MAC makeup brushes and I go wayyyy back. We have been besties for over a decade and over the years, I have accumulated quite a few gems, including my most recent addition, 286 Duo Fibre Tapered Blending Brush from Naturally Collection.
MAC 286 Duo Fibre Tapered Blending Brush
Made of goat and synthetic fibers, the 286 is a two-toned, duo-fiber brush. It first made its appearance as part of a SE brush set from Ice Parade Collection for Holiday 2011. According to MAC, the brush is meant for “a sheer, more controlled application of MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow”.
The bristles are long and soft and its dome shape reminds me of MAC 224 Tapered Blending Brush. Compared to 224 though, this feels more dense and similar to the limited edition 226 Smaller Tapered Blending Brush from the Brunette, Blonde and Redhead collection.
The brush allows great control and is perfect for blending eyeshadow on the crease and applying a wash of color on the lid. It works beautifully with Mineralize eyeshadows, creating less fall out, but also with regular shadows.
Another thing I love about the 286 is it never bleeds (definitely a win over the 226). It also seems to stay in good shape, even after a few washes.
Overall, the 286 Duo Fibre Tapered Blending Brush is a great hybrid of 224 and 226, giving you the best of both worlds.
Comparison of MAC 224, 286 and 226 brushes
Top to bottom: MAC 224, 286, 222, 217 and 226 makeup brushes
MAC 286 Duo Fibre Tapered Blending is available as part of the permanent line at maccosmetics.com and MAC counters for $30.
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10 Comments
Hey, great post – definitely has persuaded me to grab this brush! Do you know if this brush will go into their permanent line? Or if its just limited edition? X
Hi Mimi,
The 286 is part of the permanent line.
I was told that is a limited edition so I bought i. Hmmmmmm
I love it though – it’s so soft. I have very senstive eyelids & it blends eyeshadow so beautifully.
I originally wanted the 224. I tried it & returned it. There was nothing orignal about it. I bought it this one on impulse just to test it out, but loved it so much that I am keeping it after the 1st use only :)!
Lol guess someone didn’t get the memo… glad you’re liking the brush though =)
Is the handle of your 286 lighter in weight than the rest of your brushes?
I don’t think so.
Hmmm. Mine feels much lighter than my 224 and other MAC eye brushes. It =( Thanks for the reply!
It’s even lighter than my 226. Do you think this could be a defect? I wish the handle was heavier.
I mean the 266!
Hi Eliza,
I really don’t think it’s a defect. Yes it is lighter than the 226 but it weighs pretty much the same as the 217. I have seen brushes with even lighter handles as well.