You can contact Estee Lauder about any products you don't like, they will send you an envelope to return it to them and once received they will send you a refund check.
My 150 never sheds, is super soft, and the brush hairs are firmly attached to the handle. I bought it at Nordstroms so I'm not sure if that makes a difference.
Hi...I just recently discovered you and wanted to let you know how much I've enjoyed your videos. You are very talented and your delivery is awesome. I work for MAC in North Carolina and the issue you had intrigues me and you make a very interesting point that I hadn't thought about regarding CCO's. Also, I'm a guy as well and MA's treat me the same way in retail environments (until occasionally they ask what I do for a living lol)
Also I live in Glendale ca..and in the stores in glen or counters customer service sucks...some stores and counters are better with customer care...but
Omggggg!!!!...my sister inlaw gave me a huge set of Mac brushes for a birthday gift...and almost every single one has broken or slid off during or before app..or just moving from one place to another...and I've crazy glued them back myself..reason being I didn't wnt to seem like I was complaining about a gift..and she actually ordered online ..they are authentic Mac..but the bristles did fallout on more than a few..also they are scratchy compared to the ones they carry in stores..(I guess the p
This is actually very interesting to me! I purchased a limited edition duo eye shadow from a CCO, and long story short we pinpointed that it was the cause of many eye issues I have been having at that time. I think they send old/damaged products to CCOs..
Interesting. In Australia the equivalent type of shops are called "Seconds and Samples" (not just cosmetics, but outlet stores generally) and the expectation is that they are the things that are not up to snuff for the main stores. I had always assumed that CCOs were the same, but apparently not. I wonder what the motivation would be to sell a permanent line brush in a CCO, in that case? Makeup close to its expiry date perhaps, but a brush could sit on a shelf in a main store for years. :-/
Every MAC brush I've bought has always been scratchy, prickly, and the 109 brush I got (which was really soft) shed worse than a Persian cat in Florida during the summer. I've also found that the associates really don't know either their products, or how to properly help people. The associates up here are nice, but you can tell they are primarily concerned with meeting their quotas and don't really concern themselves with what is good for the customer.
Everytime I buy anything from the CCO... it breaks or the color doesnt even look like the real color. I bought MAC Ricepaper and it was orange.. not the beige and tan color. They are all defective.
Yikes~ I tend to agree that these discount outlets are selling "stale," "leftovers," or "seconds." I purchased something from a CCO once- and it's just not worth it. The employees could have been selling sneakers- they knew nothing. Luckily I have a Pro Artist Discount with several lines, but even before that I have always thought the "outlet" stores sold really old merchandise.
I think that MAC brush quality is declining specifically in regards to the machine cutting. I bought a 165 from the store & when I got home, both sides were cut at different angles. It was liking having 2 different brushes. I got a 249 directly from MAC online & the the cut was butchered so bad that even a MAC SA said it was 'really funky.' They can't seem to correct the 109 shedding & breaking prob.! If I had to do it all over again, I would just buy Hakahodo or other high end brushes.
@summerblu As far as defective (2nds) brushes, they sell them at their warehouse sales. As far as CCOs are concerned, EL has them performing, literally, like robots. Since they aren't muas, they aren't even allowed to give you an opinion, & everything they do has to be by the 'rigid' book. & talk about 'unfriendly.' Anyway, what you should do is re-buy the 150 at a MAC/MAC@ Macy's store where they should let you pick the one you want &, then, return this one with that new receipt. ;)
@summerblu And, yes, the CCO should know to automatically check their products before checkout. I bought a gel liner in box & when I got to the car, luckily, I opened it & it was used. I could have driven 20 miles home only to find this out. As I said, any new brushes will be Hakuhodo, Nars, Louise Young as well as some of he better low-end end brushes that are significantly cheaper, but still better than the overpriced MAC.
most ppl dont know this but items sold in those outlets are inferior and there for a reason, called seconds. In life you usually get what u pay for. I own exactly 5 Mac brushes, the 210, 217, 224, 239 and the 219. I dont need nor want the rest, im perfectly happy with my nars , chanel and bobbi brown brushes, all which are superior to mac.
I bought the MAC 217, because it is the perfect crease brush. And yes, it is. But I did expect it to be really, really soft, and it just isn't. So next time, I'll probably try to find something cheaper, since it is just way to expensive, here in Denmark, to buy MAC, if it is that quality :)
I have the 150 I bought at MAC in Toronto and on a whim I was in a drugstore in Florida and got a Revlon powder brush and I swear they are exactly the same. I actually prefer the Revlon.
Very Interesting !! I think U.S residents are very lucky because they can enjoy some really good returns policies ,
In your sephora (As I learned) you can purchase the product .. unbox it .. maybe swatch it , try it out or use it .. if u didn't like it .. u can return it !
Dubai's Sephora has a very bad return policy compared to that , once you get out of store and unbox the product there is no way that you can return or even replace it ! doesn't matter if its defected !!
@HellFlavoured Oh no!! You are right, that is a very poor return policy in Dubai. Too bad there cant be a middle-ground...especially if it is a broken or extremely poor product. And, yes, the return policy here is almost unbelievable (you can use the product and then just return it on a whim)...but I know they still make massive profits! Returns on a whole are very easy in the U.S. at almost any store actually. Thanks for watching and sharing!! I love hearing local perspectives! -Michael
Do you know that in Thailand the M.A.C. counter are very very bad too. The B.A. are Asshole and they look at the people who becoming them customer like poor people. This is the way that they lost lots of customer . Many people try to get Mac from the internet, they prefer to not go to talk face to face with the B.A. of Mac cosmetic. Many time that we got drama about Mac cosmetic on internet but them company seem never care about this. For foreigner they will treat you good
Interesting story. I've bought brushes at CCOs and so far they're all fine and seem to be of good quality.
However, the 150 brush I just never had a good experience with it. I got one at a MAC counter in Bloomingdales and it wasn't that soft to the touch and it sheds like no one's business, so I took it back and exchanged for a new one. Guess what? It's the same. I just couldn't work with it and returned it. There are better powder brushes in the market that are worth the price tag.
I've never been to a CCO outlet before, so I can't say I've experienced this particular situation, but I do have a problem with MAC in regards to customer service.
I was speaking to a MAC artist and they said the special edition brushes are made with lower quality because of the price making and that it won't be on the line for substantial amount of time. So it's honestly ludicras.
They're called seconds, that's why they're in a discount store hon. Not everything makes the cut for full price retail. I would have loved to see you go back in all pissy with your crappy broken brushes lol.
Dude, I'm more surprised that you were in the midwest! Lol I live in Ca too but all my family is in Indiana. I have gotten to the point now, I'm older than you, lol where if a sales person is rude to me I don't buy anything from them. Not when I can order anything online w/o the attitude. I do have to say the nicest person, a guy btw, to help me lately worked at Macy's perfume area, really listened to what I like and helped me find the perfect scent for me.
I just think that you got a shitty one, you get what you pay for cos I'm playing with my 150 that o brought from a store and have had mine for well over 5 years and it still soft like the day I brought it(I condition it ever single day). Good luck anyways with what ever it is you are trying to prove
I bought a MAC 239 brush from Nordstroms and I noticed that inside the bristles there were brown spots (an obvious manufacturing fault) so disappointed! I've been wary of the quality of recently produced MAC brushes...
i understand your point. however, it's just like when you go to an outlet store, per se a coach outlet. you ARE buying a coach bag, the coach bag IS a coach bag that's probably defective or different. that's the reason why it's in a coach outlet store from the get go! you should already know you're probably buying something that's defective or inferior. i wouldn't call it consumer fraud or fake, it is what is. if you want quality products, don't shop at the CCO. jmo.
why dont you try putting hair conditioner on your brush? i had a very cheap brush that was extremely scratchy and i put conditioner on it and left it on for a few minutes and then rinsed it off thoroughly and the next day when it dried it was really soft. ive never had a MAC brush so i dont know if it would work on the hairs on those brushes but if you cant stand using it because its so scratchy then you should probly try doing this it wouldnt hurt to try.
Ah, you're one of those people who has that smile that make other people smile. Whenever I watch your videos, I find myself grinning stupidly at the screen HAHA!
