MAKEUP LOVERS (:

This is a revised review from 2008. Edited for more clarity and added insight into the product and my experience using it. Most is from the original review, with some things re-written just to be clearer, and what is added is what I remember from my experience with the product.

- Skip down to ‘My Results’ and ‘Final Consensus’ for short summary of overall thoughts on product -

What it Claims:
“A full, dome-shaped brush of extra soft goat hair. Specially created to flawlessly blend powder onto the skin for an immaculate polished finish. Excellent for all M·A·C powders and pigments.”

Claims - True or False?
1) Extra soft goat hair: False.
2) Immaculate polished finish: False.

Construction:
The brush has a tiny handle, which is actually quite easy to work with. I’d prefer it to be a tad longer, but it’s not a big issue. Minimal loss of bristles during washes, but a little more than I’d expect from something so pricey. Has a nice dome shape, but because it is quite large, it would be best suited toward buffing product out (as the name suggests) over using it to apply product. The bristles, in my opinion, are quite scratchy and uncomfortable on the skin.

Ease of Use:
Other than being too large to use for detailed application, it’s fairly easy to use for overall light coverage. I ended up using it to blend my foundation out as opposed to using it to apply it. The handle is a little clunky in my opinion, but nothing too bad. Washes out without any real hassle, takes about a day or so to dry. Doesn’t need to be reshaped either, as it simply falls into its shape while drying.

Bang for your Buck:
This brush cost me $50.00 CAD. In my opinion, over-priced for what you get. Considering some MAC stores may have somewhat crappy return policies, it’s best to really examine the brush as much as possible before purchasing.

My Results:
Too scratchy on my skin. When initially bought, it wasn’t too bad. But it definitely got rougher after just a few washes. However, I seem to have sensitivities to natural bristles, so this may just be something that many do not experience. Works decently at buffing and blending, although I find it can take off powder from the skin. As for using it to apply makeup, I’d not recommend it. Left me very cakey doing so.

Final Consensus:
If you are a fan of MAC or simply cannot find a buffing brush from any other (affordable) brands, then the 182 is worth trying out. That being said, many other cheaper brands have equal or better quality and have not caused issues with irritation. Would not personally recommend to others.
- Pros: Compact, easy to wash, dries nicely, doesn’t shed too much, okay for blending and buffing.
- Cons: Expensive, scratchy, does not work as well as I was hoping it would, cannot be used for application, handle is a bit too short and stubby.