How to get MAC quality brushes for less

So everyone doesn't have the money to fork out $20+ per brush, but don't worry there is a solution.  Check out your local craft store.  Yup, you heard right the craft store.  There are many complete dupes to MAC brushes and guess what most are under $5.  Here I will tell you 5 essential brushes that will completely take your makeup look to a new level.  Loew-Cornell are the best painting brushes on the market so of course it would be the same quality for makeup.  They are made from 100% natural hair and the same quality (if not better to your MAC brushes).   So you ask what is the difference in the MAC brush and the Loew-Cornell Dupe...only one thing the handle is about an inch longer...the quality of brush still the same.

(on top regular makeup brush & below Loew Cornell for you to see small length difference)

5 Essential brushes:

Loew-Cornell Maxine Mop 1' (known as the dupe to MAC 134 or 136) great for your mineral makeup $11.99
Loew-Cornell Maxine Mop 3/8 (known as dupe to MAC 139) eye brush $3.99
Loew- Cornell Maxine Mop 1/4 - (MAC 228 dupe) Mini shader brush good for eye and can be used for conceler as well $3.49
Loew-Cornell 3/4 (MAC 216 dupe)- multi purpose brush - good for mineral blush, concealer, and can be used on larger eyes $4.99
Loew- Cornell 1/2 (MAC 252 dupe)- eye brush $4.99

(Loew-Cornell brushes)

When I went to purchase they were sold out of many of the other dupes as well as the Maxine Mop 3/8 (listed above).  I also purchased and got 40% off one and buy on get one free on 2 others...so the price at Michael's is always lower than the listed price just go with a coupon.  In total for the 4 brushes I own I paid $22.24 including tax...at MAC I would only have gotten 1 brush for that price. 
Below I will list some of the other known dupes you can find in your local craft store, but the ones below I have not tried for myself.

(L) loew cornell 277 round mop wood handle- MAC 129

(XXL) loew cornell 277 round mop wood handle- MAC 150

#8 American painters 2500 filbert clear w/glitter handle- MAC 194

#4 American painters 2200 fan clear w/glitter handle- MAC 205

1/4 royal soft grip sg160 clear w/blue tip handle- MAC 208

10/0 American painter 2650 spotter clear w/glitter handle- MAC 209 or 311

#6 royal soft grip sg255 clear w/blue tip handle- MAC 211

#6 American painters 2450 chisel blender clear w/glitter handle- MAC 212

1/4 loew cornell amm mini mop green handle- MAC 217

#10 royal soft grip sg255 clear w/blue tip handle- MAC 219

(M) royal soft grip sg999 clear w/pink tip handle- MAC 225

1" royal soft grip sg1400 clear w/pink tip handle- MAC 227

(S) royal soft grip sg995 clear w/pink tip handle- MAC 231

#10 royal soft grip 3020 clear w/orange tip handle- MAC 249 

3/8 royal soft grip sg160 clear w/glitter handle- MAC 263

1/4 American painters 2440 angular clear w/glitter handle- MAC 266

3/8 American painters 2400 angular clear w/glitter handle- MAC 269

1/4 royal soft grip sg393 clear w/pink tip handle- MAC 272

3/8 royal soft grip sg393 clear w/pink tip handle- MAC 275

#8 royal soft grip sg170 clear w/blue tip handle- MAC 316


Until next time divas... :)