I think that this brush is great for beginners as it is so cheap. While it isn't the softest brush in the world, it does do a good job with setting powder, blush and bronzer. I have also found that the handle is loose from the ferrule, but it hasn't come off yet. This brush also sheds, but it has never shed during application of powder. While it may lose a hair every once in a while, I do think that this is a tolerable amount for a $1 brush.