Why do they use Camel Hair in my Makeup Brushes?
SQUIRREL MIX OR BLENDS
Squirrel mix cosmetic brushes or squirrel blends makeup brushes are made from squirrel hair that have been mixed with other hair types, thereby providing a less expensive alternative to pure squirrel makeup brushes. Don’t worry we aren’t talking about Sammy the squirrel that runs around in your backyard! The hair for these brushes comes from long haired squirrels. Cosmetic brushes made from squirrel mix or squirrel blends, can contain a variety of ‘mixes’ or ‘blends’ of different types of hair and in different proportions. Most common hair types used in the squirrel mix makeup brushes are goat hair and/or pony hair. Pure squirrel hair is ideal for blending heavy pigment, which is why it is commonly found in eye shadow brushes.
SYNTHETIC
Synthetic ‘hair’ is not real hair, but polymer filaments made to look and
act like hair. These are available in a variety of diameters, lengths,
colors, stiffness’s, and qualities. It is an affordable substitute for sable, and are not as absorbent as natural hair brushes. Synthetic brushes are wonderful for those that have allergies and want an extremely affordable and soft alternative to Sable.
PONY
Pony hair is typically from the mane of young horses (ponies) or the shaved underbelly of the horse. It is very soft and fine hair, and is typically used in traditional Cosmetic Brushes such as a fluffy ceek, contour or powder brushes where dense color deposits are needed. The finest-quality pony hair is excellent for blending and is used in the hair-mixtures of inexpensive brushes, typically referred to as ‘camel hair’ brushes.
BADGER
High-quality badger hair is light and dark brown color, while the lower-quality badger hair is gray and is commonly found in shaving brushes. Although badger hair is extremely firm, it is also very soft and has an elastic quality so it will never scratch your face. Badger hair has the firmest bristles, which makes it ideal for eyebrow brushes, fan brushes, bronzer brushes and for everyday grooming. Be sure to keep your badger hair brushes clean at all times!
GOAT
Goat hair is very soft, has minimal resilience, and is inexpensive. Goat hair or ‘Capra’ is, another decent quality hair for use in brushes and less costly than other natural hair types. Goat hair is also believed to be the most effective hair to pick up mineral powder and deposit it smoothly. It is also ideal for buffing and blending, since goat hair naturally brings luster to the skin.
SABLE AND KOLINSKY SABLE
There are three types of sable brushes: Kolinsky is the highest quality, then red sable and then just plain sable. Kolinsky Sable is an animal found in the cold regions of China and Russia. It is a species of mink and a member of the weasel family. Makeup brushes that are created from this animal fur are the finest, softest and the most expensive. The color of Kolinsky sable is typically golden brown. Sable is popular because the hair is very resilient, and it snaps back in place. When purchasing sable brushes you need to think of them as an investment. If you take care of them properly they will last a lifetime!
I hope this gives you some insight on what hairs are used in your brushes and why. If you have any questions please feel free to email me!
Dedicated to Your Beauty,
De Nelson
Owner
Mineral Silk and
Balance Skin Care
Tags: application, Brushes, makeup application tools, mineral makeup, Mineral Makeup Brushes, natural hair, synthetic