Natural vs. Synthetic Makeup Brushes

**image from Shu Uemura**

Based on my research here's a quick rundown :

SYNTHETIC BRUSHES - they are usually made of Taklon and Nylon.

PRO's:
* very soft
* doesn't smell bad
* good for sensitive skin
* cheaper compared to natural hair

CON's:
* there's pigment fall outs <- is this the correct term?! =P
- i noticed this when applying powder eyeshadow

* they can harden especially when often used with cream products.


NATURAL BRUSHES - made of goat hair, squirrel hair, horse hair, sable, pony, etc..

PRO's:
* really good in picking up pigments
* the older the better (the hair becomes soft with age)

CON's:
* has a weird smell <- hey, they're made of animal hair =P
* don't get me wrong, these are soft but not AS soft compared to the synthetic ones
* much expensive
* not advisable for sensitive skin or people allergic to animal hair

According to GoArticles.com:

Natural Hair Makeup Brushes are good for applying Powder based products like loose / pressed powders and blushes.

Synthetic Hair Makeup Brushes are best for Creamy products such as concealers (liquid/cream), liquid foundations, lipstick (for lipbrushes).


HOW I CLEAN MY BRUSHES:
* I wash my face/ powder brushes once a week (deep cleaning). After each use I wipe them clean with baby wipes.

* For foundation brushes, I wash them every day.

* I use a drop of dishwashing liquid/ baby shampoo, then gently swirl the brush hair on my palm.

* Wash throughly with running water (swirling motion) with the head facing down, so that water will not enter the ferrule (metal part that separates the brushes from the handle).

* I lay them down to dry using a small towel. I prefer to elevate my brushes so that it will dry faster and again, the water will not drip inside and moisten the glue that binds the hair.

* NEVER attempt to blowdry brushes! It will ruin the hair..


References : Greendivamom & GoAsk.com


What Brush hair do you prefer? Let me know! =)