When I first saw these beauties they were not available on the Hakuhodo website yet so I have ordered them by email. Hakuhodo told me they will be available on their Hakuhodo online shop sometime this week, perfect timing then !
I love kabukis, I love white hair – only on brushes though…, I love wood handles and I love Hakuhodo’s customer service, I just could not resist ! Enough reasons here for me to get the whole family :
They come in 3 different sizes, small, medium and large (final price to be confirmed by Hakuhodo this week).
| Full length | Hair length | Base of ferrule | Price in USD | |
| Small | 5.5cm | 3cm | 2cm | 72 |
| Medium | 6.5cm | 3.5cm | 2.5cm | 120 |
| Large | 7.2cm | 3.5cm | 2.8cm | 180 |
Each brush handle has its own personality, you can see the grain of the maple wood through the beautiful varnish coat and the curved shape allows you to nicely follow the growth rings.
The engraving at the back of the brushes is different on the smallest brush :
The hair is Saikoho goat, it’s softer, more rare and therefore much more expensive than other goat hair.
They have a similar softness as the Tom Ford 02, 06 or the Hakuhodo J5543 or J210, but are more densely packed and firmer.
Small Kinoko
I like to use it with highlight, contour and even blush – I love to apply blush very precisely.
I find it a bit difficult to hold because of its tiny size but it’s definitely the cutest. It’s also the more pointy of the 3, it’s dense, firm and directional, the blending is flawless.
Medium Kinoko
It can be used for blush or bronzer, again it’s very dense, firmer than the largest Kinoko, the application is precise (it’s slightly tappered) but soft, it delivers sheer to heavy coverage. I prefer to use it with products that aren’t heavily pigmented, the blending capabilities are excellent and I am loving the flawless finish achieved with all these three Kinokos.
Large Kinoko
This brush is fantastic with bronzer or powder. The application of setting powder can be done in a stippling motion since it’s very soft and won’t hurt your skin at all.
It’s the flattest of the 3, it’s very dense and the white mass of hair feels divine, this brush reminds me of a bare foot walk on the softest carpet… or more unlikely on the fluffiest and softest bed of clouds…
Although it’s very dense, it still has flexibility and to me it’s the perfect balance between density and flexibility for a kabuki. The Koyudo white mushroom in comparison is softer but less dense and the application is sheerer.
Bottom line
The smallest brush is insanely cute, a bit difficult to hold when you have big hands and it’s light, the other two are much more heavy and more easy to work with.
The quality of these brushes is stunning, the finish of the handles flawless and the hair is nicely bundled, they did shed a few hair but I find this shedding normal during the first wash, if anything goes wrong I’ll keep you updated.
They are very expensive but qualitywise, this is a world apart from the Rae Morris brushes for example (handle and hair).
I am still in the process of having to control my hand… although the application can be sheer – they don’t “over-pick” product at all – I just can’t control myself, they are so pleasant to use that I don’t want to stop !
These are truly wonderful brushes for kabuki lovers.
EDIT 4.12.2012
The brushes are already available on the Hakuhodo USA website.
I just wanted to add a picture with the small kinoko in my hand so that you can maybe have a better idea of its size 🙂
63 comments
The baby kinoko is definitely the cutest! 5.5cm – that’s so small. The wooden handles are so beautiful as well… I really do love how Hakuhodo use these beautiful wood handles for some of their brushes 🙂
Oh how cute, I’ve been lemming the small black kinoko for a year now but I think I prefer the white one, the medium one seems very good also but I have a round head koyudo foundation brush that seems to double the medium or the big one. I’m glad hakuhodo brings finally some exclusive japanese goods. It will be nice if they offered also the make up and expand their make up line in general. Well, on the other hand, it will certainely ruin me 🙂
I’m making my brush list but I’m all on foundations and lipsticks now (I have a lo-o-ng list of armani lip maestros) and prefer wait after holidays to order overseas, I’ve already have a lost package for my little girl 🙁
Hi Nikoleta,
I agree it would be nice if they offered make up as well. By the way, today I got the confirmation that my Hakuhodo (Japan) palette and brushes were shipped, so that means I will be able to review their Christmas palette 😀 exciting !
