Why choose cruelty free makeup brushes?
Applying your cruelty free makeup in the morning you may be feeling as though you are doing all you can to protect animals from the cosmetics industry. But before you blend that contour you may want to take a look at the tools you are using. If you are using makeup brushes, chances are they are made from animal hair. If you would not purchase cosmetics which are tested on animals or wear fur, then why would you put an animal’s fur on your face when applying makeup? We take a look at the real truth behind the natural hair brush industry, and why it’s time to brush away the lies.
No such thing as cruelty free animal hair makeup brushes
Though many companies claim that no animals are harmed in the manufacturing of ‘natural’ brushes, the truth is, that this is simply impossible. In actual fact, statistics show the majority of the fur which is used to create makeup brushes is obtained from the very same cruel fur industry and fur factories used in the fashion industry. This is the same barbaric industry that is responsible for the undue torture of millions of animals every year.
Sure, that goat hair kabuki brush might give your foundation that flawless finish and a ponytail crease brush will smooth that smokey eye, but is it really worth supporting the trapping, drowning, beating, strangling, electrocution and skinning alive of millions of innocent animals?
As a consumer, you could be forgiven for this oversight, you may not have given much thought to the manufacturing of your makeup brushes, or you may not be aware that synthetic brushes are just as effective. Or you may have simply been lead astray by dishonest companies who prey on your soft-hearted nature manipulating you as they claim “there is no need to harm animals in the manufacturing of makeup brushes.” Implying that they do not, would not, and have no need to harm animals, when in reality, they absolutely do.
This is the truth and the claim is correct, you certainly do not need to harm animals in order to manufacture makeup brushes. However, you will notice that they will not explicitly state that animals are not harmed in the making of THEIR makeup brushes. Whether directly or indirectly all manufacturers and suppliers of ‘natural’ makeup brushes are contributing to animal cruelty in one way or another.
The sweep and cut myth
Some companies will claim to use the ‘haircut’ method in which fur is ‘gently’ snipped or shaved from the animal’s belly. However, the conditions in which the animals are kept as well as the force and amount of which they are shaved goes unmentioned. Some companies also claim that the hair is collected after it naturally falls off the animals in captivity. Even if the animal is not harmed in the hair removal process itself, it is unlikely that these companies are funding wide-open farm spaces full of free roaming squirrels. In most cases the animals are caged. A life that is spent caged and trapped in a tiny confined space is not exactly ‘cruelty free.’
Brands claim ‘cruelty free’ for their brushes too loosely
‘Cruelty free’ is a term that is used so loosely by those in the cosmetics industry who consider pony hair obtained from horses slaughtered for their meat to be ‘cruelty free’. Goats are forcefully and unnaturally shorn like sheep, a process during which the animal is harmed, yet this is considered ‘cruelty free.’ Animals are caged, yet this is ‘cruelty free.’ Even the caging method is far less economical and, so in reality, most fur bearing animals are simply captured and killed.
Even in the event that animals are farmed (caged) for their fur, after they begin ageing and the quality of their fur begins to decline, the animal will be euthanised. The method of euthanasia and how humane that method is, is up to the discretion of the individual farm. The majority of makeup brushes are manufactured in factories in countries with less strict animal rights laws, such as Asia and Eastern Europe. Thus, it is unlikely that the animals receive a humane euthanasia, let alone adequate care or treatment while they are alive. Yet, this is also considered to be ‘cruelty free.’
Why synthetic is better
The reality is that there is no way to manufacture, supply, sell or purchase ‘natural’ makeup brushes without contributing to or supporting some degree of animal cruelty. The only way to ensure that your beauty routine is entirely cruelty free is to use synthetic makeup brushes. Swapping to synthetic is a simple solution that will make no difference to you but a big difference to the millions of animals who are brutally suffering, for the sake of beauty.
The new generation of vegan, synthetic brushes are now far more superior than ever before, and there are hundreds of brands now available that offer super soft, luxurious fibres that out-rival their natural hair competitors. Williamspro travel brushes and kabuki brushes for instance, are densely packed and super soft synthetic fibres, offering incredible luxury and a pro application experience that is both cruelty free and vegan.
On top of this, synthetic brushes are actually more hygienic and offer more anti-bacterial benefits in the long run, as each fibre is less porous and easier to wash and disinfect. This makes them a more desirable choice for pro makeup artists and makeup lovers serious about hygiene and health.