MAC Brushes..A Decade (Or More Later)

 I've been wanting to do this post for a minute. There was a period in time when I was obsessed with MAC brushes. I wanted them all. I only stopped collecting them around the time I bought the retractable lip pen and received the cheapest feeling brush ever. Felt like a dollar store brush. And also around that time they got rid of natural hair brushes. I prefer natural hair brushes for the most part so that broke the hold they had over me. 

But I thought we would take a look back at the brushes I have collected over the years.

My first two brushes came from my Mom. She bought them from the MAC counter- didn't use them and so they became mine. I'm pretty sure it was the 266 and the 217 (maybe a blush brush too, can't remember!)  I got from her. And it might have been around 2008-2009. Maybe 2010.

I love the MAC 217 and if you are looking for comparable natural hair brushes- check out Rephr. One of my 217 is probably trash. I have used it a billion and one times. Also washed it a ton. These days is stiff, some of the bristles are broken off and you can feel it's different. I still can't bring myself to throw it out. I did buy a back up a few years back and it's better but now I prefer some of my Rephr over it due to shape/softness etc.

But it was probably one of the most popular brushes of all time. These days I don't hear much fuss over it since it went synthetic. 

The only other issue I had is with one of my favorite brushes- the 134. Best bronzing type brush ever! The handle on mine has always been a little wonky and it used to be wriggly. I can't remember if I glued it back. But the handle has some cracking on it. It's not very noticeable and I still love the brush. I'm not sure I will find a comparable one if I ever needed to replace but I do think mine has a lot of life left in it.

My most hated brush is definitely the MAC 224. It's a thin, scratch-y brush that I do not get the hype of. So scratchy. I very rarely reach for it. I even tried conditioner on it..kinda works. But the brush should be much softer! 

The rest of the brushes...some I love. Some are barely used. I'll never get rid of any of them though. If I'm not missing any of the brushes- I counted out 31. So I definitely dropped some coin. 

I almost thought I would do a deeper dive but I did do reviews on all these brushes and they are mostly discontinued except a select few.

They just remind me of a fun time where I went crazy collecting their brushes.  

Were you a MAC Brush collector? What brands had you in a chokehold trying to collect them all? 

Royal and Langnickel Omnia BOM-41 Domed Shader Review

 I usually like to do brush reviews after I've used a brush every which way and tons of ways but this one has me stumped. 

Omnia claims:

This multi-use brush can be used to apply a wash of color over the eyelid, apply a precise highlight, or blend makeup on small areas of the face. This dome-shaped brush is especially useful for those that have large eyelids.

Made in China

I was expecting this to be an eyeshadow brush...and not really. It's way too large to use as a shadow brush. It claims to be for larger eyes...I have large eyes. It's not an eye brush. I have used it to blend out hard to blend color..and if you need something more dense to really pull and blend the color out- this will do it. It's very large and very domed though. 

It may be useful to blend out something like the MAC Paint Pot. I'll have to test if I end up either another one.

It kinda reminds me something you might use to contour. It's slightly smaller than a contour brush. Might be useful for smaller faces that like precise contour applied in a small area.

It does say you can use for highlight but since it's so dense it would apply a lot. If you like that look it would work. I like a more diffused look for highlight. I don't wear highlight that often anyway though.

I'm thinking it might be good to blend out small areas of concealer too but I haven't worn concealer in a few years. Could be good for the under eye area. It's also very soft and doesn't poke at all...

I still don't like the gold color- nor the overlay they use on the brushes. After awhile it will start to peel off and degrade. I don't think it's good for the longevity of the brush. You can still use the brush- but it will look old...

So far no issues with this particular one but I haven't used it very much either. 

Overall, I don't have a use for it right now. It's a nice brush though- I just don't think it's quite an eye brush as they claim. I'm sure I'll find some way to get some use out of it. 

Random: 

I drank all my Downton Abbey Mrs. Patmore Pudding tea. I love Downton Abbey and she was a favorite character so when I saw this I got it. It kinda tasted like their caramel tea but better. I always buy caramel tea but I never like that much. It wasn't anything amazing though and sounds more appealing than it was...it was just fun to try because of the branding.

Royal and Langnickel Omnia BOM-37 Highlighter Brush Review

 

I'm so excited for tomorrow-. I ordered Danessa Myricks latest palette along with the old Lightwork V  palette and it's here! Just gotta pick it up. I really can't wait. I need a fast forward button..

In the meantime- I have a highlighter brush I want to review. Even though I'm not into highlighter- I love to buy highlighter brushes. I don't know what my problem is. Actually, I'm hoping that now that I acknowledged it's a problem- I'll fix the problem. I guess we shall see. 

