AliExpress Brush Dupes: MAC Oval 6

~ stashy

I bought a bunch of brushes off AliExpress on January 30th and have been patiently waiting for them to be delivered for the past couple of months.  Finally, the packages started trickling in mid-March and I received my final parcel last week.  Here is the Real Techniques Bold Metals set:
aliexpress_oval_brush5
And here are the “dupes” next to the real thing:
aliexpress_oval_brush4
Overall? I’m REALLY impressed with what I received! 😀  Today I’ll review and compare the MAC Oval 6 brush dupe.

aliexpress_oval_brush6
I bought this for $1.56 CAD with free shipping! 😮 On the import declaration form, it claimed only $0.27 😆 I’m sure Customs raised their eyebrows but it got through no problem. In total, it took exactly 2 months and 15 days for this item to arrive from date of order. Not great, but not terrible either – considering there was Chinese New Year holidays I had to factor in.

In the AliExpress listing, the product description is: High Quality Pro Oval Women Face Powder Foundation Eye Shadow Blusher Soft Shape Curve Brushes Foundation Cosmetic Makeup Tools. I think they covered all the bases. 😉
aliexpress_oval_brush11
The product listing also did all the work for me with specs and explanation on how to care for this brush!

Length: 15cm
Wool length: 3.5cm
Wool width: 2cm
Can withstand 90 degree bend
Give you a flawless foundation application every single time
No streaks and no areas with too much makeup or too little
With a concave design, which is perfect for you to apply liquid foundation on your face.
Notes:
If used daily, we recommend washing your brush once a week with a mild cleanser
Clean 2 weeks 1 time, baby shampoo or any low sudsing soap will work. Rinse well and air dry.

The above all checks out – NO idea why they call bristles “wool” though. I also didn’t try to bend the brush 90 degrees either – why? 😕
aliexpress_oval_brush8
First thing: this is absolutely not a copy of the MAC Oval 6 brush that I reviewed last week (nor does it claim to be – it’s not stamped with a MAC logo – it’s entirely unbranded).
aliexpress_oval_brush2
Side by side, it is apparent that the AliExpress brush is smaller and the handle and bristles are different. As a standalone brush, it is excellent! But, having experienced the MAC Oval 6 brush, I can’t help but to compare this one against the MAC. So here’s what I will say:
aliexpress_oval_brush3
• Bristles are not as fine or as dense (but still very soft and silky)
• Smaller brush head size – but on the flip side, it’s perfect for blending concealer – literally 2 sweeps of this under each eye and my concealer is blended. I’m not exaggerating!
aliexpress_oval_brush10
(I have to apologize, my MAC brush is actually dirty here so it looks a bit ratty)

• Doesn’t glide over the skin as smoothly – there’s a bit of drag on the skin, resulting in a sheerer coverage.  I find myself using patting motion at times with this brush to get more coverage when blending.
aliexpress_oval_brush7
• Absorbs liquids more, so requires a bit more product
• No fancy box! (I’m just kidding with this one!) 😛

These are very picky minor differences – the fact this thing cost me less than $2 offsets a lot of the “cons”. 😉 But just like the MAC brush, this is very easy to use, doesn’t shed, and cleans up like new with just dish detergent.
aliexpress_oval_brush9
Bottom line: if you’re interested in this brush style, go buy the cheaper version before committing to the higher price tag. This brush is 97% cheaper than the MAC one! 😛
aliexpress_oval_brush12
There are actually a number of less expensive brushes available in this style. I’ve seen ones offered by Missha (€15.00) and Etude House ($16.80 USD) – both of which costs less than MAC’s (check out Realitydeity’s review post comparing those two brushes).  I want to get the Missha one next – it has a pointed shape like what I wanted MAC’s to be. There’s also a lot of unbranded ones available on Amazon – most of which are less than $5! 🙂

Pros:
• Cheaper than a Starbucks coffee
• No shedding
• Blends out foundation quickly
• Cleans up easily

Cons:
• Absorbs liquids requiring more product
• Smaller brush head size

Stash Worthiness: 8/10

Don’t get me wrong, I still love the MAC one – I use it for all over face blending and now this AliExpress one is perfect for concealer blending.  Would you consider getting a cheaper alternative in this style of brush?

Also, which review would you like to see first – the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge dupe, the Nars Kabuki Ita dupe, or the Real Techniques Bold Metals brush set?

53 thoughts on “AliExpress Brush Dupes: MAC Oval 6”

    1. Yes, get the cheaper alternative to try out if you like this style. I’m thinking of getting the super large one off Amazon for $5! I’ll be able to swipe my face twice and my foundation will be blended in! 😆

      Like

      Reply

  2. Hey, $1.56 for a brush that got 8/10 Stash Worthiness is pretty dang good! Too bad the brush head isn’t a bit bigger, otherwise it would be a great option for people who want a cheaper dupe of the Oval 6. At least for you, since you already have the Oval 6, now you have another brush that does something different!

    Would love to see the Nars Ita dupe comparison next! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yes, I’m super impressed by this brush that cost me less than a Toonie! I don’t mind the smaller brush head, it really is fantastic for under eye concealer blending and actually highlighting that area too.
      I just read through the comments and it seems like most people are interested in the Nars Ita too – I shall prioritize that! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Yay! Everyone wants to find a dupe for a $70 brush! 😉
        I’ve been seriously contemplating buying a wedding dress off AliExpress, LOL. The idea of a $200 wedding dress is so appealing, but somehow, all the styles that I like have had no reviews, so I also risk losing $200 if the dress is absolutely horrifying.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

        1. Yeah the clothes off AliExpress… not so sure about them. My friend did order a faux fur vest and she said it was really good. But a vest is vastly different than a wedding dress lol! I say for something so special like your wedding dress, get something you know for SURE you’ll love!

