MAC 217 Brush - What's All the Hype?

I am a bargain shopper by nature. Even if I may have the money to buy a high end item, there is a checklist of prerequisites that must be met before I invest in it. That having been said, I did my due diligence researching the 217 brush. After careful consideration, I added it to my arsenal of brushes.

Website Promises

"For shading or blending of colour or creamy products. This brush has fine, densely packed fibers that are arranged in an oval shape. M·A·C professional brushes are hand-sculpted and assembled using the finest quality materials. They feature wood handles and nickel-plated brass ferrules."

I love this brush. I can achieve the same blending by using four other less expensive brushes.
However, I can complete an entire look using just this one brush. This saves me a lot of time.
That alone makes it worth the investment. I have been using it for a month.

Here's the breakdown

PROS
Shedding is minimal.
Washes well.
Can be used with creams and powders.
Light weight handle.

CONS
Stains, but one can educate one's self on the proper cleaning of this type of brush. A cleanse off oil may remove stains.
Price $22.50 OUCH!

If you invest in no other expensive eyeshadow brush, this is the one you MUST HAVE in your tool kit.
Do you own this brush? Is it on your Wish List?

Reminder - Wash Your Makeup Brushes

Essence of Beauty Kabuki Brush REVIEW

Photo Credit: CVS

"Essence of Beauty's plush cosmetic brushes are made of high quality, authentic hairs and fibers. Buy Essence of Beauty's luxurious cosmetic accessories for all the benefits of high-end department store brands at just the right price. Reusable cosmetic pouch."

DIRECTIONS
"The Kabuki brush can be used to apply powder, bronzer or blush. Just dip the brush into the product in a circular motion for optimal coverage and lightly tap to remove excess. Use a dusting motion to apply product where needed. This brush is great for use with mineral cosmetics. Recommendations: Follow with the 'Essence of Beauty' blush brush to add a rosy glow to your look. Instructions of usage inside.


My curiosity was piqued in this brush by many makeup YouTubers.
They compared it to the MAC 182 ($45). Many purchased this brush to carry in their purse or on overnight trips and vacations so as not to risk losing the more expensive MAC brush. Some claim to like this brush even better than the MAC comparable brush.

I was able to purchase mine on a bogo.
Generally it retails at CVS for $9.99.
It is worth every penny and MORE!

Unless I stumble upon a better brush by accident, the search is over!
This brush is as soft as my e.l.f. studio kabukis.
Click HERE (for e.l.f. kabuki review) It is however, more dense than they are.
The Coastal Scents Synthetic Wide Buffer is softer, but not as dense as this brush.

Comparative View



Overhead View



HOW I USE IT
This brush is excellent for applying powders. It is dense enough to pick up as much product as I desire without being over saturated. The extra large dome makes quick work of buffing. The pointed tip allows for easy access to the more recessed areas like near the sides of the nose.

This brush shed just a little out of the packaging.
Washing resulted in a little more shedding. There was not alot of bleeding.
It took a while to dry.

I am sure my other kabuki brushes will be jealous of my new love.

5 out of 5 stars!
I HIGHLY recommend adding this to your collection.

The Shades of U MAC Brush Set Giveaway for Subscribers

WOW! Check it out!









Link to The Shades of U Blog

e.l.f. Studio Kabuki Brushes REVIEW

Love these brushes!
They are the softest brushes I own!
I will NOT be purchasing the MAKE UP FOR EVER Face Kabuki ($39).
I can use the difference ($34) to SPLURGE on something else.

These brushes are a STEAL at just $5 each

Con: smelly, but hopefully after a good deep cleaning that will go away.

Boxes



Body Kabuki / Face Kabuki



Compared to the Coastal Scents Synthetic Wide Buffer Brush



Compared to the Coastal Scents Ltd. Edition Kabuki Brush



Kabukis Resting in Their New Home

e.l.f. Studio Brush Holder

I love this thing! It appears to be made of acrylic. They covered it with a funky black spray that feels like a NARS compact. Right now it smells like it was from a "fire sale". I am confident that this smell will dissipate over the course of a few days.

Box



Scale



Filled with Brushes



Profile View



I may buy another one just for combs and brushes!

Brush Cleaning Jar

It's Sunday! Do your brushes need a deep cleaning?



Compact glass jar and pad for storing cleaning fluids and cleaning brushes.
Stroke brushes across soft, flocked cleaning pad to help remove paint residue. Residues get trapped at the bottom of the jar to help keep cleaning fluids cleaner longer.

Check Out YouTube's Vital Buzz



Follow her on her blog

dominichulinda.blogspot.com



For More Information
Please Check your local Art Supply Store (Michaels, RexArt etc.)

To Purchase Online
Please Check Out

Loew Cornell Brush Cleaning Products

Help to Clean Your Brushes - NEW e.l.f. Studio Items!