Omnia claims:

Get the perfect diffused glow or apply a subtle hint of blush with this uniquely shaped face brush. The plush hair flares out at the top for perfect coverage and the natural fibers can pick up and deposit even micro shimmers with ease.

OMNIA® GOLD is the next-generation of professional makeup brushes. Each brush uses only the finest quality natural hair. This hair is meticulously selected and incredibly soft while still maintaining the density needed to pick up and deposit product with accuracy and precision. Every brush is handcrafted to perfection, creating the finest brush possible, exceeding all expectations.

I am running out of Omnia Brushes to review. And I don't plan on picking up more. Maybe unless they go on deep discount. I don't like the gold handle color nor the material. It's that "sticky, grippy" feeling material which I have really come to hate. It never ages well. And it's worn off a few of my brushes and I haven't had them long enough for them to be doing that. Not to mention, I expect more from a "pro" brand. 

I don't have the brushes and they look fine for the most part- if you buy them on sale you can't beat the price.

But this is one I do wish I didn't buy.

It doesn't pick up highlighter the way I want it to. I don't know if it's because I use it mainly with MAC Gold Deposit but it picks up random sparkles and then you place it on or brush it on and it just goes on very scattered.  Everything is scattered and it's hard to see the effect. I think this brush just doesn't offer the control that I want.

The bristles are very soft though. I love the way it feels. And the bristles fan out. I think I prefer a brush that tapers to a point or tapers in rather than this shape for highlighter. It's the control thing. This might be a great brush to use with a different texture of highlighter and if I find it to be so, I'll definitely come back and update. 

I've tried it for powder and blush and always felt I had brushes that can do the job better. 

It's not my favorite brush. You could probably say I really don't like it much. If it disappeared from my collection I wouldn't be sad about it. 

Royal and Langnickel Omnia BOM-31 Pointed Powder Brush Review

 My Sunday is going really well so far....I have some beans cooking away on the stove. I'm trying to get back to eating beans like I did years ago- mostly for health. And they are easy to grab through the week to add extra protein to a meal. Also I can easily take it to work and avoid eating "junk" like I had been. It was starting to turn into a really bad habit. I've been pretty good about it the past couple of weeks and am trying to keep it that way.

But on to my newest powder brush. Which is not so new anymore. I've had it a couple years now. But I like to use my brushes before reviewing. 

Omnia claims: 

This plush powder brush comes to a tapered tip, great for precision powder application to all areas of the face. Set makeup, apply luminous powder, or gently contour with this perfectly-sized brush.

OMNIA® GOLD is the next-generation of professional makeup brushes. Each brush uses only the finest quality natural hair. This hair is meticulously selected and incredibly soft while still maintaining the density needed to pick up and deposit product with accuracy and precision. Every brush is handcrafted to perfection, creating the finest brush possible, exceeding all expectations.

I love a big fluffy powder brush. They just always feel so luxurious and glamorous to me. I don't use them as they were intended- they were originally meant to knock excess powder off the face. Mostly I tend to use them for bronzer and blush. I don't typically use them for powder because I like to "press" powder in. I might use them to do an overall blend too. 

I like this brush. It is all natural- probably goat hair. It's very soft. And it's got the point which is similar to my favorite powder brush from MAC- MAC 138.  I love that brush from MAC- it's always the one I travel with. When I saw this I picked it up because the MAC is long discontinued. Or if they still make it the bristles are now synthetic and I much prefer natural bristled brushes. 

This is not a dupe or really even that similar. But I am glad to have it in the collection. It can give you a softer more diffuses application because it picks up powders softly. So it's harder to get unblended harsh lines. For blush I get a pretty diffused look. It is large so it will cover a larger area. But I am always happy with the way my blush looks when I use this. As for bronzer, it also does that well. It's a more soft diffused looked. I love that because sometimes you see people with horrible blended, helmet head dirty looking bronzer. I can't stand that look. You can't get that with this brush.

The brush is very soft. Softer than the MAC one. But it does shed quite a bit. I feel like I am picking little white hairs off my face quite often.

I also am not a fan of the gold handles. They have that rubbery feel and eventually it will peel off and just looks tacky overall. It doesn't age well.

Aside from that issue, it's a nice brush. I'm glad to have it in my collection. The price is much higher than what I paid for it now...but Omnia used to have great sales- 30 to 40 percent off. I don't think it's worth it at full price but if you can get it on sale- it would be more worth it. 

