MAC 217 - Blending Brush Review

I purchased my first 217 10 years ago... and it's still going strong. Soft bristles, good weight in the hand, never sheds. The shape is perfect for blending out; often it's the only eyeshadow brush I need to use. I also have a mini version which came with a limited edition set of brushes, which is just as good and I use when travelling.

I added this brush to my online cart on the MAC US site in a spur of the moment, impulse buy... Well as much as one can claim that when shopping online... May be just an excuse on the splurge! But I'm glad I did as it has been treating me well. It blends so easily and makes quick work compared to some of my other brushes.

Overall it is a great quality brush. It washes well and hasn't lost any bristles. I use mine with powder shadows, either to apply in the crease or I use it clean to blend out colours. You really cannot have enough brushes like this!

If I had written this a few weeks ago I would've claimed it to be the ultimate in blending brushes. It is very good! But if you are looking for an exact dupe (just slightly shorter handle) then go have look at Zoeva 227.... They are near identical.

The 217 has served me well through all my transition colours, my smokeys, my attempts at gradients as well fighting evil with harsh lines. It's still going strong today and I'd like to thank the MAC MUA who told me that if I look after it well enough it could actually last me a good couple of years - it has almost been a decade!

I bought it from MAC Chancery (now Britomart) but I can't recall the exact cost, all I remember is how surprised I was that a "paint brush" could cost so much AND that I was actually willing to buy it! In general, MAC brushes look sleek, professional and sturdy.

I remember being left with the impression that if I own a few of their brushes my makeup will look flawless. Partly true - I figured out real quick that I actually need to know how to apply my makeup properly haha. The 217 has a silver ferrule with the MAC name and brush number embossed on the black handle.

The white bristles are densely packed together but there is a certain degree of softness or fluffiness which feels amazing on the skin. It does a beautiful job at blending out the eyeshadow whether it's just in the crease or for a full on smokey. I have never had any issues with shedding or struggled to get it back into it's shape after washing or spot cleaning. Needless to say it's worth every cent and despite having more affordable options today I would still repurchase this brush.

One day there was discussion going on forum about best eyeshodow blending brush. One of BR lady mentioned Mac 217 in forum. That time I was also looking for eyeshodow brush.

When I went to farmers one day and I bought it that brush. It cost me 48$ for little brush, but believe me it is worth it for that. It is black part is made by wood and silver part made by nickel plated brass with white oval shape bristles. Bristles are so soft.

You can you use it for powder and cream eyeshodow. I didin't use it for cream shadow but powder eyeshodow blends like cream. Brush bristles doesn't scratch my eyelids skin. Also impressed with how brush take proper amount of eyeshodow and blend really well.

I am only one thing say to brush " where have you been yet? I want to also try Mac other brushes. When I washed first time brush bristles didn't shed at all but I saw bristles doesn't on proper shape. I was worried, when brush was completely dry than back to shape. I was so scared that time. Because I spent money for good stuff. Love it.

This is one of my favourite brushes!

I use it to blend my crease eye shadow and it works sooo well. Pretty much whenever my eyeshadow looks like crap, it fixes it and blends everything together perfectly.

I think that if there is one brush that you have to spend it bit more on, its this one. Favourite eye brush ever!

This is my go to brush. If there's any brush I need in my kit its this brush. I use this to blend my eye shadows and have never had a problem with it. Its a nice soft brush and have never had a problem washing it. I have had it for 3 years now and still have not lost bristles I use this to blend any eyeshadow lines and also use it to blend a smokey eyeliner too Great little tool

I love this brush, I have several of them for when I'm being lazy and can't be bothered washing them! They are thick, soft and really do blend your shadows beautifully. I also use this for setting powders underneath my eyes as I find other brushes can be a bit scratchy for such a sensitive area. As with any MAC brush they last forever - I've had my original one for about 3 years now and it is still in mint condition with almost no shedding to be seen.

The 217 brush is one of M.A.C's most well known products - and for good reason! I love this brush, I currently have two of them but I think I would find use for... oh I don't know - ten?

I bought my first 217 brush about 5 or 6 years ago and it has never failed me; I have noticed no shedding, nor has it lost its shape.

This brush is an eye brush and is usually used for blending out a smokey eye, or contouring the crease. The shape and design of the brush ensures a clean result and causes little fall out. My eyes and lid area are fairly small so in many instances I will use a smaller blending brush (the 226) but for most people - or for bolder blending - this brush is ideal.

Not to worry if you don't do the smokey look too often, I'm sure you'll find a use for this finely crafted little must have.

The mac 217 is raved about by makeup artists, beauty gurus (i hate that word) on youtube, bloggers, everywhere! and for good reason! this brush has changed my life! I was skeptical about spending $48 on a brush, but it was absolutely worth it. For starters it is so incredibly soft and the perfect density, often you run into the problem of a brush just being too dang flimsy! but the MAC 217 is perfect! It blends my eyeshadow seemlessly, it makes the job so much easier and it just looks better! i also find it is great for blending out concealer underneath the eyes. i don't know how it does it but i have since re purchased many more as i can't imagine my life without it now! i have tried a few "dupes" but nothing seems to compare! i have heard the ZOEVA 227 is very similar so i might have to give that one a try but for now, the MAC 217 is the only one for me :)

All in all this brush is absolutely brilliant and i will happily spend $48 to make myself look like $1000000 <3