There are a few new items appearing at the moment and I am curious to see what they will put on the USA website this week.
Please let me know what foundations you will be trying !
I am into skincare at the moment, really looking for anti-ageing products… 🙂
Around Christmas it’s a nightmare for parcels 🙁
well, I don’t have much choice, I have oily skin so I got a back up of double wear for summer (in the south of France that’s the only one that stays put all day) as obviously they’ve changed the formula for new shades (less cover and less staying power), I managed to get my fresco from the old line, but other than that I’m in the hunt for lightweight foundation for winter, I’m quite interested in the kanebo sensai line but there are not many reviews on the lasting velvet. I’ve tried the maestro armani and while finish was really awesome the first two hours, I’ve got some dry patches around mouth by the end of the day 🙁 I’ve tested (on hand) the other day a décleor foundation: melaperfect, finish seemed quite luminous, sheer to medium coverage, I’ll try to get a sample to see how it behaves on skin for a day long.
as for skincare, I’m using clarisonic since june and my skin is behaving quite well : smaller pores and more even skin, I double cleanse with cleansing oil and then kanebo soap or hadalabo AHA/BHA Daily Face Wash and at last galénic or uriage cream. I don’t use very rich skincare as I’m quite acne-prone with richer textures.
Did you get the la prairie foundation? For what I remember it is very appropriate for normal-dry skin.
Good to know 🙂
Yes I did get the La Prairie foundation… but it was sooo difficult 1) to get a good match 2) to apply it properly 3) not to over-apply the quantity every single time I use it…
the reason I still got is that even though I don’t like it immediately after application, after 3 hours my skin starts to like it and at the end of the day I look better than at the start… I don’t understand that evolution, but I was curious and wanted to test it in a long term, maybe it has some properties that make it better as the day passes… I am really very puzzled !!!
Yesterday I applied it and I had to remove it and wear something else instead. Something is wrong in the way I apply it or in the way it first sets on my skin, but then it gets better, weird. I will keep you updated 🙂
Ahhhh! Exactly what I “need”! All three actually! I like the denseness not to mention they are gorgeous! These will me my next purchase for sure! (Especially since i still have not heard from Koyudo). What a wonderful box to come home to 😉
Hey Stacy,
I haven’t heard back from Koyudo either yet. Don’t worry!
You’ll like these. The handles are soooo beautiful !!
When I read Sonia’s description of the large Kinoko being like walking on a thick & soft carpet I went and felt mine again & her description ist so perfect. I admit that I haven’t actually used them yet. They’re washed, but they’re still just on diplay in my room. I just haven’t had the time to play lately:(
Thanks again to Nikoleta for spotting them in the first place!!
Thanks to Nikoleta for spotting them (she is our loyal brush hunter 🙂 ) and thanks to you Buggsiebee for asking Hakuhodo how to get them !!!
I am blessed with you all ! <3
I hope you will love them as much as I do !
Exactly Stacy ! 😀
I was so happy to open that little parcel ! Imagine also the day when I’ll get my japanese Hakuhodo order 😛
Welcome back, Sonia!
I love the wood handles on these brushes, so lovely! I’ll be checking out Hakuhodo’s site for sure this week.
Sonia, I’m really keen to hear your view on the Hakuhodo makeup.
That palette looks beautiful!!
Their Japan shop appears to be just as efficient as the US one!
Koyudo is not up to that standard yet, but their brushes are generally worth the wait:)
Hope your first day back at work was ok??
You’re probably glad to be home after spending a week in a strange bed.
Oooh, these are adorable!!!!! Thank goodness, I’m not into Kabuki brushes (I just don’t know what to do with them, lol) – yet! If anything can push me over, it’s going to be you Sonia :D!!!
Guess nobody has heard from Koyudo yet???? It’s getting long, no? Stacy, have you received your Xmas set from CD Japan?
The only good news, is that my pending order from Koyudo is keeping me from other brush purchases, lol. Sadly, it’s not keeping me from other goodies, and I have ordered my first Shu eyeshadows, and have finally gotten the red Shu for my Meteorites (thanks to you, again, Sonia!), and the Shu #10 I’ve been considering forever!
