Cruelty-Free Application

  As we gradually become more socially and environmentally conscious, the need for both eco friendly and cruelty free beauty products expands.  Many of us want our products to be vegan, that is void of any animal byproducts, and in a perfect world, no product would be tested on animals.  Cruelty free products are becoming much more popular and animal-testing losing ground at a rapid pace.  However, in my eco-friendly, animal-loving mind, I failed to recognize that the majority of the brushes I use for the application of my cosmetic products may in fact be an animal product. 
  Cosmetic brushes have traditionally been made of animal fur - squirrel, sable, goat, horse... the list goes on.  The furs used to construct these brushes are sourced from many different suppliers, and there is no doubt in my mind that some of the animals are treated cruelly.  Moreover, after doing some preliminary research, I discovered that these fur-based brushes are actually quite unsanitary.  Because they are fur-based, each hair has a cuticle, that over time, despite avid washing and proper care, becomes a bacteria-haven.  How unappealing.
  Synthetic brushes are a great alternative to natural brushes due to their cruelty-free, often eco-friendly manufacturing processes, their longevity, and cleanliness.  Taklon is a great synthetic, polyester fiber that is used as an alternative to animal furs.  It can be manipulated during its production to form soft fibres for a powder brush, or short, stiff bristles for an eyeliner brush.  Moreover, because it is not a fur, it contains no cuticle and thus maintains its cleanliness much longer, which in turn adds to its life span.  Taklon, and other synthetic brush materials, are considered to be vegan, green, and hypo-allergenic.
  Urban Decay has a great line of synthetic brushes - their Good Karma collection contains all brushes made with Taklon, so you can apply your makeup in a green, cruelty-free fashion.  Now that, is beautiful.



Urban Decay Big Buddha Brush

  The PETA website contains more great information pertaining to synthetic brushes and the companies that make them.  Check it out!