Hi All, This is an unusual topic concerning members of the weasel family, specifically mink and the sable. I am a cosmetology student and am currently learning about nail technology. I was very disappointed (although unsurprised) to hear that natural hair brushes are still being used in the industry. Specifically, sable and mink hair is promoted as being the best material to use on nail art and artificial nail application. Also, natural hair is used on makeup brushes in order to apply everything from eye shadow to face powder. I am very disappointed in my industry in that it would seem in this day and age and with an increased concern over animal testing for cosmetics and killing of mink and others for things like fur coats, etc. that there hasn't been an artificial substitute for makeup and nail brushes. My question to you all is whether or not you have heard or have any ideas as to any attempts in the cosmetology industry to use synthetic hair that is a high quality and just as good as natural hair for cosmetic brushes. I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on the topic, especially if you have a cosmetology background or have worked in the industry in some facet. I am very disturbed over this topic as I am strongly encouraged to purchase natural hair brushes for my work and i feel very uncomfortable (not to mention a tad hypocritical as an animal welfare believer and ferret lover) to purchase hair that has been taken off animals whom have been raised and/or killed specifically for such a trivial reason as to make some humans look a little better. Any thoughts? Sunny [Posted in FML issue 3819]