Why you need to switch your make-up brushes right now | Euronews

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You might have already switched to a waterless moisturiser, ethical shampoo bar and mineral cosmetics, but what about your make-up brushes? If they’re made from unrecyclable plastic and contain animal hair, perhaps it’s time to invest in a durable ethically-made version. With growing awareness of eco issues, some brands are working hard to improve their environmental credentials. And it’s high time make-up brushes followed suit.

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Avoid brushes that are made with animal hair

After all, many cosmetics brushes are made using animal hair and as Jeremy Adelman, co-founder of the cruelty-free Artis Brush, points out, there is little consistency in the industry in terms of animal welfare. Artis brushes are made with a filament to avoid some of the issues associated with the use of animal hair in brushes, such as skin sensitivity, as well as poor treatment of the animals.

“There is no uniform standard of ethical treatment for the animals used in the food industry, which provides the hairs used in the manufacture of cosmetic brushes,” explains Jeremy. “The worldwide demand for cosmetic brushes has been dramatically increasing and most of the supply comes from Asia and Asia Pacific countries. The farmers who raise and harvest the animals used for cosmetic brushes often don’t care much about the conditions they keep animals in,” he adds.

And Jeremy says that organisations like PETA have helped shed a light on the conditions some of the animals are kept in and have encouraged positive change within the industry.

“There are cases of horrible treatment of animals used for food, fur and cosmetic brush hair,” he says. “Those of us who have worked in the industry for years have mostly ignored the issue and were told by cosmetic brush sellers that the hairs were obtained ethically. But once you think about it, it’s obvious that most hairs used for cosmetic brush purposes could not all be simply snipped off the animal.

“Once you see a brush factory and see the workers with piles of squirrel and other animal tails on the table where they work, you realise those animals are not back at the farm growing new tails or pelts. We want to take animals out of the equation all together. There is no need for an animal to suffer to make a superior quality cosmetic brush.” Jeremy is convinced that where his brushes are concerned, make-up lovers will have a superior and durable product. “Artis brushes are built to last,” he says. “We use the best quality materials available, ensuring that with proper care and use, our customers don’t have to regularly replace them.”

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Do your research before buying

For ethical specialist Hannah Liddle, who works for beauty website Cosmetify, the answer is to dig a little deeper and do your research before buying. “Any brushes made out of plastic - unless it’s recycled plastic like Urban Decay’s - and animal hair should be avoided,” she says.

“Plastic waste is becoming a widespread epidemic and though make-up brushes aren’t made of single-use plastic, they will eventually get thrown away and end up in landfills. If we want our make-up tools to be as waste-free as possible, we even need to look at the packaging. Obviously when shopping online, it’s not easy to tell how the brushes will be packaged, but when shopping in-store, it’s definitely something to bear in mind. For conscious shoppers, animal-hair brushes are also a big no. Sourcing animal hair for make-up brushes is deeply unethical, whether they’re cruelty-free or not,” she adds. As more and more brands tune in to their eco conscience, so too are the options available to us.

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The brands you can trust

“There are so many brands out there making conscious decisions to create ethical and eco-friendly products, make-up brushes included,” says Hannah. “EcoTools has a Recycled Retractable Kabuki containing make-up brushes with 100% cruelty-free, synthetic, taklon brushes. They use bamboo handles in their EcoTools Full Powder Brush, which also uses recycled aluminium ferrule.

“When it comes to responsible resourcing, Urban Decay knows a thing or two. Their make-up brush bristles are made from recycled plastic bottles and their handles are made from recycled aluminium, making them kind to your skin and the environment. They’re vegan and eco-friendly.

"And some brands are going the extra mile to do more good with every purchase. PHB Ethical Beauty brushes are cruelty-free, vegan and handmade using ethically and sustainably-sourced materials,” says Hannah. “Everything from the bristles to the handle is eco-friendly and with every purchase 20% of profit goes to one of their chosen charities,” she adds.

“ZOEVA’s Bamboo Luxury Set is vegan and offers eight eco-friendly designs, each made from carefully selected, renewable materials such as pure synthetic hair and wooden bamboo.”

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Non-toxic makeup brushes have become increasingly popular as consumers become more aware of the need for eco-friendly and clean beauty products. These brushes are made from materials that are safe for both users and the environment while providing the same level of quality and application as their traditional counterparts. By understanding the characteristics of non-toxic makeup brushes and how to maintain them, you can make a more informed decision when choosing the right brushes for your beauty routine.

1. Understanding Non-Toxic Makeup Brushes

Defining Non-Toxic Materials

Non-toxic makeup brushes are designed with natural materials that have not been treated with any harmful chemicals. These brushes typically use eco-friendly, cruelty-free fibers, which are obtained without harming animals. Natural makeup brushes are often made from animal hair such as sable, squirrel, or goat, providing a super soft feel and easy blending. Moreover, these natural hair bristles contain cuticles, which help lift makeup and blend it more efficiently.

Some common harmful chemicals found in traditional makeup brushes such as:

• Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen that can cause irritation and allergic reactions.
• Phthalates: Endocrine disruptors that can interfere with hormone function.
• Bisphenol-A (BPA):A chemical that can leach from plastic and has been linked to various health problems.
• Heavy metals:Such as lead and mercury, which can be toxic even in small amounts.

Non-toxic makeup brushes, on the other hand, are free of these chemicals, ensuring a safer and healthier beauty routine.

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Benefits of Using Non-Toxic Brushes

1. Reduced Skin Irritation: Non-toxic brushes are gentle on the skin, reducing the risk of irritation and breakouts caused by synthetic fibers and harmful chemicals.
2. Eco-Friendly: Using eco-friendly materials in makeup brushes reduces their environmental impact, making them a more sustainable choice for your beauty routine.

