Shu Uemura natural brush #10

There have been questions in relation to this post (the last long paragraph) since not many people know too much about certain Shu Uemura brushes. To the makeup aficionado, Shu Uemura is definitely without a doubt makes amazing brushes. I know all of us either dream of having some of the kolinsky brushes (I am a part of this group). Anyway, this brush does deserve its own post. 

Size and price: The height is taller than most makeup brushes. Sadly for me, I don't own a ruler, but I did take photos so you can see how it compares to other brushes that others may own. The handle is quite slender and the price is $68. 

Bristles: It's half kolinsky, half sable brush.

Why this is such a great brush:

My makeup artist who works for Giorgio Armani used this brush for my makeover because I asked him what makes this brush so great. He used a very little amount of eyeshadow. He used the side (not the tip) of the brush to apply the eyeshadow. He blended the eyeshadows in small circular (almost small oval like) motions with the tip of the brush. He then wiped off the brush and used a very small amount of highlighter on the browbone. He applied a lot less eyeshadow product than what I normally do, which was surprising. When he was finished using one color and wanted to go onto the next color, he wiped off the eyeshadow on a tissue and all the color came off with a quick stroke. 

During the makeover I didn't think he was blending the eyeshadow because he barely moved his wrist/arm. Trust me, the results you get with this brush is phenomenal. 

Here's some pictures for comparison: 

From left to right: 

MAC 252

Shu natural brush #10

MAC 242

From left to right:

MAC 252

Shu natural brush #10
MAC 242

the big thing to take away from this photo is see how tapered the #10 is? slight taper which makes it nice for blending.

I hardly use the 252 because its too big for my eyelids. I've used it less than 10 times. This is a lovely brush for those who have a lot of lid space. 

Since the Shu 10 & MAC 252 seem somewhat similar: 

Top to bottom: 

Shu natural brush #10

MAC 252.

I know we all love our MAC brushes, but you can see where the 252 is already splaying. I've washed the 252 once (I really only have used this less than 10 times). I've washed the Shu #10 once as well. See the difference in how the Shu #10 keeps its shape?

Need I say more? People ask as to why you shell out more for a makeup brush...well here's a good indication.

Is it worth buying?: Do you even need to ask? :)