to try using it to apply color to my lower lash line!
I adore MAC brushes, but when I got home it was exactly like an ELF brush I had stuffed away and paid $1 for it. It was the same brush. I prefer a slanted brush for liner, but wanted to add it to my collection. However, I returned it after seeing it was the same brush I paid $1 for I couldn’t believe it. Honestly, and please don’t think I am being negative, the ELF is firmer and a better brush. Amazing huh? I was stunned. I am loving your reviews on the brushes. I am starting that on my channel as well showing usage next month. Take care:)
I haven’t tried ELF brushes, but I’m glad you found such a great bargain 🙂
Someone gave this brush to me…and honestly, I use it to perfect my french manicure, lol. When I paint the white tip, I use it with pure acetone to make a perfect line across the nail. Works every time.
I couldn’t figure out what else to use the dern thing for!!!
LOL! Hey, if it works… 😉
That is a great idea Letitia. Thank you for sharing!
I LOOOVE this brush! I have such a hard time creating the little flick, and this finally helped me nail it! I have the classic eyeliner one, as well as the slanted angle brush, but after using this it is such a relief, because I get it right on the first try. Christine, thank you so much for your blog, it has really broadened my horizons, beauty wise!!!
I am always poking my eye with the 266 when I am tightlining. Maybe this will be easier to use.