I Hate Mac Brushes!
- Thread starter Wicked Lovely
- Start date
lilylibs
Member
I was really unimpressed with my 187 when i got it, all the bristles were falling out, and i picked so many off my face! i was so angry as it was my first purchase and id heard such great things about it. in the end i emailed MAC and they replaced it. The new one was so much better, i dont know if it was just a poorly made one, but i wasnt happy at all, i nearly didnt bother getting a replacement and just ask for a refund, im glad i did as im in love with it now!
frostiana
Active member
I think its funny how someone says something unfavorable about MAC brushes, and everyone runs in here to defend them, as if they have feelings.
Anyway, I've only owned one MAC brush and it was the 266. That brush was of no better quality ( in my opinion) than my coastal scents or eco tools brushes. MAC is definitely not the be all end all as far as brushes (or makeup in general) are concerned.
I'd love to have a collection stocked full of MAC brushes but I'm not going to pay that kind of money for something that does not appear to be much better than a $3.00 crown brush.
Anyway, I've only owned one MAC brush and it was the 266. That brush was of no better quality ( in my opinion) than my coastal scents or eco tools brushes. MAC is definitely not the be all end all as far as brushes (or makeup in general) are concerned.
I'd love to have a collection stocked full of MAC brushes but I'm not going to pay that kind of money for something that does not appear to be much better than a $3.00 crown brush.
chocolategoddes
Well-known member
I have the 150 which is pretty similar to the 129 (it's just larger) and I had the same problem. The tips of the brush are really scratchy. The more I wash and condition it, the softer it is and now, it's not scratchy anymore.
I'm glad I didn't get discouraged by that brush because it really turned me off from black haired face brushes!
As for BE brushes, you can tell those are crap just be looking at them. They look so cheap. In fact, they look exactly like this cheapo brush I got in one of thos cheap makeup kits for little girls. You know, the ones in the traincases with the chalky powders and the supersticky glitter lipglosses.
I'm glad I didn't get discouraged by that brush because it really turned me off from black haired face brushes!
As for BE brushes, you can tell those are crap just be looking at them. They look so cheap. In fact, they look exactly like this cheapo brush I got in one of thos cheap makeup kits for little girls. You know, the ones in the traincases with the chalky powders and the supersticky glitter lipglosses.
naijapretty
Well-known member
the 109 is a shedder, but it's still a nice brush. The reason I like mac brushes is because of how long they last. I have a 219 brush that's 9 yrs old and i put it through hell (would toss into my kit where it would get squashed out of shape for months on ends, wouldn't clean it until I remembered months later, left it at the bottom of my vanity case where powders and mac clear lipglass would spill over it etc) and it's still holding up. Other brush companies make just as nice brushes too, but mac is a strong contender in the brush dept.
tokidoki1825
Well-known member
I've been mostly unimpressed by MAC brushes too! There are a few eye brushes which are HG for me (like the 239, perfect) but I find a lot of the face brushes to be too dense and too rough for me. I like Sonia Kashuk and Sephora Professional brushes a lot better.
kerasaki
Member
Quote:
I completely agree! What makes MAC brushes stand out is also their durability. I've had brushes from Coastal Scents that only lasted a few months. My MAC brushes have been through hell and they're as good as new every time I wash them. No worries about handles breaking or bristles falling off. They're definitely the best ones I've ever had and worth their money, because you don't need to replace them for quite a few years after you buy them.
Originally Posted by naijapretty
the 109 is a shedder, but it's still a nice brush. The reason I like mac brushes is because of how long they last. I have a 219 brush that's 9 yrs old and i put it through hell (would toss into my kit where it would get squashed out of shape for months on ends, wouldn't clean it until I remembered months later, left it at the bottom of my vanity case where powders and mac clear lipglass would spill over it etc) and it's still holding up. Other brush companies make just as nice brushes too, but mac is a strong contender in the brush dept. |
I completely agree! What makes MAC brushes stand out is also their durability. I've had brushes from Coastal Scents that only lasted a few months. My MAC brushes have been through hell and they're as good as new every time I wash them. No worries about handles breaking or bristles falling off. They're definitely the best ones I've ever had and worth their money, because you don't need to replace them for quite a few years after you buy them.
