Kinda different: MAC 222 Brush?

[GirlyDork]

I was wondering how you all feel about the MAC 222 Brush, but more specifically: is it too scratchy on the delicate eye area? I heard from EnKore on YouTube that the 222 is harsh on the eye area because of the pointed tip.

I am considering buying the 222 because I am really into defined crease looks. They look pretty cool on me, too. I just don't like the work of taking a tiny brush, building up the color, and blending it out like crazy.

I really don't have many brushes, but MAC ones are my absolute FAVORITE!

Another question I have: Would the 219 work better for defined crease looks? I don't have that one either.

Thanks for your help.

XOXO Peace & Love,

Sarah

 

[iluvmac]

The 222 brush is not scratchy at all! It's my fav brush for the crease area. I also have the 219, but I don't like it for the crease. I only use it to smudge liners or to apply eyeshadows under my lower lashline.

 

[user79]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GirlyDork I heard from EnKore on YouTube that the 222 is harsh on the eye area because of the pointed tip.

What in the world??

No, the 222 is very nice and soft against the skin.

 

[TamEva Le Fay]

Welcome to Specktra!


I’m, probably, the wrong girl to offer conservative advise given the fact that if I don’t create that carved out, cut crease on my eyes – I may as well not even bother to show up!!!

Having said that – from a “Showgirls” perspective these particular series of brushes that will assist you in achieving a well carved crease largely depend on how dramatic you want your desired look to be.

#224, #223LE, #222, #219, #263, #242, #252

Indeed, once you’ve laid down your first base color all over - from lid to brow with the desired colors whether that be neutral or multiples - the #222 or #224 really does get the party started with building the first layer of color that will give your eyes the required dimension. That is, of course, dependent on your natural crease shape and depth as well.

For instance, if your natural crease is less significant (like mine) you may need to determine which brush fits into the contour of your crease when applying the windshield wiper motions. The #222 brush is a tight fit on some who have deeper creases and so the brush will create and define a tighter line (crease), whereas, on others with a not-so-deep crease the #222 will create a broader stroke of color along your natural crease.
The same could be said of its fluffier Sister the #224 brush, which in essence could be overkill on some, unless you’re really building up colors from the bottom up.

When you do go brush shopping have your MA demo which one of these three brushes that will work best for your crease shape and your artistic needs. It will either be the #222, #224, or #223 LE Rachael Welch Brush (If you can find one…it could happen!) Allow them to literally fit the brush to your eye crease…if you will.

The #219 Brush does everything you’d expect it does - just by looking at it…and then some! Excellent investment. On the other hand, it also has its limits, and that’s where the #263 comes in. Where precision is key - I use the #263 to really define almost “cartoon like” lines on my creases, particularly, the inner crease…well blended of course. The #263 looks almost identical to the #266 brush, but it’s much softer to the touch.

If you really are a devotee of the carved crease, seriously consider all of the above brushes. Even the #242 and #252 paddle brushes can create stunning looks with carving creases due to their pointy profile tips. These two brushes are incredible when you’re shading and defining your crease with colors like Carbon, Contrast, Plumage, Sketch, Signed, Sealed, Graphology, etc., etc. – for a nice finished look.
Many a Pro swear by these two often overlooked brushes!

Also, remember to inspect the brushes when you’re shopping for them at the counters. No two are the same - each are a little different or unique, except for maybe the #168 blush brush - those are fairly consistent in uniformity of shape. I prefer brushes that have nice points on them. It makes them more versatile.

Don’t be afraid to touch them to ensure to get the softest feel to your brush as well. You can determine fairly well by the touch of the brush, whether or not, it will suit your eyes and whether it will be too harsh for you. Nobody wants to sell you a brush you’d have to return right?

I really wish MAC Online did a much better job at showing you what those brushes really look like from all angles. You never really get a good sense of what their like - Which is why I always recommend buying brushes in the store.

In summary, these brushes are essential in the pursuit of the perfectly carved crease:

1. #222 or #224 (all depending on eye shape and size)
2. #219
3. #242

Anything after these are pure luxury!
Now these are just for carving not Blending, that’s a whole other topic!

Hope this helps!

 

[nunu]

^Great advice!!! thank you so much.

 

[GirlyDork]

TamEva Le Fay, thank you! You gave me great info! And I am SO getting the 222...and the 219!

242 was already on my wish list

 

[jdechant]

YAY for 222!! It sitting wrapped under my tree...hmm...(really wants to go over there and unwrap it!!)

 

[yummy411]

TamEva Le Fay BRAVO!!!! wonderful descriptions and help!! that was better than what i've ever heard from a MAC MUA!

 

[GirlyDork]

Gosh, I REALLY want the 222 NOW!!! Haha, well, Christmas is coming up. But I sent in my wish list already

. (I edit my wish list on a Word document as I see things that I like online.)

And AGREED with yummy411!

 

[vetters77]

FYI:
The 222 is in the Nordstrom exclusive "perfect style" brush set, currently $93 online. All full size and all handmade according to the MUA I last spoke with. It also has the 187, 168, and 263 Brush. HTH

 

[XoMakeup]

I have the 222 it's not harsh at all. I love it.
One of my fav. eye brushes/=.

 

[dominichulinda]

the first brush starting at the top ( 222 next to the 217)
224:For controlled eye shadow application. This brush has soft fibers which taper to form a medium size dome shape.



217: For shading, packing on color or blending of colour or creamy products. This brush has fine, densely packed fibers that are arranged in an oval shape.

222: Applying, contouring or highlighting powder-based products such as eye shadow, powder, or Pigment. Soft round "brush" tapers into a tip.

there it goes standing in the back:

I love the #222!! ..can't wait for the 3 other brushes coming out!! <3

 

[SakurasamaLover]

For my eye the 222 works way better then the 224. And I think that EnKore was just unlucky with is purchase. I had an issue like that with a 242. It's one of my favorite brush but the second one I bought had 2 or 3 bigger harsh hairs in it (harder then the other ones and I could feel them on my lid). I took the tweezers and removed them really carefully one by one (gently), now it's perfect.

That's why it's always better to choose the brushes personally when you go at the store. Well that is my opinion at least.

 

[GirlyDork]

Thank you all so much for this information!

Eye brushes on my to-buy list:
222 (duh!)
219
242
263
and eventually the LE 226 that will be coming out with the Brunette Blonde Redhead Collection (is the order of hair colors correct? lol I swear I always get it wrong...)

 

[LuvinMyMAC]

I picked up one a few weeks ago from a CCO and it is the brush I was always looking for. The 224 was a bit too large for me and the tapered 222 fits my crease perfectly. Lovesit!!!!