These brushes are all I'd hoped they'd be: quality, soft as heck, and useful in their variety. I've had a lot of fun trying them out and not necessarily for the purposes listed on the sheet that came with the brushes. In fact I got a kick out of the one that was said to be a blush brush and it has a tiny head (it's the 8th brush on the left in the picture)--haha. But that aside, I knew what I wanted to do with each brush and hands down every one of them has performed beautifully. I usually use the flat topped brushes to put foundation on, but I can see using the smaller domed brush for that too. I use the large domed brush or the shorter one to apply loose or compact powders. I use the soft smaller brush heads for different concealer type products and the one very firm small brush (5th from the left) to apply a small amount of shadow close to my lashes (though that purpose isn't working so well as it doesn't go on smoothly and some of the shadow drops onto my lashes--I'll have to try another brush). I really like the shorter brushes to take when I travel. As far as bristles coming out, so far I have seen only 1. I've washed these brushes several times with dish soap because it really cuts the grease that is in foundation and concealer well. In between washing them, I wipe them off with an alcohol wipe especially after using foundation and concealer for sanitary reasons. That's a tip I got from another reviewer and it works great with these brushes. After washing, a couple of the brushes weren't completely dry the next morning--not a big deal as I still could have used them cuz they were 90% dry. These brushes feel really great in my hands. They are lightweight and sturdy feeling and I especially like the ones with the thicker than usual handles. The only one I haven't used and never will since I don't use mascara and eyebrow powder is the eyebrow/eyelash brush. I also won't be using the first brush on the left (the typical foundation brush) since I much prefer the flat or domed type for that use and I already have three of that type anyway. I can also use either the flat or the domed for blush. It's fun to try different things with these brushes and I've been a little surprised, such as with the 8th brush on the left that I tried with concealer, at how well they can work even if I didn't initially think of it at first. IMO these brushes are every bit as good any more expensive brushes I've had and I think I'll get some more to give as gifts for Christmas.