I bought a 150 from a MAC concession in HoF UK and I'm disappointed with the texture. It may be possible that some employees in your CCOs are running their own scam with counterfeit MAC brushes? Thanks for recommending LY anyway :) x
Yes, a very similar thing has happened to me... several times actually! I find that the permanent line products at CCOs are inferior quality. Good on you for making this video and alerting people to the issue! xx
Hmm...this actually makes a bit of sense to me now. I got a pretty unpigmented eyeshadow(M.A.C.) from a CCO and when I read the reviews, it said that it was actually quite a pigmented one. I thought I just had a bit of bad luck and got a ineffective eyeshadow. This might just be M.A.C. though since my clinique stuff was perfectly fine. With the MA problem, always look for male workers. They actually help you out and listen to your requests.
I think that you may be on to something. All companies have "irregulars" etc., that are by no means "counterfeit" but not quite up to par. This is the reason to discount the product and/or sell it via an avenue such as a CCO. The other issue may be that the items get handled frequently, between showing customers and (let's not forget) how sales associates themselves like to "play." This adds unnecessary wear and tear, drying out, etc. which translates to precisely what you have experienced.
You did not like the brush (scratchiness) because Mac makes 2 types of brushes. There are the handmade brushes that are very soft, and there are machine made, that usually come in packages with other brushes. Like holiday sets of brushes, those are all machine made, so they are much hursher on your face than regular. That is the difference.
i bought a 242 once and the brush was slanted when it was supposed to be straight. also bought 224 and the brush is fluffier and doesn't hold it's shape as well as i'd expected. i'm so glad you made this video because now I 'm seriously wondering if the permanent lines that are in CCOs are inferior in quality to the ones they sell at full price. i guess i'll only buy LE items at CCO. :)
I reall y do appreciate someone speaking on this matter, for i have had a similar issue. I went to my CCO and did get alot of items Mac being the main one going for, I did notice when the girl let me see the brushes behind the counter..lol That some of the brushes were not labled Mac & then i told my husband, that was with me then, That I beive they were selling some fakes...Also I had bought a powder the cover fix in nw25 1st time i purchased the producted It fine 2nd it was old!!!
I had this happen with MAC's tinted lip moisturizer. I have some that I bought at a counter at dillards and I love it b/c it's sort of a lipgloss but a chapstick at the same time. Anyways, long story short when I was at the CCO I stocked up for backups since I use these quite a bit. A couple of months later I opened one from the CCO since I had finished the one I was using and it did not feel the same! Sticky and not moisturizing. I was so pissed off
Wow great video. I hope thats not whats happening and I wouldn't know cause I've never been to a CCO or have any Mac brushes. All my brushes are Sigma. I hope we aren't getting bad quality products at CCO's
i love that you're a guru that just doesn't have mac. it's ok but i can't take my cosmetics smelling with scents so i like to see other things being used.
I got a MAC eyeshadow from the CCO in All Races. Now, this product was a discontinued product, but my friend had the eyeshadow and I absolutely loved the color. I went to the CCO and got it and when I went to use it, it would not even remotely swatch or show up on my eye, and my friend's did. I was and still am SO annoyed!
Thanks for the video. I've heard that MAC brushes used to be made in France (most of mine from years ago say "Made in France"). Nowadays they are made in China. I wonder if that has anything to do with the quality?
im glad you made this video, i had the same experience at a MAC counter in Duty Free. They sold me two lipsticks with their caps completly loose, they just dont close. Almost useless purchases, and the discount is not that big. MAC is a company i dont love
I have only been to a CCO one time here in MN and it was very small and the women working there watched me the whole time and everything I touched they went behind me and repositioned. I read the reviews of that store before going there and was warned in advance, but I could not believe how uncomfortable it was. I do believe that the items in a permanent line are defective in some small way, be it the packaging or the item itself, what other reason could there be for it to be there?
I went to a CCO for the first time in March & had a similar experience. I did score some discontinued MAC products I like, but when I asked about brushes, they were really reluctant to take them out of packages and let me look. I was suspicious already, and found one with the handle loose and just didn't go any further and ended up not buying a brush. It's good to know that discontinued brushes will prob be ok. I also agree that besides some MAC eyeshadows and a few "real" MAC brushes, I don't
Hi Michael, I've ordered some products online from All Cosmetics Wholesale, which I think functions on the same principle as CCOs, and was also not very happy with my purchases. I didn't get any MAC products, but a Sigma brush I ordered had very splayed hairs and blems on the handle, a cream eyeshadow seemed a bit dried out, and a lipgloss has a malfunctioning applicator where lots of product gets wasted. The experience has put me off buying discounted high-end make-up.
I AGREE WITH You. the moment you have a genuine problem with the item that you payed ur hard earned money for.. the MUA or customer agents look at you like ur trying to steal or you are a bitch for complaining.
could be 2nds or returns... i try not to get things at cco because of this exact thing... i am never sure that they (the products) are real or 2nds ... i know it sounds silly and wasteful but the only way to get true product is to buy it and sometimes that isnt even true! you just have a better chance of getting what you wanted.
Thanks for the heads up. We have a few CCO's in the UK but they really are few and far between, I'm hopeing to go to one in the next month or two, so will keep your words in my head before purchasing anything, that's if I find anything worth purchasing, I hope so, it's going to be quite a trek for me to get there!
From the onset of my makeup re birth:) and now my career, I have never truly been impressed with MAC brushes persay. Granted they are better quality than others, however I have found others to be wholly above MAC if not necessarily in price, certainly in quality. I do have two brushes from MAC none of which are face brushes. My face brushes are either Sonja Kashuk, Louise Young or surprisingly enough, ELF. I would certainly re purchase all - that is AFTER I purchase the LY Foundation Brush:)
I wish I had a CCO near me, (I don't think there is one here in Hawaii), but lately I've been telling my friends, I'm going to go on a 'Mac fast' because I'm never happy with the products from them, I often get color matched totally wrong by the customer service & they really don't seem to care. Most of the time I walk away thinking either the sales lady was rude, snobby or wasn't well trained. (I know there are great people who work at mac) but this happens way more than other places I shop.
Love this video!! I bought a bunch of brushes from Mac pro store and half shed and are very itchy including the 150 and 109?!? the CCO in my town let's me exchange? Is that a new policy? I don't care for most of their stuff anyway and their employees are "bright as bricks" unfortunately. MAC is the brand that's in-between drugstore and higher end I think. I do love their lip products though!!
If you get a chance, check out a CCO near LA. Unfortunately, I think the nearest one is in Camarillo or Oxnard, but it would be interesting to see if you had a similar experience.
I wonder if it was the CCO in Aurora, IL. I use to shop there a lot when I lived in the midwest. I bought the MAC 162 from there and the quality is horrible. The dye constantly pours out when washing. I've had this brush for ever two years. I purchased the MAC 225 from there also and the ferrel doesn't look like the MAC brushes I've purchased from their website and in stores. I think maybe these were customer returns (fakes swapped) and MAC got stock with them & passed them on to the CCO.
I totally agree with you. I say the exact same thing and I have even said it about MAC's value brush sets. For some reason they never seem to be the same quality as the regular individual brushes.
I have never been 100% happy with anything, apart from lipsticks, that I have purchased from MAC. I would much rather spend $5-20 more for a 'higher end' brand such as Chanel, Laura Mericier, Estee Lauder(even though they own MAC I enjoy them much more) etc. Yet again, GREAT video!
haha i never trust the counter assistants for anything. they are NEVER any good help. except in MAC tho...i made good friends with one, she helped me find my perfect concealer shade in a matter of seconds and was very warm.
that's in my country tho. and maybe i was just lucky
Also, you know what brush is truly horrid? The Clinique Powder brush. Coarse, prickly, unpleasant and it refuses to soften up. It's of absolutely no use to me. I don't really like being in pain when I apply my loose powder....
