Professional Makeup Brushes - Natural Vs Synthetic Fibers and How to Choose the Best Cosmetic Brush
If you are looking to purchase some professional makeup brushes, you may be wonder which fiber is best. The answer to this question depends on both your personal preference and the intended use for the brush. The following is a description of the various types of hair used to create makeup brush sets. Understanding the various type of bristles can be helpful when trying to choose which brush will be right for you.
Goat Hair:
Goat hair is the most common fiber used for makeup brushes. The bristles are not quite as soft as squirrel and some of the other natural fibers, but they are good at holding large amounts of powder. Goat hair is a good choice for blush, bronzer and face powder brushes because you'll get an even application and the makeup won't get trapped in the brush.
Sable Hair:
Sable hair is soft and fine and makeup brushes made of this hair typically have pointy tips. The pointy shape and softness of sable hair makes it an ideal choice for eyeshadow and eyeliners. As with most natural fibers, the powder is easily transferred to your skin and doesn't get left behind on the makeup brush.
Pony Hair:
Pony hair is strong and durable. It tends to have a cylindrical shape where there is a consistent thickness from root to tip. The tips tend to be less pointy than brushes made from squirrel hair. Pony hair is a versatile fiber and is good for powder, blush and eyeshadow makeup brushes.
Camel Hair:
Camel hair is a generic term used to described makeup brushes that are made with a mix of squirrel, goat or pony hair.
Squirrel Hair:
Squirrel hair is the softest natural hair type. This softness typically makes squirrel hair brushes the most luxurious and also the most expensive brushes. Similar to sable hair, the brushes are wide in the middle and have a pointed tip, which makes them ideal as blending brushes and for use on eye creases.
Squirrel Mix/Squirrel Blend:
Makeup brushes made with a mix of squirrel and other natural fibers are a more affordable alternative to pure squirrel brushes.
Synthetic:
Synthetic makeup brushes are made of nylon, which is less absorbent than natural hair fibers. Because they are less absorbent, synthetic brushes are typically used for applying liquid-based products. Synthetic brushes typically do not last as long as natural fiber brushes.
Duo Fibre: Natural/Synthetic Mix
A mix of natural and synthetic fibers is typically referred to as duo fiber brushes. This mix of fibers increases the durability, stiffness and liquid handling ability of the makeup brush. One common type of duo fiber brush is a stippling brush, which is very popular with people who want an airbrushed quality application of their liquid foundation.