Omnia BOM-33 Angled Stippler Review

I got sucked into watching Apple Cider Vinegar (on Netlflix)...which was hard to get into at first but by the end of the first episode I was hooked.  I had heard of the story a couple years back...and then watched a ton more stories people that fake cancer for money. Vile stuff. I think it was worth watching though, especially if you are unfamiliar with the story. It's one of the better done Netflix stories on scammers (I hated Inventing Anna).

Omnia claims: 

A unique foundation brush, this small stippler is angled to make application easy and seamless, especially for detail areas. Apply other cream or liquid products with this multi-use brush as well.

OMNIA® GOLD is the next-generation of professional makeup brushes. Each brush uses only the finest quality natural hair. This hair is meticulously selected and incredibly soft while still maintaining the density needed to pick up and deposit product with accuracy and precision. Every brush is handcrafted to perfection, creating the finest brush possible, exceeding all expectations.

I am digging through my brushes for the ones I haven't reviewed and this one is one I have had a couple years. I think I've formed an opinion on it now that I have owned and used it dozens and dozens of times.

I prefer natural bristled brushes over the plastics/synthetic ones. I just feel they are better for the earth because you can potentially recycle them. So my preference is always a wooden handle, metal ferrule, and natural bristles. But natural bristled foundation brushes are hard to find. This is a stippling style brush..but in a different style from any other stippling brush in my collection. Most of my brushes that have natural bristles also have synthetic ones as well. I have the old style MAC brushes. These days they are all synthetic though.

Except this one. I'm pretty sure this one is all natural. A stippling brush...with an angle to it.You can use it for foundation, blush, possibly highlight. I've really only used it for foundation since I don't have any liquid blushes. Nor do I have any cream or liquid highlighters. 

So for foundation...it's not my favorite foundation brush. That could change as I try out different foundations...but for what I have now I just prefer a different type of brush. Right now the winner is still my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. I've had mine for years and years and it is still amazing. I also really like my MAC brush...which is similar and does the same thing but at a higher price point. 

If I had to explain why I don't love it as much as other brushes- I think it takes longer to blend with it. The other brushes just blend whatever I'm using so much quicker. This one also does shed a bit and those don't. It's also quite small and I think I prefer something bigger.

One thing I don't like about the Omnia Gold line of brushes is the Gold coating on the brushes. It wears away. Mine is already missing some of the gold coating on the top of the brush as well as little random spots. It's one of the reasons I am hesitant to buy more of this line- unless you can get them 30% or 40% percent off. I wouldn't pay full price. 

It still does work. And I will keep on testing it and rotating it it with my other brushes. I just would hold back on highly recommending it. 

 

Senna Jumbo Powder Brush 614 Review

 It's Friday night and I am baking up come cookies. Cookies to go with a Christmas movie. I might make some hot chocolate and spike it. Perfect start to the weekend.

Before I get started with my Friday night I do just want to knock this brush review out. I am still slowly but surely getting through reviewing the many brushes in my collection. I finished the eye brushes and now moving on to the face brushes.

Senna claims: 

The extra large tapered shape applies loose or pressed foundation powders, setting powders, and bronzers smoothly over the face. Natural hair. Swirl brush into gentle liquid cleanser in palm of your hand. Rinse with warm water. Squeeze out excess water with a towel. Mold brush to original shape and lay flat to air dry.

There's something about powder brushes. I don't wear powder often but I LOVE powder brushes. I'm surprised I don't own more because I always have the urge to buy more. 

I am pretty sure this one is long discontinued. I bought it a few years back on clearance. I still see them floating around though as some online stores seem to still have them in stock. 

It's super soft but not very dense. The bristles are longer and a bit floppy. Which is different than most of the other powder brushes in my collection- especially the MAC ones. That makes the pick up of powder softer and if you use it to apply colored powders like blush-bronzer everything goes on a bit less pigmented than if you had more dense brushes. Could be a good thing if you are heavy handed. It can definitely help you get a more blended look.

I had read somewhere powder brushes are originally for dusting excess powder off. But I typically use them to apply blush/bronzer and occasionally will use them to apply powder. It's just I rarely use a setting powder anymore. Especially in winter.

It is a natural haired brush- my favorite! I prefer natural hairs over synthetics. 

I love the handles (color is very pretty), the ferrule, etc. The quality is pretty nice. Mine still looks new- although admittedly I haven't used it a ton since I have had it since I don't wear full face make-up often. 

Overall, I definitely didn't need this brush...but it's a good one. I'm happy to have it in my collection and whenever I rotate it in I am always happy to use it. It's multi-purpose and I can see it being in my collection for years and years.

