Review: Mac 217 Blending Brush

I've heard so many good reviews about the infamous Mac 217 Blending Brush. Since my Mac 239 Eye Shader Brush turned out to be one of my favorite eye brushes, I decided to try out the 217 and had high hopes for it because so many people raved about it.

Do I recommend getting this brush? Well, it depends on how you plan to use it.

The brush is suppose to be multi-functional because the sides are flat and the tip is oval.

I tried using the flat side to apply color onto my lids, but the soft bristles are too flimsy and a little too big for my eye lids. This brush may be suitable for someone who wants a light wash of color on their eyes, and who has more lid space.

Also, the bristles are not extremely flimsy, but it is not firm enough to blend out harsh lines. My Sonia Kashuk Large Crease brush (review) does a better job at that than my 217.

I also have to wash the brush multiple times to get the bristles clean because the stain is tough to get out.

However, this is the brush that I tend to grab most often when I add a transition color under my highlight color and above my crease area. Other brushes, such as my Sonia Kashuk Large Crease Brush tend to pack on too much color. The Mac 217 adds just the right amount of transition color.

The total length of the brush is 6.5 inches. It costs $22.50 at Nordstrom

How do you like to use this brush?

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Review: Everyday Minerals Long Handled Kabuki Brush

The synthetic bristles on the Everyday Minerals Long Handled Kabuki brush are super soft and denser than your average powder brush, but not as dense as the Everyday Minerals Flat Top brush (review). The Long Handled Kabuki brush is best used for applying bronzer or setting powder. However, it picks up alot of product. So you must use a light hand or a ton of product will get concentrated onto one area of your face.

Another problem I have with this brush is the size. It doesn't stand properly in my brush holder because the handle is too thick. Also, it is too short for my liking (4.25 inches).

When I started to wash it, I realized that alot of powder was inside the brush. Much of the product gets wasted when you use this brush because it falls deep down into the bristles.

It also takes about 14 hours to dry.

I remember buying it for $10.00 at EverydayMinerals.com, but they raised the price to $12.00

What do you think about this brush? 

Review: Everyday Minerals Flat Top Brush

I've had my Everyday Minerals Flat Top Brush for more than a year. It does not fit nicely in my brush holder because the handle is too thick. It also doesn't stand properly and looks weird with my other brushes that are taller. However, this would be perfect for travel because it's only 4 inches long.

The bristles are synthetic and are extremely soft and dense. It picks up a lot of powder, and would be best used for mineral foundation. However, it's too hard to buff in a circular motion. You really have to work it in because the bristles are super dense and are too long (1.25 inches). Also, just like my Everyday Minerals Long Handled Kabuki brush (review), the product gets deep down into the bristles and gets wasted.

Another issue I have with this brush is that it takes forever to dry. After I washed it, I used a paper towel to absorb as much water out of it as I could, but it still took about 14 hours to completely dry.

It was $10.00 when I bought it at EverydayMinerals.com, but I noticed they raised the price to $11.00.

What do you think about this brush?

Review: Mac Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer

 Mac Studio Finish NW25

I have tried many concealers, but I just keep coming back to the Mac Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer.

My Mac foundation color is NC35. I use NW25 for my under eyes because the pink tone counteracts the green and purple tones of my dark circles. I use NC35, which is yellow based, for blemishes on my face. 

When I first opened the package, the concealer was very creamy. After I started using it, the product dried up in the pot. I can't use a brush to apply it onto my skin because it feels very dry. I have to apply it with my finger to warm up the concealer. I warm it up by rubbing my finger clockwise in the pot; however, I end up having a lot of product on my finger.

 Mac Studio Finish NC35

During the summer, the oils of the concealer settles on top. I either have to wipe the oil away with my finger or "mix it"  by rubbing the oil into the concealer. Either way, I am wasting a lot of product because an excess gets picked up by my fingers. However, I've had the NC35 concealer for about 10 months, and there is still 50% of the product left in the pot. 

This concealer is amazing. It lasts all day with setting powder. It also covers my dark circles and blemishes; however, you have to be careful. If you apply too much, it'll end up looking cakey. Another problem is no matter how little I apply, it settles into my natural fine lines under my eyes, but I haven't found a concealer that doesn't do that.

Although a lot of product gets wasted, I am in love with this concealer because it gets the job done. This will last you a long time, and is well worth it for the price of $16.50 for 7 grams at Nordstrom.  

Did this concealer work for you?

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Review: Mac 239 Eye Shader Brush

I've heard so many raves about the Mac 239 Eye Shader Brush, and didn't know what all the fuss was about. I didn't want to pay $24.50 because I thought it was just a typical eyeshadow brush. What could be so special about an eyeshadow brush?

I was sooo wrong and regret that I didn't grab this from Mac sooner.

The bristles are densely packed and picks up colors really well. I just do one swipe and I get a rich color on my lids.

The Mac 239 is slim, but not flimsy. One of the reasons why I prefer this over other eyeshadow brushes is because of its firmness, which gives me better control during application.

I also love that the bristles are made of soft, white goat hair; however, it's a hassle to clean the brush because it stains easily. I have to rewash it sometimes. Also, the head of the brush may be too small for people with a large eye area.

Honestly, a basic eyeshadow brush could do just as good as the Mac 239. This is a luxury item for me, considering the price for it when compared to other eyeshadow brushes. I would definitely get this if you have money to splurge. If you are just starting out with makeup, a regular eyeshadow brush like the $1 ELF brush (review) would work just fine.

Note: The handle of the brush is a little over 6.5 inches

What do you think about this brush?

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