I was also wondering if anyone would have any recommendations for a nice, not too heavy weight, brightening concealer, by any chance? I love my CdP, but find that I would like something a bit more moisturizing for winter. I have tried the By Terry Touché Velouté, and Ellis Faas, but not a 100% on either. I like the Giorgio Armani (the old one, not the Maestro), but find it doesn’t last long enough and is pretty much gone by the end of the day. I would be grateful for any suggestions 🙂
I am oddly drown to the little Kinoko…. That didn’t take long, LOL!
Hey Neo! My CdJapan order is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow!!! You will have to let us know how you like your Shu goodies!
Stacy, did you get them ??
Sonia: I just opened my box! So soft and cute!! Love 😉
Melissa: I order from CdJapan and usually after I place the order and pay by paypal they send an order confirmation. From that point it is about 2 weeks and then I get the shipping notice. The shipment takes two to three days to arrive by International FedEx. Total turnaround time is 2-3 weeks. Not bad at all but I know it seems like an eternity 😉
Yaaayyy Stacy!!!!!! Did you get to use your new lovelies? How exciting :)!!!! I can’t wait to hear all about it!
I really like the Shu shadows – the texture is wonderful to work with, and doesn’t budge (that being said nothing does anymore since I switched to the Lorac eye primer! That stuff is amazing!). Depending on the brush you use, they can apply sheer (I LOVE my Suqqu eyeshadow L brush – probably my favorite all over) or quite pigmented (like with the Shu #10). The Shu #10 is a wonderful and very versatile eye brush, and if you could only pack one on a trip, this would be it – I applied, blended, and even lined my lower lash with it (just to try, you know, lol), and got a very nice result. But I left my heart with squirrel brushes, and I really think that while I will never be able to live with only this one, the Suqqu eyeshadow L is my HG eye brush (it just works for me!) 😉
Neo, I just saw this… My computer had the nerve to put it in “junk” how dare it! I have been using and I really like both of the brushes (haven’t tried the lip.. it looks wonderful but i am just not a big lip brush person). I will be honest and say I prefer the Fu Pa liquid foundation brush better. For some reason I prefer that shape but the difference is minor and of course I love both of my babies! Can’t seem to go wrong with Koyudo! You need to just place a CDJapan order! They are great!
Lol, no worries Stacy! I know exactly how that goes :D. Interesting that you prefer the regular FuPa! If you don’t mind me asking, what kind if foundation do you use? Liquid, creme? I have just switched to the Koh Gen Do Aqua foundation, which is extremely thin/”liquidy”, and I wonder if that makes a difference?
I just wish Koyudo would get back to us already, and that we could all order our brushes!!!! I just sent them a reminder again today (I mean, it has now been 3 weeks since we all drowned them under our orders, you’d think they would have had time to get their act together by now???). I guess that at this point I will get my first Koyudo in 2013…. If only CD Japan had the red squirrel brush too, I think I’d just pay for the Xmas kit, even though I really only want the FuPa in the kit (I don’t have the first notion about contouring, and decided a long time ago that I could live without – of course, that will change as soon as Sonia posts her review of contouring products, LOL)! Here’s to hoping Koyudo finally gets back to us soon….
Neo: I am having a love fest with my Ellis Faas lately! I have also used the Fu Pa’s with Tom Ford and Dior Nude…. Using the wonderful tip of dampening the brush with water all three did phenomenally well! Never thought a brush would make that huge amount of a difference! Now I am neglecting my CDP because I want to use the Fu Pa’s and that particular foundation and primer work better with fingers….. imo 😉
Kay: you truly sound like a brow expert! You will have to tutor us!!!!!!