MAC 210 Precise Eyeliner Brush Review

 I have some pre-shampoo in my hair and while that soaks in and does its magic I figured I would knock out a post. Did you know that Coloured Raine is going out of business? They have a major sale on their website but I don't feel confident purchasing from a close out sale, especially since according to reddit posts they have taken forever and a day to ship out orders lately. Everything is only $2.50 though. I had the Safari palette on my list for forever but I never purchased it. I planned on getting it next year sometime  after I use up another couple of shadows but I guess that ship has sailed. 

Anyway...on to the the liner brush review.

MAC claims: 

The 210 Precise Eyeliner Brush is ideal for precision lining of the eye area or body detailing and design. It features an extra-fine tip and has smooth, synthetic fibers of just the right length and density for lining the eyes. M·A·C professional brushes are hand-sculpted and assembled using the finest quality materials. They feature wood handles and nickel-plated brass ferrules.

Made in France

I have two of these because it took forever and a day to get my first order and when I let MAC know they re-shipped my order. Excellent customer service. I should order from them more often. 

I don't have many liner brushes in my collection but I can say of the small amount I have, the MAC onnes are my favorite. The MAC 209 is perfect for a graphic liner. You have perfect control and the brush is not frayed at all.

This you can get a graphic liner but not as easy. It's so thin you have to thicken the line and I find I tend to completely mess it up when I am using such a small brush. I do have large eyes though...so I think if you want a smaller brush or have smaller eyes, this would be the brush for you. You get so much control...I just need less control and for the brush to do more of the work when I want something graphic.

I do really like this brush for a no liner look though! If I just need to add some definition to my lash line without it looking like a liner- I'm grabbing this! I can really get this so close the the lash line. It even works pretty well for lining the waterline.

I do have two of them and I have to say- they are completely different shapes. One is longer, and one is shorter. I would take a photo but I seem to have misplaced my second one. If I find and remember I'll take side-by-side photos of them. 

I wasn't sure I needed both the 210 and the 209...but they do have different purposes for me...so I'm glad to have them both in my collection. 

MAC 209 Eyeliner Brush Review

 I have some time now that I am letting my cake cool for an entire hour. I can't wait to turn it upside down and see if it actually came out how it's supposed to. Patience is key...I guess.

MAC claims: 

An extra-fine tipped synthetic fibre brush that delivers a precise, firm, even stroke with which to line the eyes. Use with liquid or cream products.

• Bristle type: synthetic
• Made in USA

In the meantime, a quick eyeliner review. I've had this brush forever now (2018!) . Just waiting for me to buy some gel liner so I could finally test it out. I wanted to use up most of my pencil liners first. And I finally did so I splurged on the Bobbi Brown gel liner. So all these years later, I am finally using my 209 brush.

My favorite liner brushes or the ones I used most often tended to be the angled liner brushes- but I do have some that are similar styled to this one....and I have to say this is definitely my favorite. 

Something about how the shape tapers when you get product on it so you can really get a precise line and you can really perfect the shape in a way you can't with an angled brush. You aren't really limited to a straight wing, you can curve the line more which I think can suit the eye shape better. Or at least I feel like I can make it so with this brush. It just feels more free style. 

I was also worried that this would create too thick of a line but you can really get a thinner OR thicker line. So it's pretty versatile. I pulled out my similar brushes- Sonia Kashuk Bent liner and the Real Techniques one and the MAC one blows them out the water. The Sonia Kashuk one is a bit frayed and doesn't come to a point, so the wing part of the liner is always thick no matter what. And the Real Techniques one is OK, but the bristles are a tad longer so I feel I had less control with it. And you always get a thick line with that one

As always the quality of the brush is nice- sturdy yet light wood handle. Nice silver ferrule. Soft and not splayed bristles. 

I still need to give my MAC 210 a whirl- but right now my favorite for gel liner is the MAC 209. 

 

MAC 170S Rounded Slant Brush

 I haven't been blogging because I got caught up watching Pop the Balloon. There is just something about that show that is completely addictive. It's a good show to analyze human behavior. What I find most fascinating is how shallow some of them really are- and the fact that many of them would pass up a good man over height- anyway I'm going to keep powering through the show so I can get my life back. In the meantime, I'm blogging and watching the show. Multi-Tasking for the win.

MAC 170S: 

A best-selling foundation brush with a rounded, slanted shape and densely packed fibres that applies, buffs out and blends any foundation or primer.

Hand-sculpted and assembled using the finest-quality materials

Expertly engineered with high-grade synthetic fibres that are resistant to breakage

Non-porous fibres that are easy to clean

Made with nickel-plated brass ferrules and multi-lacquered wood handles

Made in China 

This is the last MAC brush to join my collection. I wanted to collect them all until they went synthetic. Now I'm more picky and don't add to my MAC brush line-up often. This is one I have wanted for awhile, but I have a similar foundation brush that works amazing...and didn't have a reason to buy this one. I still didn't but I bought it anyway....maybe I was just bored. 

