Never underestimate the power of a great makeup brush. Whether you're buffing your foundation into your skin or carefully packing shadow onto your lid, your brushes play a big part in how your makeup appears. Some espouse the use of animal hair brushes over synthetic, but animal hair makeup brushes are no better than synthetic. Both have their pros and cons when it comes to application, absorption of pigment, and interaction with products. The truth is that your brush type comes down to personal preference and what your looking for in your application.
Lately, the popularity of animal hair makeup brushes has been growing. Tons of popular brands like Too Faced and Morphe carry natural brushes, and while they definitely have their perk, the truth is that synthetic brushes are no less great than their animal hair counterpart. While animal hair and synthetic brushes seem like two simple distinctions, the truth is that for someone just getting started with cosmetics, the plethora of brushes on the market can be overwhelming. Whether it's which basics you're going to need to get started or the difference between a stippling brush and a buffing brush, the world of cosmetic tools can be a bit confusing.
Well, it's time to sort out one portion of that: The differences between synthetic and animal hair makeup brushes and why animal hair brushes are no better or worse than synthetic.
Synthetic Brushes Don't Retain Product
Real Techniques Starter Kit, $13, Amazon
Synthetic brushes are typically made of man-made fibers. This means that unlike animal hair, they don't have pores. If you use a liquid foundation or cream brush with an animal hair brush, part of your product will be absorbed into the porous fibers. This makes synthetic brushes a better option if you're a liquid foundation user.
Synthetic Products Give Killer Precision
Morphe Brushes Set 600 12 Piece Sable Set, $14, Amazon
If you're looking for a brush to seamlessly blend add eyeshadow, you don't need to look much further than a synthetic brush. The bristles are densely packed, and as such, they allows for strong precision of application.
Animal Hair Brushes Are Best With Powders
Too Faced Pro-Essential Teddy Bear Hair Brushes, $65, Sephora
If you use mineral makeup or powder highlight and contour, animal hair is great for you. The natural fibers allow the powders to be blended beautifully.
Animal Hair Brushes Give Seamless Finish
Pro Precision Smudge Brush, $18, Sephora
Animal hair brushes are great for blending. This means that you won't need to worry about streaks or swirling patterns on your face from blending.
Basically, when it comes to the different type of brushes, one is no better than the other. The two are very clearly meant to be used with different types of products. The best thing to do is invest in a starter kit that has both types of brush. This way, all of your brush needs will be covered.
Images: Kaboompics/Pixabay; Courtesy of brands
