My MAC brush collection

High end brushes are expensive for a reason. Take MAC for example -- Each brush is carefully assembled and crafted by hand. They are made of high quality materials; the handles are made of wood and the ferrule is made of nickel-plated brass. I noticed that most of the face brushes are made of goat hair (mixed with synthetic for the stippling brushes).

I know I've said this a couple of times already, but for me makeup brushes are an investment. If you have the moolah, buy the most expensive brush you can afford. Trust me it is worth it in the long run. Brushes like MAC, with the proper care will last you a lifetime. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating... perhaps 20 - 30 years?! 

Enough babbling.. let's take a look at my brush collection, shall we?!


 I need to buy another brush roll for my other brushes :D


From left:
MAC 116 Blush brush (Php 2,000) - I use this to apply blush. This is the thinner version of the 129.
MAC 168 Large Angled contour (Php 2,000) - You can use this for contouring or blush application.
MAC 227 Large Fluff brush (Php 2,000) - to set undereye concealer with powder.
MAC 217 Blending brush (Php 1,300) - to blend harsh lines or to apply a darker shade on the outer-v.
MAC 224 Tapered blending brush (Php 1,800) - for blending harsh lines; to apply liquid concealer; to apply a light wash of eyeshadow on the lids.
MAC 219 Pencil brush (Php 1,500) -  for smudging eyeliner; to apply a darker shade on the crease and lower lashline.
MAC 275 Med Angled Shading brush (Php 1,500)- I use this to apply a highlight shade on the browbone and nose bridge. You can also use this to apply to contour shade on the nose area.
MAC 213 Fluff brush (Php 1,300) - for applying eyeshadow; you can also use this brush to fill in your brows with brow powder for a natural effect.
MAC 228 Mini Shader brush (Php 1,100) - to apply eyeshadow on the lower lashline; to apply a darker shade of eyeshadow on the upper lashline (smokey eyes). This brush is a must have for people with small/chinita eyes hehe

 
From top:
MAC 187 Duo Face Fibre brush (Php 2,950) - you can use this brush for almost everything except cream foundations with a hard texture like MAC Studio Tech.
MAC 188 Small Duo Face Fibre brush (Php 2,100) - for liquid foundation and cream blushes.
MAC 130 Short Duo Fibre brush (Php 2,100) - for BB creams, liquid foundations, powder foundations, pressed powder etc.
MAC 191 Square Foundation brush (Php 2,000) - for moisturisers, BB cream, liquid foundations and cream foundations. You can also use this brush to blend MAC Fix+ or Charged Water on the face after spritzing.
MAC 242 Shader brush (Php 1,500) - for concealer application, eye primer, paint pots or cream or powder eyeshadow.
MAC 129SH Powder/Blush brush (Php 2,150) - for powder foundation, pressed powder or blush application.

If you're going to ask me the 5 must have MAC brushes, I'd say:
MAC 187, 129, 217, 219, 275


The country where the brush is made is stamped on the bottom part of the handle.
Some brushes are made in China, USA, Japan and France.
To know more click HERE.


 Anatomy of a MAC brush

Code for MAC brushes:
100's - Face brushes 
200's - Eye brushes
300's - Lip brushes

Note:  Limited edition brush sets are mass produced; which explains that they are cheaper compared to the individual brushes. I recommend it for travelling coz it is such a hassle to bring full sized brushes on a trip. Limited edition sets are also great if you want to start building/collecting MAC brushes. Most limited edition set consists of only 4-5 travel sized brushes and are priced at Php 3,500+. If you come across a 12 pc. set, 24 pc. set or 32 pc. set online, those are FAKES!


Want to know the SAVE version of the MAC Eye brushes mentioned? 
Stay tuned for my next post.



Till next time, 

What's inside my makeup kit

While browsing through some of my old blog posts, I noticed that it's been a while since I've shown you the contents of my makeup kit.

Here's an updated post for you guys...


