Exploring the different types of make up brushes

When you want to buy make up brushes, it is natural that you would want to find out the best fibres. The choice would depend upon two factors – your personal choice and the use of the brush. Here is a guide to the types of fibres used for making makeup brushes. When you clearly understand what type of hair would be helpful to you, it would become easier to choose the right makeup brush.

One type of make up brushes are made from goat hair. it is a commonly used fibre where the bristles are not as soft as some of the natural fibres. However, this type of brush is ideal for holding a larger amount of powder. This hair can be used for making face powder, bronzer or blush brushes as they enable even application and the makeup doesn't get trapped within the brush hair.


The next type you would come across is the fine and soft sable hair. These makeup brushes characteristically have pointed tips but with extreme softness, making them the ideal brushes for eyeliners or eyeshadows. It easily transfers powder to your skin and there is minimal amount of wastage.

If you require more durable and stronger make up brushes, then you should consider using pony-hair made brushes. They usually are cylindrical in shape and have uniform thickness from the root to the tip. The fibre is versatile and is ideal for brushes needed for blushes, powdering or eyeshadows.

Another type of makeup brushes that are commonly used are the camel hair. The name is a misnomer as it is basically a blend of goat, pony or squirrel hair. The softest among all the natural type of fibre is the squirrel hair. it has a luxurious softness that makes it highly expensive. Just like sable hair, these brushes are wider at the middle, but pointed at the tip. These brushes are ideal for using with eye crease or as blending brushes.

Synthetic make up brushes are made from nylon that is a smaller absorbent compared to natural materials. This makes them the perfect brushes for the application of liquid makeup. However, in terms of durability, natural fibres beat these synthetic hair.