OK, I totally apologize for this, but I’m getting completely lost and confused with the “reply” levels, and so may doing this the “messy way” :(. I just hope we are all subscribed anyway, and then it doesn’t matter tooooooo much…
Stacy, I will try the wet brush trick tomorrow, just to see (although, the KGD is so liquid-y already, I wonder if it will make any difference?)! I find that while I love my Shu 18 brush and reach for it most often, the CdP actually looked fantastic when applied with the Louise Young 34 brush ;). And aaaaaah, Ellis Faas – my most favorite foundation of all times, but which breaks me up so bad I just can’t get near it (this is a HUGE sore point for me, you have no idea, lol). Just heartbreaking!!!!!!! But I’m glad you are enjoying it 🙂
You know, I shop a little bit everywhere, depending on my “needs”. For example, I absolutely loathe Saks, not only because of the bad lightening, but mainly because apart from the CdP and Burberry counter MUAs, I find the staff overbearingly arrogant and snotty, and sometimes borderline rude. Still, they have the only Burberry counter in the city, so if I need something from this line, I will go there, or if I absolutely need instant gratification on something all other counters in the city are out of. I go to Barneys for YSL, By Terry, and just because I like it there (but I am more into Barneys for the ground floor – bags bags bags!!!!!!!). I also shop Bloomies regularly for not hard to find items. But my favorite (and I never thought I would say that!) is Bergdof Goodman, because they have a whole lot of brands others don’t have (Edward Bess – who is there regularly himself! -, LMdB, Paul & Jo, they used to have Ellis Faas, etc.) and because that’s also where I buy my skin care stuff (Amore Pacific and Sulwhasoo). Oh, and how could I forget: Space NK on Green Street is just one of the most lovely places, never too full, and with wonderful MUAs!
My parents have arrived, but I have courageously decided not to hide my brushes (even though a few of them are strategically and temporarily “displaced” ;)….) and take responsibility for my addiction. this morning my Mom came in while I was doing my makeup (I have all my stuff inside a cabinet, so it’s only visible when I have it open and am actually accessing and using it). She said: how many brushes do you need???? I said, but they are all different. To which she simply said – guess it’s your hobby or something? EXACTLY :D!!!!! LOL
Oh, and Sonia, I also wanted to comment on something you said: you are soooo not chubby, seriously!!!!!!!! I don’t think you NEED contouring, but if you always do it, it sure looks good :)!
A girl after my own heart!! One must always do what one must for the instant gratification and that includes giving business to snotty sa’s! ;P love it!!!!! I always forget about Bergdorf’s and I shouldn’t it is a wonderful store. I do most of my cosmetic shopping in Atlanta in Neiman’s and I have the loveliest SA ! I have never (shame shame!) been to Space NK (ordered from but never been in)! Next time…….
So proud of you for not hiding your brushes 🙂
And Sonia: I agree that I see NO chubby!!!!!!! Only chiseled cheek bones and jaw line!! xo
Hi Neo,
If you have any questions about Koyudo brushes, contact CD Japan directly, they are able to get any Koyudo brush for you even if they are not on their website yet (if I got it right!)
Contouring changes my chubby face so much that I cannot live without it anymore 🙂 If I could, I would 😛
Bonnie, I’m so sorry for the late reply – I seem to have a hard time keeping up these days (still owing Stacy some answers too ;)!). I have been apply the KGD with my Shu #18, and have had no issue. It does drink some foundation up (as always!), but actually less so than it did my CdP foundation, so I’m happy with it, lol. I apply “traditionally” – pour some KGD on the back of my hand, dip the Shu in, and then apply to the face. I’ve found that stretching the brush across the face first (and fast!), and then blending, works better for me with the KGD. So basically I apply large streaks of foundation al over with the brush, and then go back and blend.
I can’t wait to see how the Xmas FuPa will perform!
Which brings me to this: I FINALLY got an answer from Koyudo this morning, and paid!!!!! They got back to me apologizing for the delay, explaining that they had had an issue with the renewal of their PayPal account, and so had had to put a hold on their international orders. I just hope that they now ship out fast!!!! Has anyone else heard from them? They actually answered to the reminder I sent them a couple of days ago (I had re-attached my order form), not to any of my earlier mails, if that makes any difference?