I have 2 MAC 217 brushes (LOVE), MAC 187 (LOVE), MAC 213 (Like), MAC 266 (love), MAC 228 (LOVE). With the exception of the 187 I have had them for almost a decade and they're still wonderful. My only issue has been with the 109. When I use the 109 with powder products it works like a dream BUT so many people on YT go on endlessly about it's prowess with liquid fdtion. but when used for that it SHEDS like a MOFO. So 109 is on the fence for me... Up Next, MAC 138. Dying to get that one.
hi! i'm new to your channel... juicytuesday sent me. i have horrible acne and foundation is definitely the most important step in my makeup. i really appreciate your channel and would love to see some very full coverage foundation videos. thanks!
hey! I was wondering if you could do a review or two on Origins products. I'd like to see on the VitaZing moistuzure, and maybe a facewash or another moisturizure. I knwo a couple other youtubers have reviewed these products but I really trust yours because it's more than just saying "it looks nice, smells great, it's this much". If you are already swamped with requests (which you prob are), that's fine, but I do appreciate you even considering it. Love your vids, keep them coming. thanks. =]
J had a similar problem. I bought an eyeshadow in a certain color and got home and found the product in the package was NOT what was labeled on the box. It was a MAC shadow. I cannot remember the colors right now. Even worse, it was USED! I should have checked before leaving but this was my first cco experience and they had the benefit of doubt. NEVER again! I check everything before walking out that door!!
Ive unfortunately had the same experience with cosmetic reps too Micheal..So I feel your angst! ;) Great video..more people need to know about these type of issues. As for Mac, have quite a few in my collection and the only one I had issues with was the foundation brush..the ferrel completely feel off! I didn't buy it at a CCO (because none where I live) but at a free standing store. I would love to see you go undercover with the camera at a cosmetics counter to see how they treat you!! :)
I was hoping that I wasn't the only one that went through this. I got a 187 brush in a holiday set. All of the other brushes were great, but that one immediately started shedding. I take EXCELLENT care of my make up brushes so as to why this one is shedding, I have no idea. I e-mailed them about it and they took literally over two months to reply, basically blaming me for it all. They said I need to call a number and they'd CONSIDER my case. Sigh.
many companies have items that are similar but of less quality or like you said determined "defected" for discounted outlets.
Some companies even have separate lines that are extremely similar to their regular lines made just for the discount stores.
I know this because I have friends in the fashion industry who work on the clothing lines for discount stores. I can't be sure if that is how it goes in the cosmetic/skin care industry but that is my closest guess.
In my experience the brushes that i've purchased at a mac counter in Australia tend to be of 'lower quality' kind of how you described. i experience similar issues with my 150. Maybe they ship the deffective brushes to us as Australians have no other options /:
I agree w/you 200%. MAC is a very popular brand + so many ppl for buying their products that they dont really care abt customer service. Sad but true~
I finally quit using MAC and buy other brands as I feel I deserve better service when I pay for my products.
Could you please do a review of Bobbi Brown makeup brushes? I’m contemplating buying them but I’d love to hear your opinion on the quality first, you reviews are always so helpful.
Thanks for sharing this! I have not had any problems with the MAC brushes that I have bought from my CCO (which is coincidently in the Midwest). I have a 224, 216, 165, and 188, all purchased from my CCO. They are all of great quality and although most of the shed after the first few uses/washes, they have all held up quite well. The women at my CCO always check products well and let me look them over before I pay. Hope you don't have this experience again!
i hate when i go into high end stores looking for a specific product, and when they don't have it, they try to show me something else. i will politely refuse and leave,and they get mad at me! i don't want to be sold stuff!
I love your videos, and I have no doubt in my mind that you are incredibly intelligent, but NO SHIT the brushes at CCO's are of less quality. Having worked in retail environments for many years, I can say, companies send defective products to discount stores all the time. This is simply the reason that discount stores exist: for limited edition and discontinued products, as well as products that may be damaged, defective or part of a a bad batch. Don't like it? Buy it at full price.
I feel pretty certain that the cco's are filled with factory "blems", which is fine but then they have to state that, (and most likely mark it down further). Thanks for the vids!
Thats funny, because the same thing, sort of happened to me, I have returned 3 150's. All three brushes had "brillo pad bristles", pissed me off. I also have returned a 188, and a 187. From this point, I dont own one mac brush in my collection any more. I can do with out. I Do like some of the eye brushes, but no more face brushes for me. My Sigma ss150 and ss134 are even softer than the Mac 150's that I had. Thanks for sharing...
Sounds like they had a batch of factory seconds. A batch that was rejected for the counters and shipped immediately off to the CCO.
I'm a new subscriber and I'm so happy! I have very mixed feelings about Mac, and sometimes feel like there must be something wrong with me because they are so revered. I thought Mac brushes were the end all, be all, then I found the Mac 217 on CoastalScents web site for a fraction of the cost. I find the MAs rude and I'm usually disappointed with what I buy there
I know how you feel but being an ex-lauder beauty advisor I loved my job and tried to know as much as I could on the products we sold as well as makeup and skincare in general. I still tho get bad experiences and lack of energy and information from local counters and others when I'm travelling. I have never used or brought an Mac brush and find some of macs products great but some ok (but not worth the price you pay). I am sorry to hear you had a bad experience. Great video tho x
The one thing I hate the most about going to a CCO? The people that work there make me feel so uncomfortable! As soon as you walk in, they follow you around like hawks! Look at you like you're about to pocket everything you pick up.. they are literally short of patting you down at every station you walk up to. I don't live close to a CCO and so I spend quite a bit when I go there. Yet every time I go back there I get the same treatment! Put a darn sensor on every display if you're that paranoid!
Have to comment again, after reading everyone else's comments I feel so much more "normal"....I don't think I'll ever buy another MAC brush again, I've noticed a decline in the quality of the new ones compared to the older ones I own. They shed SO horribly, no matter how methodical I am with their upkeep (cleansing, conditioning, storing, etc). What a bunch of junk. I have $8 brushes from Target that work better than my $50 MAC brushes. People should boycott them. They're fooling customers.
I cannot agree with you more about the SAs. I don't even work for Lauder and I know 10x more than anyone at the counter. My last run in was with a Bobbi Brown SA that I thought I was going to bang her head on the counter. She tried to tell me that BB did *not* make a creamy concealer (they 100% do, I own it) and that the corrector must be used with foundation. I was like WTF, the she tried to tell me that concealing was a 2 step process. I just walked away...I couldn't handle it anymore
If you are having that much trouble with the cco's, then before you purchase the brushes, take them out and feel them and see if they feel right and if they shed; I would, I'm paying for them, they should feel and do and be what I want them to be? Just sayin....you get what you pay for? Try Crown brushes...
I just love your videos. This video really made me think. Although I have never purchased a brush from a CCO, if I ever do, I will be very cautious. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I have found that MAC brushes in general have declined signifigantly in the last few years. I have been very unhappy with the quality of the last few I have bought, and will no longer buy them. I suspect they have either had quality control issues or (more likely) are using cheaper methods of production.
I have two 187 brushes...that I got both from MAC...one I got about 3yrs ago...decided to get another...the quality of the 2nd brush is half that of the 1st one I had gotten...a lot less dense, and does not perform the same way. It's like because all they "hype" about MAC they decided to lessen their quality because they know that people will still buy them. The first one I bought in store, the second was from macpro.com so I don’t know if that makes a difference
cco's, discount and outlet malls are all the same i believe. i think the companies involved produce lower quality items specifically for sale in such places. companies would never just offer their top grade products at a substantial discount because they're such great humanitarians. they lose nothing because the items are produced cheaply to begin with. i have definitely been in your shoes. we have remind ourselves that if something seems too good to be true it is. not fun but it happens.
Michael, i LOVE u! i have this burn on my thigh and since summer is almost here i'd like to cover it up with some WATERPROOF makeup...any recommendations?
You are correct! They sell the brushes that are lacking in quality and can't be sold in the stores at the CCO's. I also agree that the counter help are more often than not ver rude and ignorant of the products they sell. It could be that very few of them are actually licensed makeup artists or estheticians.
I've never had this type of experience, but your video made me aware that I need to be more careful when I shop at "discount" stores or CCO's. Very informative and I am glad you recorded it :)
CCO's sell faulty items or items that didn't sell in stores is what I've been told from a professor that has worked at the estee lauder company. That's what outlets do, even clothing ones. Some clothing brands even manufacture lower quality goods especially for their outlets. They may look the same as the real deal, but the quality will be off.
In my country are only 3 product categories in the outles available: discontinued products and last season products (both prime selection) and second qualities. The second qualities must be distinctly marked on the package.
