Exactly the same. I went with the Sephora after I gave my MAC 187 to a friend. I like Sephora's platinum brushes better than MAC's, I've washed them every other day and some of mine are really old as dirt and still look fantastic. Its a personal preference, same quality. However, the imitation MAC stippling brushes really lack quality not only in materials, but the way the hair of the bristles is cut as well. Quality brushes make all the difference.