Sonia, thank you so much for this info, I didn’t know!!!! I will definitely try the CD Japan route next time (OMG, I can’t believe I actually just typed that!!!! I guess there will be a next time, lol) 😀
Buggsibee, I can’t be of help with the eyebrow stuff as the Shu Hard 9 is perfection for me (in Walnut Brown though, which of course is not offered on their US website, but which I got on eBay, and shaped the right way – for now) . However, I will definitely check out the Chantecaille Lip Chic in Nocturne, as Camellia is my favorite lippie, and I love the Bur Dusty Rose pencil too! Thank you so much for the indirect recommendation 🙂
Quick question, Neo, how do you apply your KGD? I’m finding that fingers work best to roughly apply it onto my skin and then I’m using a foundation brush to blend. I tried using my Chikuhodo G-10 to apply directly and it just DRINKS it up haha.
Agreeing with you about Koyudo getting back to us soon…. 🙁
No Neo, not a word from Koyudo… they must be working hard in making the brushes otherwise I don’t understand…
I will soon have news about Shu Uemura eyeshadow and lip brushes, I got a few in London and I am loving them ! Also the #10 🙂
I use the Burberry pen one, it’s lightweight but still covers enough for me and it’s non drying on my skin. I have to say that even though I need something for my wrinkles, I don’t need to use a lot of concealer.
Speaking of Burberry, just got the lip liner in 02 Dusty Rose, it’s not the most long lasting texture but I am LOVING the shade !!! really in love !
I was at the counter since I wanted 2 eyeshadows and they told me that if I bought 3 products I could get a nice GWP… (a full size Burberry makeup remover, a mini lipstick, a beauty bag) so I picked this lipliner and it’s absolutely gorgeous. I wear it under a Suqqu creamy lipstick and the combination is one of my favorites, unfortunately not very long lasting but for that color result, I don’t mind that much 🙂
I took a picture with the small kinoko in my hand and uploaded in the post, it probably gives a better idea of the small size 😀
I sure hope Koyudo is shaving goat after goat (and a couple of red squirrels, lol), and working hard at making our brushes, LOL! I received my beautiful beautiful Z1 and MK2 yesterday, thanks to the lovely and wonderful Malin! The brushes came packaged exquisitely, and OMG, but am I glad you enabled me Sonia :D! Thank you thank you thank you! I now washed both and they finally dried, and now my biggest problem is: which one do I use tomorrow morning???? Decisions, decisions, lol! I can see myself developing a soft spot for the MK2, and not only because it’s so beautiful, but we shall see.
Thank you for the Burberry concealer recommendation! I will definitely pick it up as soon as I make it to the counter – but it may not be before next month (my family is coming next week and staying for the holidays, and they are not too much into cosmetics, lol – which reminds me that I need to make the painful decision on which brushes to hide this weekend and for the next few weeks 🙁 ). For now, I just passed by Sephora and went back to my first concealer love, Mister Light from Givenchy. Used it this morning, and have to say that I’m kind of wondering why I ever stopped using it! It’s really nice!!!!!
And too funny: I have that same dusty rose lip crayon, and LOVE LOVE the color!!!!! If only they made a lipstick in that shade! I love it layered with Chanel Boy lippie too 😉
And that small Kinoko is really REALLY cute, lol!!!!!
The Kinokos are already up for sale at Hakuhodo:)
yes.. and they informed me by mail too 😉 this is customer service.
By the way, my japanese Hakuhodo order was made on the 29th November, they shipped it (brushes engraved!) on the 3rd of December and on the 4th, it already arrived at the forwarding company…
Aaaaaaaaa. ….stalking the Hakuhodo site now!! I neeeed all 3 but my bank allows me only 1 🙁
Neo: I have been using the Shu Uemura – Nobara cream cover stick for the last 4 months now and I like it a lot! Not dry and cakey at all, like most concealers do. Packaging is kind a crappy, especially for the $44!! But so far it works for me.
Question abt CDJapan: how long does it take before they send u the shipping confirmation?
What type of shipping do u use when ordering from them? I chose the Registered airmail. Anyone has done that before?
If so, how long did it take to arrive?
I ordered the Pink Fu Pa 02 and Pink Macaron last Friday, so far no news except for the order conf.
