Hey beauty lovers! Today we’re diving deep into one of the most talked-about foundation brushes on the market – the MAC 170S Rounded Slant Foundation Brush. As a long-time fan of MAC cosmetics, I was thrilled to finally get my hands on this brush and put it to the test. After scouring through dozens of customer reviews and spending weeks using it myself, I’m excited to share my in-depth analysis with you all.
Let’s start with the basics. The 170S is a synthetic brush with densely packed bristles that come to a rounded slant at the tip. MAC markets it as the ideal tool for seamless foundation application and blending. It retails for $35, which admittedly made me pause before purchasing. However, my experience with MAC brushes in the past convinced me it was likely worth the splurge.
First Impressions
When the brush arrived, the first thing I noticed was how incredibly soft and silky the bristles felt against my skin. I was amazed at the density of the bristles – they were tightly packed together, yet still had some flexibility. The unique slanted shape was intriguing as well. I could see how the angle would come in handy for blending around the nose and under the eyes.
The overall look and feel exuded luxury. The sleek black handle had a nice weight to it, making the brush feel substantial in my hand. MAC’s attention to detail was evident in the shiny silver ferrule and the brand name stamped on the handle. So far, so good!
Putting it to the Test
Of course, the true measure of any makeup brush is how it performs. To give the 170S a thorough testing, I used it with various foundation formulas – liquid, cream, and stick. I also made sure to apply foundation on different skin types by enlisting the help of a few friends.
Let me start by saying, WOW. The hype around this brush is 100% justified. With liquid foundations, the 170S delivered the most flawless, airbrushed finish I’ve ever achieved. The densely packed bristles allowed me to really buff the product into my skin, leaving no streaks or brush marks behind. I was blown away by how quickly and easily I could get a full coverage, yet natural-looking base.
For cream and stick foundations, the results were equally impressive. The slanted shape made it effortless to maneuver around the contours of my face. I had no trouble blending out product under my eyes, around my nose, and along my hairline. The bristles seemed to melt the makeup into my skin, leaving a smooth, skin-like finish.
Now, let’s talk about how it worked on different skin types. On my normal to dry skin, the 170S applied foundation like a dream. It didn’t emphasize any dry patches or texture. When I used it on my friend with oily skin, we were both thrilled to see that it didn’t cause her foundation to look greasy or slide around. Even on mature skin with fine lines, this brush delivered a smooth, flattering finish.
Comparisons and Lasting Power
Next, I wanted to see how the 170S compared to other popular foundation brushes on the market. I have tried tons of brushes over the years from brands like Sigma, Real Techniques, Morphe, and It Cosmetics. While many of these are great, none of them quite measured up to the 170S in terms of density, softness, and overall finish.
The closest contender would probably be the Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki brush. It has a similar dense, synthetic bristles and gives a beautiful finish. However, I found that the 170S required less work to achieve the same level of coverage and blending. The slanted shape also gave it a leg up for getting into tight areas.
I also compared the brush to using a beauty sponge, since that’s my usual go-to for foundation. I still love my trusty beautyblender for sheering out products, but I have to say, the 170S gave a more polished, seamless finish. It’s definitely become my new holy grail for full coverage looks.
As for lasting power, I’m happy to report that my foundation looked just as good at the end of a 12-hour day as it did when I first applied it. No patchy-ness, fading, or creasing. I credit this both to the quality of the brush and the flawless initial application. When you start with a perfectly blended base, your foundation is likely to hold up much better throughout the day.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Now, let’s address a concern that popped up several times while I was reading customer reviews – shedding and falling apart after washing. Some people reported that their brushes started shedding or even completely fell apart after a few months of use and washing.
I’ve been using my 170S regularly for over a month now, washing it once per week with a gentle brush cleanser. So far, I haven’t had a single bristle fall out. The brush has maintained its shape, density, and softness. However, I always make sure to wash gently, never submerging the base of the bristles in water or using harsh cleansers.
That being said, shedding and quality deterioration seemed to be an issue for many customers, even those who were careful with washing. While I personally haven’t experienced this yet, it’s something I’ll keep an eye on. For a $35 brush, you’d expect it to hold up for years, not months.
My advice would be to always wash gently with a mild cleanser and never let water seep into the ferrule. Store the brush lying flat or hanging upside down to dry. Handle it with care, and hopefully, it should serve you well for a long time. However, keep your receipt and don’t hesitate to reach out to MAC customer service if you experience excessive shedding or other quality issues.
