The Animal Lover's Guide to Brushes

Hey everyone! So I've been working on this post for a few weeks already, and it is finally ready to be published! (Obviously since you're reading it) Anyway, part of what took me so long is contacting every company on this list and ensuring no animal fur is used in ANY of their brushes! You heard me: NO ANIMAL FUR REQUIRED! YAY! I always make sure every lash or brush I purchase did not come from an animal in any way. I have owned many brushes on this list, and I will share my honest opinion on each one, so lets get started!

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1. Elf- This is a great company with affordable brushes you can find almost anywhere. If you've recently decided to start using brushes, I think Elf is a great choice to start practicing with. I purchased my first Elf brush years ago, and still have it! Almost no bristle fall out which is awesome. This is the "Flawless Face Brush" for $6.00 USD!
2. Eco Tools- I have to admit I wanted to love Eco Tools really really bad. Don't get me wrong, I think it's a great company with great quality tools, but it's not my favorite on this list. When I first purchased the flat top brush it applied my foundation flawlessly. Unfortunately, over time the bristles in the middle began to sink in creating a "U" shape in the center of the brush. I did have it for a long while before all of the bristles fell out at once, so maybe it was my fault for using it past it's preferred life span. This is the "Custom Coverage Buffing Brush" for $6.99 USD!
3. Wet N Wild- OBSESSED! This new collection of brushes by Wet N Wild could fit into almost every category on this blog post, but since they are extremely affordable on top of great quality I decided to place them here! I've been on the hunt for these brushes since they were introduced online and were constantly selling out. That was until I stopped by an HEB for hairspray and saw them glistening on the rack. (Yes "glistening" it was a magical moment!) So soft, so gentle and so affordable. A must have for beauty lovers on a budget! This cruelty free, gluten free, and vegan brush goes for $2.99 USD! $2.99!! I know i'm freaking out too!
4. Pixi- This is the most expensive brush on this list (and may not be considered budget friendly to all of us), but I decided to include this brand because I have heard many wonderful things about Pixi Beauty and it can be found at your local Target. This is the "Cheek Brush" for $22.00 USD and can be used to apply blush or bronzer effortlessly.

1. Urban Decay- When I reached out to Urban Decay the representative was extremely helpful and assured me that all brushes offered are currently vegan. I have not purchased a brush from this company, but I did want my readers to know they are vegan friendly. This is the "Good Karma Blush Brush" for $32.00 USD. IMPORTANT NOTE: Although Urban Decay themselves are a cruelty-free company, they are owned by L'Oreal who does test on animals.
2. Sugarpill- I love Sugarpill! On top of amazing pigmented cosmetics, they offer super cute vegan synthetic brushes! I think Sugarpill is a wonderful choice for animal lover's like myself looking for great quality products. Pair this "Tapered Blending & Crease Brush" with one of their highly pigmented shadows for a match made in heaven! $18.00 USD.
3. Tarte- I own a lot of Tarte and the "Rule Bender" double ended shadow brush is my go to. This is my favorite brush to travel with since it has a blending brush on one side, and a crease brush on the opposite end. Pair this brush with a small travel palette, and you're good to go for the weekend. The "Rule Bender" sells for $28.00 USD. IMPORTANT NOTE: Tarte cosmetics is a cruelty free company, but is owned by Kose who is not cruelty free.
4. Too Faced- I had to include the Too Faced "teddy bear hair" line because it's too cute! This kabuki brush is created entirely with high quality synthetics making it soft and animal friendly. This is the "Retractable Kabuki Brush" for $34.00 USD.
5. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics- I do not personally own a brush from this company yet, but since I love OCC and all that they stand for, I decided to include them on this list. All of the brushes they offer are vegan and made of nylon and taklon fibers. This is the "Large Powder Brush" and sells for $28.00 USD.

1. Beauty Blender- Beauty Blenders are extremely popular right now and there's a reason for it! I will never go back to applying concealer with a brush ever again. My only complaint is the price of the sponge ($20.00 USD) for how long it lasts. Which brings me to my next product...
2. Real Techniques- Yes it is true, the Real Techniques sponge can give Beauty Blender a run for it's money. At a fraction of the price ($6.00) you can't beat it!

1. Cover Fx- I love Cover Fx for that natural light makeup feel. This is the "Liquid Foundation Brush" for $38.00 USD. I think what made me list this as high performance is the smooth application and great design. 
2. Hourglass Cosmetics- Fancy! Hourglass Cosmetic's brushes are made of high quality Taklon fibers used to imitate the feel of real fur. These fibers are usually used as an alternative for those who suffer an animal fur allergy. This is the "No. 7 Finishing Brush" and sells for $65.00 USD. Bonus: it's vegan too!
3. IT Cosmetics- It Cosmetics actually reminds me of Cover Fx for some reason and it's probably quality. Both feel very fresh on the skin. This company truly enhances your unique features without the cakey-ness of heavy makeup. (Is that even a word? Cakey-ness?) This is the "Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7" for $48.00 USD.
4. Real Techniques- The Bold Metal Collection offers a luxury feel at an affordable price! This is the "300 Tapered Blush" brush for $19.00 USD! This collection also includes both a gold and silver selection of brushes.

1. Real Techniques- It's almost as if i'm obsessed with Real Techniques or something... Well I am. This is the "Core Collection" for $18.00 USD. This set includes a contour brush, pointed foundation brush, detailer brush, buffing brush, and a cute little case to keep them nice and organized.
2. Elf- Definitely the best bang for your buck. This is the "11 Piece Brush Collection" and it's currently selling at a discounted price of $30.00 USD! If you've just decided to purchase your first set of brushes I think this is a great contender since it provides you with every brush you need to get started. 
3. Too Faced- If you're looking for a fancier high quality set the "Pro-Essential Teddy Bear Hair" brush set is an excellent choice. This set sells for $65.00 and includes 5 high quality brushes! Bonus: Vegan friendly!

Popular Brushes to Avoid:
BH Cosmetics (cruelty-free cosmetic company) - Brushes contain pony hair
Sigma Beauty- Brushes contains "natural bristles" (animal fur) & I did not receive a reply when I contacted.
Morphe- Brushes contain Italian Badger Fur
Sonia Kashuk (cruelty-free cosmetic company)- Brushes contain goat hair.

I do plan on editing and tweaking this list as I find more companies i'd like to recommend, so be sure to check back often! I hope you found this list helpful, and feel free to leave any questions in the comments! Thanks for reading! :)