so0o im super excited about this set of brushes ! most of all because of the 187!
let me start off by saying these arent the larger sized brushes these are short handles and compared to the bigger sized handle ones .. i wouldnt know how to compare them to since these are my first set of mac brushes.
they are really realllyyy cute i got the 2008 set (red handles)
the 187duo fibre brush... the first day i used it shed so much it scared me!
second day it hasnt so thats good. i cant say i know how to use 100 %
its a learning process for me since ive never used a 187
ill update on that brush later!
the second one is the 190 foundation brush , all i can say is WOW i love it i have a large revlon one i thought was ok but wow do i love this brush , it doesnt leave any lines or uneveness like my revlon one. i love it i cant say enought good things about it plus its only a holiday set brush and ive heard theyre not as good as the regular sized ones so i can only imagine how much better the regular sized 190 is .. !! ..
ok moving on to the 168 angled contour brush. i havent actually used it for contouring yet ive used it with my iridescent pressed powder in belightful also a mac product. and i really love this brush too. theyre all so nice and soft!
last but not least my 194 all i can say is it gets the job done im not reall big on concealer brushes since i dont really use them but i do like it .
Pros:everything about it is great Cons:187 shed a lot the first time
::: The Product :::
M·A·C 182 Buffer Brush is described by the company as "A full, dome-shaped brush of extra soft goat hair. Specially created to flawlessly blend powder onto the skin for an immaculate polished finish. Excellent for all M·A·C powders and pigments." I've seen some descriptions specifically say "Japanese goat hair," but I'm not sure this is true.
The brush comes in a plastic cover, which can just be tossed. Unless you want to keep the brush in the casing, but I'd recommend a kabuki case for that instead. The brush handle is approximately 1.25" in diameter, and 1.25" in length. The hairs measure approximately 1.25" from the base end of the handle to the tips. The handle states "M·A·C 182" along the side, and the back says "China."
::: My Experience :::
As I said, this is by far the best kabuki brush I've ever used! It's soft, soft, soft! My mineral makeup application is flawlessly and evenly distributed. No worries about having too much excess in one spot as opposed to another.
My trick for using this is to use a separate dish, like a petri dish, to dispense some mineral makeup into, and then dot the brush to evenly coat the hairs. Then, as you're supposed to do, I swirl the brush around in the dish using even swirls (i.e. 5 swirls clockwise, and another 5 counter-clockwise). Then I tap the brush against the side of the dish or sink to tap loose anything loose. I apply my makeup using clockwise and counter-clockwise motions alone one side of my face and forehead. Then I repeat the whole process for the other side using a tad less makeup since I only need to do the other side of my face and eyes. Granted, that might've been more of a description of how I apply my makeup, but I haven't had any issues using the brush in this fashion. I also use the brush to apply my M·A·C Mineralize Skinfinish Natural.
I haven't had a lot of shedding from my brush, which is a definitely plus! The Bare Escentuals Full Coverage Kabuki left LOADS of hairs all over me and my clothes. Not to mention, the hairs seemed to get stuck in my pores (yeah, it felt like fiberglass all over my face), and that's not an issue I've experienced with my M·A·C 182 Buffer Brush.
As for washing the brush, I normally spray it with brush cleanser, and then swirl it around in my hand until it lathers up. Then I rinse the brush until there are no further traces of brush cleanser/suds, or the water runs clear when I squeeze out the excess. I then dry the brush on it's side. I've been using M·A·C Brush Cleanser, and it seems to take a while for the brush to dry when I use it. I have to wash it on Friday evening to know it's completely dry and ready to be used on Monday morning for work. I've just purchased Clinique's Brush Cleanser, so I'll have to see if it dries any faster as I've heard it can with brushes.
The only "negative" I can say about this brush is that after it's been washed, it seems that the first few applications require me to use a lot more mineral makeup to get the same coverage. It could just be my imagination, but I've also heard of this happening to others who use a different brand brush.
::: Purchasing & Pricing Information :::
The M·A·C 182 Buffer Brush retails for $45 from M·A·C stores/counters, and on their website (www.maccosmetics.com). I do not advocate purchasing M·A·C brushes from eBay, as there are a lot of fakes out there. While they may seem legitimate, it's actually rare to get an authentic M·A·C brush on eBay. So, while the price seems insanely expensive, it's worth it in the long run to me. (To learn more about fake M·A·C brushes, do a web search for information from either eBay - avjwc has a good reivew - or Specktra.net)
::: Recommendation :::
If you're looking for an ultra soft buffer/kabuki brush for applying mineral makeup, pressed powders, or any facial product, then I HIGHLY recommend the M·A·C 182 Buffer Brush! I honestly don't know what I'll ever do without mine, or what I did before it! My makeup applies flawlessly and evenly, and I don't end up with brush hairs all over my face. Definitely worth the $45!
Pros:Softer than most kabukis; evenly applies mineral makeup Cons:Cost
This was my first MAC brush, and it really disappointed me. The quality was good. It looks and feels well made. But it didn't apply my shadows well at all. In fact most of my shadow stuck to my brush. My cheapie brushes did a better job. I ended up selling my brush. This just didn't work for me.
i absolutely love this brush! it serves as so many different functions- from applying liquid foundation (giving it an airbrushed look), to applying blushes. the price is kind of expensive but it is worth it! i have two of these brushes!
Love Love this brush.. it is a flat white bristle buffer brush.. It is very soft. It has the same concept as the #182 brush, but this one has white bristles that are flat on top instead of round. I use this to buff my mac mineral skinfinish powder in around my mouth and along my jaw and hair line.. You could you this brush to buff your foundation, blush or whatever on your face.. It is pricey, but will last for a long time, and is super soft.. it is a kabuki style type brush, with short stub handle.. would purchase this again..
Pros:super soft, great buffer, multi-purpose use Cons:pricey, but worth it.. will last long time..
I just got this yesterday, and it is the best to put on Mac fluidline with.. it is angled with small bristles, you can line your upper lids with a fine line. it is easy to do.. i bought this 208 brush because several people told me that you can achieve a finer line with this than the 266 brush.. I would recommed this brush to apply eyeliner !!
Pros:easy to use, fine line, soft brush.. good for eyeliner.. Cons:
The Mac 187 is a great brush, for your foundations, powders, and blushes. You use very little product when using this brush.. it is very light weight and feathery, giving your makeup you apply on your face a airbrushed look.. Love this brush.. Plus I think its cute !!
Pros:multi purpose brush, great quality, airbrushed look, use less product Cons:pricey, but worth it..
This is the 3rd mac brush i bought.. I love it.. If you want an easy way to smudge your eyeliner and give you the smokey look, well then this is the brush you want.. So easy to use, and gives you that perfect smokey look.. would buy this brush again !!! I think this brush is a good price too !!!
Pros:easy to use, nice smokey look, nice brush Cons:none
This is the 2nd Mac brush that I bought.. It is a must have.. It blends in your eyeshadow in the crease sooo easy.. I love it.. The Mac mua used it when she applied my eyeshadow, and blended it in my crease. So easy to use. It is my staple brush that I use for blending my eyeshadow...I use it constiantly... Love it.. would buy again.. Thinking about buying another one...
This is the first mac brush that I purchased. The Mac mua used in when she gave me a makeover. It is very soft, and felt nice on the face. You use very little liquid foundation when using this brush. I really do like it, and it is sooo easy to apply your foundation with. I would recommend this brush for foundations..
Pros:very soft, nice brush, use less liquid foundation with it Cons:none
This a a very unique brush , I believe I may need to purchase at least one more . I started using it for my blush , it gives a very natural blush look. then I found out you can use it for foundation I tried that so I have used it more for foundation , it does give your face an overall airbrushed look. This is quite a discover . I am so glad I purchased this!
I love this brush. It blends my blush and highlighter in well and it's great for mineral makeup. It's a bit pricey and sheds a bit but still well worth it.
This is the most expensive brush I own. I still can't believe I spent € 45 (= $ 65) for it. I use MAC 187 w/ bronzers, blushes and mineral foundations on a daily basis. No need to say that it works great, my skin is left heavenly smooth. The pity is that these brushes could be very helpful for beginners but, due to high price, they have sold mostly to make-up experts. Anyhow, MAC brush # 187 is worth every single penny IMHO!
Just like the larger #187 brush, I like it but it sheds which is unacceptable to me in a high end brush. I use it for cream blush but I hate having to pick hairs off my face with each application
I have and like this brush but it sheds which is unacceptable to me in a high end brush. Every day I have to pick off pesky little hairs. I use this larger one for my finishing powder.
i love this brush. it's perfect for applying eyeshadows on the lowder lid, and smudge them at the same time. i use it also as an eyeliner brush. it certainly makes thicker lines than with a 263 brush, but with a bit of technique you can make a thiner line.
This powder brush is fabulous! I use mineral makeup (EDM) and this buffs the makeup nicely. It is soft and does not shed. It is pricy but the quality is the best. I highly recommend this brush.
Pros:buffs my minerals, soft, high quality, no shedding Cons:pricy but worth it
