Natural Vs. Synthetic Makeup Brushes: What's The Real Difference?

There are two different types of makeup brush fibers — natural and synthetic. Since one is more expensive than the other, it only makes sense that it would perform better, but that's not true. Natural brushes feel luxurious and have a hefty price tag. However, using them comes with advantages and disadvantages. Synthetic brushes are easier to find and more affordable. Brands are striving to sell only synthetic brushes to become cruelty-free so that they can appeal to more customers. Technology has advanced, so choosing synthetic doesn't mean you are sacrificing how perfect your makeup can look.

iDiva explains that what matters more is what type of brush you use for different applications. Instead of sticking to natural or synthetic, you should find a combination that works the best for you and the makeup you use. Each type of brush has a unique density and shape, which affects how flawless you can look more than the type of bristles. To find the combination of style and bristle type that works for you, you must consider your makeup formulas.

Natural makeup brushes are humanely made from horse, goat, or squirrel hairs that are shed by the animal. These are a lavish option because of how soft they feel. They're perfect for people with sensitive skin — as long as they don't have an allergy to the animal the bristles originated from. Natural brushes create a smooth and seamlessly blended finish. They work best with powder-based products. You can use them for your eyeshadow, bronzer, blush, or powder foundation.

While natural brushes make the skin look flawless with powder products, they won't create the same results as liquid or cream-based products. Instead of the smooth layer of foundation you were hoping for, natural brushes will absorb all of your liquid product and leave your skin looking clumpy. Since the bristles are made of natural hair, they have cuticles like human hair. They quickly absorb products, oils, and dead skin cells from the face. Your brushes will quickly become unhygienic, and you'll have to wash them frequently. This may not sound too bad, but the more you clean them, the faster they deteriorate. If you use predominantly liquid and cream-based products, it's not worth spending more money on brushes that will need to be replaced more frequently than synthetic ones.

Synthetic makeup brushes have bristles that come from man-made materials like nylon, polyester, and taklon. The accessibility of the materials needed to manufacture them makes them more affordable. Since they're not natural, they won't feel as soft, but that doesn't mean they won't perform just as well. You can still get a streak-free look when you're doing your makeup with these brushes. They're a better option for angled brushes because the bristles naturally stand together, so you can make precise strokes. Synthetic is also great for liquid, cream, and gel-based products. This includes foundations, cream blushes, lipsticks, and eyeliners.

Manufactured bristles won't absorb your products like natural ones, making them more hygienic. You won't have to worry as much about bacteria growing in your brushes and then transferring to your skin. Every time you use them, they will apply almost all of the makeup they picked up. You still have to clean them, but they won't get as dirty so quickly. Plus, they're sturdy and can hold up to more washings without damage. Synthetic brushes are also guaranteed to be cruelty-free since no animal fur is used in the product.