MAC makes so many makeup brushes, if you're not a pro it's as easy to be confused by them as it is to covet them. So I asked MAC Sr. Artist Romero Jennings to give me the scoop on how to get the best use out of the Wave of a Wand Sweep and Define Brush Bag, $49.50, from the Magic, Mirth & Mischief Holiday 09 collection.
The brushes that come in this cute patent-finish bag are the 129 SE Powder/Blush Brush, 190 SE Foundation Brush, 227 SE Large Fluff Brush, 212 SE Flat Eye Definer Brush and the 275 SE Medium Angled Shading Brush. The brushes are travel sized, are light but have a comfortable heft, and are a sort of shiny gunmetal color. To buy them all individually would cost $141.50. So if you're looking to expand your brush collection the holiday brush bags are a good value.
Click through for Jennings tips and tricks for making the most of these tools.
129 SE Powder/Blush Brush
"The 129SE brush is the perfect blush or face powder brush! I usually don't use a powder brush that is too large. This brush is extremely soft and luxurious, it deposits the perfect amount of product effortlessly! I love the effect that is created with the Mineralized Flushes and face powders when I use this brush!"
190 SE Foundation Brush
"The ultimate in achieving foundation perfection! This brush is really the speedy way to apply eye cream, skin primer, moisturizer and cream/liquid foundations. I usually use the flat side of the brush in a tapping motion for a quick and smooth application.
Well! This is a secret: I use tip of the same brush to apply concealer too! So you are able to apply many creamy items with this multi-talented brush!"
227 SE Large Fluff Brush
"The #227 brush is like a soft baby powder puff for your light-toned shadows, weather shimmery or matte. This brush is great for applying a quick shadow wash all over the lids. Two of my favorite lid-washing eyeshadows are Motif or Patina. This brush enables you to apply your favorite fun, light shadows in the blink of an eye!"
212 SE Flat Eye Definer Brush
"The #212 brush is great for applying eyeliner or super detailed shadows! I love using Fluidline Gel liner with this brush first, then take an interesting colored shimmery shadow like Club or Contrast to tap right on top of the fluidline for a more festive holiday-friendly look!" [Editor's Note: I looooove Fluidline and tried this trick right away - it gave my eyeliner an extra pop I loved! This may be my favorite brush of the collection, or at least the one I'll use most frequently.]
275 SE Medium Angled Shading Brush
"The 275 brush is the perfect tool for applying hard to control crease shadows or even for doing a smoky eye shadow look! This brush blends darker shadows effortlessly. The key is to wedge the point of the brush into the crease of the eye with the shadow -- always start in the outer corner, then just swish back and forward for an even sweep of your favorite shadow!
My latest trick is to first apply a base of metallic eye shadow or cream followed by a matte shadow. The finished effect will be a wearable shimmer which comes through the matte shadow sort of like sequins under matte chiffon!It is couture elegance for your eyes that is totally attainable and effortless!"