When I started this blog years ago, finding makeup brushes that were not made with animal hair was a challenge. Sure, synthetic makeup brushes have existed for a long time, but quality synthetic bristles were difficult to find.
There were a handful of brands that sold professional quality brushes for artists, but finding synthetic brushes that someone would consider luxurious....well that was truly difficult.
Not anymore! Over the past few years, I noticed a trend emerging. More and more high-end brands started switching from animal hair bristles to synthetic. I am guessing that this is partially due to new technology making synthetic bristles better than ever, and partially due to demand.
I see more and more cruelty-free makeup brands launching, and even Covergirl went cruelty-free recently!
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, and want a bit of luxury, there are now plenty of options when it comes to makeup brushes. Even cosmetic brands who are not cruelty-free have started switching to bristles made with synthetic materials.
If you told me that I would own brushes from Chikuhodo or Hakuho-do in my collection, just a few years ago, I wouldn't have believed it. Now both offer brush lines free from animal hair.
I now own three face brushes that are a Sephora x Hakuho-do collaboration. In fact, one of the most popular bronzer brushes is from luxury brand Marc Jacobs.
I own several Marc Jacobs brushes, and they are extremely luxurious and worth every penny. Some who prefer animal hair brushes were disappointed when brands like MAC and Tom Ford (not cruelty-free brands) switched from animal hair to synthetic bristles. I guess some of that is due to those individuals being used to using animal hair, and some is due to the fact that there wasn't a price reduction when these brands switched to synthetic.
As an animal lover, I am personally happy when any brand switches to synthetic bristles. I hope that it gives those who wouldn't normally buy synthetic brushes a reason to try them.
There are other brands, like Kelly Quan who have been making luxurious brushes that rival animal hair for years.
Brands like IT Cosmetics and Hourglass have also been selling luxury brushes free from animal hair for some time.
There are brands in my collection that are both professional quality and feel ultra luxurious like the below set from Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics.
Brands like Makeup Forever (not a cruelty-free brand), Kat Von D, Beauty Counter and Besame sell some very soft, high-performance brushes free from animal hair.
Other brands sell a combination of both animal hair and synthetic bristles depending on the line, or specific brush. For example Smith Cosmetics sells both animal hair brushes and synthetic, so be careful to know what you are buying. I own the Kevyn Aucoin foundation brush, one of the most beautiful, extravagant foundation brushes in my collection. Looking for a shorter handled foundation brush? Try the Aveda Inner Light Foundation Brush.
Real Techniques, a mostly affordable brand offers pure decadance in their PowderBleu line.
Looking for a simple set with just the essentials? The above set from Beauty Counter gets my vote.
The above powder fan brush from the set works beautifully for blending bronzer along the hairline.
With all of these luxury brushes to chose from, this post wouldn't be complete if I failed to mention the up and coming synthetic set from Wayne Goss. I love my brush collection dearly, but I am extremely excited for Wayne's new brushes. I have been watching him on YouTube for years and I am quite sure that he loves makeup brushes just as much as I do!
His synthetic set will be available for purchase at Beautylish.com
*This post contains both brushes that were purchased by me and some sent for consideration. This is not a sponsored post. I do not accept money in exchange for reviews. All opinions are my own.
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