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply

          1. Haha, I never buy clothes online, and a wedding dress is not the best time to experiment 😛 I would say the budget for my dress is more than reasonable, but still makes me go “omg” when I think about the fact that I’ll only be wearing it for a day of my life…hence me turning to AliExpress!

            Like

            Reply

  4. I can’t wait to read your review of the ITA dupe! I may order one of this brush to try out the shape. I use a Sigma F80 right now so this would be completely different for me.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I haven’t tried the famed Sigma F80 brush. I don’t use buffing brushes for foundations as much anymore – I find they’re difficult to wash up and take forever to dry!

      Like

      Reply

  5. Great review! I totally wouldn’t mind purchasing a cheaper alternative dupe to any expensive product 😛 this one is really darn affordable lol! 😊those other alternatives look awesome too the pointy tip looks great for concealer and the nose! Ooooooo I really wanna see a review on that nars ita brush!!!!!:D

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yes, that pointy shaped one will be perfect for concealer and nose! I just can’t tell if it’s a small brush head or not. But for around $20, it’s not too bad to find out!
      The consensus seems to be the Nars Ita brush – I’ll wash it up tonight and give it a whirl!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  6. Awesome deal – so glad that it turned out pretty good! I’ve never bought anything off AliExpress, but am kinda tempted, now. That wait is murder, though…2+ mo! I love that they underdeclared on something so cheap. LOL!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I might order one off Amazon – the massive version for $5 – I hope that won’t take 2 and half months to arrive! I’m now wondering what else I can order off AliExpress lol…

      Like

      Reply

  7. Was waiting for this too! Glad to know you did enjoy your purchase.. Like I mentioned before I had a great experience will AliExpress.. I can’t wait to hear the RT review.👍🏻

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yes I remember you telling me you liked what you purchased off AliExpress. I think it’s a matter of doing research and buying the right type of items. It’d be really difficult to buy shoes off there for instance!
      Ok I’ll wash up the RT brushes and start trying them out!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I cannot wait to see the review.. was looking at the brushes at Walmart few days ago and they’re on sale for a couple bucks cheaper but nahhh.. still too pricey for me.. LOL

        Like

        Reply

    1. Yeah in today’s instant gratification, 2+ months is kind of pushing it. I guess I’d have to plan my purchases out way in advance if I want to buy off AliExpress – no impulse shopping! Or, if I do impulse shop, I’ll get a parcel in the mail like 3 months later, and I’ll forget what I ordered – a good surprise! 😆

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  9. I think you nailed it on the head when you said “Purchase the cheaper version first.” If you’re not sure about a product, I think trying out an alternative can help determine whether you’d like or need the product. I’d like to read your review on the Bold Metals brushes next 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yes, it’s always nice to have a cheaper alternative! These days, drugstore stuff are SO good relative to the higher end stuff – say, if you are curious about a cushion foundation, better to try out a drugstore version before going high end!
      I’ll wash up the RT brushes and test them out soon!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  12. I haven’t tried either the MAC or Artis brushes of this style yet. Somehow I can’t imagine how it works. I may just buy the Aliexpress cheapie to get the hang of it before committing serious $ for an expensive one. They just seems so unusual to use on my face!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I was puzzled by the concept too but it feels very soft and relaxing to apply foundation with this brush… like a little facial spa treat for my face, ha! You can find them on Amazon too. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  14. Yeah, I’ve been on the fence about getting one of those round MAC brushes I think I’ll go the cheapskate route and see if I like it first. Great comparison!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’ve seen the real ones and was not overly impressed – the handles are kind of cheap looking? Plastic with metallic paint on top… I can’t believe they’re charging so much for those brushes! No way.

      Like

      Reply

  16. I was waiting to read this! There would obviously be some minor differences, but given the price difference this sounds amazing 😀
    The RT Bold metal set also looks absolutely amazing. I was very tempted by the original, but they are just a little pricey.
    xo Anne – Doves & Roses

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. The differences are minor but the price difference is HUGE! Just goes to show how big brand names can command so much money, just because!
      The RT Bold Metals are very soft, but the overall construction… well, I’ll review them in more detail! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  19. Real technique ones please. I have been looking at them too. So many insanely positive reviews. Problems are that the stores here don’t have samples, so can’t touch before the purchase. Driving me nuts.

    The kabuki one, I don’t think I understand the raves about it. Will be great to see your take on this one. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I will prioritize both the Nars Ita and the RT Bold Metals. I hate it when I can’t touch / hold products before buying – that’s a huge deterrent for me with online purchases, but these are so inexpensive I was willing to take a risk!

      Like

      Reply

  20. That product description from the website is amazing lol!
    I would definitely try this cheaper version first! Brush prices can be completely out of control!
    I’m really interested to see your review on the Nars brush dupe. That brush got such weird reviews so I’m curious to see if the dupe might actually be better:)

    Like

    Reply

    1. I just love Engrish! 😛 😉 Yes, brush prices are kind of insane. I guess they figured you buy a brush, you pretty much have it for life.
      I’m testing out the Nars Ita dupe now. I should warn you though, that I quite dislike Nars brushes in general…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. Pingback: Nars Kabuki Ita Brush and AliExpress Dupe | stash matters
  22. Pingback: Foundation Application Methods (+ Tools) | stash matters

Leave a Comment: