MAC Holiday 2011: Ice Parade Mineralize Brush Set Review

Mineralize Brush Set
286SE Duo fibre tapered blending
282SE Duo fibre shader
130SE
187SE























This Mineralize brush set from the MAC Holiday Ice Parade collection is my favorite out of the three brush sets that are available. I also like the one with the white hairs, but the Mineralize one has the duo fibre brushes that I know I would be using for many of the products I use daily. First of all, the duo fibres have synthetic bristles that are great for picking up emollient creams like concealer or paint pots, which is a godsend for me as I don't have to dip my fingers in my paint pots. The 282SE would be good for that purpose.

The 286SE tapered blending would be great to apply dark eyeshadow sparingly on the crease or outer lid. If I am using a mineralize eyeshadow, I will dampen the 286SE with Fix+ or water-based mixing medium and lightly pick up product and apply. This technique yields a very nice application of the product on the lid, as the foiling effect gives the shadow a more pigmented look, but the duo fibres make the application look seamless. The 187SE is of course good for applying highlighter on the cheekbones, or blush, or even foundation. The 130SE would be better for foundation though because of the shorter and more compact bristles.

These brushes come in clear acrylic handles with glitter.  They look okay, although some people think they look cheap, but I don't think so.  They may look a bit juvenile, but they pretty much look fun and holiday-ish.

This travel set of course cannot compete with the quality of equivalent full-size brushes. And also, we know that many of the brush sets from previous holiday collections were of low quality. However, this particular set is pretty decent. The bristles are soft, and they did shed a hair or two after washing, which is normal I believe. They pick up product well and apply fairly well too.

I will definitely be using this for travel. I have everything I need in this set for my face makeup application, possibly with the exception of a slanted brush to contour with. I will be using the 130SE for my liquid or cream foundations. The 282SE Duo fibre shader can be used to apply concealer or eyeshadow on the lid. The 286SE Duo fibre tapered blending brush is for my crease or outer lid colors and for blending, while the 187SE is for my blush and highlighter.

All in all, I am pleased with this set, except for the case which I do not care very much for. However, it does its purpose well which is to hold the brushes for travel, so I will be using the case as well even though it's not my favorite MAC holiday bag.

SRP: $49.50 U.S./$59.50 CDN

The Shades Of U Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

Note: Media sample was provided by a representative of the company for consideration. All opinions are completely mine.