All About Brushes: Synthetic Brushes

Mar 22, 2011

Krystal C.

When I first started using makeup brushes, I hated synthetic brushes because they used to be stiff and hard to use. But over the years I have found some interesting information about synthetic brushes, and some amazing companies that supply synthetic brushes that feel like natural hair brushes. Synthetic brushes are a great alternative for people who are eco-friendly or vegan because they do not include any natural animal hairs. These brushes are polymer filaments specifically made and tested to mimic natural hairs. Just as with natural-hair brushes, manufacturers may blend different synthetic filaments to achieve desired characteristics. Natural hair may be part of the brushes as well, so be sure to check if the brush(es) are 100% synthetic. Synthetic brushes can be used with all mediums; short-handled, soft brushes are preferred for lighter products such as powders. While thick, tougher fiber will not hold as much liquid, but can carry and manipulate thicker products such as creams.

Nylon
Texture: stiff, slick
Usually used for eyebrow groomer or eyebrow brush as it is harder than Taklon. Nylon is a common cheaper substitute for natural bristles which are naturally stiff. But, some big cosmetic companies are using nylon for concealer brushes, eyeliner brushes, etc, and not as a substitute for natural bristles but for Sable instead.

Taklon
Texture: stiff, slick
These are the most economical grade of synthetic fibers. Though these hairs retain a very good point (tip) they have limited strength and spring. Usually orange or white in color, are commonly used as concealer brush or liquid or cream foundation brush. Taklon is used as a more affordable substitute for Sable but lacks durability as it tends to 'fan out' and become stiffer with each use.

Toray
Texture: strong, flexible
Toray is the best quality hair in synthetic fiber. Its consistency makes it ideal for use in oil and acrylic. The hair retains the original shape after use and give correct degree of strength & spring

Teijin
Texture: fine, smooth, strong
Teijin hairs are better version of Synthetic Fiber. Very shiny in color and fine in texture, these are good for usage by artists. These hairs score high on strength and spring as well

Tynex
Texture: thick, tough
These are straight cut filaments, much harder and thicker than other synthetic hair- a good substitute for bristle brushes for amateurs

Photos, links to where info was obtained, and a list of recommend brands to get synthetic brushes from on my blog: http://beautybykrystalc.blogspot.com/2011/03/all-about-brushes-synthetic-brushes.html

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Mar 22, 2011

Luna V.

Huh. I have mostly Taklon brushes (I refuse to buy natural hair for many reasons) and find they're actually most flexible and soft than any natural hair brushes I've come across. They shed minimally and clean easily. Definitely prefer them over my others!

Mar 22, 2011

Krystal C.

Synthetics are great, I have a lot of syntho's that feel as soft as naturals and you're right, they do clean easily.