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Saturday, August 20, 2011

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

36 comments:

  1. wow two years! foundation brushes are the easiest to wear out, if it lasts that long i think its worth the price (:

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  2. Thanks for the review, I have a few brushes for foundation but I am not that good at applying it ! I am a new follower of your blog with google friend connect, follow back if you like my blog, I'd love it ! :) Thank you

    Fashion and Cookies

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  3. Do you prefer this type over a buffing brush?

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  4. I have this brush! :) These paddle brushes make great concealers, that's for sure! :) I really like Smashbox brushes as well. I'd def recommend you to try Sonia Kashuk brushes or Smashbox ones. Actually, I've had a number of Clinique brushes that have lasted me over 4 yrs!

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  5. I love this brush!! I switch out with this and my sigma f80 brush both are great foundation brushes..

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  6. Wow! gusto ko din yan. But no budget for this. Sis, do you have any suggestion on diff brands?

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  7. i like mine - got it from Heirloom collection. like it because it works but not as much as i'd like to or compared to my FT brushes. it takes some skill too using foundation brushes; for me, FT brushes are no-brainer so i prefer that.

    great review sis!

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  8. I haven't tried this one hun but great review! I like how foundation brushes give good coverage on application ~

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  9. @cocoabee Agree. That's why it's safe to say that MAC brushes are worth investing on. ;)

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  10. @Vale ♥ I only have a few brushes for foundation too as most of the time, I use my fingers to apply them when I'm in a hurry. Thank you, will check out your blog too. :)

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  11. @Rae I still prefer a buffing brush over this type of foundation brush. :)

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  12. @Rainy Days and Lattes I wish I can try Sonia Kashuk brushes especially the infamous bent liner brush but sadly, the brand's not locally available here. :( I've seen a few Smashbox brushes when a sales assistant tried selling them to me (the hardcore way) but never tried any. Will take note of it. :)

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  13. @JennI completely agree about both this and the F80 being great brushes. :)

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  14. @Sweethestia I would suggest the EcoTools foundation brush - I have tried it and it works. Also, the foundation brush from Marionnaud's new Premium line - I thinkg it's 299 bucks. :)

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  15. @MereMakeupManiac I agree. Flat top brushes are so much easier to use and takes less time to blend in the foundation. :)

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  16. wow red handled brush is so pretty!! I have only tried it at Mac's store, but the black one, I wish mac come out with more colored handled brushes that aren't "limited" for the price they're worth~

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  17. I love Mac brush!you have a great blog! please check out my blog and follow if you like, I promise to do the same for you! xx
www.lovejoice.blogspot.com

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  18. Recently I started using foundation brushes too and this one looks so nice as well! didn't tried the Mac one but I love my Cathy Cat brushes (Korean brand)

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  19. i also like mac brush sets.. i have no problem with se brushes either.. though there are some reviews saying- that mac se brush sets are crap especially the mac a tartan tale collection.
    IDK, i got my mac tartan tale collection brushes.. so far, so good!
    i love them.

    =(( i never tried any conventional foundation brush yet. humm

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  20. Great review Pammy!! :) I've once tried using a foudation brush (Elf Foundation Brush), and it wasn't a good experience at all.. well, given the price, I don't have the right to complain anyway.. So from then on I'd rather use my fingers to apply liquid foundation which was always better in my case..

    This brush is so promising.. wishing upon a star.. :)

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  21. @PammyI'm thinking of purchasing the F80 brush you reviewed before. Ack. Have you tried any other flat top buffing brush?

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  22. thanks for the review!!! by the way im having my first bloggiveway please visit and check out my blog and join.

    http://orrangefish.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-first-blog-giveaway-contest.html

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  23. Sigh, i can see I love this brush na! I like it when foundation brushes are dense! There are a couple that moves around when you use it, I want control on my foundation brush! :)

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  24. i only have brushes from sigma. >.<" i want to try the real techniques foundie brush by the pixiwoo sisters hehehe. so i shall be getting it in a swap. :D

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  25. @Diana Yeah, a pink or purple one would look cute! But I guess they aim for the professional look, thus, the black handles that look more professional. :)

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  26. @Diane I thought the full size 187 is better than the 187 SE but I think that as long as we're happy with the brushes, then we'll do just fine with them. :P

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  27. @Karla Michelle Haha! Me too! Especially when I'm running late. I just warm the foundation between my fingers and apply it just as I would apply my moisturizer. Major face rub. :D

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  28. @Rae Aside from the F80, I've only tried the Everyday Minerals flat top kabuki. But I heard really good reviews of the Charm flat top brush. :)

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  29. @Rae Aside from the F80, I've only tried the Everyday Minerals flat top kabuki. But I heard really good reviews of the Charm flat top brush. :)

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  30. @ash Thank you and good luck on your giveaway. :)

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  31. @Askmewhats Yeah, I have tried others that are just too flimsy to even blend the foundation properly. :)

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  32. @sugar sugar I've never heard of that brand but will wait for your review, Sugarpaopao. :P

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  33. @sugar sugarI messaged La Petite Confisserie for the Real Techniques buffing (foundation) brush.

    They said they're going to bring them here in a few months. I was going to purchase via lovemakeup.co.uk but they don't ship here :( Ulta doesn't ship here too. Might just have to wait.

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