paperfishies
Well-known member
Quote:
I loveeeee the 109 brush...It is easily my favorite MAC brush. I love it for foundation, prep and prime finishing powder, contouring and blush. I keep a LOT of these brushes because I use them for so much, on myself and clients. The only time I get shedding is when I wash it but I kinda expect it with the fluffier brushes. I also love my 129 for powder. I think the most underated MAC brush is the 227. I love that brush, it's so versatile.
| Originally Posted by blindpassion
The 109 is the only brush I will use for foundation, on myself or clients (unless they have awesome skin in which case I'll use the 187). But DAMN that brush sheds. And its the only MAC brush I have that sheds like that. |
I loveeeee the 109 brush...It is easily my favorite MAC brush. I love it for foundation, prep and prime finishing powder, contouring and blush. I keep a LOT of these brushes because I use them for so much, on myself and clients. The only time I get shedding is when I wash it but I kinda expect it with the fluffier brushes. I also love my 129 for powder. I think the most underated MAC brush is the 227. I love that brush, it's so versatile.
sherby2722
Well-known member
I have the 129 brush and i dont find it scratchy at all!! its my favourite blush brush!! when i 1st got it it did seem a little scratchy compared to my other mac brushes, but after i washed it it was really soft.
Mochahantas
Well-known member
I like MAC brushes.
That's it, like.
IMHO, Sonia Kashuk brushes are softer than MAC brushes. I actually prefer them to MAC. I don't find any of MAC's brushes to be uber-uber-super-duper soft. But being a MAC collector, I feel that I must have a few of the key brushes.
That's it, like.
IMHO, Sonia Kashuk brushes are softer than MAC brushes. I actually prefer them to MAC. I don't find any of MAC's brushes to be uber-uber-super-duper soft. But being a MAC collector, I feel that I must have a few of the key brushes.
alka1
Well-known member
Quote:
I don't think brushes have to be extremely soft to be good.. I have some really soft brushes that don't work nearly as good as my MAC ones. I think it depends on what you what the brush to do. It's a little hard to buff/blend with a really soft brush..
soft bristles are better for applying rather than blending imo
| Originally Posted by Mochahantas
I like MAC brushes. That's it, like. IMHO, Sonia Kashuk brushes are softer than MAC brushes. I actually prefer them to MAC. I don't find any of MAC's brushes to be uber-uber-super-duper soft. But being a MAC collector, I feel that I must have a few of the key brushes. |
I don't think brushes have to be extremely soft to be good.. I have some really soft brushes that don't work nearly as good as my MAC ones. I think it depends on what you what the brush to do. It's a little hard to buff/blend with a really soft brush..
tokidoki1825
Well-known member
Quote:
Yeah, that's a really good point. I really like synthetic hairs for applying powder, a light blush look, blending highlighting etc., but there are definitely times when you need a firm, natural hair brush for blending. And everyone likes different types of application.
I really like Sephora Professional's goat hair brushes--they definitely have the firmness and density you need, but still feel really soft on the face.
| Originally Posted by alka1
I don't think brushes have to be extremely soft to be good.. I have some really soft brushes that don't work nearly as good as my MAC ones. I think it depends on what you what the brush to do. It's a little hard to buff/blend with a really soft brush..
|
Yeah, that's a really good point. I really like synthetic hairs for applying powder, a light blush look, blending highlighting etc., but there are definitely times when you need a firm, natural hair brush for blending. And everyone likes different types of application.
I really like Sephora Professional's goat hair brushes--they definitely have the firmness and density you need, but still feel really soft on the face.
~Crystal~
Well-known member
I have several, but only use the 212, 182, 187 and 188 on a regular basis. The 191 is ok though leaves me a little streaky... and the 129 is too fat, though I do use it a little I suppose.
My 187 is GREAT- it NEVER sheds on me (perhaps a hair or two in every 10 applicaitons), and the 188 is just as good! These two keep their shape, do exactly as they should, and behave beautifully! The 212 is also wonderful and is another must have brush
The 182 is a brush I simply cannot live without. However, that being said, I have had issues with mine!! As another poster said... it sheds like a mofo lmao! I actually had another one before this one, but had to get it exchanged because it was even worse than this one! It's not so much SHEDDING though- it's the hairs which break (which saddens me as the brush is no longer as effective then!) I have used mine for about 3 years now though (and it isn't in great condition any more.. what with hairs breaking all over the place...) so I bought a new one at the mac f&f sale
Fingers crossed that the new one doesn't do the same!!
