A nice brush, but you don't need it :-) (MAC Flat Definer Brush)

Member Name: mu_reviews4u

Product:	MAC Flat Definer Brush
Date:	11/03/09 (36 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Synthetic fibres work well with creams, Great quality.

Disadvantages: Not all that many uses.

The #212 Flat Definer Brush is another one of my brushes that I sometimes look at and think 'Why did I buy that again?!". It's useful enough, don't get me wrong but by just looking at it you wouldn't really be inspired as to how to use it. It's a slightly wierd shape and you don't tend to see many similar to this for sale elsewhere and you'd be hard pushed to find one from a cheaper brand. But I love my brushes so I bought it anyway, determined to put it to good use!

MAC market this as a brush with which to line and define the eye. It has a small rectangular head - just under 10mm wide by 7mm high - and is hand assembled using synthetic fibres. Although the MAC website state that this brush is firmly bristled, I disagree. The bristles are rather flexible and move easily under only a light amount of pressure. It retails for £14.68 and I believe it is only available from Freestanding or Pro stores (as well as online).

~ The main way I use this brush is to highlight my brow bone. I usually do so using a cream (MAC Creme Colour Base), pencil (Benefit High Brow) or liquid (Benefit High Beam) and so a synthetic brush works best with these formulas. I simply dab the product under the highest point of my brow and blend downwards using the #212. The slim shape make defining easy, it doesn't move the product around my eye too much, keeping it right at the arch of the brow - perfect if you want a super define, eye lifting finish.

~ You can also use this brush to 'tightline' the lashes - basically pushing a dark shade of powder / liquid / gel into the very roots of the upper lashes to make them appear thicker. Simply dip the tip of this brush into the product than wiggle it densely through the base of the eyelashes. Very helpful if you have blonde lashes or if you wear dark eye makeup but sometimes find this area stays paler than the rest :-)

~ The #212 works well with Fluidlines and other similar eye liners. Due to the wide arrangement of bristles, you can line the eyes easily and quickly. Those newer to emolient liners may find it easier to 'stamp' this brush along the lashes in seperate strokes, whilst those who have got the hang of liquids can simply drag the brush along in one quick swoop.

~ Lastly, I have used this to line and define my lip line too. Perfect if you've forgotten your lip brush or are working with dark or bright colours that tend to look sloppy if applied direct from the tube. Simply dab this brush into the lipstick before pressing it onto the lip, following the natural curve / line of the lip. You can also use to it apply lip products all over, for a sheer, 'worn-in', stained finish.

Overall, although I have found a few ways to use this brush, it is still one of the least touched of my collection. I have plenty of other brushes that can do this one's job just as well plus more, so I won't say it's a must have and I wouldn't be surprised if this one goes Pro only - or even discontinued - in the future.

Summary: Definately not a must have brush.