HAHA !! I do personal car hauls all the time ....I can't wait to get home ! Trust me ,I have talked about mac 129 and 119 being horrible brushes, and I didn't get them at a cco. I do like some mac brushes though. Cco's are totally a place where used ,returned ,bad quality items go.And sometimes if an item doesn't sell at a mac they go there. xo Jessie
AGH! I have always wondered why people love MAC brushes so much, because I have always hated mine, and I was starting to think I was crazy because no one else seems to have the same issues! This video was a breath of fresh air! Especially when you mentioned the scratchiness of the bristles - ALL of my MAC brushes feel like that on my skin, and I've always bought mine directly from the MAC counters here in Canada or online from the MAC site......definitely suspicious.
@jessical5683 I feel the same way. I hate the 239 brush. 239?! Yes, 239. Its just not good. I didn't feel like mailing it back so I kept it. I have a $1 that is so much better. It packs on the color beautifully.
I've only bought discontinued brushes at the CCO. They have all been great, so I was considering getting some of the permanent ones the next time I go. I will definately not do that now! I think I'm going to try to get my hands on some Suqqu brushes. Do you own any? Thoughts on them?
I turned on the captions just for fun, (I sometimes do this, lol) and they were the most correct I've ever seen them on youtube. You speak really clearly.
I had a similar experience.... I went to the CCO in Buffalo, NY and I bought a 226 brush. I'm not from the states so I couldn't return it or anything. So when I came back to Canada where iam from. I've noticed the brush ferell was chicking as well. I still use thee brush but I have a feeling the brush is going to come apart soon. It feels very loose.
My MAC 134 from the CCO handle came off too...but that happened like 6 months down the line. I decided when that happened to not buy big face brushes from the CCO. I usually just rebuy eye brushes only. You're right Michael!
Hey! Do you still use your airbrush makeup? Can you make an updated video on that and a review saying why you are still using it or not. Loved this video. I am not a big ac fan either.
@MsSunglassesGirl Hello :) Great question :) I do still use both my Dinair and Temptu systems, but I really just ENJOY traditional makeup because you can take your time and pick and choose (craft) your look...but airbrush makeup is great too. I will def do an update...but I want to try another standard airbrush system first (maybe the OCC one) to get a wider perspective on the options. Thanks for asking! -Michael
try schampooing it with baby schampoo and then use a ("high end") conditioner, because really they're just better. my brushes get lux treatment once a month with a tigi s factor moisturizing conditioner. doesnt cause breakouts (if u wash everything out) and works amazingly. its real hair so why not? ;)
My MAC 150 also shed a lot and not as soft as many people said. and myMAC183 sheds a lot, but I thought because it's old...is it suppose to shed that much when it's old? lol. I'm not a pro with brushes. I got it at the MAC counter. And 187 bleed badly everytime I clean them.
I was thinking to ivest on Hakuhodo next time. Their bristles are much much much softer than MAC
@ema2d Actually, my next brush video (after the Louise Young wrap-up video) is going to be a video on Hakuhodo brushes! :) Thanks for sharing your experience with your MAC brushes. Very interesting.
@TheSublimeAgent i love hakuhodo brushes! own 9 of them until now. since i bought my first hakuhodos about a year ago, i don't really use my mac face brushes anymore.
You have great eyes, Shining teeth!!
rabbitboyist 6 hours ago
Your skin looks perfect
whatsuptoots 2 weeks ago
you don't need to have the receipt either.
9TwelveMUAStudios 3 weeks ago
You can contact Estee Lauder about any products you don't like, they will send you an envelope to return it to them and once received they will send you a refund check.
9TwelveMUAStudios 3 weeks ago
I bought my 150 straight out and it's pretty much crap.
toddgasm 1 month ago
My 150 never sheds, is super soft, and the brush hairs are firmly attached to the handle. I bought it at Nordstroms so I'm not sure if that makes a difference.
ibislee 1 month ago
Hi...I just recently discovered you and wanted to let you know how much I've enjoyed your videos. You are very talented and your delivery is awesome. I work for MAC in North Carolina and the issue you had intrigues me and you make a very interesting point that I hadn't thought about regarding CCO's. Also, I'm a guy as well and MA's treat me the same way in retail environments (until occasionally they ask what I do for a living lol)
SAW0220 1 month ago
You seem very smart
GodBlessYou2000 1 month ago
Like someone mentioned before they are concerned with hitting their sale goals for the day or week month ect..
BTTRFLIKISSEZ 1 month ago
Also I live in Glendale ca..and in the stores in glen or counters customer service sucks...some stores and counters are better with customer care...but
BTTRFLIKISSEZ 1 month ago
Omggggg!!!!...my sister inlaw gave me a huge set of Mac brushes for a birthday gift...and almost every single one has broken or slid off during or before app..or just moving from one place to another...and I've crazy glued them back myself..reason being I didn't wnt to seem like I was complaining about a gift..and she actually ordered online ..they are authentic Mac..but the bristles did fallout on more than a few..also they are scratchy compared to the ones they carry in stores..(I guess the p
BTTRFLIKISSEZ 1 month ago
This is actually very interesting to me! I purchased a limited edition duo eye shadow from a CCO, and long story short we pinpointed that it was the cause of many eye issues I have been having at that time. I think they send old/damaged products to CCOs..
basketballrox77 1 month ago
Interesting. In Australia the equivalent type of shops are called "Seconds and Samples" (not just cosmetics, but outlet stores generally) and the expectation is that they are the things that are not up to snuff for the main stores. I had always assumed that CCOs were the same, but apparently not. I wonder what the motivation would be to sell a permanent line brush in a CCO, in that case? Makeup close to its expiry date perhaps, but a brush could sit on a shelf in a main store for years. :-/
MsDee255 2 months ago
Every MAC brush I've bought has always been scratchy, prickly, and the 109 brush I got (which was really soft) shed worse than a Persian cat in Florida during the summer. I've also found that the associates really don't know either their products, or how to properly help people. The associates up here are nice, but you can tell they are primarily concerned with meeting their quotas and don't really concern themselves with what is good for the customer.
WispgnarlGrove 3 months ago
What do you think of sigma brushes?
ManonMorsch 3 months ago in playlist Meer video's van TheSublimeAgent
Great video! So many things to think about....
demeatrist 4 months ago
Everytime I buy anything from the CCO... it breaks or the color doesnt even look like the real color. I bought MAC Ricepaper and it was orange.. not the beige and tan color. They are all defective.
KelseyBaby00 6 months ago
All i can say is either rat are don't rat out the people that were rude to you witch ever one you would like and get free shit from customer service.
edwardd668 6 months ago
Yikes~ I tend to agree that these discount outlets are selling "stale," "leftovers," or "seconds." I purchased something from a CCO once- and it's just not worth it. The employees could have been selling sneakers- they knew nothing. Luckily I have a Pro Artist Discount with several lines, but even before that I have always thought the "outlet" stores sold really old merchandise.
nycartist9 6 months ago
I think that MAC brush quality is declining specifically in regards to the machine cutting. I bought a 165 from the store & when I got home, both sides were cut at different angles. It was liking having 2 different brushes. I got a 249 directly from MAC online & the the cut was butchered so bad that even a MAC SA said it was 'really funky.' They can't seem to correct the 109 shedding & breaking prob.! If I had to do it all over again, I would just buy Hakahodo or other high end brushes.
summerblu 6 months ago
@summerblu As far as defective (2nds) brushes, they sell them at their warehouse sales. As far as CCOs are concerned, EL has them performing, literally, like robots. Since they aren't muas, they aren't even allowed to give you an opinion, & everything they do has to be by the 'rigid' book. & talk about 'unfriendly.' Anyway, what you should do is re-buy the 150 at a MAC/MAC@ Macy's store where they should let you pick the one you want &, then, return this one with that new receipt. ;)
summerblu 6 months ago
@summerblu And, yes, the CCO should know to automatically check their products before checkout. I bought a gel liner in box & when I got to the car, luckily, I opened it & it was used. I could have driven 20 miles home only to find this out. As I said, any new brushes will be Hakuhodo, Nars, Louise Young as well as some of he better low-end end brushes that are significantly cheaper, but still better than the overpriced MAC.
summerblu 6 months ago
You're eye color is stunning.