Brush Shampoo



An anti-bacterial brush cleanser for thorough cleaning in-between makeup applications. Disinfects brushes to provide a fresh and clean application every time. Washes away traces of dirt, makeup, oil and debris from your brush while conditioning the hair to provide a clean and soft application for every use.

Ingredients:

Water(Aqua), Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide MEA, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Chloride, Methylparaben.

Directions:

Cleanse brush regularly by massaging a small amount of the shampoo with water and working it through the bristle from the base of the brush outward. Rinse thoroughly and gently squeeze out excess water. Reshape the bristles and lay flat on a clean cloth to fully dry before next use.

Daily Brush Cleanser



An anti-bacterial daily brush cleanser for quick cleaning in-between makeup
applications. Disinfects brushes to provide a fresh and clean application every time. Helps to keep your brushes lasting longer for extended use.

Ingredients:

Water(Aqua), Alcohol Denat,Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Methylparaben.

Directions:

An anti-bacterial daily brush cleanser for quick cleaning in-between makeup applications. Disinfects brushes to provide a fresh and clean application every time. Helps to keep your brushes lasting longer for extended use.


We know how to make our own brush cleanser. We know how to deep clean our brushes.
Having these affordable products is very convenient. If nothing else, we can "try" the new products & keep the CHIC containers for our home made batches of cleanser & shampoo. I so want to try these!

for more info
go to
http://eyeslipsface.com
Photo Credit: eyeslipsface

What do you think?

Don't Forget to Wash Your Brushes!

These are my dirty brushes from this week.
I temporarily stored them in an upside down tissue box holder. I LOVE animal print!


It's Sunday! That means it's time for your brushes to receive a DEEP CLEANING!

There are many different ways that people clean their brushes.
Check out YouTube's KandeeJohnson's method

It's Sunday, Remember to Clean Your Brushes

Image Credit: www.maccosmetics.com

Check out beautybargainhuter from YouTube
Demonstrate How to Make Brush Cleanser & Clean Makeup Brushes

COASTAL SCENTS NEW STUFF!

Coastal Scents has released 10 new Gel Liner colors that are just in time for season. We are dedicating this Friday's Sale to all Gel Liners: 15% off.

New: They now carry Shea Oil! Shea oil possesses all of the beneficial properties of shea butter. Shea Olein is obtained by fractionating shea butter to separate the olein (liquid) and the Stearin (solid).



New Brushes: They have 7, precision crafted brushes available. These were brought in by customer request. We are sure you will find one that fits your needs perfectly .
(Range in price from $2.79 to $3.95)







Happy Shopping!

www.coastalscents.com

e.l.f. Studio Stuff I'd Like to Try

2 in 1 Conditioning Gloss $3



This 2 in 1 gloss has shimmering lip color in the inner tube and clear conditioning gloss in the outer tube for ultimate lip satisfaction. Hydrate your lips with key moisturizers and achieve sheer color perfection. Infused with Vitamins A and E, Aloe and Shea Butter for rich hydration.

Studio Blush Brush $3



This new anti bacterial, synthetic haired Taklon brush is softer and more absorbent and can be used with wet or dry products. Be a professional makeup artist and create a flawless look with this e.l.f. studio brush! -Creates a defined and sculpted look -The tailored design allows for easy maneuvering and precise color application -Use to apply blush or bronzer
*Vegan Friendly

Studio Face Kabuki $5 (In Stock Soon)



This new anti bacterial, synthetic haired Taklon brush is softer and more absorbent and can be used with wet or dry products. Be a professional makeup artist and create a flawless look with this e.l.f. studio brush! Our handy and easy to use Kabuki Brushes provide a light to full coverage on your face or body to ensure a flawless finish. The compact brush is perfectly sized to allow for precise and controlled application of bronzer, powder, or a highlighter on your skin.
*Vegan Friendly

Studio High Definition Loose Powder $6



The high definition loose powder creates a "soft focus" effect to the skin. Masks fine lines and imperfections for a radiant complexion. The incredibly soft and invisible powder is great for on-screen and everyday wear.

Dual Mirror Compact $3



The essential dual mirror compact with a chic velvet travel pouch. Great for quick on-the-go touchups. One side of the compact reveals a regular mirror while the other side has a 2X magnification mirror for easy viewing.

Small Brush Holder $5



The stylish and sleek makeup compartment holds your brushes, makeup pencils, tools and more. The professional storage holder keeps everything organized for quick use. The luxurious material is easy to clean and durable for storing on countertops or in cabinets.
*Brushes not included

Do you see anything about which you are curious? Please leave a comment! Thank you.

