MAC • 189 Face Brush • Makeup Brushes

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*TOP REVIEWER* Fieeeh on 2/26/2013 4:12:00 PM more reviews by Fieeeh

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Grey    

I love this brush for my foundation - studio fix fluid, matchmaster, pro longwear, it just does the job and blends everything in really well for me. I was lucky to find another in a CCO when I was in the US last summer, so I have 2 of this now :)

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Jibriell on 11/3/2011 6:34:00 PM more reviews by Jibriell

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Black    

I love this brush, definitely one of my favorites.
It applies foundation beautifully so easy and fast and because it's so dense it's amazing for powder too!
I've been using it to apply pressed powders but I'll try it soon for my loose powders as well.
I'm very satisfied with this product.

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*TOP REVIEWER* almost40 on 6/5/2011 2:30:00 PM more reviews by almost40

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I do like this brush,its big so applies my foundation very quickly but it doesnt dry for ages after washing and doesnt seem as soft now either.Its expensive but it is good quality and hasnt shed one hair yet.Wouldnt buy again but am pleased I have it,

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Whittneyd on 4/25/2011 7:01:00 PM more reviews by Whittneyd

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Red, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I have sensitive skin and regular brushes cause me to break out. This brush is full synthetic and very smooth! Applies powder or blush flawlessly!

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smmalloy on 4/23/2011 8:35:00 PM more reviews by smmalloy

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

This is a fantastic brush for applying my Mercier Creme foundation (which I mix with a bit of moisturizer, so the texture is somewhere between cream and liquid.) I get a very smooth, even & quick application with this brush. In fact, it persuaded me to stop using the stippling brush because I like this one for the purpose so much better.

The only negative, and it doesn't apply for my purposes, is that it's softer than what you might normally think of as a foundation brush and so not appropriate for heavier products like stick foundation. I use that on my nose, which needs more coverage, and have to use a different brush (or my fingers) but it's worth it.

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redhotcocobean on 12/30/2010 6:37:00 PM more reviews by redhotcocobean

Age: Unknown   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I purchased this brush to apply Mineralize skinfinish natural which I use as foundation.I debated over purchasing this brush for some time and wasn't getting any positive feedback .I have other brushes which I use to apply the Mineralize skinfinsh with but with this brush I get the natural finish I've been longing for.You can apply a small amount for very little coverage and more for a heavier coverage and it blends in very well.Very soft and the size is perfect.I have saved time and money since using this brush as it picks just the right amount of product needed without alot of waste and the big paddle covers a large area. I enjoy this brush so much,I can't wait to purchase another one as a back-up.When cleaned,this brush does take awhile to completely dry.Best brush purchase I've ever made.

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*TOP REVIEWER* lygophilia on 12/14/2010 6:45:00 PM more reviews by lygophilia

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

Fantastic brush and investment piece that I'm truly glad I purchased for liquid foundation application.
The larger paddle shape makes for quick application and blending thanks to the the bristles being soft, yet densely packed. My foundation looks flawless and not streaky at all. The synthetic bristles wash up easily, retains the original shape, and no issues with shedding.

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annoyed187 on 10/27/2010 2:55:00 PM more reviews by annoyed187

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

AMAZING makeup brush! I have Everyday Minerals and Clinique foundation brushes and they are not good at all compared to this one. I use it to apply Revlon Colorstay (I've tried cheap and expensive...this is HG) and it looks flawless. I go over it with a 187 after I get done and it looks airbrushed.

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bblissd on 8/11/2010 2:30:00 AM more reviews by bblissd

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

i LOVE this brush!!
i used to use sponges to apply foundation (i don't wear foundation all the time), but now i can't imagine using anything else but this brush!
it's just so PERFECT. it's soft but not too soft and firm enough to 'paint' on the foundation... lightly, of course. the bristles are amazing and just dense enough.
i can't say enough good things about this brush. it's one of those 'invest' brushes that once you've closed your eyes and painfully handed over your $$, you'll be happy once you get home & use it!
the brush washes well and it is big enough to easily and quickly apply your foundation.
highly recommended!!