My favorite foundation brush is one I have had and used for years. It's the expert face brush. It is an amazing brush and also very affordable. Mine works and looks as great as the day I bought it. I just bought this one because I have wanted a "higher end" synthetic brush that was similar. Or I was just in the mood to buy something. 

I am glad I have it, but it doesn't do anything the Expert Face Brush can't do for a fraction of the cost. I do prefer the look of the MAC brushes- I like the wood handles and the metal ferrule. The brush has a billion very soft bristles that work the foundation into the skin quickly and leave a nice finish. 

I do also really like the shape. You can turn it any which way and even use the pointier end in the crevices of your nose etc. It also is a bit larger- not large though- so you can blend quicker than if you had a smaller or a flat foundation brush. 

I really like this brush. I'm glad to have it in my collection and switch it out with my Expert Face Brush to give that one a break. I think it will last me years and years. 

Senna Cosmetics 31 Precision Shadow Brush Review

 Finally down to the last eye brush in my collection that I need to review. Except for a few liner brushes but I still haven't started digging into my gel liner so those reviews are a long way off.  After this I'll be moving on to the face brushes. 

Senna claims:

Baby tapered shape applies spot color for highlighting the brow arch, accenting eyelid and inner eye corner, or smudging color under the eyes. Synthetic nylon.

This brush is discontinued now. Which is why I got it at a great price. I can't find exactly how much now but it had to be five dollars or less. Could have even been only a dollar. Way better deal than the ELF brushes.

At first I thought it really wasn't worth it but it's grown on me. 

You can definitely tell that the brush bristles are synthetic. But not in a bad way. They are really soft and feel nice. I think they are too soft though and that's what makes it easy to tell that it is synthetic. 

That being said I did struggle with what to use it for at first. I don't think it's a must have- but it does make a really nice lip brush if you have larger lips. I have soup coolers and this brush works really well because it doesn't take all day to put the color on and it's still precise. I do prefer a more tapered tip but this will do in a pinch. 

I also like it to put shadow (matte and colorful) towards the inner corner. Or packing color on. You really get the concentrated color before you blend it out with another brush so it doesn't stay as concentrated but it still works. You could use it to smudge out liner. Or tap color onto the lower lash line.

It's pretty versatile...I will find uses for it. But it's not really a must have just one that's nice to have when I need a smaller more precise brush. That's not too often because I do tend to throw color on and then run out the door. 

I have a few Senna Brushes- they don't get tons of use but so far they are holding up well and all look new. I love the wood handles with black ferrule. But the ones with aluminum feel higher quality. 

I do see that it's still for sale at Nigel's Beauty so if this is a brush you want...you can still buy it. 

Rephr 16 Brush Review

I had an amazing weekend.....but of course like any other week back to the Monday and the Monday bus. I'm still trying to get into the habit of writing posts regularly again. And struggling just a bit. Yesterday I was caught up in trying to use a coupon to save some money...it took me forever to decide what I wanted. And then when I was done I was too lazy to go get my computer....

Rephr 16:

a large tapered crease brush that's ideal for applying a quick wash of base color on lids.

due to its tapered shape and soft bristles, brush 16 is also a pro-favourite for detailed highlighting.

handcrafted in Kumano, Japan by master artisans using uncut natural hair.

This is the last of the brushes I bought from Rephr. I have really been enjoying my Rephr brushes so this isn't the last I'll be buying- but I'm still on a no buy and trying to review the brushes sitting in my collection. 

 I'm not sure why I picked this one up. I think I was just reading through the descriptions and looking for a brush that I could use to apply a quick wash of color. Which is not what I use this brush for at all. As far as I know there isn't a MAC brush equivalent...or if there is I don't have it.

This brush is extremely large for an eye brush, it's very fluffy, and very soft. I love it and I have been using it everyday to blend out the edges. I love the MAC 217 or Rephr 01 Brush to apply color in the crease but once it's got color on it (especially bolder colors) I don't usually like to blend with it because it can make a mess unless I am thoroughly wiping out the color. I have a lot of brushes I could use to do that final once over blend, but I love this one for it. I think because of how soft it is. And also how large it is. 

It would be good for highlighting- I haven't worn highlight in years though. But I'm sure this would do an amazing job at applying it precisely. I probably should have at least tried it for the review. But I'm so happy using it as a blender, I haven't felt the need to try it that way.

