I look forward to the day MAC does us a solid by finally adding the beyond awesome MAC 226 Small Tapered Blending Brush ($24.50) to their permanent eye brush lineup, but until then I guess these periodic appearances will just have to do.
To say the 226, which makes one of its periodic limited appearances next month in the MAC Me Over Fall 2011 Collection, is just one of my favorite MAC brushes of all time would be like saying New York is a nice little town. I’ve actually had nightmares about losing it, no joke. It’s fan-frickin’-tastic for applying color into the crease, and I 
it so much that it always comes with me whenever I travel. I literally never leave home without it, LOL!
Basically, the 226 is like a thinner, pointier version of the famed MAC 224, which many MACaholics adore for applying color into the crease. I love it, too, especially for applying under-eye concealer and for blending out harsh lines, but when it comes to crease work, I prefer the shorter bristles of the 226.
The 224’s larger, fluffier brush head covers a wider area than the 226 does, depositing more shadow than I need on my lids. The 226’s shorter bristles and more compact brush head, on the other hand, not only fit the size and shape of my crease area better than the 224, but I don’t think its bristles splay out as much, and therefore give me more control over the eyeshadows I apply.
My favorite ways to work it? With some of my favorite browns in the crease (for contouring to create an illusion of depth). I also use it all the time to apply color into the outer crease area as well.
Believe you me, if I lost my 226 and there was only one left at the counter, and another girl (or boy) grabbed it out mah hands, the earrings would come off! I’d be ready to throw down! I’m not kidding…
Well, actually I am. But it is that good. 🙂
PRICE: $24.50
AVAILABILITY: Limited edition; available August 25 with the MAC Me Over Collection
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A+
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Okay, you’ve convinced me- I need it! I hope they’re have this at the counters because it seems like this will sell out instantly online.
Yes! Finally!! I was looking for a mac brush to apply color in my crease, but the shortcomings of both the 217 and 224 for that specific area stopped me… this sounds perfect! I must get my hands on it when it comes out! haha!(:
I already have one, but I will buy another for sure. It’s invaluable. I am trying to tell myself I only need o buy one more instead of two, but we’ll see how that goes. 😀
This is tooo funny! Just yesterday, I brought several brushed to work, my younger co-worker ismjust starting her brush collection. Couldn’t find her a 224, so I spent time searching for a dupe! No need now! Thanks…
I’ve been waiting for this brush to make its reappearance! I will be waiting at midnight 8/25 to place my order!!!!
i love this brush! i have small lid space and this hits right at my pretend (LOL!) crease … and its soft and fluffy as well!
id like a couple more, for sure!
Your reason for 224 being too fluffy for the crease is exactly why I only use it for concealer. (And I agree, it’s awesome for that!) How does 226 compare to 217?
Ooh. I actually use the 217 (or a dupe – I have a couple similars that prevent me from having to wash brushes every other day!) for my crease, but this looks fascinating. From the pics, it reminds me of the Sigma E45, which I own but haven’t figured out the perfect use for yet – do you have the Sigma to comment on how similar or different they might be?
Nice! That looks like a must have!
I have dreams about this brush…no kidding. I can not wait to get my hands on it.
So, I need 2 then, huh? 🙂
I already have two. Love it! Now do I need a third one? I think the magic 8 ball says yes. Heehee
I always use 217 for blending, but this one also looks great for doing the job!
I’ve had this brush since as long as I can remember.. I may bought itwhen I was around 17.. I’m 22 now! Its still in perfect condition and I wouldn’t be without it! This and the 217!
Oh I love this brush! Got mine from the Colour crafted collection and I love the way it works. Only thing is that the bristles are fairly harsh in my brush.. =( Sometimes it actually hurts!
I most definitely need it. The 224 is just too big for my crease, I keep having to clean up. Pout.
I never use my 226. I find it too scratchy.
I just picked up the 226 along with the 239, I have some MAC travel brushes, and some Sigma dupes but I had to see what all the 226 hype was all about!! Thanks to Jose I didn’t have to take off my hoops and put vaseline on my face…you are too funny!! Next is getting my hands on Feline and Lightscapade when Cindy Sherman comes out!! LOVE your blog!!
hello girl!! I have been reading your blog for quite a while now and I love it…!!!!
it’s my first comment here (I’m a little shy when it comes to leaving comments) and I need your opinion on sth…
I live in Greece and the Mac Me Over collection is released tomorrow here and I was wondering whether you know if the 226 brush is any different from the original one…I didn’t get the chance to buy it when it was originally released,so I am looking forward to buying it now…! however, I ‘ve read in one too many blogs that it is seriously different from the original…they say it’s less tapered,almost rounded and generally inferior to the first one…others say we have to examine all the brushes carefully before buying one because,since they are hand made,they vary in shape,but what really worries me is if the general new shape of the brush is rounded and not tapered…if this is the case,I may not buy it at all,because what I want it for is precise crease work and if it rounded,it won’t do the job properly…so,what do you think?
thanks in advance for your help and keep up the good work!!I
by the way,I think Tabs is gorgeous!!I have a cat myself,called Roberta and they’d make the perfect couple!!! xx