mac is an expensive brand so i guess thats why they are expensive. no doubt they are good quality and make up artists say u should invest in good quality brushes as they will last a long time. as far as i know mac is only availalbe in Mac shops. at least in brighton where i live that is the case, tho i guess in some cities they may have concessions in large department stores (we dont have any in brighton except debenhams) . hope this helps