I picked up this brush at Sally Beauty, hoping for a good quality brush at an affordable price. I felt like I hit the jackpot with this brush. The bristles are natural pony hair, and extremely soft. I have washed them countless times, and the hair has remained very soft. The handle is very comfortable to hold. It applies shadow extremely well. It has a wide coverage area, so I use it either to add my highlight along the brow bone or working with one color to add color to just above my crease. It is too big for much else. I can't say enough good things about these brushes. I want more!