MAC 188/187 Dupes! (inexpensive)

e.l.f. Studio Powder Brush $3.00

This new anti bacterial, synthetic haired Taklon brush is softer and more absorbent and can be used with wet or dry products. Be a professional makeup artist and create a flawless look with this e.l.f. studio brush!
-Creates a professional sculpted look
-Full coverage color
-Use for powder or blush for perfect contouring
*Vegan Friendly

Dip the brush into powder and then tap off excess. Start near the hairline and work inward as to not over apply color.

Makeup Alley is all a buzz about using this brush as a dupe for MAC's 188/187
(for applying liquid foundation)

Stock up. Buy 3.
Mark them so you won't mix them up. Use nailpolish colored & then clear topcoat to seal.
Use 1 for Liquid Foundation (fushia nail polish)
1 for Powder, (purple nail polish)
1 for Blush. (blue nail polish)

Watch (beautybargainhunter)Daniela's
Tutorial, Review & Comparison

Get More Info @
http://www.eyeslipsface.com

AuralineBeauty Brush REVIEW

I received a Peer request from Stephanie to review the brushes I purchased from Auraline Beauty.

I bought 3 of them. 1 each of the

148 cream brush
161 blending powder brush
139 bronzing brush

-----------------------
148 cream brush $19.00 OUCH i paid $8.00 on sale!
As a lover of cream blushes, I felt investing in the cream brush was essential. To date I'd been using my e.l.f. foundation brush for their application. The auraline brush is 2x as dense as the e.l.f. brush. This makes for more control re: placement of the blush. The e.l.f. brushes are more flexible (less control). It is important to dry the cream brush over the edge of the counter so as not to get mildew. It is so dense, it takes quite a while to dry.
---------------------------------
161 blending powder brush $11.25 I paid $9.60 on sale
Initially, I purchased this as a stippling brush for applying my liquid foundation. However, I found this brush to not be as dense as I needed it to be for that use. It appears to be much more dense on the website photo. It is very soft. I prefer to use it for application of MAC Mineralized Skinfinish, Powder Blush, or other bronzing powders. If you want a good quality dupe for the MAC 187 ($42.00), I suggest you invest in a Sigma SS187 ($16.00)
http://www.sigmamakeup.com/products/706.html
Another option is to wait for the Nordstrom Anniversary sale (July 17)
for the release of the MAC SPECIAL EDITION Brush set:
Shape & Perfect 168SE, 187SE, 194SE, 212SE, 275SE
($49.00) For more info, please ck. out
http://www.temptalia.com/mac-graphic-garden-collection-for-nordstrom-anniversary
--------------------------
139 bronzing brush $6.00 I paid $4.00 on sale (pony hair)
I thought this brush would be a good dupe for the MAC 109, but it is not firm enough. It is great for buffing foundation, bronzer & setting powder.
It is fine, but I prefer my e.l.f. studio powder brush ($3.00) as a more accurate dupe for the MAC 188 & or MAC 109 ($32.00)
My purchasing experience from auralinebeauty was pleasant enough. The shipping was reasonably priced ($3.00 under $150 product ordered/$150+ free ground shpg) & arrived quickly.
www.auralinebeauty.com

ORGANIZATION for brushes & makeup

Click on any image to view full size.

After a month of serious hauling, I had to find a way to organize my new treasures. I came up with some creative solutions. In the garage organization section of amazon.com, I found this 18 drawer storage cabinet by Homak

HOMAK HA01018001 18-Drawer Plastic Parts Organizer

specs.
- Heavy Duty Plastic
- Clear Plastic
- 18 Large Drawers
- 14¾" by 6¼" by 18½" (width x depth x height)


drawers are
L 5¼"x W 4¼" x D 2¼"


Reviews for the 18 drawer cabinet were average. However, most of those people purchased it to store HEAVY tools, nuts, screws & bolts. They also stored it in a garage which was not climate controlled. As I am using this in a climate controlled environment, and the items I am storing are light in weight, this is PERFECT for my needs.

I got all 3 toothbrush/mouthwash cup holders from ROSS from the clearance table for $1 each! whoo hoooo!



Clear Glass Cookie Jar is 10 1/4" High x 9 1/4"in diameter.
I used 2 bags each of
smooth stones
fish tank gravel
coarse sand.
Check your local Walmart!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

UPDATE** I found the organizer for less $ @ kmart, but the website says it's blue. It was less expensive, but I'm very picky about everything matching. I needed BLACK. One ebay seller suggested I "spray it" but I really wasn't feeling very crafty. If I could buy it in the color I wanted for a lil' more $, I preferred to do that.

Here is the link to the 18 drawer Storage Unit
HOMAK Storage Unit

I saw several on ebay for less money, but they were the wrong color & I was not feeling crafty.

Here is a link to a less expensive one.
If you don't mind spray painting it, go for it!
Kmart Stack & Store