I saw Imperial Flower and Ming Blue at the CCO for $10.50 each, which is not a significant savings over retail, but... outlet mentality took over. Sigh.
Luckily, I actually like both these shades very much!
MAC Imperial Flower - I'm really into oranges this season, I'm not sure what's come over me!
Comparison: MAC Imperial Flower and OPI Ecuadorable Coral - I used to think the OPI was retina searing, but in comparison.. wow is it ever tame! XD
Comparison: MAC Imperial Flower and Essie Vermillionaire - Loving both of these!
MAC Ming Blue - I like this a lot more than I thought I would! The shimmer is not so apparent indoors, but it's still quite pretty!
Comparison: MAC Ming Blue and OPI Russian Navy Suede w/ topcoat - I was surprised to find I did not have a dupe for this!
So my long winded story:
Before purchasing, I asked the SAs if I could take a peek at the brushes to make sure they were not wonky. I was told that, no, I could not because air and germs would contaminate the polish. I was told I could look at a tester polish to see that brush. They did not understand how a MAC polish could have a wonky brush at all. I said I had seen wonky brushes on polishes straight from MAC's website, and their response was: "Well, that's the website. The brushes should be fine if they're from here." Because websites are known for selling irregular items, not outlets. Right? Waitaminute...
Anyway, I decided to just buy them, check them right there, and return if necessary. The brushes were fine. I didn't say anything to "educate" the SAs, but it makes me wonder if they thought I was being the weird one.
Silly muggles.