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sss215 on 8/7/2010 9:23:00 PM more reviews by sss215

Age: 30-35   Skin: Very Oily, Dark   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

This brush was used to apply foundation by a MAC artist to a model in a bridal makeup class I went to. The artist said she uses it on her brides for fast foundation application. I was instantly interested in getting this brush for super fast even application of my own liquid foundation. During my last CCO visit to purchase something else, I saw this and instantly had to have it at the 28.00 price. I got it and when I used it for the first time, I was instantly marveled at how quickly and flawlessly I could apply foundation to my whole face. In less than a minute with this brush, my whole face was beat. I even used my HG the more trickier MUFE Mat Velvet, which is not a more liquid like foundation. Everything looks good. Next time I am going to use this same brush with powder to set the foundation.

I have tried many brushes for foundation the 109, 190, 191,131, 130 and 187 and this one, solely because its speeds up my application and provides streak free application, is by far my favorite. i like the 130 for quick things like concealer blending and the 131 is going back to being my blush brush. the 109 is a nice buffer to use after i am done with the 189. The 190, my first foundation brush is strictly for face creams, and the 191 i didn't even buy. i had been looking at it, but the 189 won!

189 is a new HG of mine!

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*TOP REVIEWER* jejkim on 5/20/2010 2:14:00 PM more reviews by jejkim

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Other    

This brush is amazing! Great for applying powder foundation lightly for a flawless finish. The MUA told me it can be used for heavier coverage but after testing it out with various products, I've found it applies lightly and does a wonderful job of blending different face products.


The bristles are super soft, the handle is short but comfortable to use and it's become one of my HG face brushes. I was split between this and the 134, but I have the 182 kabuki so didn't see the need for the 134, and wanted a tool that could do more. This brush is also great for powder highlighter as well as finishing powders (the MUA told me it's great for their mineralize skinfinish powders, which I haven't tried).


Overall, great brush that is extremely versatile due to the shape (long bristles which are the same length as the 134, paddle and rounded with a thin flat surface at the very top). Love it! This is a keeper.

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mimifrenzy on 5/16/2010 7:11:00 PM more reviews by mimifrenzy

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Black, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Well i feel a bit awkward saying anything bad about this brush, seeing how everyone loves it so much. I picked this brush up from my CCO for $25. I don't think i would of bought it if the price was any higher. I've only used this brush for liquid foundation. It's not that great when used like that. I had to put in a little bit more work just to even everything out. Everything was soo streaky. On the MAC site its suggested to be used for powdered items so i'll give that a go and update this post later.

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liviastefan on 5/13/2010 10:27:00 AM more reviews by liviastefan

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

MAC MUA used this on me a few days ago...and I was amazed! She used it with liquid foundation:
1, great finish...wasn't streaky + it was well blended
2, extremly soft bristles = gentle on my sensitive skin
3, good size = fast application
4, rounded-paddle shape great for blending LOVE!

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katharinesophia on 3/31/2010 8:41:00 PM more reviews by katharinesophia

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I was on the fence between this and the 190 foundation brush, but after reading the reviews I was sold on the 189. It also didn't hurt that I found it at my CCO for $28, so it was a no brainer. The bristles are extremely soft, and since it's so big, application is very quick. Although this isn't technically a foundation brush, I find it applies liquid foundation very evenly and without streaks, although for that "airbrushed" look, I need to go over my face with a 187 or my Sonia Kashuk blender brush. It applies my MSF Natural like a dream though. Just don't go too crazy, cause a little goes a long way and you can look cakey if you're not careful. I would definitely purchase this brush again. Get to CCO and save yourself $12!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

