Many people who purchase makeup brushes really don’t have an idea of where the hair comes from and what the pros and cons are of going with synthetic brush hair over animal hair. Aside from the fact that going cruelty free is a much better option for animal lovers, there are also many other reasons (emotions aside) of why going with cruelty free makeup brushes from cruelty free makeup brands is the way to go. The last few months I have become increasingly interested in moving my dollars to cruelty free cosmetics and brands, but it doesn’t just stop with the makeup itself – makeup brushes also come with both varieties as well. So in this post I will point out some of my top picks of cruelty free makeup brushes that you can buy if you are interested in this option. Makeup brushes are the tools of the trade for makeup artists, so many invest hundreds and thousands of dollars on their brush kits, but you can find affordable synthetics which are sometimes better than animal hair brushes.
Here are just some of the benefits of using a synthetic brush over one made with animal hair:
Synthetic brushes are easier to clean.
Synthetic brushes repel bacteria and dirt better than animal hair does.
Many people have allergies to animal hair.
Synthetic brushes shed less, if at all.
Synthetic brushes work with both cream and powder makeup products.
Buying a synthetic brush is the only way that you can know for sure that no animal was harmed in the creation of the brush
Imagine making a makeup brush with you hair. Just like our hair, animal hair is porous which means it absorbs bacteria easily into the hair shaft. Unlike synthetics which repel bacteria because they are not porous. If you are using these brushes on your face, not washing them often enough, the animal hair brushes can be spreading growing bacteria on your skin and can cause irritations and breakouts. For this reason many makeup artists use synthetic brushes for foundations and creams. Not only to prevent bacteria, but when you use animal hair brushes they will also soak up some of your liquids or creams and in the end use up more product and waste a lot of it getting soaked into the brush hairs. Ever notice how sometimes your make up just disappears on some brushes? Many times animal hair brushes cause you to use more makeup because a lot of it goes into the brush.
Another reason cruelty free/synthetic makeup brushes are better is they don’t shed like animal hair brushes. Ever notice the tiny black hairs that are left on your face after you put your pressed powder on with a MAC cosmetics brush? Without fail anytime I used MAC brushes they would shed, and sometimes I wouldn’t notice until someone pointed out ‘hey you have a hair on your cheek’ – awkward. The lack of shedding will keep your brushes fluffy and full much longer when you buy synthetics.
So what animal fur or hair is used to make brushes? Racoons, squirrels, badgers. Are these animals killed to make the brushes, that I don’t know but I don’t remember the last time that I saw a squirrel being okay with having their hair plucked or a badger liking a hair cut. Even if they are not killed I personally don’t like the idea of spending the money to invest in the industry when there are better options and cheaper options out there for cruelty free brushes.
Whatever your reason for looking for cruelty free makeup brushes (which you must be interested in if you landed here) there are a number of high end cosmetics companies making these brushes and also some more affordable brands as well. So below you will find some of my Top Picks of Cruelty Free Makeup Brush Brands that you can buy online. Just click the links that I provide below to be taken to the page to learn more and purchase.
TOP PICKS OF CRUELTY FREE MAKEUP BRUSH BRANDS
#1. Urban Decay – buy here
While Urban Decay is cruelty free and vegan friendly they do happen to be owned by L’Oreal which is not, just something to keep in mind if you don’t want to support their larger parent company. These are also pretty pricey ranging around $18-$28 a brush so this may not be affordable if you want to buy an entire collection. I do love Urban Decay as a brand though so I added them into my list. Any of the Naked Palettes I have bought have come with great brushes as well and I really do love some of their smudger and shading brushes.
ANIMAL TESTING POLICY
Urban Decay is a cruelty-free brand and is committed to ending animal testing. We do not test our products on animals, nor do we allow others to test on our behalf. Additionally, we require our suppliers to certify that the raw materials used in the manufacture of our products are not tested on animals. Our Brand is certified by both PETA and The Leaping Bunny Program (CCIC) as cruelty-free.
#2. Too Faced Cosmetics – buy here
“teddy bear hair” synthetic bristles are long lasting and provide a cleaner transfer from powder to face. Easy to clean, just wash brush heads once a month with a gentle shampoo and allow to dry overnight on a clean towel. How adorable is the marketing around Too Faced Cosmetics cruelty free makeup brushes. I also love that their brushes usually come in great sets that you can take with you on the go. Again, a bit pricey but very good quality products. I love their bronze buki brush and their kabuki brushes. They are so soft and also their design is very pretty too.
#3. Real Techniques – buy here
Hand cut hair design allows for even and streak free application of makeup
Synthetic taklon bristles are non-porous and do not trap or absorb product, bacteria and dead skin cells
Bristles are less prone to breakage or damage as well as keep clean and maintain
Uniquely shaped and color coded aluminum ferrules
I have a few of the Real Techniques brushes and think they are great and very affordable. Most range between $7-20 for a set. The buffer and stippling brushes are great for highlighting and contouring with makeup and the face brushes are great as well. A perfect brand for those not looking to break the bank. I usually get these on Amazon or at Ulta.
#4. Tarte Cosmetics – buy here
Tarte Cosmetics make amazing quality cruelty free cosmetics and brushes. I have to say they are one of my new favorite brands this year. You can find lots of makeup brushes from them and sets as well. They also put some on sale occasionally so keep checking their site to catch those. I love their blush, foundation, kabuki and double ended eye liner brush. All are great quality, super soft and cruelty free.
#5. Eco Tools Brushes – buy here
I was lucky enough to be sent some sample brushes from EcoTools from a previous Klout Perk and I have to say I had never heard of them before but LOVED my brushes. First they are so soft and hold product very well without fall out. I also really liked their packaging and the bamboo they seem to use for the brush handles. They are very affordable and I either buy them on Amazon or at my local Harmon Beauty Supply store. They range from $5-$13 dollars and you can easily buy some of their kits to get started collecting.
COSMETIC BRUSHES
EcoTools cosmetic brushes are what started it all! Our cosmetic brushes are beautiful and show respect for the earth. They have incredibly soft synthetic bristles, sleek bamboo handles, recycled aluminum ferrules, and are 100% cruelty free.
#6 E.L.F. Cosmetics – buy here
And the last one on the list is great for those on a budget who want to get a few extra brushes or are just starting out playing with makeup. E.L.F (eyes lips face) Cosmetics make cruelty free cosmetics all under $10 or so. Most items are $1-$5 so you won’t make your wallet cry grabbing a few of these single brushes or sets. They also make for great gifts for tweens on your holidays or birthday lists. You can find them online or at Target and some drugs stores.
I hope this list of cruelty free brands and brushes was informative to you. If you have others you want me to add feel free to comment below and if you see any corrections don’t be afraid to point it out to me also. Happy shopping!
xo – Adrienne
If you frequent TJMaxx and Marshall’s you can also check the beauty section because sometimes you can find a few cruelty free brushes. I went today and it was like The Secret had been listening to me talk about cruelty free brushes because I found a ton! Always read the labels and look for cruelty free and make sure the brush is synthetic. I found some from a few brands I hadn’t shopped before but it was a pleasant surprise and they were all $5.99 or less!
The 3 brands I bought were Precision Beauty, Eco Beauty and Cala Naturals. They are all brushes is needed to add to my collection so these were perfect.
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