Ok, I know that they aren't quite made to the same standards as the regular MAC brushes, but are they still decent brushes?

What would you compare the quality of the brush set brushes to? Sonia Kashuk? Sephora brand?

I am not sure about the brush sets. Thx

I like them, they're a good value, and definitly a good starters set for someone that doesn't own brushes. I'm planning on buying the 2 diff sets from the tailormade collection so I can test out the brushes. If there is one I LOVE, then I'll splurge and buy the full sized version.

honestly....there are a few brushes that I have gotten in brush sets that I like better than the long handle brushes. the 129 is the only one that I have noticed not being "quite" as good.

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Krystle, 23
NW20 or N4, brown hair and eyes
Ebay ID: Mommy2kellen
MUA id: ShoppingMommy

I like them. I use them with my regular full size ones. I actually prefer some of the short handle brushes to the full sizes because some are easier to work with in my opinion.

I'm not sure. I love my Holiday brush, but my #129 blush brush had some broken hair after only 2 months.

I purchased a brush set with the Matt Murphy bag. It's fits in my purse and tote bag. I like it.

Well, I already have a bunch of brushes. I already have a full size #129 as well. I was just looking to add to my collection and/or MU kit.

I don't need them. I'm going to take the money that I would momentarily contemplate spending on a brush set and put it toward a palette instead. Mainly because I wasn't impressed with the brush set last year - the ones on display at my local Nordstrom were all splayed and looked really cheap.

And I was the first customer they had dealt with for the Anniversary stuff too.

i also think they're a pretty good deal for a starte set like roxybc said.... i have a matt murphy set that goes with me in my handbag and is really convenient.. i lime them.

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JAMAICA - Out of Many, One People.

I love mine! I have the printout set and I think I've definitely gotten my money's worth out of them. Like you said, the quality *is* a bit different from some of my other brushes, but some of the ones in the set I like better than the regular, and the difference in the others is not enough that it bothers me. I particularly like the small handled brushes, too, so the sets always appeal to me

I like the handles on the brushes in the sets better than the regular brushes I own.

Hell yeah!

My MA told me that they will be a lot cheaper than if I wouldbuy every brush separate...

I love them for when I am going away for a weekend..

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~Kathleen~

http://www.flickr.com/photos/leenybeeny

They're cheaper, and the compact size and packaging make them great for travel.

However, the quality can be significantly lower. The texture of the brushes usually isn't as soft and nice, the hairs are often more prone to shedding and breakage, and I've had two that have just come apart at the metal ferrule with a little bit of use (I super-glued them back together).

I also think that the brush sets don't really include my favorite brushes... and often include one or two that I just don't like or need all that much. Even with the new sets that will offer more choices and variety, they never seem to have all of the brushes I wish they would.

My suggestion? Buy full size brushes, do your homework and pick the ones that YOU want (not just the ones that have been bundled in a set), and look for bargains. I've gotten many brushes for 30% off at my CCO, and some great deals on eBay. Swapping works, too! There are also some great brushes by other cheaper brands -- I love the $3-8 brushes from Sinful Colors at beauty supply stores. Those can supplement your MAC collection, too.

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makeupaddict.org

I think that they are a great investment for newbies to experiment with and are of decent quality. I agree with Saramwrap that they are great for travel.

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|Jessica|
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"Sometimes that's a shocking thing because when you peel back the skin, sometimes you find that what you see is not always the person you originally hoped or thought you were." Trent Reznor

I know there are a lot of posters (myself included) who say that the brush sets are not as good quality as the regular brushes.

I guess I've been assuming it's true, but I have no "hard" information to back this up.

If someone has "inside", verified information and could settle this argument once and for all, that would be greatly appreciated!

By hard information, I don't mean comments like "doesn't feel as nice (on your skin or in your hand)" or any other type of subjective, personal observations since those vary greatly, I mean real info: do they use the same materials? the same manufacturing process? quality control? ... that kind of stuff.