Mineral Makeup Brushes - Natural Vs. Synthetic

Which mineral makeup brushes are right for you? I'll explain the difference in natural and synthetic bristles...

This is a topic often overlooked by most, but is very important.

When buying makeup brushes, you need to know a little about the various types of bristles available, so you can choose correctly.

Normally I recommend to get high quality synthetic bristles. This applies to just about every brush type. Keep in mind these are just guidelines. Always go with what YOU prefer.

Natural Brushes

You've probably at some point in your life had a goat hair brush. Goat hair is one of the most popular types of hair for natural makeup brushes. Sable brushes are pretty well known also. Other types include pony, squirrel, badger, etc.

Certain types of hair, such as sable, are usually softer and nicer quality. The bristles don't break quite as much either.

However, each type comes in various qualities, so don't rule out any of the other types. You can, for instance, get a really high quality goat hair brush, even though goat hair is usually considered a cheaper variety. And if a sable brush is made poorly with little glue and a faulty handle, then you wouldn't want that.

Always buy quality.

Now, natural bristles do have a tendency to shed somewhat, unless they are ultra-expensive. So ONLY buy high quality natural brushes. If you are on a trip and desperately NEED a brush for a few days, then skimp and buy a cheap-o. But throw it away when you get home and use your good brush.

It makes all the difference in the world to have nice makeup brushes. Once you try them, you will never go back to using cheap brushes.

Synthetic Brushes

I normally prefer synthetic brushes. They are vegan, meaning they contain no animal products.

They are made from a variety of synthetic materials. Perhaps the word taklon comes to mind. Super high quality synthetic brushes feel like cream on your face. They glide with such rich elegance that you barely feel anything.

This is excellent for two reasons: 1. Your skin is not scratched on the microscopic level, leading to irritation (people with sensitive skin will love these brushes) and 2. It simply feels divine. It feels like you are treating your skin to luxury every morning.

Good synthetic bristles will not shed. If they do, it is a cheap version and you should throw it away if it continues to shed.

The bristles do not break easily. They hold up really well, thus lasting for years if properly cared for.

SUMMARY:

I recommend trying out various mineral makeup brushes to determine the type you like. If you can go to a makeup counter and actually feel tester brushes, this is the best route.

If you order online, however, make sure there is a good description for the brush. You want to see words like soft, silky, smooth, high quality, etc.

I recommend not paying more than $30 for any single brush. You can get them usually quite a bit cheaper than that from about the high teens and up for a very high quality brush.

If in doubt, just ask the seller.

Rules to remember when buying makeup brushes:

1. Always go with high quality, to the extent that your budget allows

2. Clean it often with natural soap and water, rinsing and reapplying soap over and over till the water runs clear. Allow to dry laying down or hanging upside down, so the water doesn't loosen the glue.

3. Good brushes can last for years. I recommend replacing your mineral makeup brush once every 2 years at LEAST. More often if your budget allows.

4. Should your bristles get splayed out, simply wrap a rubber band around them to hold them together tighter. This is great for kabuki brushes!

So look around and try various types. Buy a set if you know it is high quality. Buy single brushes if you only need a few styles.

Have fun with it!

Return from Mineral Makeup Brushes to Makeup Brushes

Return from Mineral Makeup Brushes to Mineral Makeup Help Home Page