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Traditional cosmetic brushes of high quality have always been similar to good artists' brushes. The only differences were in the length of the handles and sometimes the color of the ferrules.
For the last twenty years, Korea has been the main producer of cosmetic brushes sold in the West by the various manufacturers and distributors of cosmetics. The quality has been significantly diminished. Large powder brushes that were once made of pure squirrel hair are now made of single- and double-drawn goat hair. White goat hair is often dyed in a variety of fashionable colors. Eyeliners and lip brushes that were traditionally made of pure sable hair now contain brown pony hair of various mixtures. Even human hair is used to manufacture certain types of inexpensive makeup brushes. The type of hair that has been used is never printed on the brush handle, and retail store personnel seldom know what hair has been used. The retail price of these brushes is very high because so many people are involved in the distribution network. In addition, profit margins in the cosmetics industry are relatively high. Consumers wishing to purchase high-quality cosmetic brushes at advantageous prices should visit their local art-supply stores. Oval or round watercolor wash brushes make excellent powder brushes. Small sable watercolor brushes are very good eyeliners, and sable filberts make wonderful lipstick and eyeshadow brushes. All cosmetic brushes should be washed thoroughly with soap and warm water before being used on the skin. |