Here’s The Difference Between Synthetic and Natural Brushes
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Apart from the source of their fibres, what’s the difference between synthetic and natural brushes, really?
If you’re choosing between natural or synthetic brushes, it’s important to understand what makes a good makeup brush for each purpose.
So, are natural or synthetic makeup brushes better?
Basically, in terms of performance we think you should choose your brush based on what you’re doing. However, if you are looking for Vegan brushes, synthetic brushes will be your best choice.
What you need to know about natural bristle makeup brushes
Let’s get to the point: what are natural makeup brushes made from?
Natural bristles are real animal hair—often sable, squirrel or goat hair in the case of makeup brushes.
Like human hair, natural bristle brushes have cuticles and these cuticles are particularly good at picking up the smallest bits of pigment and blending it out seamlessly for a natural look
Natural makeup brushes are great for powder eye shadow, blush, bronzer, and setting powder.
A fabulous full set
If you’re looking for a full set of new brushes the Kryolan Classic Beauty Set - Silver Handle Brushes - 12 Piece contains a set of 12 different brushes including brushes with pony, goat and synthetic fibres. This way you can find the right brush for your purpose. These brushes provide a professional and flawless application, and they are conveniently sized and contained in a travel carry case. For the quality you can’t look past this affordable price.
For a beautiful blend
The Crown Brush Pro Blending Fluff Brush is a pro at blending out the most stubborn and patchy eyeshadows. It uses high grade Capra hair for a seamless blend. These bristles are incredibly soft and pick up large amounts of powder, for medium-full coverage application. Plus, it's an easy brush to clean and maintain for longevity.
A mix of natural and synthetic fibres
The Estée Lauder Foundation Brush uses a mix of natural and synthetic fibres for a smooth blend. The flat shape of this brush allows you to apply foundation, primer and skin care smoothly. It's the perfect kind of versatile brush for both cream and liquid products, allowing for effortless application and stunning results.
So, what are synthetic brushes good for?
Synthetic makeup brushes are made from factory-created materials such as nylon and polyester.
Completely synthetic brushes contain no animal hair, and depending on the brush handle, should be vegan and cruelty-free.
Unlike natural brushes, synthetic makeup brushes stick together much better and can be easily shaped.
Synthetic makeup brushes are also perfect for liquid formulas like foundation, cream blush, and gel eyeliner.
This is because synthetic hairs don’t soak up makeup like natural brushes do, so they stay a bit cleaner and are especially good for products you use frequently like foundation.
A simple sculpting set
The Real Techniques Sculpting Set contains three synthetic brushes cut into specific shapes for precise application. This set comes with a sculpting brush for contouring, a fan brush for precise highlighting and a setting brush for concentrated powder application. These brushes are made with soft Taklon bristles, which are cushiony and designed for superior blending. All together this brush set is the perfect collection for creating a perfectly defined look.
Perfect for cream blush
For an absolute makeup bag staple and an affordable synthetic brush try the elf Small Stipple Brush. This cult favourite brush has two layers of bristles for a natural airbrushed result. It’s an ideal brush for liquid or cream products and can be used for anything from foundation to cream blush. This multipurpose brush allows you to shift between sheer and full coverage seamlessly.
This Vegan powder brush is a powerhouse
The INIKA brush line is perfect for Vegans opting for synthetic brushes because they are a cruelty-free option. The INIKA Vegan Powder Brush is an excellent choice from this collection, and is perfect for applying powder to larger areas like the cheeks and foreheads. The high quality fibres used to make this brush make powder simple to apply and are also easy to clean.
Designed just for eyes
The Spectrum Oceana 5 Piece Eye Brush Set And Pouch is a synthetic, cruelty-free set designed to make your eyes pop. This mermaid-inspired set comes with a tall tapered brush, a luxe crease blender brush, colour aplicator brush, fluffy pencil brush and precision crease brush. With super soft turqoise bristles, you can blend out your eye make up seamlessly. Plus, this set comes with an extra cute travel pouch.
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
