I have had the same issue when I first bought the kit. I think it has something to do with the amount of brushes that are made for the kits. When I bought the full size version, the shedding did not occur.

Try searching the md formulations collection and search for products for acne. Bare Escentuals has a way of improving skin, so using md formulations would be great for your skin. Foundation wise, I would use a precision concealer brush. It's smaller than the max coverage concealer brush so you get to have more "precision" on those small or tricky spots on your face.

I love this brush!! I never feel like I'm getting poked and the more you use it over time and wash it, the softer it gets.

Make sure you're cleaning your brushes when you can. Also when you do the swirl tap and buff motion, you don't have to press too hard or swirl too vigorously. Less is more because you really wanna buff the product into your face good. Depending on how much you use your brushes, you can use the quick change shampoo for your brushes or you can use the well cared for shampoo and let your brushes soak BRISTLES DOWN and when you clean them, make sure the bristles are always pointed downward. Don't dry them with a blow dryer, let them lay flat on a face towel on a flat surface and let them naturally dry so make sure you are doing this at a time where u know you won't be wearing makeup the next day because I usually wash mine monthly because I don't put on makeup that much. I work with kids so they could care less how I look usually lol. The brushes to me are fine and if the brushes feel rough, you can always put primer on your face or a nice moisturizer so that will counteract how it feels against your skin.

I asked a BE rep about this last month and she told me that after 5 years, it may be time for an upgrade on replacing your items. The brush shampoo works well. Once a month cleaning it is good unless you use it a lot then I would wash it twice a month. I don't use makeup much, so I used my Full Flawless Application Face Brush a few times and then years later I felt I need to wear makeup again because my youth is gone at the age of 26 already and I'll be 27 later this year. I like the Handy Buki Brush for foundation coverage. Try it...you should like it. It's smaller than this brush, but I'm able to control how much I put on and I feel the makeup has a better chance of being applied evenly and flawlessly.

Hey,
So, I believe that it all depends on the type of brush, how you take care of it, and how long you have had it. It sounds like you take care of your brushes, just make sure to be gentle when washing them. I think Leslie has a video on how it should be done. It sounds like you need a new brush. If it is not giving you the same coverage it used to maybe it is time for another. Hope this is helpful! Good luck!