Overall, not quite a must have. But if I lost it, I would probably replace it although I have other brushes that could do the same thing. I just like it and it works well....

Rephr 01 Brush Review

 I'm procrastinating washing some dishes and a blog post is the perfect procrastination. i bought some Rephr brushes a while back...mostly because they are so similar to MAC natural haired brushes which have been discontinued. I kinda panic bought these now that I think about it...just in case something happens to some of my favorite MAC brushes. I mostly wanted these as backup. I'm also more likely to travel with these because I can replace them should something happen to one. 

Rephr claims:

a luxurious multi-purpose eyeshadow brush designed for effortless shading and blending. this brush works equally well with powder and cream products and is also capable of spot concealing and detail highlighting.

the 01 is our flagship eye brush that's been carefully calibrated to work for all eye shapes, including hooded eyes and monolids.

handcrafted in Kumano, Japan by master artisans using uncut natural hair.

bristle length: 16mma luxurious multi-purpose eyeshadow brush designed for effortless shading and blending. this brush works equally well with powder and cream products and is also capable of spot concealing and detail highlighting.

the 01 is our flagship eye brush that's been carefully calibrated to work for all eye shapes, including hooded eyes and monolids.

handcrafted in Kumano, Japan by master artisans using uncut natural hair.

bristle length: 16mm

This is supposed to be similar to the MAC 217. Which is in my top two eye brushes...and one of the most versatile. I think this is a great dupe of the MAC 217. I might even like it more....imagine that. I think the bristles are fluffier and the brush is a little bigger than the 217. Essentially they really do the same thing. I had problems with my 2nd MAC brush having some breakage and being a tiny bit scratchy.

I mostly use these type of brushes for blending and applying some color in the crease. But you can use it for concealer, to apply under eye powder, to apply high-light to the brow bone, and whatever else. Also to apply a wash of color all over the lid.

I haven't had any issues with scratchiness or shedding. The brush is really soft but still picks up good color.

It is on the pricier side but Rephr often runs promotions so definitely wait for a sale and don't buy them full price. 

Senna Cosmetics Angle Shadow #37 Brush Review

Slowly getting through and reviewing my Senna Brushes. I think this is the last eye one. This is definitely an oddly shaped one but I got it on a good sale so I can't complain much. I can't find the exact price but I think it was $5.00 or less because they were discontinuing them. It seems the company has now switched to all synthetic and I have always preferred natural hair brushes. 

Senna claims:

Angled edge and wide, blunt surface is the perfect shape for contouring the eye crease and outer corners with soft definition. Works to apply color all over the lids also. Natural hair.

This is definitely a unique brush. It has a very angled and dense top. It's extremely soft and the hairs feel great quality.  It has at top with a point that you can use if you flip the brush over to put color on the lower lash line. The flat angled top is really good to grab color- be it matte or shimmery and just pack it on. Comes in handy for colors that do well packed in and with the motion you apply the color in, it seems to help the color last longer. 

I have also used it to stamp color into the outer corner and I do really like it that way. Works better than the fluffy brush that is my usual go to because you get precise color placement.

It has a nice wooden handle with a black ferrule. The brush feels solid and I'm sure I will have it for many years to come. I don't think the ferrule is as great as the old silver MAC ones but it will do. 

It's not a must have but I can easily use it everyday and be happy with it. It's discontinued but if you do want it, I see it on Naimies for the sale price of $6.00.

Rephr 02 Brush Review

 I just tried and completely failed at making a chocolate cake. It's not such a mess that I have to throw it away but it is pretty disappointing how it turned out because I just knew it was going to turn out amazing and then I was gonna make a glaze and icing and decorate but...the recipe just sucked. I'll probably post more about it tomorrow....

Rephr claims:

a firm shader brush that's dense and soft at the same time - optimized for maximum pigment payoff. works with both powders and creams and is perfect for laying down pigments, quick smokey eyes and delicate work near the lower lashline.

the 02 is our flagship shader brush and has been optimized to work for all eye shapes, including hooded eyes and monolids.

handmade in Kumano, Japan by master artisans using uncut natural hair.

Rephr brushes blew up a a few years ago and I was curious about them...but I have a lot of brushes. I've heard mixed things about them, some say they are amazing. And other reviews I read said they were scratchy and the bristles fall out. I thought I would take a chance anyway...not that I needed the brushes but I have a few MAC favorites they don't make anymore (in a natural bristle) and I just wanted a backup. I had tried to buy what I thought were similar brushes to some  I have but when they would arrive in the mail they were never similar enough. 

MAC 239, Rephr 02

I bought this specifically to dupe my MAC 239. I love that brush.. I've had it for years and it works exactly the same as when I first bought it and I've used washed and used it billion times.