RoxasKitty19 7 months ago
most ppl dont know this but items sold in those outlets are inferior and there for a reason, called seconds. In life you usually get what u pay for. I own exactly 5 Mac brushes, the 210, 217, 224, 239 and the 219. I dont need nor want the rest, im perfectly happy with my nars , chanel and bobbi brown brushes, all which are superior to mac.
Puddycat11385 8 months ago
I bought the MAC 217, because it is the perfect crease brush. And yes, it is. But I did expect it to be really, really soft, and it just isn't. So next time, I'll probably try to find something cheaper, since it is just way to expensive, here in Denmark, to buy MAC, if it is that quality :)
FrkenSunshine 8 months ago
I have the 150 I bought at MAC in Toronto and on a whim I was in a drugstore in Florida and got a Revlon powder brush and I swear they are exactly the same. I actually prefer the Revlon.
maebeeee 8 months ago
Very Interesting !! I think U.S residents are very lucky because they can enjoy some really good returns policies ,
In your sephora (As I learned) you can purchase the product .. unbox it .. maybe swatch it , try it out or use it .. if u didn't like it .. u can return it !
Dubai's Sephora has a very bad return policy compared to that , once you get out of store and unbox the product there is no way that you can return or even replace it ! doesn't matter if its defected !!
HellFlavoured 8 months ago 2
@HellFlavoured Oh no!! You are right, that is a very poor return policy in Dubai. Too bad there cant be a middle-ground...especially if it is a broken or extremely poor product. And, yes, the return policy here is almost unbelievable (you can use the product and then just return it on a whim)...but I know they still make massive profits! Returns on a whole are very easy in the U.S. at almost any store actually. Thanks for watching and sharing!! I love hearing local perspectives! -Michael
TheSublimeAgent 8 months ago
Comment removed
fangbifxx 6 months ago
@TheSublimeAgent
It's the last counter we want to go...
fangbifxx 6 months ago
Do you know that in Thailand the M.A.C. counter are very very bad too. The B.A. are Asshole and they look at the people who becoming them customer like poor people. This is the way that they lost lots of customer . Many people try to get Mac from the internet, they prefer to not go to talk face to face with the B.A. of Mac cosmetic. Many time that we got drama about Mac cosmetic on internet but them company seem never care about this. For foreigner they will treat you good
fangbifxx 6 months ago
Interesting story. I've bought brushes at CCOs and so far they're all fine and seem to be of good quality.
However, the 150 brush I just never had a good experience with it. I got one at a MAC counter in Bloomingdales and it wasn't that soft to the touch and it sheds like no one's business, so I took it back and exchanged for a new one. Guess what? It's the same. I just couldn't work with it and returned it. There are better powder brushes in the market that are worth the price tag.
rokitgirl 8 months ago
You are beautiful!!
Erin40845 8 months ago
Haha I adore you!! I love how elegant you are!! I think you need to come to Paris :))
lilidp1 9 months ago 6
@lilidp1 Thank you... I like this comment. I would for sure come visit any time :)
TheSublimeAgent 9 months ago
I've never been to a CCO outlet before, so I can't say I've experienced this particular situation, but I do have a problem with MAC in regards to customer service.
ClassicalOcean 9 months ago
I absolutely agree with you!) I also dont find MAC extraordinary)))
alika331 9 months ago
maybe because its an outlet =/?
omgselina 9 months ago
I was speaking to a MAC artist and they said the special edition brushes are made with lower quality because of the price making and that it won't be on the line for substantial amount of time. So it's honestly ludicras.
MrCruceandbrandon 9 months ago
I bought 3 brushes from mac,i washed them using mac brush cleaner after a week they are full of split ends
TheBambolicious 9 months ago
They're called seconds, that's why they're in a discount store hon. Not everything makes the cut for full price retail. I would have loved to see you go back in all pissy with your crappy broken brushes lol.
johnlovesbridge 9 months ago
Dude, I'm more surprised that you were in the midwest! Lol I live in Ca too but all my family is in Indiana. I have gotten to the point now, I'm older than you, lol where if a sales person is rude to me I don't buy anything from them. Not when I can order anything online w/o the attitude. I do have to say the nicest person, a guy btw, to help me lately worked at Macy's perfume area, really listened to what I like and helped me find the perfect scent for me.
BellaSC 10 months ago
I just think that you got a shitty one, you get what you pay for cos I'm playing with my 150 that o brought from a store and have had mine for well over 5 years and it still soft like the day I brought it(I condition it ever single day). Good luck anyways with what ever it is you are trying to prove
totallytom 10 months ago
I bought a MAC 239 brush from Nordstroms and I noticed that inside the bristles there were brown spots (an obvious manufacturing fault) so disappointed! I've been wary of the quality of recently produced MAC brushes...
lovespree86 10 months ago
i understand your point. however, it's just like when you go to an outlet store, per se a coach outlet. you ARE buying a coach bag, the coach bag IS a coach bag that's probably defective or different. that's the reason why it's in a coach outlet store from the get go! you should already know you're probably buying something that's defective or inferior. i wouldn't call it consumer fraud or fake, it is what is. if you want quality products, don't shop at the CCO. jmo.
mscoolbee 10 months ago
Very interesting story Michael ! :D
Huntersvoice 10 months ago
Thanks Michael. $29.99 is a lot of money to be shelling out for an inferior product.
Leza1121 10 months ago
i love the shirt :3
IWasDesigned 10 months ago
You're so handsome :)
TheBlondebabe19 10 months ago
why dont you try putting hair conditioner on your brush? i had a very cheap brush that was extremely scratchy and i put conditioner on it and left it on for a few minutes and then rinsed it off thoroughly and the next day when it dried it was really soft. ive never had a MAC brush so i dont know if it would work on the hairs on those brushes but if you cant stand using it because its so scratchy then you should probly try doing this it wouldnt hurt to try.
kristenwhi 10 months ago
Ah, you're one of those people who has that smile that make other people smile. Whenever I watch your videos, I find myself grinning stupidly at the screen HAHA!
choockle 10 months ago 14
you look like the boy version of alyssa miller, like you can be twins. :D
scabiesandrabies 10 months ago
I bought a 150 from a MAC concession in HoF UK and I'm disappointed with the texture. It may be possible that some employees in your CCOs are running their own scam with counterfeit MAC brushes? Thanks for recommending LY anyway :) x
appleshampoo84 10 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Check out our channel! Two girls, two opinions! It's fun and entertaining!
(don't thumbs down PLEEEEEEEEEASE!!!!! lol)
TwoOpinions 10 months ago
You have a very beautiful skin. Do you use the same skin care products btw?
I have a question: What do you think about the Avon anew skin products?
I hope you can answer my question. :)
SlowY00 10 months ago
u r so cute! i love that there is substance behind your adorable face lol!
juliankim2 10 months ago
Yes, a very similar thing has happened to me... several times actually! I find that the permanent line products at CCOs are inferior quality. Good on you for making this video and alerting people to the issue! xx
ZoeGeorge84 10 months ago
Hmm...this actually makes a bit of sense to me now. I got a pretty unpigmented eyeshadow(M.A.C.) from a CCO and when I read the reviews, it said that it was actually quite a pigmented one. I thought I just had a bit of bad luck and got a ineffective eyeshadow. This might just be M.A.C. though since my clinique stuff was perfectly fine. With the MA problem, always look for male workers. They actually help you out and listen to your requests.
exquisiteallure 10 months ago
I think that you may be on to something. All companies have "irregulars" etc., that are by no means "counterfeit" but not quite up to par. This is the reason to discount the product and/or sell it via an avenue such as a CCO. The other issue may be that the items get handled frequently, between showing customers and (let's not forget) how sales associates themselves like to "play." This adds unnecessary wear and tear, drying out, etc. which translates to precisely what you have experienced.
carol884 10 months ago
You did not like the brush (scratchiness) because Mac makes 2 types of brushes. There are the handmade brushes that are very soft, and there are machine made, that usually come in packages with other brushes. Like holiday sets of brushes, those are all machine made, so they are much hursher on your face than regular. That is the difference.
russianbabe1981 10 months ago
@russianbabe1981 i have to disagree. i've bought several brushes from mac and they were all extremely scratchy. i couldn't wait to get rid of them.
