Product Review: MAC 190 SE Foundation Brush

How's your weekend, everyone? I certainly hope you're all having a blast. Anyway, it's time for another brush review. I am reviewing one of the very first MAC brushes I owned, way back in summer of 2009. I got this brush as part of the Adoring Carmine Holiday Collection together with the 187SE, 168SE, 194SE, and a pouch. Please note that this is just the short-handled brush and I don't have the full-size 190. On to the review then.

Product Description taken from MAC Cosmetics website:

Pro-quality. A foundation brush designed to create a smooth, even finish, flawless look. Works well with any M·A·C foundation, including Studio Fix and Studio Tech. Use to apply, distribute, and blend foundation into all areas in the face.

19 cm
US$32.00

What I like:
- The bristles are firm but flexible enough to not drag the skin as foundation is applied and blended. Not scratchy either.
- This is a traditional foundation brush that is great in applying liquid, cream, and mousse foundations.
- Coverage can go from light to full when using this brush.
- Creates a flawless and even finish as long as you do not forget to blend. Some people complain about the foundation looking streaky, blotchy, and uneven but seriously, the key is blending. It won't hurt to add a few more strokes. But if you are in a hurry, a flat top brush is the way to go.
- I sometimes use this to apply concealer because the size of the head is just right for the under eyes. Just simply pat, pat, pat and then use my ring finger to pat the concealer one last time and I'm good to go.
- I like the short handle, actually. It gives me better control than long-handled ones like the 187 and 188 because they hit the mirror when I hold it in front of my face.
- The bristles are dense and packed tightly together and makes buffing and blending the foundation easier.
- Locally available at MAC Counters - both full size and those included in holiday sets.

What I don't like:
- It eats a lot of foundation but not as much as the amount sponges absorb. But the trick here is to apply very little foundation using short, gentle strokes and slowly build up from there instead of spreading the foundation in long strokes.
- Full size is expensive and I guess costs more than Php 2000 but will check for the exact price and update this post. The set is also expensive for Php 3850 (not sure if the sets were part of the price increase though).
- The SE ones are made in China whereas the full size ones are made in Japan. But this is not a biggie since this is pretty good.

Overall rating: 4/5 This is a good basic foundation brush but if you have already found something similar to this that works great for you, there is no need to purchase this or the full size. Might as well invest on multi-tasking brushes such as the 187 or the 188.

Will I buy again? I am still not sure if I would but it would entirely depend on my need. See, I've had this for almost 2 years and a half now and it's still in great condition. So let's see if I do in the future. :)

187 made in Japan and 190SE made in China

Have you tried this brush? What other foundation brushes can your recommend?

Happy Saturday, super awesome peeps. :)

Cheers,

Coming up: Bourjois Blush in 54 Rose Frisson