I use this brush for packing shadow on (works great with Matte shades) and pretty well for shimmers. You can use it to add color to the lower lash lines. I've seen talented artists use this type of brush for crease work.

It packs on shadow really well and it does feel like it helps certain shades last longer due to the way you can push it into the lid with this brush. It reminds me of the MAC one. I can use both brushes interchangeably. Which is exactly what I was looking for. 

Usually I'm not a fan of brands that just dupe others...but in this case MAC no longer makes this type of brush in natural bristles- goat hair. Synthetic brushes have really taken over- but I prefer natural hair. Mostly because just about everything has plastic and if I can reduce plastic in my life, that makes me happy. 

Another thing I love is the price. Rephr runs sales. So you can get this at half the price I bought my MAC one years ago. 

And lastly, love that they are handmade in Japan. I'm a sucker for handmade things. The brush itself looks sleek, modern, and feels like quality. The handle is a little shorter than the MAC ones but I find it really comfortable to hold and use.

I love thise brush just as much as the MAC one. I'm really happy to have one similar because even though I will probably have that MAC one for years to come, I wanted a backup just in case and since they don't sell them anymore- I'm glad to have this. Definitely keeping this in the rotation. 

Senna Crease Brush #27 Review

 

I am determined to get through reviewing  the pile of brushes I have that I want to review. Otherwise they will sit there for years...and I will block myself from buying new brushes (I should probably not buy any more brushes anyway) . I bought a few Senna brushes on clearance. I think this had to be $6.00 or less. I like natural haired brushes and they are coming to be a little harder to come by as most companies switch to synthetics. I think this was on clearance because Senna also switched to synthetic brushes. Bummer.

Senna claims:

Rounded firm tip brush applies eye colors to the crease area and then blends beautifully.

• Natural Hair
• Size: 6.75 long

Made in Korea. Senna Cosmetics.

This is definitely a different type of crease brush than the ones I have in my collection. It just has an oddly tapered point. Because of the way it looks, I kinda shied away from using it. But I have kept it within reach so I can grab for it more often review. I do like it for certain things but don't find it a must have. Probably after I put it back in the container I won't intentionally grab for it 

It works really well to pick up hard to pick up shadows. Sometimes the ones that are super hard pressed can be difficult to pick up and this makes easy work of it. It works well to pack some color to the outer corners and into the crease. It can work as a crease brush to get more concentrated color. in the crease.  I don't tend to wear makeup like that so I don't reach for it for that reason much. 

It is a very soft brush with thicker bristles. I think that's what makes it easier to grab pigment/color. I like it best for Matte shades..not something I reach for when I am using shimmer. 

Other than that...it's not a must have. I like it, I'll use it when I remember it. But wasn't a must have. 

Royal and Langnickel Omnia BOM-45 Crease Brush Review

 I went through all of my brushes and picked out the ones that I still need to review. A while back I said I wasn't going to buy more until I review everything I've been holding on to and meaning to review. I think I've done pretty well with not buying more brushes. To be honest I probably have all the brushes I need....

Omnia claims:

This standard-size, fluffy crease brush can apply and blend shadows into the crease for seamless definition. The natural hair has impeccable pickup and release, so color concentration is never lost during blending.

OMNIA® GOLD is the next-generation of professional makeup brushes. Each brush uses only the finest quality natural hair. This hair is meticulously selected and incredibly soft while still maintaining the density needed to pick up and deposit product with accuracy and precision. Every brush is handcrafted to perfection, creating the finest brush possible, exceeding all expectations.

I like Omnia brushes (except the handle) especially for the price. I've managed to get mine all on sale and so far they have been great for me. I reach for most of them often in my rotation of brushes without forcing myself to use them. I especially love a fluffy crease brush so I was excited to get this one into my collection. I do have other brushes that do the same thing but I still am glad to have it.

It's decently large and reminds me of a brush I have from NARS- except I reach for this one naturally more. 

It's so soft, fluffy and tapered. It's perfect for blending a ton of color lightly into the crease or just using it to blend out a wash of color. I can even use it to dust color lightly on the brow area. 

The only thing I don't like are the handles. I don't like the color and I don't like the "rubber" coating. It came off one of my brushes and has bubbled up on others. This one so far has been OK, but I have had it happen on a few so it's worth noting. Other than that the handles are nice, they feel nice in your hand. The handles are nice and long so it would be easy to use it on other people. 

The list price on it is $10.99 which I think is very reasonable, especially since it's a natural haired brush and a similar brush from MAC or NARS ( all synthetic now) would have cost $25 or more. You can even get more off if you wait for a sale. I'm pretty sure I bought mine when it was 30 or 40% off.