yulyu 9 months ago
i bought a 242 once and the brush was slanted when it was supposed to be straight. also bought 224 and the brush is fluffier and doesn't hold it's shape as well as i'd expected. i'm so glad you made this video because now I 'm seriously wondering if the permanent lines that are in CCOs are inferior in quality to the ones they sell at full price. i guess i'll only buy LE items at CCO. :)
nyapple 10 months ago
I reall y do appreciate someone speaking on this matter, for i have had a similar issue. I went to my CCO and did get alot of items Mac being the main one going for, I did notice when the girl let me see the brushes behind the counter..lol That some of the brushes were not labled Mac & then i told my husband, that was with me then, That I beive they were selling some fakes...Also I had bought a powder the cover fix in nw25 1st time i purchased the producted It fine 2nd it was old!!!
bphelps2399 10 months ago
Smart customer like you voicing opinion only can change the malpractice in any industry.
rbred378 10 months ago
You get what you pay for:)
TheTraceReview 10 months ago
I had this happen with MAC's tinted lip moisturizer. I have some that I bought at a counter at dillards and I love it b/c it's sort of a lipgloss but a chapstick at the same time. Anyways, long story short when I was at the CCO I stocked up for backups since I use these quite a bit. A couple of months later I opened one from the CCO since I had finished the one I was using and it did not feel the same! Sticky and not moisturizing. I was so pissed off
artistnsoul 10 months ago
Can we see you in drag?? PRETTY PLEASE???
arab4ever 10 months ago
Wow great video. I hope thats not whats happening and I wouldn't know cause I've never been to a CCO or have any Mac brushes. All my brushes are Sigma. I hope we aren't getting bad quality products at CCO's
MedinaIndira 10 months ago
i love that you're a guru that just doesn't have mac. it's ok but i can't take my cosmetics smelling with scents so i like to see other things being used.
kinglm1 10 months ago
I got a MAC eyeshadow from the CCO in All Races. Now, this product was a discontinued product, but my friend had the eyeshadow and I absolutely loved the color. I went to the CCO and got it and when I went to use it, it would not even remotely swatch or show up on my eye, and my friend's did. I was and still am SO annoyed!
adgasfkbrook 10 months ago
Thanks for the video. I've heard that MAC brushes used to be made in France (most of mine from years ago say "Made in France"). Nowadays they are made in China. I wonder if that has anything to do with the quality?
mfgracie 10 months ago
you have beautiful skin
sanojfan1992 10 months ago
im glad you made this video, i had the same experience at a MAC counter in Duty Free. They sold me two lipsticks with their caps completly loose, they just dont close. Almost useless purchases, and the discount is not that big. MAC is a company i dont love
thenewchivis27juan 10 months ago
you're cooool. im subscribing :)
AmourMode 10 months ago
I have only been to a CCO one time here in MN and it was very small and the women working there watched me the whole time and everything I touched they went behind me and repositioned. I read the reviews of that store before going there and was warned in advance, but I could not believe how uncomfortable it was. I do believe that the items in a permanent line are defective in some small way, be it the packaging or the item itself, what other reason could there be for it to be there?
KMayflower 10 months ago
I went to a CCO for the first time in March & had a similar experience. I did score some discontinued MAC products I like, but when I asked about brushes, they were really reluctant to take them out of packages and let me look. I was suspicious already, and found one with the handle loose and just didn't go any further and ended up not buying a brush. It's good to know that discontinued brushes will prob be ok. I also agree that besides some MAC eyeshadows and a few "real" MAC brushes, I don't
LuvNDrkness 10 months ago
Hi Michael, I've ordered some products online from All Cosmetics Wholesale, which I think functions on the same principle as CCOs, and was also not very happy with my purchases. I didn't get any MAC products, but a Sigma brush I ordered had very splayed hairs and blems on the handle, a cream eyeshadow seemed a bit dried out, and a lipgloss has a malfunctioning applicator where lots of product gets wasted. The experience has put me off buying discounted high-end make-up.
rocaillefilms 10 months ago
Have you ever or will you try the Hakuhodo brushes and do a review?
ImNKSToto 10 months ago
I AGREE WITH You. the moment you have a genuine problem with the item that you payed ur hard earned money for.. the MUA or customer agents look at you like ur trying to steal or you are a bitch for complaining.
tiredtill2010 10 months ago
I don't remember a single thing you said in this video , sorry i was mesmerized by your gorgeousness ..
TarahKatherine 10 months ago
I've often wondered about this. Otherwise, why are perm products at the cco???
mely467 10 months ago
could be 2nds or returns... i try not to get things at cco because of this exact thing... i am never sure that they (the products) are real or 2nds ... i know it sounds silly and wasteful but the only way to get true product is to buy it and sometimes that isnt even true! you just have a better chance of getting what you wanted.
excellent vid though
ohsewdizzy 10 months ago
have you ever used water color brushes? or any painting blushes? if you do which and for what purpose ? please hope u answer
moquba 10 months ago
Isn't it kind of like an outlet where they put semi-defective or older clothes out? I don't know though...
good video:D
maddiejaymes 10 months ago
Thanks for the heads up. We have a few CCO's in the UK but they really are few and far between, I'm hopeing to go to one in the next month or two, so will keep your words in my head before purchasing anything, that's if I find anything worth purchasing, I hope so, it's going to be quite a trek for me to get there!
dianeuk01 10 months ago
I agree that brushes from Target can be real finds! The quality can be excellent for $12 or much less.
telket1 10 months ago
From the onset of my makeup re birth:) and now my career, I have never truly been impressed with MAC brushes persay. Granted they are better quality than others, however I have found others to be wholly above MAC if not necessarily in price, certainly in quality. I do have two brushes from MAC none of which are face brushes. My face brushes are either Sonja Kashuk, Louise Young or surprisingly enough, ELF. I would certainly re purchase all - that is AFTER I purchase the LY Foundation Brush:)
ukeelady 10 months ago
Dude zoom out a bit
xKellyMofox 10 months ago
I wish I had a CCO near me, (I don't think there is one here in Hawaii), but lately I've been telling my friends, I'm going to go on a 'Mac fast' because I'm never happy with the products from them, I often get color matched totally wrong by the customer service & they really don't seem to care. Most of the time I walk away thinking either the sales lady was rude, snobby or wasn't well trained. (I know there are great people who work at mac) but this happens way more than other places I shop.
AndreaJuliet 10 months ago
Love this video!! I bought a bunch of brushes from Mac pro store and half shed and are very itchy including the 150 and 109?!? the CCO in my town let's me exchange? Is that a new policy? I don't care for most of their stuff anyway and their employees are "bright as bricks" unfortunately. MAC is the brand that's in-between drugstore and higher end I think. I do love their lip products though!!
blueeyedthumper 10 months ago
If you get a chance, check out a CCO near LA. Unfortunately, I think the nearest one is in Camarillo or Oxnard, but it would be interesting to see if you had a similar experience.
Devoted2MACCosmetics 10 months ago
I wonder if it was the CCO in Aurora, IL. I use to shop there a lot when I lived in the midwest. I bought the MAC 162 from there and the quality is horrible. The dye constantly pours out when washing. I've had this brush for ever two years. I purchased the MAC 225 from there also and the ferrel doesn't look like the MAC brushes I've purchased from their website and in stores. I think maybe these were customer returns (fakes swapped) and MAC got stock with them & passed them on to the CCO.
balanceofbeauty 10 months ago
I totally agree with you. I say the exact same thing and I have even said it about MAC's value brush sets. For some reason they never seem to be the same quality as the regular individual brushes.
