October 14, 2014

MAC Keepsakes In Extra Dimension Brush Kit Review

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

MAC Keepsakes In Extra Dimensions

The MAC Keepsakes In Extra Dimension Brush Kit ($52.50) is a new limited edition MAC Holiday 2014 Makeup Brush Set that includes four, travel size brushes and a makeup bag for stashing them.

I’m always terribly excited about the MAC Holiday Makeup Brush Sets as they are a fairly good value and I find some of the travel brushes are just as nice as their full size sisters! But…in the last few years MAC has been slacking off slightly but in the case of the MAC Keepsakes In Extra Dimension Brush Kit you get a mixed bags for reasons I’ll explain below! Quality is good here with a few quirks along the way!

MAC Keepsakes In Extra Dimension Brush Kit

The brush set comes housed in a zipper, glittering black bag that has a cameo zipper pull. I love the bag! I love everything about the cameo/Victorian charm of the Holiday Collection. It’s quite a lovely theme they went with this year. However, I was disappointed that the bag’s sparkly glitter was an issue! The glitter gives the bag a very rough texture so it feels kinda scratchy and irritating on skin. I also hated the fact it shed chunky flakes of black glitter all over my hands. The cameo is very pretty but made from a flimsy plastic.

MAC Keepsakes In Extra Dimensions Brush Kit1

MAC Keepsakes In Extra Dimensions Brush Kit5

As they say, “What’s in a name?” I ask because the brush set is entitled “In Extra Dimension” implying that maybe these brushes are best used with In Extra Dimension Blush or In Extra Dimension Eyeshadow or Skinfinish perhaps? I think the blush formula from the In Extra Dimension Collections doesn’t need a special brush for application but perhaps the Skinfinish and Eyeshadow could use a fibre brush for application!

These aren’t fibre though…! These actually have very dense bristles with dual colored bristles. I wouldn’t call them bad but if you want a brush with “floppier” bristles these aren’t for you. Those who desire soft bristles but density in those bristles will like this set. I kinda sorta like the idea of the dual colored bristles as it enables you to use the brushes with two different shades per a side. So say you have gold eyeshadow and blue…you can apply the gold with one side of the brush and blend the blue in with the other side. It’s kinda a cool concept when you think about it! The bristles of each side are actually made from natural goat hair and this end can be used for powders and pigments. The opposite side is sytnethic which can be used to blend out shadows, pigments, etc…!

MAC Keepsakes In Extra Dimension Set

MAC Keepsakes In Extra Dimensions Brush Kit11

The set includes:

  • 127SE Split Fibre Face Brush
  • 128SE Split Fibre Cheek Brush
  • 234SE Split Fibre Eye Blending Brush
  • 235SE Split Fibre All Over Eye Brush

The handles are made from a light black plastic but are quite sturdy. I experienced no issues with shedding on any of the brushes but I did feel I got the most use from the two shadow brushes versus the face and cheek brush. Both the face and cheek brush have shorter bristles and seem best suited for use with contouring or perhaps bronzers. I prefer a busier brush for blushes and powders and if that’s what you like too you might find that these brushes aren’t great for the task due to the short, dense bristles. However, if you do a lot of contouring work or you like to buff powders, blushes, bronzers onto your skin you these are a great fit for you!

MAC 127SE

MAC 127SE

MAC 128SE

MAC 128SE

MAC 234SE

MAC 234SE

MAC 235SE

MAC 235SE

I have to admit that MAC Keepsakes In Extra Dimension Brush Kit is a good value but it has a few hurdles and hiccups along for the ride. I like the dual sided brush concept, I loved the shadow brushes as they are good sturdy brushes that do well applying and blending out brushes. However, I had mixed feelings about the face brushes in this set which brings the value down considerably for me as I feel like I won’t use them as much!

This year’s brush sets are shaping up well in terms of quality but do shop these well prior to indulging as you might find that the value isn’t as great as to be expected if you aren’t using ALL the brushes in a single set!

These launch shortly from MAC and will be on counters, in store, and online for purchase.

This was provided to me by a brand for review but all opinions expressed are my own

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Kiss & Make-up

    I think the black & white bristles look awesome. But I’d rather pick my own brushes and buy separately.

  • Fancie

    The packaging is too cute! I wish MAC stuck with the regular split fibre bristles though. For some reason the black and white makes it look cheap to me. Still a great value though!

  • Marycruz

    I have it, and still dont use them. My boy give them to me in cristmas, and the only thing i used is the super duper cuter bag hahaha I love it, annd use it when i go out to something fancy 😛

  • Julia M Leister

    I have them, I bought them off an app called Poshmark, I sell stuff on it and always looking to spend on new makeup, cheaper price! So I found this review to check if they were a real Mac product. Enjoyed the review Thank you!!!!!