i wish i knew how to use ALL the brushes... [SEP] I was so excited to receive this set.  I already had a brush set from Mary Kay, that I love; but, I it only has 5 brushes.<br />Since I like to contour and highlight (subtly), I mostly needed brushes for this.<br />Researching sets produced a huge price range.  One could spend upwards of $70.00, with comparable brush sets.  Yikes!!  This set is much more affordable.  The brush handles are solid and bristles are firmly attached.  Some brushes are softer than others.<br /><br />So, if they are quality brushes and the price is reasonable, why am I only rating them 4 stars?  I had no clue what each brush was for, and the internet wasn't very helpful:(<br />If the brushes had been labeled, or there had been an insert explaining the function/functions of each brush--it would have received 5 stars.  Add pictures/diagrams for tips on use, even better.  I would be willing to pay a little extra for an easy to clean roll-up case for the brushes.  A girl needs to keep her brushes clean.  That is a feature, I believe many look for.  I travel a lot, so my roll up bag (for my other set) is essential.<br />As it is, Cosmopolitan magazine's website has an article on how to use different makeup brushes.  It was helpful for a few of the brushes, which I now use everyday.<br /><br />What I love:<br />*The sponges are fabulous for applying foundation and blending after you contour/highlight.<br />*The large, angled brush is great for applying blush, so it looks more natural.<br />*The large, pointed brush does a nice job, when adding bronzer to contour.<br />*The large, round brush is what I rely on for swirling on powder.<br />*The small, pointed brush is phenomenal at applying color at applying contour eye shadow.<br />* I use the small, tall bristled, rounded brush to blend the areas of shadow on my eyes that need softening.<br /><br />What I didn't like:<br />*Obviously, not knowing what each brush is for.<br />*The eyeshadow? brushes use too much product and application is sparse.  I believe it's because the bristles are stiffer than what I usually use.<br />*No case to keep them clean, which leads me to look for alternative solutions.  Leaving them out in the air, exposed, is a bad idea.  Think of the germs in the air, especially if you keep them on the bathroom sink.  Eww!  Bacteria grows quickly and can cause infections, such as pink eye.<br />User Tip: I use baby shampoo to wash my brushes.  It is gentle on your brushes and it gets the job done.<br />I received this product at a discount, in exchange for my honest feedback and unbiased review.