Thank you for your interest in MAC Cosmetics. My name is Tina. How may I assist you?
Allison: Hi Tina. I have a question about the brush sets this year.
Tina: Hi Allison, I'm happy to help you.
Allison: I've heard that the SE brushes are mass produced, and not hand made which reduces their quality. I was wondering if this was true, or if you should still invest in the full size brushes, especially if you're a professional makeup artist. Is there a difference?
Tina: They are still hand made, and are a great price!!
Tina: As a pro I would invest in the full size.
Tina: Although, I'm a pro and I've purchased them for when I travel for my self.
Tina: They also make great gifts!
Allison: I guess I was just wondering if "you get what you pay for" is true in this case. Because they are such a great deal, it seems like maybe the full size brushes would apply products a little differently. But theyre made out of the same materials as the full size brushes as well?
Allison: They do seem great for gifts though!
Tina: They are, but they use less material because they are smaller.
Tina: I hope that makes sense.
Allison: so the full size brushes in some cases may just be a little fuller?
Tina: Of course the larger full size brushes are amazing!!
Tina: But these are also great for the every day girl.
Allison: I have mostly all MAC brushes. But some of mine such as the 224 and the 252 are SE. I was wondering if I should invest in the fullsize of the 224 and I just might since that brush seems like it would work best having as full bristles as possible.
Tina: I would get the full size #224. It is my favorite!!
Allison: I use the 217 and the 224 religiously. But I feel like I might want to use the 224 in the crease more if I purchased the full size.
Allison: I have just one more question.
Allison: I was interested in getting an airbrush, as I have access to pro products, but I'm looking for a sort of cheaper alternative. Could you recommend some of the best ways to get an air brushed look without actually using an airbrush? Such as, the brush you'd use and a good foundation?
Tina: Sure Allison.
Tina: The Studio Fix Fluid is as close to the Air Brush look you will get.
Tina: I recommend using the #190 Foundation Brush.
Allison: even the lightest shade of studio fix fluid is too dark for me. Should I maybe mix this with a little white or N1 foundation?
Allison: I've also heard the 187 brush achieves an air brushed look pretty well.
Tina: You bet, that would work very well.
Allison: great. well, thanks for all your help!

I invested in an airbrush and compressor and then a month later found this trick for a great airbrush-like finish:

I use a Kabuki brush to apply any regular or airbrush foundation. I have used this method with the following foundations: MAC Face & Body, MAC Mineralize Satin Finish, and MAC HyperReal with excellent results. My color in the MAC Airbrush foundation was out of stock forever, and I still need to order and try it.

Simply place some foundation on the back-side of your non-dominant hand and then pick up some of it with brush, and buff/blend it on your face.

I have never found a technique that I like with "regular" foundation brushes, so I was really happy to find this technique.

I love the finish, and if I had discovered it weeks before I would have saved about $330 dollars that I spent on a Temptu airbrush starter kit (Revolution airbrush, Iwata compressor, and sample foundations).


HTH,
Laura (aka cobi)

__________________
Que Sera, Sera...

Authorized NYX Cosmetics reseller

I have the same problem that the lightest shade of studio fix fluid is too dark for me also. What "white" are you talking about to mix in it? I've had to stop using MAC foundations because they are too light. It's tough being pale and oily and trying to find a good foundation.

Thought I should add this I was really intrigued with the brush set, but I don't know anymore...

Caroline: Do I need the 187 brush? Would it be good to apply Select Tint with? Or should I just use the foundation brush that's coming in the basic brush set?
Brandy: I love the #187. With that being said, I prefer to use it for more than just liquid (which, yes, you can easily use your #190), however, the #187 is great for powder, bronzer, and even mineral foundations.
Brandy: It creates an amazing lightly buffed, airbrushed looking finish.
Caroline: oooh, I might need that other brush set as well! Haha
Caroline: Because there isn't really ay difference between the SE brushes and the regulars, are there?
Brandy: They are a great value!! I always get several during the Holiday times, just for travel.
Brandy: Yes...they are slightly different in construction. The shape is the same, but our full sized brushes feature hand cut bristles. The SE are machine cut.
Brandy: The other difference is the hair. They still feature real hair, when applicable, however, the selection of hair may be varied and chosen with a value set in mind.
Caroline: Ok, so in reality they don't have the same quality?
Brandy: No. However, the value is great. You get amazing quality and quantity for the price. If you are starting out with a collection, I highly recommend a set. You will get to know and use the brushes and can fine tune and add to, according to your artistry needs, as you go.

while the mac brush sets aren't quite as great as the full-size counterparts, they are definately still worth picking up. like the live chat mentioned, they're great for travel (i shudder to think what i would do if my brush roll got lost on a plane, or something...), and they're a great way to try out the brushes if you're getting started. i have almost every single brush that has been released as a SE, and i have the full-sizes (and duplicates!) as well. i tend to use both quite a bit.

It's weird that the live chat person would tell you they're made the same because we're told in basic that they're not the same quality.

For someone that doesn't want to invest 100s in brushes the sets are perfect and still better than a brush you'll get somewhere like walmart or target, but in my oppinion the full size are much better quality. They're alot softer.

A couple years ago my mom bought a brush set and I had to replace a couple brushes from it because they didn't hold up.

I've never had to replace a full size brush.

But the sets are great for traveling when you don't want to risk losing the more expensive full sizes.