2. Types of Non-Toxic Makeup Brushes

There are three main types of non-toxic makeup brushes:

2.1. Organic makeup brushes:

Organic makeup brushes are made with natural materials, such as bamboo, wood, and animal hair. They are free from synthetic materials and harmful chemicals.

2.2. Vegan makeup brushes:

Vegan makeup brushes are made with synthetic materials, such as nylon or taklon. They are free from animal products and cruelty-free.

2.3. Cruelty-free makeup brushes:

Cruelty-free makeup brushes have not been tested on animals. They may be made with either natural or synthetic materials.

3. Characteristics of High-Quality Non-Toxic Brushes

3.1 Bristle Quality and Types

When looking for high-quality non-toxic makeup brushes, it’s essential to consider the bristle quality and types. There are two primary kinds of bristles: synthetic and natural. For non-toxic brushes, it’s best to opt for synthetic fibers rather than natural ones, as they tend to be hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly. Synthetic fibers also resist bacteria and shed less, making them a more hygienic choice.

Some manufacturers produce top-quality synthetic fibers that mimic the performance of natural hair but without the associated ethical concerns. These bristles can be used with various makeup types, including liquid, cream, and powder, providing excellent application and blending results.

3.2 Handle Materials

The materials used for handles play a significant role in the eco-friendliness of a makeup brush. For non-toxic brushes, it’s best to choose handles made from sustainable and eco-friendly materials like bamboo or recycled materials. Bamboo handles are naturally antimicrobial, lightweight, and biodegradable.

Recycled materials, such as aluminum or recycled plastic, are also a great option for non-toxic brush handles. They help reduce waste and have a lower environmental impact compared to new materials.

3.3 Durability and Shedding

A high-quality, non-toxic makeup brush should be durable, ensuring it lasts for an extended period with proper care. Durability involves both bristle quality and the build of the brush itself. Brushes with well-attached bristles and robust handles are more likely to stand up to regular use and cleaning without losing shape or shedding.

Shedding can be an issue with some makeup brushes, and it’s crucial to choose a brush that retains its bristles during application and cleaning. Synthetic fibers are generally less prone to shedding, providing a longer lifespan for the brush.

4. Impact of Non-Toxic Brushes on the Beauty Industry

4.1 Consumer Awareness

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of using eco-friendly makeup brushes that are free from toxins and cruelty. This growing awareness is largely due to the rise in popularity of the vegan lifestyle and the demand for cruelty-free products. Major companies like Sephora have taken notice of these trends and are starting to offer a wider selection of non-toxic and vegan makeup brushes.

Concerns about animal testing in the cosmetics industry have also contributed to the growing demand for non-toxic alternatives. By choosing non-toxic makeup brushes, consumers can support businesses that prioritize ethical practices and avoid contributing to unnecessary harm to animals.

4.2 Trends and Innovations

To cater to the increasing demand, the beauty industry has seen a surge in trends and innovations relating to non-toxic and eco-friendly makeup products. Some key innovations include:

• Sustainable materials: Many manufacturers are choosing to use more sustainable materials, such as bamboo and recycled aluminum, to create non-toxic makeup brushes. This helps reduce the environmental impact of these products as well as cater to the increasing number of consumers seeking eco-friendly options.
• Vegan bristles: Traditional makeup brushes often use animal hair bristles. Non-toxic brushes are now using innovative synthetic bristles that not only eliminate the need for animal testing but also provide a high-quality makeup application experience.
• Collaborations: Recognizing the demand for ethical products, popular companies like Sephora are frequently partnering with sustainable, cruelty-free brands to bring more options to their customers. This expands the availability of non-toxic makeup brushes and further promotes the trend within the beauty industry.

The shift towards non-toxic makeup brushes is having a tangible impact on the beauty industry, both in terms of consumer preferences and the types of products being developed. As awareness continues to grow, it is expected that more companies will choose to prioritize the well-being of both consumers and the environment by offering a more diverse range of non-toxic makeup products and tools.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

5.1 What materials are typically used in the manufacture of eco-friendly makeup brushes?

Eco-friendly makeup brushes are usually made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo, recycled aluminum, and synthetic bristles. Synthetic bristles are often created from taklon or nylon, which are cruelty-free and do not involve animal hair.

5.2 How can you effectively clean and maintain non-toxic makeup brushes to ensure longevity?

To clean and maintain non-toxic makeup brushes, you should wash them regularly with a gentle, natural cleaner or a DIY solution, such as a mixture of water and mild soap. Gently swirl the bristles in the solution, rinse them thoroughly, and lay them flat to dry to keep their shape and prolong their lifespan.

5.3 How do synthetic bristles compare to natural bristles in terms of performance and eco-friendliness?

Synthetic bristles offer a cruelty-free and eco-friendly alternative to natural bristles, which often come from animal hair. In terms of performance, high-quality synthetic bristles can now mimic the feel and application abilities of natural bristles. They also tend to be more hypoallergenic, making them a better choice for people with sensitive skin or allergies.

5.4 What criteria should consumers look for when selecting high-quality, sustainable makeup brushes?

When selecting high-quality, sustainable makeup brushes, consumers should consider factors such as materials used, manufacturing processes, and brand reputation. Look for brushes made from eco-friendly materials like bamboo, recycled aluminum, and synthetic bristles, and choose brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices during production. It’s also essential to research and read reviews to determine the performance and durability of the brushes.

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