Da Vinci Classic Lip 4414 Brush Review

I bought this when I went crazy looking for a natural haired lip  brush...preferably sable hair because it's said to work amazingly with cream.Lipstick is cream. I ended up coming across the German Brand Da Vinci. I think they are more known for making art/painting brushes. There were two lip brushes and somehow I picked up the smaller one. Which is too bad for me because this is way too tiny for me to use as a lip brush. It's too tiny for me to use for anything really.

Da Vinci claims:

This brush is a quality product "handmade in Germany".
This liner is suitable for applying gel eyeliner, eye shadow and kajal. It emphasizes the eye area on the upper and lower eyelid as well as on the lower corner of the eye and is also ideal for a precise compaction at the base of the eyelashes. It ensures easy handling through targeted color delivery and an exact, uniform line guidance. The high-quality red marten hair ensures long-term practical work due to its needle-fine tip.

It's kinda odd because mine definitely says it's a lip brush but the description on a website I found that sells it says it's an eye brush. But it looks slightly different even though it has the same number so IDK.

For comparison of size: MAC 239, Royal and Lang Gold Lip Brush, Da Vinci Lip

Mine says lip so I'll go with that. I have big lips. And this is a tiny, tiny brush. So it does not work for me. Unless I want to take forever to apply some lipstick and have it looks streaky...this is a no. Could be nice for someone with tiny lips though. 

I thought I would try it on my eyes...but I couldn't really find anything to use it for. I'm not into it for liner or tight lining...or anything on the top lid. I just really can't find anything to use it for. I might demote it to a nail polish clean up brush. 

I like that's it handmade in Germany..it seems to be good quality but the build definitely feels more like an art brush than a makeup brush. Especially the ferrule. 

It's kind of a useless brush to me..but maybe one day I'll pick up another brush from Da Vinci and give it a try to give the brand another chance.

Royal and Langnickel Omnia BOM-50 Lip Brush Review

  

A couple of years ago I was really on the hunt for a lip brush. I bought a couple and then oddly enough never really use them. Or rarely use them. They do come in handy when I need one, especially because I still do have a few lipsticks in palette form.

Omnia claims:

The smooth, domed top of this lip brush makes it easy to glide color or gloss over the lips. Use the edge to lightly define and fill with the flat side of the brush for a flawless pout.

OMNIA® GOLD is the next-generation of professional makeup brushes. Each brush uses only the finest quality natural hair. This hair is meticulously selected and incredibly soft while still maintaining the density needed to pick up and deposit product with accuracy and precision. Every brush is handcrafted to perfection, creating the finest brush possible, exceeding all expectations

• Professional Artist Quality - OMNIA offers the highest quality, most technologically-advanced brushes, using only the finest materials. Sturdy chrome-plated brass ferrules hold the luxurious filaments in place and each handle is made from high-impact, water-resistant acrylic and coated in a rubberized Silk-Touch™ finish, for added comfort and grip.
• Finest-Quality Natural Hair - OMNIA Gold was developed with the natural hair purist in mind and features meticulously selected, hand-shaped natural hair of the finest quality for impeccable performance. Each brush is incredibly soft and supple while still maintaining the density needed to pick up and deposit product with accuracy and precision.
• Handcrafted to Perfection - Every brush is handmade by only the most skilled artisans for a truly remarkable performance and unparalleled craftsmanship. We have consulted with hundreds of artists to make brushes that will stand up to the rigors of everyday use by enthusiasts and professionals alike, refining our designs every step of the way.
• Made in China
• 
  
  

I love a natural haired brush and until I bought this one all my lip brushes were synthetic. I thought lip brushes had to be synthetic since lipsticks are creams and most artists recommend synthetic for cream.

It's a very unique shape for a lip brush and I was sure about it at first. I like it though. It's kind of similar to a smudge brush for eyes by MAC (214) in my collection. The shape though does grab lipstick very well and applies it well too. Especially for those that have larger lips like me...

It's a stubby but wide brush. 

I think it works great for lipstick application. But if it didn't I would just use it as a concealer or eye brush.

It also cleans up well and easily. I notice with some of my synthetic lip brushes they can be harder to clean and lipstick hides in between the bristles but no problem with that at all with the Omnia brush.

It's part of the gold line and the handles are long and gold. I don't like the color but it's reasonably priced. The handle is a little grippy..I have only had trouble with one of the handles rubbing off and I have quite  few of these brushes. 

Overall, I'm happy with it. List price is $8.99 -which I think is reasonable -but you can get an even better deal if you wait for a sale/coupon code.