I have two makeup bags that I alternate depending on what bag I'm bringing.
The huge blue one is from Estee Lauder which I bought on Ebay. I use it most of the time, i like that it is roomy and can fit all my makeup essentials. The smaller bag is from Marc by Marc Jacobs which was given to me as a Christmas gift.


 

 Now let's proceed to the contents of my makeup "retouch" kit.  
I don't bring eyeshadow and mascara with me coz I rarely retouch my eye makeup. 



MAC Select Sheer Pressed powder in NC25 - if i want a matte finish
Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Talc-free Loose powder - I'm now on my 2nd tub.
Binaca Fastblast breath freshener
Eye mo daily care eye drops
Naphcon-A eye drops - for eye allergies
Gatsby oil clear sheet - I prefer Kleenex oil control film (purple) but it was out of stock.


Tarte Mineral Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess
Mary Kay Mineral Blushes in Shy blush & Strawberry Cream
Etude House Easy brow pencil #1 - for quick brow touch ups
Marrionaud Dual ended brush - for my brows

Styli-style Line and Seal waterproof lip liner in Nude
In2it Gel Eyeliners in Black and Brown

Elizabeth Arden round mirror
MAC 168SE Angled brush - for applying bronzer
Mary Kay Cheek brush - I use this for applying pressed powder
ELF Studio Blush brush - I love this one! The hair is uber soft!


BYS Matte lipstick in Peach - review to follow soon
Mary Kay Creme Lipstick in Pink Melon  - my first MK lipstick and I'm in love!

MAC Sheen Supreme lipstick in Full Speed
MAC Viva Glam Nicki 1 lipstick
MAC Party Parrot lipstick
MAC Lickable lipstick
Maybelline Baby lips mint lipbalm - my fave! 

Don't judge me okay?! I carry several shades in my makeup kit coz I usually change my lipstick 2-3x a day. My favorite lipstick brand is none other than MAC. I think 80% of my makeup collection is from the said brand. Click HERE to see my MAC lippies.



Hope you enjoyed reading this post. 
What's your favorite makeup item?


Till next time, 

Review: Makeup Academy MUA Blush Perfection Cream Blusher

MUA Blush Perfection Cream Blusher in Blossom

Product Info from MUA Cosmetics UK:

PRICE: Php 540.00
NET WEIGHT: 3.2 grams
 SHADES: Available in 6 shades.
 
PROS: 
* affordable
* i love products that are unscented
* color is buildable
* i like the minimalist travel friendly packaging and the see-thru lid.
* the texture of the blush is very creamy and easy to blend.

CONS: 
* only available online.
* sadly, the color does not show up on my NC20 skintone. See swatch below.
 
TIPS:
* Moisturize skin prior to applying cream blushes so that you don't have a hard time blending.
* If your skin is only, apply primer first to make your makeup last longer.
* You can either use a foundation brush, stippling brush or your trusty fingers. My preferred method of application is a small foundation brush; just pat the cream blush on the apples of your cheeks and blend with your fingers.
* Set with translucent loose powder or leave it as it is for a fresh, dewy look.

OVERALL: 
For a drugstore brand, I'm impressed with the texture of this cream blush. I didn't have a hard time blending it using my fingers or with a brush. But I'm quite disappointed with the shade, no matter how much I try to layer, it doesn't show up at all!

WILL I REPURCHASE?
I'm not a fan of cream blushes, I have a few MAC Cremeblend blushes that I ended up selling but I kept one to use for my clients.

If you are looking for an affordable cream blush, I recommend you try this one but get a different shade instead =)

More pics (click to enlarge)


MUA Blush Perfection Cream Blusher in Blossom


Swatch on NC20 skintone
Blossom is a sheer peachy-nude shade.


See?! The shade disappears after blending =(


 Do you like using cream blushes?


Please don't forget to check out my updated BLOG SALE page.

Till next time, 

Disclaimer: Product was sent for review/consideration.
This is not a paid review and is solely based on my honest opinions.