Is this brush fake?

[MissX]

Hi, I bought this 217 brush off ebay recently and thought it was OK until I noticed that the handle does actually have an odd smell. The seller has a good reputation and I was just wanting opinions on whether it looks fake or not. It says "JAPAN" on it but I couldn't get it to show in the photo sorry. It also came in a plastic sleeve with a barcode on it but I have thrown that away now.

I don't have a lot of experience identifying fakes so any help much appreciated thanks.

 

[sparkler]

i'm gonna opt for real.

 

[MissX]

I thought it looked real but the handle smells odd and people have said thats a sign of a fake so I got a bit worried!

 

[Bybs]

Which seller did you purchase the brush from?

 

[noahlowryfan]

some of my MAC brushes have either FRANCE or JAPAN imprinted on it. well, if you have a MAC store or counter near you, i say compare the store/counter brush to the brush you bought on ebay and see if there is a difference.