P.S. And I wash them carefully with baby shampoo and conditioner!!!
My 187 is GREAT- it NEVER sheds on me (perhaps a hair or two in every 10 applicaitons), and the 188 is just as good! These two keep their shape, do exactly as they should, and behave beautifully! The 212 is also wonderful and is another must have brush
The 182 is a brush I simply cannot live without. However, that being said, I have had issues with mine!! As another poster said... it sheds like a mofo lmao! I actually had another one before this one, but had to get it exchanged because it was even worse than this one! It's not so much SHEDDING though- it's the hairs which break (which saddens me as the brush is no longer as effective then!) I have used mine for about 3 years now though (and it isn't in great condition any more.. what with hairs breaking all over the place...) so I bought a new one at the mac f&f sale
Fingers crossed that the new one doesn't do the same!!
P.S. And I wash them carefully with baby shampoo and conditioner!!!
alka1
Well-known member
Quote:
the 182 brush does shed quite a bit in the beginning.. after a good 2-3 washings - got all the loose bristles and the excess dye out. Now it's perfect and doesn't shed at all - it's been that way for almost 7 months now. I couldn't live without this brush either, I use it pretty much every day
| Originally Posted by ~Crystal~
I have several, but only use the 212, 182, 187 and 188 on a regular basis. The 191 is ok though leaves me a little streaky... and the 129 is too fat, though I do use it a little I suppose. My 187 is GREAT- it NEVER sheds on me (perhaps a hair or two in every 10 applicaitons), and the 188 is just as good! These two keep their shape, do exactly as they should, and behave beautifully! The 212 is also wonderful and is another must have brush
The 182 is a brush I simply cannot live without. However, that being said, I have had issues with mine!! As another poster said... it sheds like a mofo lmao! I actually had another one before this one, but had to get it exchanged because it was even worse than this one! It's not so much SHEDDING though- it's the hairs which break (which saddens me as the brush is no longer as effective then!) I have used mine for about 3 years now though (and it isn't in great condition any more.. what with hairs breaking all over the place...) so I bought a new one at the mac f&f sale
Fingers crossed that the new one doesn't do the same!! P.S. And I wash them carefully with baby shampoo and conditioner!!! |
the 182 brush does shed quite a bit in the beginning.. after a good 2-3 washings - got all the loose bristles and the excess dye out. Now it's perfect and doesn't shed at all - it's been that way for almost 7 months now. I couldn't live without this brush either, I use it pretty much every day
Mochahantas
Well-known member
Quote:
That's great..for you. But I'd rather not subject my super sensitive face to brushes that's going to scratch my skin up. My #1 concern is the health of my skin first and foremost. Blending and the rest is secondary. If it takes a few more strokes to blend with an uber soft brush, then I'm all for it.
I'm not going to subject myself to (possible) wrinkles and irritation for the perfect blend.
| Originally Posted by alka1
I don't think brushes have to be extremely soft to be good.. I have some really soft brushes that don't work nearly as good as my MAC ones. I think it depends on what you what the brush to do. It's a little hard to buff/blend with a really soft brush..
|
That's great..for you. But I'd rather not subject my super sensitive face to brushes that's going to scratch my skin up. My #1 concern is the health of my skin first and foremost. Blending and the rest is secondary. If it takes a few more strokes to blend with an uber soft brush, then I'm all for it.
I'm not going to subject myself to (possible) wrinkles and irritation for the perfect blend.
bebs
Well-known member
I have over 50 full size brushes and every once and a while when one of them is dirty and I don't have time to wash it, I'll go for some of my clean art brushes. Some of them cost as much or more then my mac brushes, so I don't really know why people would go there to save money if you are going for quality brushes. Then again you can find a few of my mac brushes in my art boxes as they are wonderful for painting. It all depends upon the brush, how you handle the brush (Where your hand is) for the effect that it has. as for how it feels,and comparing brushes and company's I think its been covered many times so I need not go into that. really in the end its all a matter of what you like and what you want, if something works better for you then go with that!