Bonillacarol917 10 months ago
I have never been 100% happy with anything, apart from lipsticks, that I have purchased from MAC. I would much rather spend $5-20 more for a 'higher end' brand such as Chanel, Laura Mericier, Estee Lauder(even though they own MAC I enjoy them much more) etc. Yet again, GREAT video!
plushtea 10 months ago
omggg do more videos like this!! i love the paranoia hahahhaa and youre probably right this is crazy
britneybby925 10 months ago
haha i never trust the counter assistants for anything. they are NEVER any good help. except in MAC tho...i made good friends with one, she helped me find my perfect concealer shade in a matter of seconds and was very warm.
that's in my country tho. and maybe i was just lucky
R00G00 10 months ago
My M.A.C. 151 is awful too :( and i bought at a counter so i think it might just be your brush :(
ocean3684 10 months ago
Also, you know what brush is truly horrid? The Clinique Powder brush. Coarse, prickly, unpleasant and it refuses to soften up. It's of absolutely no use to me. I don't really like being in pain when I apply my loose powder....
wadadlibabe 10 months ago
I have 2 MAC 217 brushes (LOVE), MAC 187 (LOVE), MAC 213 (Like), MAC 266 (love), MAC 228 (LOVE). With the exception of the 187 I have had them for almost a decade and they're still wonderful. My only issue has been with the 109. When I use the 109 with powder products it works like a dream BUT so many people on YT go on endlessly about it's prowess with liquid fdtion. but when used for that it SHEDS like a MOFO. So 109 is on the fence for me... Up Next, MAC 138. Dying to get that one.
wadadlibabe 10 months ago
mac's brush sets that they sell during d holidays suck big time. they r not made as well as the regular brushes. wasted money ....
MissKona2009 10 months ago
i love the honesty
destinywolfe 10 months ago
hi! i'm new to your channel... juicytuesday sent me. i have horrible acne and foundation is definitely the most important step in my makeup. i really appreciate your channel and would love to see some very full coverage foundation videos. thanks!
destinywolfe 10 months ago
your teeth are amazing!!
kuangmiaomiao 10 months ago
I find that the pigments I buy from the CCO have significantly less product in them. Things that make you go hmmmmmm...
kadhine007 10 months ago
hey! I was wondering if you could do a review or two on Origins products. I'd like to see on the VitaZing moistuzure, and maybe a facewash or another moisturizure. I knwo a couple other youtubers have reviewed these products but I really trust yours because it's more than just saying "it looks nice, smells great, it's this much". If you are already swamped with requests (which you prob are), that's fine, but I do appreciate you even considering it. Love your vids, keep them coming. thanks. =]
feelalive2 10 months ago
J had a similar problem. I bought an eyeshadow in a certain color and got home and found the product in the package was NOT what was labeled on the box. It was a MAC shadow. I cannot remember the colors right now. Even worse, it was USED! I should have checked before leaving but this was my first cco experience and they had the benefit of doubt. NEVER again! I check everything before walking out that door!!
ImACraftyNurse 10 months ago
please make more reviews...i love them
dedeana19 10 months ago
Ive unfortunately had the same experience with cosmetic reps too Micheal..So I feel your angst! ;) Great video..more people need to know about these type of issues. As for Mac, have quite a few in my collection and the only one I had issues with was the foundation brush..the ferrel completely feel off! I didn't buy it at a CCO (because none where I live) but at a free standing store. I would love to see you go undercover with the camera at a cosmetics counter to see how they treat you!! :)
DesiMakeupGrl 10 months ago
I wonder are the seconds ... Slightly faulty goods .. They do it with clothes so prob with makeup
I only have one cco about 2 hrs from me so next time I will check everything carefully
magsgemini 10 months ago
I was hoping that I wasn't the only one that went through this. I got a 187 brush in a holiday set. All of the other brushes were great, but that one immediately started shedding. I take EXCELLENT care of my make up brushes so as to why this one is shedding, I have no idea. I e-mailed them about it and they took literally over two months to reply, basically blaming me for it all. They said I need to call a number and they'd CONSIDER my case. Sigh.
professoralexa 10 months ago
many companies have items that are similar but of less quality or like you said determined "defected" for discounted outlets.
Some companies even have separate lines that are extremely similar to their regular lines made just for the discount stores.
I know this because I have friends in the fashion industry who work on the clothing lines for discount stores. I can't be sure if that is how it goes in the cosmetic/skin care industry but that is my closest guess.
AngyDragonfly 10 months ago
In my experience the brushes that i've purchased at a mac counter in Australia tend to be of 'lower quality' kind of how you described. i experience similar issues with my 150. Maybe they ship the deffective brushes to us as Australians have no other options /:
carsoemm 10 months ago
@carsoemm that totally sucks!!! wtf
mazgurl 10 months ago
Thanks for sharing:)
MsLovin2010 10 months ago
I agree w/you 200%. MAC is a very popular brand + so many ppl for buying their products that they dont really care abt customer service. Sad but true~
I finally quit using MAC and buy other brands as I feel I deserve better service when I pay for my products.
eastwest3002 10 months ago
Could you please do a review of Bobbi Brown makeup brushes? I’m contemplating buying them but I’d love to hear your opinion on the quality first, you reviews are always so helpful.
balljointeddoll 10 months ago
have u tried to wash the brush with a little of baby shampoo and a tiny bit of conditioner??? let me know how it goes...
EppyBaBe 10 months ago
Thanks for sharing this! I have not had any problems with the MAC brushes that I have bought from my CCO (which is coincidently in the Midwest). I have a 224, 216, 165, and 188, all purchased from my CCO. They are all of great quality and although most of the shed after the first few uses/washes, they have all held up quite well. The women at my CCO always check products well and let me look them over before I pay. Hope you don't have this experience again!
apeelingaustin 10 months ago
My 150 brush is exactly how you described. I do not like MAC brushes anymore.
aleyna00 10 months ago
I purchased a second 190 brush at a cco and I agree with you the one I purchased at Mac is much better quality than the one at the CCO.
livegorgeouslygreen 10 months ago
i hate when i go into high end stores looking for a specific product, and when they don't have it, they try to show me something else. i will politely refuse and leave,and they get mad at me! i don't want to be sold stuff!
LoveForAAR 10 months ago
I love your videos, and I have no doubt in my mind that you are incredibly intelligent, but NO SHIT the brushes at CCO's are of less quality. Having worked in retail environments for many years, I can say, companies send defective products to discount stores all the time. This is simply the reason that discount stores exist: for limited edition and discontinued products, as well as products that may be damaged, defective or part of a a bad batch. Don't like it? Buy it at full price.
nouvellevintage 10 months ago
Wow, that's interesting, I love all of my MAC brushes, the CCO brush quality seems sketchy.
ScarletCity88 10 months ago
I feel pretty certain that the cco's are filled with factory "blems", which is fine but then they have to state that, (and most likely mark it down further). Thanks for the vids!
jenniferkah 10 months ago
Thats funny, because the same thing, sort of happened to me, I have returned 3 150's. All three brushes had "brillo pad bristles", pissed me off. I also have returned a 188, and a 187. From this point, I dont own one mac brush in my collection any more. I can do with out. I Do like some of the eye brushes, but no more face brushes for me. My Sigma ss150 and ss134 are even softer than the Mac 150's that I had. Thanks for sharing...
luv2luv77 10 months ago
Sounds like they had a batch of factory seconds. A batch that was rejected for the counters and shipped immediately off to the CCO.
I'm a new subscriber and I'm so happy! I have very mixed feelings about Mac, and sometimes feel like there must be something wrong with me because they are so revered. I thought Mac brushes were the end all, be all, then I found the Mac 217 on CoastalScents web site for a fraction of the cost. I find the MAs rude and I'm usually disappointed with what I buy there
juliagoolia72 10 months ago
Yes you are right . The girls at my counter are so stuck up ! So I told the manager and now he is my friend ;) .
michelleh408 10 months ago
I know how you feel but being an ex-lauder beauty advisor I loved my job and tried to know as much as I could on the products we sold as well as makeup and skincare in general. I still tho get bad experiences and lack of energy and information from local counters and others when I'm travelling. I have never used or brought an Mac brush and find some of macs products great but some ok (but not worth the price you pay). I am sorry to hear you had a bad experience. Great video tho x
JGshowboi 10 months ago
The one thing I hate the most about going to a CCO? The people that work there make me feel so uncomfortable! As soon as you walk in, they follow you around like hawks! Look at you like you're about to pocket everything you pick up.. they are literally short of patting you down at every station you walk up to. I don't live close to a CCO and so I spend quite a bit when I go there. Yet every time I go back there I get the same treatment! Put a darn sensor on every display if you're that paranoid!