carmenci99 on 2/3/2010 7:55:00 PM more reviews by carmenci99

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I can't believe I've had this brush for so long before I figured out how to use it properly and now I love it!!!
I've had this brush for more than 1 year. I bought it on a whim and I used it once in a blue moon to apply loose highlighters, such as pearlizers. Needless to say, I'm too lazy to use loose highlighters so the poor thing mostly sat in my closet for a year. Fast forward to a few weeks ago when I read some of the more recent reviews on MUA to find out that it can work with pressed powders!
I'm lucky enough that I can get away with just a bit of powder on my face instead of serious foundation and I alternate between Maybelline Dream Matte and MAC MSFN. My big powder brush always makes a mess and it uses way too much product, plus it makes me look a bit too powdery for my taste. So I gave this brush a try instead of my big powder brush and I cannot believe how well it works!
First off, it is very soft, which is a very pleasant surprise coming from a MAC brush (I've had bad luck with almost all MAC face brushes being way too rough for my sensitive skin). Second, it picks up way way less product that any powder brush I've tried before. And finally, the application is very precise due to its shape and the finish is perfect without any streaks. Sometimes it leaves me a bit too powdery for my taste, so I quickly buff my face with the 109.
Yes it is pricey but it looks very sturdy and it considerably cuts down on the application time and waste of product. I would definitely repurchase if mine were to break, but it looks unlikely :).

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Michelle1410 on 12/8/2009 11:40:00 AM more reviews by Michelle1410

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Medium, Cool   Hair: Other, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Waauw I love this brush.
It's very good brush for sheer pressed powder
It wil even out the powder then it will looks
flawless. You also can use it for foundation.
But i preffer to use it with my select sheer pressed powder.
I think when you use liquid foundation with it
it will take the natural sheen out of the foundation.
But this is my favorite brush for my powder.

LOVE IT

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fahzybear on 11/30/2009 2:34:00 AM more reviews by fahzybear

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I just picked this brush up at my CCO and i LOVE IT!! i use this for my concealer (yes I know its big but I don't like how concealer brushes are so small) and it blends out my concealer very well. this is important to me because I have VERY VERY dry skin and it is hard for me to find a brush that blends in concealer without making it look dry and flaky. Also this brush does not get chunky so you don't have to wash it as often as you would with a normal foundation brush. I also had zero problem with shedding and the brush was good as new after my first wash. BEAUTIFUL BRUSH and BEAUTIFUL JOB!

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Sayoko on 10/9/2009 1:10:00 AM more reviews by Sayoko

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Dark, Neutral   Hair: Black, Relaxed, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I LOVE this brush! very multi-purpose like a lot of mac brushes.. I use this to apply my MSFs I also love this for application of liquid foundation having both this and the 190, this is so much easier to work with! I think they are available at the CCO for purchase definately a must have and I could buy this again.

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pinkhalo on 8/2/2009 9:38:00 AM more reviews by pinkhalo

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Dark   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Really love this brush...for foundation. Particularly my cream to powder prescriptives, because its so big I can apply and blend quickly. Tried it for powder but it made me look really powdery.

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katcomer on 7/13/2009 1:34:00 PM more reviews by katcomer

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I LOVE this brush! I know it's supposed to be used with MSF's but let's face the facts here: this is a larger, more firm version of the 190 making it EXCELLENT for liquid foundation application.

I find the 190 is a bit tiring to work with, but the 189 dispereses the foundation smoothly and quickly all over the face. Due to the fact that it is quite large, the 190 is still great for the eye/nose region to perfect the coverage.

With the 189, I just lightly coat both sides of the bristles and paint my face like you would a wall with back and forth motions. I don't find it streaky at all.

I got this at the CCO for $28 I think and I'm glad I picked it up! I can't wrap my head around the 187, I have tried and it just eats up product, and stippling seems like a lot of work to me.

This is nice with powder too but I prefer a dense kabuki to buff it into my skin after foundation application and the 189 seems to pick up too much powder and leave my compact very dusty. Kabuki brushes don't have this effect.

Overall I love this product for liquid foundation and this is truly what it should be used for!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No