The waiting is killing!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you so much Melissa, I would love to try the Shu Nobara stick – if only I had a way to determine the right shade!!!! Sadly I have to buy online, sight unseen, and while I can do that for brushes and eyeshadows (thanks to wonderful bloggers swatches and brush posts ;)!), I have a hard time with foundation/concealer and bases in general. I really hope to get to a counter at some point, somewhere….I’m starting to think I should plan a holiday in Japan… LOL
I just received the littlest brush and it is incredibly soft! Had to order the Medium right away. Wow, these are really nice. I have lots of the blue squirrel brushes, mostly Kokutan collection, by Hakuhodo and the quality is super. I actually like them better than my Suqqu powder and blush brushes.
christmas set on hakuhodo usa 😉
http://www.hakuhodousa.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=433
Thank you Nikoleta !! Amazing info ! As always .. 🙂
Darn you Nikoleta! 🙂
Sonia, have you got that eyeshadow palette yet? I can’t keep up….
Has anyone tried the Hakohodo shadows? Sorry if we’ve talked about that already, my poor Holiday brain is frazzled 😉
Yeah, really, THANK YOU Nikoleta :(!!!!!! LOL 😀
yeah… I am with you Neo… THANK YOU Nikoleta 🙁
😀
I wish they sold the palette alone as the last year, I’ve found some photos of it
http://ameblo.jp/cosme-fashion-love/archive1-200901.html
hi girls…is anybody going to buy the hakuhodo set??? do you have any experience with their sets???? I recently bought some J series and I am addicted to hakuhodo brushes. I am afraid that I won´t be able to resist this offer but I don´t want to be disappointed:))))
Hi 🙂
I got the set today, I can do a small post today if you like.
I am loving the brushes, so that’s already a good thing.
The palette is that wasn’t a brow palette I wouldn’t have bought it. (not sure about my english here 😛 )
What I mean is that they are not “silky-creamy-pigmented”, they have a more subtle pigmentation and a color much more adapted for brows than eyeshadows, I will try it tonight and will keep you updated, unfortunately I am at work and I don’t think I will be able to give it a try during my lunch break.. we’ll see 🙂
oh sonia, you are makeup angel….that would be great…thank you soooo much:))))
I am sorry I couldn’t make it 🙁 the pc I am using at the moment is sooo slow that it ended crashing everytime I tried..
So I just tell you a few words about the set in the meantime (hopefully if all goes well tomorrow I can upload more details…)
The palette is nice for an eyebrow palette, the shades are not luminous (but they are brow shades so it’s absolutely normal!!) See swatches here. I will try to use it tomorrow as eyeshadows and brows so we’ll see how it goes. The stains they left behing are a good sign that it lasts on the brows.
The brushes : these are all brushes that I’ll use on a regular basis so I couldn’t be happier. The J5523 seems slighty pointier than the one on the current J series. They are not “reduced-quality-set” brushes, they are the real deal, very good quality, just keep in mind that the handles are a bit shorter.
In a few words, yes I would repurchase the set since I don’t have many powder eyeshadows for eyebrows, but the palette, to me, it’s not a must have.
The brushes are must-haves, every single one of this set so I am very happy and proud to have my name engraved on mine :p
The pouch is gorgeous, it’s a matter of preference, it’s not leather but I love the color and I love the size.
I really hope I’ll be able to give you some more details about this set tomorrow and the good thing is that I would have used it by then 🙂
is the set blush brush similar in shape to S110 ?
No it’s not, the S110 is twice the thickness with the same hair length. Softer than the S110. The S110 is less pointy, see here.
Hi, I got the Hakuhodo eyebrow palette a couple of months ago and it’s pretty versatile particularly for those who like to change their hair color and looks.
The light brown is to blend with other colors and for the outer end of the brow. The dark brown is for defined brows and can be used as eyeliner. The red brown is for those with auburn hair. The light grey is for ash blondes and also for the inner end of the brow for those with black hair. The muddy green is for those with black hair and the gold which has shimmer bits can be used for shadow or even to mix with other colors. (I tried that and think perhaps slightly shimmery eyebrows could work for a dramatic look.) Of course, you can blend any of the colors with each other to get the shade you want to match your particular makeup look of the day.
For those who have a low bridge, the light brown, like the light brown in the Suqqu palette, can be used under the brow next to the nose to contour that area and give the appearance of a higher bridge.