LJ858 10 months ago
You bring up some very interesting points. We don't have CCOs in Canada.
emilieclarke 10 months ago
its' because they work on commission.
maya21063 10 months ago
What Chanel counter are you speaking of? Curious because I work in Santa Monica :)
Courtlizy 10 months ago
What counter are you sleek
Courtlizy 10 months ago
Have to comment again, after reading everyone else's comments I feel so much more "normal"....I don't think I'll ever buy another MAC brush again, I've noticed a decline in the quality of the new ones compared to the older ones I own. They shed SO horribly, no matter how methodical I am with their upkeep (cleansing, conditioning, storing, etc). What a bunch of junk. I have $8 brushes from Target that work better than my $50 MAC brushes. People should boycott them. They're fooling customers.
jessical5683 10 months ago
even a better powder foundation than studio fix???? where????? :O
spanish4real 10 months ago
i find the mac 150 is generally one of the worst brushes by mac.
phosphoenolpyruvat 10 months ago
I cannot agree with you more about the SAs. I don't even work for Lauder and I know 10x more than anyone at the counter. My last run in was with a Bobbi Brown SA that I thought I was going to bang her head on the counter. She tried to tell me that BB did *not* make a creamy concealer (they 100% do, I own it) and that the corrector must be used with foundation. I was like WTF, the she tried to tell me that concealing was a 2 step process. I just walked away...I couldn't handle it anymore
Brittany41586 10 months ago
If you are having that much trouble with the cco's, then before you purchase the brushes, take them out and feel them and see if they feel right and if they shed; I would, I'm paying for them, they should feel and do and be what I want them to be? Just sayin....you get what you pay for? Try Crown brushes...
eighthcylinder 10 months ago
I just love your videos. This video really made me think. Although I have never purchased a brush from a CCO, if I ever do, I will be very cautious. Thanks for sharing your experience.
MyriadeButterfly 10 months ago
I have found that MAC brushes in general have declined signifigantly in the last few years. I have been very unhappy with the quality of the last few I have bought, and will no longer buy them. I suspect they have either had quality control issues or (more likely) are using cheaper methods of production.
luckyelfie 10 months ago
I have two 187 brushes...that I got both from MAC...one I got about 3yrs ago...decided to get another...the quality of the 2nd brush is half that of the 1st one I had gotten...a lot less dense, and does not perform the same way. It's like because all they "hype" about MAC they decided to lessen their quality because they know that people will still buy them. The first one I bought in store, the second was from macpro.com so I don’t know if that makes a difference
glinda666 10 months ago
cco's, discount and outlet malls are all the same i believe. i think the companies involved produce lower quality items specifically for sale in such places. companies would never just offer their top grade products at a substantial discount because they're such great humanitarians. they lose nothing because the items are produced cheaply to begin with. i have definitely been in your shoes. we have remind ourselves that if something seems too good to be true it is. not fun but it happens.
northnailnut 10 months ago 6
Michael, i LOVE u! i have this burn on my thigh and since summer is almost here i'd like to cover it up with some WATERPROOF makeup...any recommendations?
MzReDEyE1 10 months ago
You are correct! They sell the brushes that are lacking in quality and can't be sold in the stores at the CCO's. I also agree that the counter help are more often than not ver rude and ignorant of the products they sell. It could be that very few of them are actually licensed makeup artists or estheticians.
kaycutie1 10 months ago
I've never had this type of experience, but your video made me aware that I need to be more careful when I shop at "discount" stores or CCO's. Very informative and I am glad you recorded it :)
Thank you,
Iris
ilovegerardo 10 months ago
CCO's sell faulty items or items that didn't sell in stores is what I've been told from a professor that has worked at the estee lauder company. That's what outlets do, even clothing ones. Some clothing brands even manufacture lower quality goods especially for their outlets. They may look the same as the real deal, but the quality will be off.
pinkfruityloops 10 months ago
In my country are only 3 product categories in the outles available: discontinued products and last season products (both prime selection) and second qualities. The second qualities must be distinctly marked on the package.
pinkdogrose 10 months ago
HAHA !! I do personal car hauls all the time ....I can't wait to get home ! Trust me ,I have talked about mac 129 and 119 being horrible brushes, and I didn't get them at a cco. I do like some mac brushes though. Cco's are totally a place where used ,returned ,bad quality items go.And sometimes if an item doesn't sell at a mac they go there. xo Jessie
GlitzyGlam34 10 months ago
AGH! I have always wondered why people love MAC brushes so much, because I have always hated mine, and I was starting to think I was crazy because no one else seems to have the same issues! This video was a breath of fresh air! Especially when you mentioned the scratchiness of the bristles - ALL of my MAC brushes feel like that on my skin, and I've always bought mine directly from the MAC counters here in Canada or online from the MAC site......definitely suspicious.
jessical5683 10 months ago
@jessical5683 I feel the same way. I hate the 239 brush. 239?! Yes, 239. Its just not good. I didn't feel like mailing it back so I kept it. I have a $1 that is so much better. It packs on the color beautifully.
BlushingMocha741 10 months ago
I've only bought discontinued brushes at the CCO. They have all been great, so I was considering getting some of the permanent ones the next time I go. I will definately not do that now! I think I'm going to try to get my hands on some Suqqu brushes. Do you own any? Thoughts on them?
esbonney 10 months ago
I wonder if they are like the counterfeit MAC brushes that you can get on the net??
TheSukiebapswent 10 months ago
I turned on the captions just for fun, (I sometimes do this, lol) and they were the most correct I've ever seen them on youtube. You speak really clearly.
GLxTTER 10 months ago 10
I had a similar experience.... I went to the CCO in Buffalo, NY and I bought a 226 brush. I'm not from the states so I couldn't return it or anything. So when I came back to Canada where iam from. I've noticed the brush ferell was chicking as well. I still use thee brush but I have a feeling the brush is going to come apart soon. It feels very loose.
doriibabes 10 months ago
My MAC 134 from the CCO handle came off too...but that happened like 6 months down the line. I decided when that happened to not buy big face brushes from the CCO. I usually just rebuy eye brushes only. You're right Michael!
sass9507 10 months ago
My 150 from the MAC counter is the same exact way. Same complaints. It is also very scratchy and uncomfortable.
katiekins77 10 months ago
Hey! Do you still use your airbrush makeup? Can you make an updated video on that and a review saying why you are still using it or not. Loved this video. I am not a big ac fan either.
MsSunglassesGirl 10 months ago
@MsSunglassesGirl Hello :) Great question :) I do still use both my Dinair and Temptu systems, but I really just ENJOY traditional makeup because you can take your time and pick and choose (craft) your look...but airbrush makeup is great too. I will def do an update...but I want to try another standard airbrush system first (maybe the OCC one) to get a wider perspective on the options. Thanks for asking! -Michael
TheSublimeAgent 10 months ago
@MsSunglassesGirl
TheSukiebapswent 10 months ago
try schampooing it with baby schampoo and then use a ("high end") conditioner, because really they're just better. my brushes get lux treatment once a month with a tigi s factor moisturizing conditioner. doesnt cause breakouts (if u wash everything out) and works amazingly. its real hair so why not? ;)
ohkrasavica 10 months ago
@ohkrasavica I have been wanting to try the same thing. It's really a great idea to keep the bristles in good condition!
katiekins77 10 months ago
i owned 2 mac brushes and i did not enjoy using them!
kokolaroo(youtube) has mentioned about this issue as well.
fishzero101 10 months ago
Hi, i'm new to your channel! Great video, but I would love your take on Sigma brushes? Thanks
ohyummyitspauly 10 months ago
My MAC 150 also shed a lot and not as soft as many people said. and myMAC183 sheds a lot, but I thought because it's old...is it suppose to shed that much when it's old? lol. I'm not a pro with brushes. I got it at the MAC counter. And 187 bleed badly everytime I clean them.
I was thinking to ivest on Hakuhodo next time. Their bristles are much much much softer than MAC
ema2d 10 months ago
@ema2d Actually, my next brush video (after the Louise Young wrap-up video) is going to be a video on Hakuhodo brushes! :) Thanks for sharing your experience with your MAC brushes. Very interesting.
TheSublimeAgent 10 months ago 2
@TheSublimeAgent i love hakuhodo brushes! own 9 of them until now. since i bought my first hakuhodos about a year ago, i don't really use my mac face brushes anymore.
phosphoenolpyruvat 10 months ago
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katiekins77 10 months ago
@katiekins77 I