I love the Mac Heirlooms: 5 Basic Brush Set!

The set includes the 129SE, 219SE, 239SE, 266SE, and 316SE brushes, and it comes in a gold canister with an embossed python pattern.

The canister is actually a lot prettier in person than I thought it would be - again, I’m not a gold person, so I’m predisposed not to like it.

Rumor has it that the SE or special edition brushes are a little smaller and have smaller handles than the regular MAC brushes. Since the SE brushes don’t have their own web pages I’m going to link to the regular brushes - the Heirlooms brushes will be a little different, but you’ll at least get an idea of what they will do.

I’m not familiar with too many of the regular brushes, but I’m very pleased with this set.

I currently have the MAC 239 Eye Shading Brush brush, and the head is little bit longer than the 239SE’s brush, while the brush top is a teensy bit thinner and longer.

The difference in the brushes are really hard to notice unless you’re trying to find them, and I haven’t noticed any differences in application.

I’ve found that mineral eyeshadows, and cream shadows apply so much smoother and brighter with MAC brushes, and I recommend that everyone that uses mineral shadows get one, especially if you aren’t pleased with the way your minerals are applying now.

I really didn’t start wearing (or liking) mineral shadows until I started using the 239 to apply them. It made a huge difference in my beauty life.

The 129SE Powdwer/Blush Brush is great for applying blush. It gives me just the right amount of coverage, and it isn’t too big for my face, if you know what I mean.

It’s also nice and soft, which is something I love in a brush!

So far I’ve only used the 219SE Pencil Brush for applying eyeshadow in the crease line. I think it would be a bit too much for use along the lower lash line, but it would probably be great along the upper lash line.

I’ve heard that the 266SE small angle brush is great for brows, but I don’t do my brows.

The line from this brush is a little too thick for me to use as an eyeliner brush, and it’s a tad too rough for my sensitive eyes, but if you like a thicker line, and don’t mind the feel of the brush it might be perfect for you.

I have heard that you should apply a powder outline around your lips to keep your lipstick from creeping, and the 266SE works well for applying the powder outline - just make sure you blend it in well, you don’t want an obvious line around your mouth.

And last but not least, the 316SE Lip Brush, which does not come with a cover, makes a nice lip brush or eye liner applicator.

Have you tried any of these brushes?

Leave a comment and tell me what you think about them?

Edited to add that I just got an email from MAC - they are offering free shipping on all purchases from December 2 - December 15 at midnight EST on orders shipped to US and Canadian addresses.