Vegan Dupe for MAC 217

I would imagine if you are reading this blog you have heard about the famous blending brush MAC 217 in one way or another. 

Zoeva 227 Soft Definer Vegan

I gave into the hype and purchased mine almost a year ago. It has served me well and changed my eyeshadow blending game for the better. That is until I came across a Zoeva 227 Soft Definer Vegan. The two brushes are almost if not completely identical. They have the same oval rounded shape and the hairs are quite densely packed. I would say the Zoeva 227 brush is a little bit more flat, but you can't really see it unless you are super picky. The bristles of both brushes are very soft and gentle on the skin. It does not tag or pull on your eyelids when blending. Both can be used for multiple purposes. I have used them for depositing a wash of colour over my lids when I am going for a one eyeshadow kinda look, or you can use them for blending out cream eyeshadows.

The only major difference between the two is the source of bristles and price. MAC 217 is made of white goat hairs while Zoeva 227 is made of vegan taklon hairs. Moreover, MAC 217 retails for $24,00 or around 22,00€, while Zoeva 227 comes at a very affordable price of 7,80€. Besides the obvious cruelty aspect, animal derived bristles tend to accumulate more bacteria, so you need to wash them more frequently. Also white hairs get stained easily after prolonged use meaning your brush will not look so stark white as when you purchased it.  

MAC 217 and Zoeva 227 side by side

MAC 217 vs Zoeva 227

R-L : Zoeva 227 and MAC 217

Zoeva is a German brand that is best known for their brushes, but they are also carrying makeup nowadays. I have tried a few of their brushes and lipsticks and was never disappointed. It ships worldwide and it costs 7,50€ to ship to Finland. Even with shipping it totals only to 15,30€, which is still cheaper than MAC 217. 

If you are looking for a new blending brush, I say Zoeva 227 Soft Definer Vegan is as good as MAC 217. I have had mine for at least six months and it is as soft and fluffy as when I bought it. It does not shed and is easy to clean. If you are vegan or simply conscious about animal welfare, Zoeva 227 Soft Definer Vegan is what you want to be looking at.

What are your favourite blending brushes?

Cheers,

Muffy