In my opinion this should be the first MAC brush you buy, I am yet to find one like this anywhere else, and it really is the best for the job. It's shape, being fluffy but longer in one dimension then the other, means that it easily gets into the crease when holding it so that the bristles are horizontal, and then blends easily when turning them vertically. The bristles are soft and don't scratch in any way, making application both easy and smooth. I have had my 217 for a couple of years now and it has never shed, it cleans back to its white original shade, dries back in shape, and the handle is still tight and firmly attached. This brush, much like all of MAC's brushes are definitely an investment. Highly highly recommended as a must for anyone, be it a real make up fanatic or someone who doesn't do much with it, anyone can have a beautiful eyeshadow look with this brush! « less

It pains me to write this review, but this is NOT like the original 217 brush. While I appreciate MAC's efforts at going cruelty free with synthetic bristles, this brush is just BAD. It's rough on the eyelids, it doesn't pick up product as well. Considering that the price is the same as the old brush made of goat hair, this is not acceptable. There are plenty of good quality synthetic brushes out there these days--this one does not meet the standard. 

So when I first got these brush, I have to admit I was skeptical. Mainly because it was WAY bigger than I initially expected (I ordered it online, so I had an unclear idea of what it would actually be like). BUT then I started using it and it's AMAZING. I use it for applying and blending my crease. Then I blend on my highlight. IT DOES NOT SHED AT ALL. I've had it for quite a while and it hasn't shed ONE fiber. Not even when I wash it and I wash it pretty roughly (sometimes I'm not as careful with my brushes as I should be D;). SERIOUSLY if you are looking for the HOLY GRAIL blending/crease applying brush, THIS IS IT!

The #217 blending brush has taken me a little time to get used to and enjoy. When I first got it, I used a heavier hand with it and only used it for blending eye shadows that had already been applied. What resulted was a "muddy" look with all my different colors, not the beautifully blended wash of colors that I was expecting.Now, I use a lighter hand and also use the brush to actually do some of applying as well as blending of crease colors, transition colors and brow highlight. I think in the past I over-relied on the #239, but I am quickly seeing what this #217 is capable of -- it can do almost everything that the #239 can, plus some. I use it to apply a softer wash of color in my crease or brow bone and that takes care of half of the blending right there.For smaller, detailed blending, especially on smaller lids, use a light hand and focus the color on the very end of the brush. The more you dig in, the messier it will be. That is because the brush is more densely packed than a lot of blending brushes. Using a light hand with this brush is key.It took me several months to the hang of this brush, but it is quickly becoming my favorite brush and I will be ordering a second one my collection very soon. Based on the looks that I like to do, this isthe brush I reach for the most. If I had to choose just ONE of my MAC brushed to do an entire look, I would choose this one. Best part is, you can wipe your brush off and use it for different colors all in the same look. Clean it often to keep it in top shape. Less

I bought the Mac 217 brush after seeing that Lisa Eldridge couldn't live without it. The product looks to be good quality (I've only had it a week so I can't speak to its long-term quality). The bristles are soft and they blend beautifully! I am an experienced makeup artist myself after working for Chanel Cosmetics and I must say, although I love the Chanel shadow brush #20 for creating great shape, the Mac 217 gives much better diffusion of color and works beautifully for subtle layering.