Comparisons to Other
MAC Brushes For those of you who are MAC brush collectors like I am, you might be wondering how the 170S compares to some other popular MAC face brushes. Let’s take a quick look.
Compared to the classic 187 Duo Fibre brush, the 170S is much denser and gives a higher coverage finish. The 187 is great for sheering out products or adding a wash of color, while the 170S is ideal for a polished, perfected base.
The 159 Duo Fibre Blush brush is a long-time favorite of mine for cream blushes and bronzers. It has a similar slanted shape to the 170S, but it’s less dense and has a mix of natural and synthetic bristles. I find that the 170S works even better for blending out cream contour and blush, thanks to the dense bristles and slightly larger size.
Lastly, let’s compare it to the newer 132S Synthetic Duo Fibre Oval brush. This brush has a unique oval shape that’s supposed to mimic the shape of your face for easy blending. While I do like the 132S, I find that the 170S gives me more control and a slightly more airbrushed finish. The oval shape can be a bit tricky to maneuver in smaller areas, while the slant of the 170S fits perfectly into every contour.
Tips and Tricks
If you do decide to invest in the MAC 170S brush, here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned to help you get the most out of it:
- Use a stabbing/stippling motion to really work the foundation into your skin. This will give you the fullest coverage and most seamless blend.
- For a sheerer finish, try blending in circular motions or even sweeping the brush in downward strokes.
- The slanted edge is perfect for blending under the eyes and around the nose. Use the tip of the slant to get into crevices and hard-to-reach areas.
- If you’re more of a light coverage gal, you can still use this brush! Just use a very light hand and start with less product than you think you need.
- The dense bristles make this brush great for blending out cream contour, blush, and even highlighter. No need for a separate brush!
- When cleaning, use a gentle brush soap or shampoo. Massage the bristles gently in the palm of your hand, rinse well, then gently squeeze out excess water with a clean towel. Never rub the bristles vigorously or harshly twist them.
- To dry, reshape the bristles and lay the brush flat on a towel or hang it upside down from a brush tree. Never store your brushes upright in a cup while they’re wet, as this can cause water to seep into the ferrule and loosen the glue.
Final Thoughts
After putting the MAC 170S foundation brush through its paces, I can confidently say that it lives up to the hype. The densely packed synthetic bristles and slanted shape make it the perfect tool for achieving a flawless, airbrushed base with any foundation formula. It blends effortlessly, doesn’t leave streaks, and holds up well to long days.
While the $35 price tag is certainly an investment, I believe the quality of the application justifies the cost. However, many customers have experienced issues with shedding and falling apart after several months of use. This inconsistency in quality is concerning, especially for a high-end brush.
My recommendation would be to purchase the brush from a MAC counter or store if possible, and save your receipt. Be very gentle with washing and care, and if you do experience any defects, reach out to MAC customer service right away. With proper care, the MAC 170S has the potential to become your new go-to foundation brush.
I hope you found this review helpful, beauty lovers! Let me know in the comments if you’ve tried the MAC 170S and what your thoughts are. Do you think it’s worth the hype? What’s your holy grail foundation brush? Let’s chat!
Disclaimers While I love sharing my honest opinion on beauty products with you all, I like to include a few disclaimers:
- I purchased this brush with my own money and was not paid to write this review. All opinions are my honest thoughts.
- As with any beauty product, your mileage may vary. What works for me may not work the same for you. Always keep your individual preferences, skin type, and sensitivities in mind.
- I always recommend patch testing a new product before applying it all over your face, just to rule out any adverse reactions. Better safe than sorry!
- If you take nothing else away from this review, let it be this – take care of your brushes! Be gentle with them, clean them regularly, and store them properly. A high quality brush can last you years, while a poorly cared for one will quickly end up in the garbage.
Overall Rating
So, after all is said and done, how would I rate the MAC 170S brush on a scale of 1-5 stars? Drum roll please…
4.5 stars!
The brush itself is practically perfect – soft, dense bristles, a versatile slanted shape, and an utterly flawless finish. It’s a joy to use and makes foundation application a breeze. The only thing holding it back from a full 5 stars is the inconsistency in quality that some customers have experienced. Having a brush fall apart after a few months is unacceptable, especially at this price point.
Still, I believe the 170S is a fantastic brush that’s absolutely worth trying if you’re in the market for a high-end foundation brush. Just make sure to purchase it from a reputable source and save your proof of purchase in case you need to address any quality issues.
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