I actually haven’t played with this palette much since I got it — it’s a bit intimidating for me right now with so many shades to choose from — but I think it has a lot of potential. The shadows are not smooth like eyeshadows but they are fine for eyebrows.
I usually stick to the same eyebrow look everyday but it’s an interesting concept to create dimension and a more natural look using different shades and be able to modify your brows to your look. It’s not Brows 101, more like Brows 301 for those who want to perfect their brows and have the talent and patience to achieve that level of perfection.
Kay, that was an outstanding description! Extremely comprehensive, most helpful! Thanks! Having said that let’s see if I venture into using mine AT ALL when it gets to me (hopefully tomorrow!) 😉
Sad face 🙁
I REALLY was hoping to be able to use this lovely looking neutral palette as eyeshadow but I guess Hakuhodo called it an eyebrow palette because it IS an eyebrow & NOT an eyeshadow palette! Rats:P
Hi Bugsiebee, yes, you are right 🙁 this is an eyebrow palette for most.
And I didn’t mean to discourage anyone from using this palette. The colors are very good and natural looking and I know I will be keeping it as I have nothing like it.
It’s just that palettes with more than 2-4 colors tend to be used less frequently by me. I’m not good at color mixing and matching, figuring out what goes where, and then the worst part is remembering what I did the next time :p For some, it’s fun and easy, but for me, it’s “doh…..?”
I suppose this could be a simple palette if you chose one or two colors that work well for you and stick with that. There is nothing wrong with using one color for the entire brow. It just gets a little detailed if you start using different colors for different parts etc. to try to achieve different effects.
I don’t know how much use the eyebrow palette would be to me 🙁 I have dark brown/black hair and I think, like Sonia, my brows are fairly full so I don’t really need much definition. The presentation of the set looks so beautiful that I’m wondering whether I should just buy it for the brushes or get them separately….
Still waiting on Koyudo to get back to me though, so if it’s still around by the time Koyudo replies… I’ll ponder the question then. Decisions!
Hi Kay:)
I didn’t find your explanation discouraging at all. On the contrary, I found it very enlightening, so thanks a lot for taking the time to pass on all the tips & instructions:)
I’m not very creative with my brow shading so it is interesting to hear what one can do with this little brow palette. I’ve just fallen for the TF eyebrow pencil & so I’m just not really in the market for another brow product at the moment I guess……except fot the Hourglass arch brow sculpting pencil which hasn’t appeared here in Europe yet;D
As I have rather thin & mangey brows I def need help there so I’ll give the palette a try for sure!
Hi Bugsiebee, I have thin and mangey eyebrows as well!
Brow powder is great but I find using multiple products works best for me. Suqqu’s liquid brow pen is my HG to first to fill in very sparse areas. I also started using it to extend the inner end of one brow.
I follow with pencil to lightly fill in and then brow powder to blend and set all products. Surprisingly, although I have black hair, a light shade like light brown/taupe works better to avoid a heavy look. The final step is brushing with Hakuhodo’s brow brush particularly at the top of the brows to remove excess and create a softer look.
I can get away with just the Suqqu, or just pencil/powder/brush to avoid the pathetic end-of-the-day no tails look. Wish I had nice full brows, but at least I can sort of fake it.
Hahaha…..nice to know that i’m not the only mangey creature here 😀
The inner part of my brows is fine but the rest of them are almost invisible unless I help along a bit. I have scars from childhood swing & bicycle accidents in both brows which doesn’t help the hair growth at all 🙁
After your glowing report on the Suqqu I see that I will need to add that to my brow arsenal. Thanks for the recommendation. Which Haku brow brush do you use?
I have a scar on my left brow as well from falling down as a toddler 🙁 I fill that patch and a new patch that just appeared with the Suqqu. There are less expensive versions of the Suqqu, all Japanese brands that I’ve used and liked, but Suqqu creates the finest strokes that look like real hair. It comes out light and some have complained about that but I think it looks natural. I’ve tried stuff that comes out thick and dark and those really look like you used a magic marker. Since my hair is black, I use the green shade; there is also a brown shade.
