Makeup Blog / MAC Brushes VS. Paint Brushes- Cheap Alternatives
MAC Brushes VS. Paint Brushes- Cheap Alternatives
Posted In All About Makeup, Makeup Blog | Posted On 09 14th, 2011
One of the first challenges beginner makeup artists face upon entering the business is the amount of money they have to invest into cosmetic brushes. Many are students and working one or two jobs just to make ends meet and cannot afford $60 or $70 Mac brushes. Mac is definitely a high end brand as far as cosmetic brushes are concerned; however, the prices are so ridiculously high that one must think twice before making such an investment. Having gone through the process myself, I found some great alternatives which proved to be just as useful without the heavy price tag.
Artist paint brushes are a great cheap alternative to Mac brushes and serve the same purpose. One of the top paint brush company, Loew Cornell has paint brushes made of goat hair, which is the same material as cosmetic brushes. I will be comparing a few of the Mac brushes with Loew Cornell and other cheap brushes, which can be used instead of the Mac brushes if you are on a budget. I have listed a few Mac brushes and the paint brushes that are comparable. These are some basic brushes that most makeup artists start out with.
Face
| Mac 129 Powder Brush / BlushBrush | Loew Cornell 277 Round Mop |
| Mac 150 Large Powder Brush | Loew Cornell 277 Round Mop (XXL) |
| Mac 168 Angled Contour Brush | Coastal Scents Italian Badger Angle Brush |
| Mac 182 Kabuki Buffer Brush | Coastal Scents Pink Kabuki Brush |
| Mac 187 Duo Fiber Brush | Coastal Scents Italian Badger Buffer Brush Large |
| Mac 190 Foundation Brush | 3/4 Royal Soft Grip SG950 or 1″American Painter 4600 |
Eyes
| Mac 213 Fluff Brush | 3/8 Loew Cornell 270 Maxinne Mop |
| Mac 217 Blending Brush | ¼ Loew Cornell Amm Mini Mop |
| Mac 219 Pencil Brush | #10 Royal Soft Grip SG255 or Loew Cornell 272 Dome Round(S) |
| Mac 224/222 Tapered Blending Brush | Loew Cornell 272 Dome Round (M) |
| Mac 239 Eye shadow Brush | Coastal Scents Black on Black Sable Shadow |
| Mac 252 Large Shader Brush | ½ Loew Cornell 270 Maxinne Mop |
| Mac 272 Small Angled Shader Brush | ¼ Royal Soft Grip SG393 |
If you get a chance to go to your local craft store take a look at the paint brushes there, I’m sure you’ll be able to find many more brushes to add to your collection. Also, take a look at http://www.coastalscents.com they have many great brushes at a very responsible price and the quality is not too bad.