MAC 168se Brush Review

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<p style=”text-align: left;”>I can’t express enough how happy I am that I  found that <a href=”https://fancieland.com/2012/07/new-brushes/”>blog sale</a> a little while ago! Not only did I finally get a chance to try some MAC brushes but I totally found some new loves! This isn’t the best brush I’ve ever tried but there’s more than enough reasons why this brush was still able to land itself in my favorites list last month. Definitely a great buy!</p>
<p style=”text-align: left;”>Because I scored this for an amazing deal through a blog sale I’m not exactly sure where you’ll be able to find this brush. Prior to purchasing this brush, I did a bit of research and discovered that these mini brushes aren’t very popular. They’re hard to find and not the same quality as the regular MAC brushes. I say “regular” because these brushes aren’t full sized brushes nor are they manufactured the same way full sized MAC brushes are. That’s why they have the “se” label at the end. These brushes are made in China I believe and are machine made unlike full sized brushes. I’ve read a few reviews stating that these brushes aren’t as soft as regular MAC brushes. I can’t really attest to that because I’ve never tried a MAC brush but still bear with me!</p>
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<p style=”text-align: left;”>The size of this brush is one of the things I love best. It’s PERFECT for my small hands and face. The short handle and small brush head make for great precision. I’m able to apply my blush effortlessly exactly where I want it. I don’t have to be extra careful when blending either! Another plus is that this brush is very dense! It picks up pigment excellently. I’m able to pick up just the right amount. Even with my more pigmented blushes (like my <a href=”https://fancieland.com/2012/07/la-femme-blush-pan-swatches/”>La Femme pans</a>) I don’t have to worry about picking up too much and ending up with the clown face.</p>
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<p style=”text-align: left;”>Now on to the bristles! This brush is incredibly dense to be so small but, unfortunately, the bristles are not that soft. I hate to say it because I really do love this brush but my Elf brushes are much softer. This brush is made of natural hairs I believe but they can feel a bit prickly against the skin. It is a bit disappointing but not completely an issue for me. What is an issue for me, however, is the fact that this brush has a tendency to shed.  It’s not to the point where I fear the brush will go bald but it’s enough to annoy me. I’m not used to dealing with shedding brushes because my Sonia Kashuk and Elf brushes very rarely shed. I mean almost never. With this brush I’ve noticed a few bristles left on my face after using it. I’m hoping a nice deep condition may soften the bristles a bit and slow up the shedding. Fingers crossed!</p>
<p style=”text-align: left;”>Here’s my final thoughts:</p>
<p style=”text-align: left;”><strong>Pros:</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>great for precise blush application</li>
<li>excellent brush for small faces</li>
<li>very dense</li>
<li>picks up pigment very well</li>
<li>blends effortlessly</li>
</ul>
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<strong>Cons:</strong>
<ul>
<li>sheds a bit</li>
<li>bristles aren’t very soft</li>
<li>very difficult to find on the market</li>
</ul>
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<div>Overall, I think this is an excellent brush! I can do without the prickliness and shedding but this is definitely one of my favorite brushes anyway! I’m pretty pleased with my first mini MAC brush although I can’t wait to try a regular one. I’m curious to see how they’ll compare. Have any of you ladies tried the se brushes? What do you think?</div>
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<div>8/10</div>
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