I use the Hakuhodo B163BkSL as it is the shortest and thinnest water badger eyebrow brush and can draw fine lines which I prefer. I tried the S161 and B162BkSL, both weasel, and they are too soft. Laura Mercier is too thick; RMK makes a good water badger brush but the handle is a bit thin and lightweight, not enough heft to feel comfortable.
Girls : you are so funny !!! 😀
I am glad we can talk about makeup while making fun of ourselves !!
Kay and Buggsiebee : I also have the Suqqu brown pen, not the best product to fill in the spaces in my already full brows but it’s great for detailed work and lasts forever. Another special one I also like to use for me is the strange Shu Uemura Hard Formula 9, this one is quite funny because it doesn’t mark on the back of your hand but it does but it touches the brow hair… perfect to just roughly fill the spaces where I need to !
I guess I could do a review on the brow products I have although I am not a makeup artist, so my advice would not be the best in terms of “how” but for the products I think I could introduce you to the ones I own (too many for my needs…) if you are interested let me know 🙂
Thanks Sonia:) Any additional help with my brows would be appreciated. I fear that the Shu pencil would be too hard & not work to well on me though. If there is no/ sparse brow hair it will have nothing to mark.
Did you try the Chantecaille Holiday Lip Chic in Nocturne while you were on your London trip? If you love the shade of the Burberry pencil in Dusty Rose then you MUST love this lippie. It’s a real standout shade in my collection & a fantastic face brightener. I HIGHLY recommend you looking into it if you don’t have it already.
you are absolutely right, it’s hard and if there is no hair to mark on, it will not be the best option. I already took some pics, I need to upload them tomorrow, nothing much but if that can help…
I haven’t tried the Nocturne but it looks amazing on web swatches !
Need to try it 🙂
Sonia, I’m always checking out brow products so would be curious to see swatches and stuff if you are interesting in posting about it.
Buggsiebee, you may be right about needing hair to make the Shu work. All it does is make my skin sore and pink as I stroke and stroke and stroke with hardly any results. So odd!
Hi Kay, my brows don’t need much maintenance (well, they do but I am lazy) I will share with you tomorrow the products I like to use 🙂
Hi there,Thank you so much for your hard and wonderful work to make this post,Sonia!
Aww:) they are a super cute trio! really like the looks of wood handled, i’m tempted to get a kabuki brush
Hi, looking a the large maple kabuki for mineral powder foundation, is it worth the price? How’s the application, worried it will be too heavy? Love to hear your thoughts. & thanks for you excellent reviews, looked at you site at least 20 times this week!
Hi Heather !
yes I do think so, the wood is lovely, the work is perfect, the quality of the hair is pristine and the amount is huge, so in my opinion, altogether it is worth it. Although I haven’t use it for powder foundation it is meant for that (I use it for glowing finishing powder or just for calming and soothing therapy 😀 ).
will try to apply powder foundation with it and will report back, I just can’t at this moment since I am having problems with my skin at the moment, I have reacted to the food in Japan and I have insane and painful breakouts.
The problem with very dense brushes is as you say the heavy coverage, that’s why for powder foundation (although I don’t apply powder foundation often anyway) I prefer less dense brushes with longer bristles.
thank you for your visits 🙂
Thank you for a quick reply, it’s so difficult (for me anyways) to navigate this world of brushes! May I ask what your recommendation would be for a hakuhodo brush for use with mineral powder foundation? I’m looking for a brush that will deliver both sheer & moderate-heavy applications depending on the day; strike that fine line between natural & polished, leaving skin looking glowy/dewy -not matte/dry. Open to different types of brushes, what would you advise?
Also, do you think the medium maple kinoko would work for this task? Are the easy to care for, long lasting?
Wishing you a speedy skin recovery! & thanks for your invaluable help!
-Heather
Hi Heather,
Since I don’t usually apply mineral powder foundation, when I do I actually use brushes from other brands. Hakuhodo main shop in Tokyo told me that this kind of shapes are for powder foundation but I need to ask them if mineral loose or pressed or what they will recommend because personally I find these too dense for that… and I can not try that at the moment due to my actual skin condition.
Will try to contact them since I have been wanting to get more info on that too.
Will keep you posted 🙂