MAC Adoring Carmine Face Brush Set Review

I wonder who Carmine is?

Hmmm.

Hey MAC,

The Muse was wondering who's Carmine and why do you adore him so much?

Inquiring minds want to know!

Love ya!
the Muse

You know when the Muse was about 15 she knew a guy named Carmine who was about mmmm 6 or 7 years older than herself (Actually come to think of it I probably know more than one Carmine considering my mother is Italian!). I can still recall sitting on our front porch and watching him mow my parent's front lawn while my best friend at the time, Maria-Teresa (don't mind the name all Roman Catholic Portuguese parents think it's a swell idea to name their kids elaborate saintly names! Look at my name and you can totally understand what I mean! I'm a mix of an Italian mother and a Portuguese father...see whatI mean?) and I sat on the porch gawking at him. Needless to say he's married now with 3 kids, a pot belly, and a receding hair line.....He kinda still looks alright aside from all that!

Since MAC wasn't quite specific with who Carmine was I'm officially announcing that they mean "adoring Carmine Giovinazzo" because he's hot and stuff!

I prefer the geeky CSI Carmine but you can have the Italian Stallion one if you prefer! The Muse isn't picky!

Adoring you Carmine! Kizzie!


Anyway....

What was I saying?

Oh yes MAC Adoring Carmine Face Brush Gift Set! You know you wants it! Go on admit it!

I can never truly resist the evil temptation of MAC brush sets as they are such a fabulous deal! I stopped at Nordies a few nights ago to pick up Chanel Gold Highlighting Powder and right next door was the gorgeous MAC Holiday Collection staring at me and twinkling under the glaring department store florescent lights. I think I heard angels sing but I can't be too sure as sometimes the voices in my head overpower everything else!

I was shocked too notice that Nordies had these marked as $35 USD so I suggest getitng your butt in gear and heading over to snatch some up as the price is nearly $15 USD off retail from MAC directly and other department store counters.

Granted, $49.50 for the set is not a bad price at all however if you can save $15 why not right!?

I get quite a few emails and comments daily asking after the quality of the brush sets which is why I choose to do a feature review on one of the three brush sets available. I think they are a fabulous deal for the price, I said it last year and I'll say it this year, they are truly a good deal.

Breaking down the original cost of $49.50 USD for four brushes evens out to around $12.50 per a brush in the face brush set and even less if you purchase the other sets which have five brushes instead of four. If you break it down from $35 USD you're getting an even bigger break at $8.75 USD per brush.

Quality?

Check.

The number one question I get asked about brush sets is if these mini versions are as good as the large size and personally I feel like they are about the same as if you'd purchase a larger size in them. I like the mini size as they travel very well and are easier on storage, especially if you have a large stash of brushes already plus the quality far surpasses the inexpensive price tag! So yes, the Muse feels like the quality is great and very, very similiar to full size brushes!

The brush set I have here is the MAC Adoring Carmine Face Brush Set which contains four brushes, a mini pouch, and a barrel makeup pouch. Normally these sets only come with one bag and I thought it was rather random to include the mini pouch but hey cool beans an extra case is always welcome!







The two main brushes that thrill me in this set are the 187, commonly known as the skunk brush and the 168 which is a contouring blush. 187 offers soft and expert application for blushes and it also works a treat for highlighting powders or shimmering powders that need a light touch! The 187 is ideal for buffing foundation onto the skin as well and creating a flawless look to foundation! The 168 works great with contouring powders or applying blush. I also use the 168 for a light application of powder under my eyes as it fits the contour of my under eye area perfectly!










Also included with this set is the 190 and the 194. The 190 has a nice wide, flat head to use with powder, liquid, or cream foundation. This glides beautifully around the T-Zone to apply foundation with ease. It works best with cream or liquid but can easily double up to brush a light dusting of powder around the face if you so desire. Although I've always felt the 194 was a complete waste, I admit to having a new found liking for it as it works very well at applying concealer with ease minus tugging and pulling on the delicate eye area!









All the brushes feature a true red handle and a shiny metilliac red base to match the bag they come tucked into!

All in all if you don't own a ton of brushes and you're wanting to get some good quality brushes at an affordable price the Muse says look no further then the MAC Adoring Carmine Collection! These are a steal and a deal plus they make a wonderful gift. If you're new to MAC it's a great way to get some good solid brushes for great makeup application!

Do check them out at your MAC counter or online!



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