The world of beauty is evolving, and conscious, cruelty-free products are gaining popularity. However, despite the abundance of sustainable beauty brands, animal hair makeup brushes are still being used. Synthetic bristles were once considered inferior, and as a result, natural makeup brushes made from animal hair have outlived animal ingredients in makeup itself, highlighting the ethical gap between vegan and cruelty-free.
To bridge this gap, Sustainable Jungle has sought out the best vegan makeup brushes to provide consumers with the tools to make their makeup routine entirely cruelty-free. All recommendations on Sustainable Jungle are independently researched, and the website asks all brands to confirm their claims. The post contains affiliate links, and if readers purchase something through these links, Sustainable Jungle may earn a small commission.
The Best Vegan Brushes For An Animal-Friendly Beauty Routine
For those looking to adopt a vegan and cruelty-free beauty routine, there are many options available. Antonym offers a range of vegan and sustainable makeup brushes that minimize landfill waste by using eco-friendly packaging. Kat Von D’s PETA-certified cruelty-free makeup brush set is user-friendly and animal-friendly, and the parent company is also cruelty-free. Elate Cosmetics uses sustainable materials and vegan Taklon bristles for their bamboo brushes. Other affordable vegan makeup brushes include EcoTools, MOTD Cosmetics, and E.L.F, while professional quality options include Inika, Luxie Beauty, Hourglass, and Real Techniques. Whether you need a single brush or a complete set, there are plenty of options available for an animal-friendly beauty routine.
Natural Makeup Brushes Vs. Vegan Makeup Brushes
When it comes to makeup brushes, the choice between natural and vegan can be confusing. Natural brushes are made from animal hair, while vegan brushes are made with synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester. Here are some key differences between the two types:
Materials: Natural brushes are made from various types of animal hair, such as goat, horse, and squirrel. Vegan brushes, on the other hand, are made with synthetic fibers like taklon and nylon.
Ethics: Natural brushes are not vegan-friendly, as they are made from animal hair. Vegan brushes, on the other hand, are cruelty-free and do not harm animals in their production.
Durability and Performance: Synthetic fibers are more durable and resistant to damage than natural hair, making vegan brushes a better investment in the long run. Synthetic fibers are also non-porous, making them hypoallergenic and resistant to bacterial and microbial growth. They are easier to clean and maintain, and do not shed or lose flexibility over time. This makes them a better choice for applying a wide variety of makeup types, including cream foundations, liquids, and gels.
Blending and Finish: The soft, feathery bristles of synthetic brushes yield better blending and a less blotchy finish than natural brushes.
In summary, while natural brushes may have been the go-to choice in the past, vegan brushes are now a more ethical, durable, and high-performing alternative.
Making Your Synthetic Bristles More Sustainable
Synthetic bristles, while vegan and cruelty-free, have a negative impact on the environment as they are not compostable and take years to biodegrade. However, there are ways to make your synthetic bristle makeup brushes more sustainable.
Proper Brush Care and Maintenance
Proper brush care and maintenance can drastically improve the lifespan of your synthetic brushes. It is important to wash your brushes thoroughly and often, and let them fully dry. Leaving makeup to cake and clump in the bristles is the shortest path to early brush retirement and smudged makeup.
Repurpose Instead of Throwing Away
When your synthetic brushes start losing bristles or don’t work as well anymore, try to repurpose instead of throwing them away. Consider using them for arts and crafts or donating them to a local school or daycare.
Final Thoughts on Vegan & Cruelty-Free Makeup Brushes
When it comes to conscious cosmetic application, choosing vegan and cruelty-free makeup brushes is the first step. While there are currently no options for zero waste makeup brushes that are also vegan, it is important to prioritize animal welfare over potential waste.
The most sustainable makeup brushes are the ones you already have, so if you don’t need to replace them, don’t. If you do need to replace them, seek a secondhand set that has been well looked after. Only buy what you need, as minimalism also means minimal impact.
Sustainable makeup brushes are a crucial part of a completely cruelty-free makeup bag. Always choose vegan makeup brushes and look for third-party certification to confirm that there is no animal testing. By making small changes, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.
