Some people prefer boar (hard and cheaper) but most prefer badger (softer more expensive) . THe badger brushes come in numerous sizes and different levels with the silvertip badger being the most desirerable. I have tried the boar first, I now pull the bristles out to test during honing. ( I didn't like it) :D I have two badger brushes and I like them both one best badger and one silvertip. I also lather the creams on my face I go alll different ways, circles, up and down, left and right. It's all good..