Audrey Dao

(Photos from Temptalia)

(top to bottom)

MAC Magic Mirth and Mischief Do-the-Trick Buff and Line Brush Set ($49.50)

An exclusive brush kit of five key buff-and-line brushes: 168SE, 187SE, 209SE, 219SE and 252SE in a small, rectangular makeup bag of polished silvery-pewter vinyl, the zip adorned with a round bead and grosgrain ribbon detail. Limited edition.

MAC Magic Mirth and Mischief Morning Noon & Knight Everything Eye Brush Set ($49.50)

An exclusive kit of five key brushes: 194SE, 204SE, 224SE, 266SE and 275SE in a small, rectangular makeup bag of polished silvery-pewter vinyl, the zip adorned with a round bead and grosgrain ribbon detail. Limited edition.

MAC Magic Mirth and Mischief Wave of a Wand Sweep and Define Brush Set ($49.50)

An exclusive kit of five key brushes: 129SE, 190SE, 212SE, 227SE and 275SE in a small, rectangular makeup bag of polished silvery-pewter vinyl, the zip adorned with a round bead and grosgrain ribbon detail. Limited edition.

My Thoughts:

I actually didn’t get any of the brush sets from this collection. Why? I mean it seems like a great deal right? You get 5 brushes for the cost of 2-3 brushes. I used to think like that too. That is why I used to get the brush sets from MAC instead of buying them individually. It turns out, the brushes that come in the brush sets do not perform as well as the regular full-size brushes. I found the brush sets would shed so much more than the regular brushes. Also, the brush sets do not feel as soft as the regular brushes. The regular brushes are much better quality because they are hand-made while the brush sets are manufactured. Even though you are saving money by buying the brush sets, it’s better to spend more money and invest in quality brushes that will last you a life time.

Smashbox Fan Brush #22 ($18) This feather-light fan brush softly and seamlessly applies FUNCTION5 SELF-ADJUSTING POWDER FOUNDATION, SOFT LIGHTS, FUSION SOFT LIGHTS, BRONZE LIGHTS, and BLUSH. Use it to apply even the darkest shades lightly for a perfect, natural finish every time. It’s also a must-have tool for lifting away any excess shadow that may have fallen during application without disturbing makeup.

My Thoughts:

I mainly use this brush to apply highlighter/bronzer. It’s really light and soft. It hasn’t shed a  hair after many washes and it still works like it’s new. Besides using it  to apply highlighter/bronzer, it’s great for sweeping away loose powders and shadows and applying blush.  It doesn’t pick up a lot of product, which I love. You don’t have to worry about going over board with color.

It is very important to pick a good foundation brush, because it is the key to a flawless face. Foundation brushes should be flat, firm, and made of synthetic bristles. I feel the 2 best foundation brushes are Lancome Foundation Brush #2 and Chanel Foundation Brush #16. Both provide a natural, flawless, streak less application. Both these brushes are very sturdy, and the bristles can handle a good washing.

Lancome Foundaton Brush #2 ($33)

Chanel Foundation Brush #16 ($40)

Even though these brushes are on the pricey side, they are a good investment. You will not have to buy another foundation brush for years. By years, I mean 20. The best way to buy these brushes is to buy them in a set instead of individually.

Lancome Holiday Travel Brush Set–Face costs $55 (valued at $125). The foundation brush alone is valued at $33. So you will be getting an additional 3 brushes for $22. The set includes:

• Powder Brush #1 (valued at $45)
• Highlighting Brush #3 (valued at $26.50)
• Foundation Brush #2 (valued at $33)
• Concealer Brush #8 (valued at $25)

Chanel Professional Makeup Brush Set costs $120. The foundation brush is worth $40. So you will be getting 3 brushes for $80. The set includes:

• Shadow/linear Brush #4 (valued at $27)
• Eyeshadow #2 (valued at $29)
• Foundation #16 (valued at $40)
• Blush #7 (valued at $46)

Both the Lancome and Chanel foundation brushes work equally well. I personally chose Lancome, because I am not going to shell out extra money for the “Chanel” logo.