I was already very much in love with the Rae Morris Radiance brush that was released previously, I believe beginning of 2012 and I actually reviewed it in March 2012.
I used the old one automatically on a daily basis, either to apply the foundation or just to blend the whole application afterwards. Since I was washing it very often I got two of them, I was afraid they would not last very long with that intense usage. After one year they are still in one piece and even though they don’t look that solid they still perform like on the very first day.
Today I will show you the new Radiance that is now being released and that is replacing that first version of it. You may not need such a huge foundation/blending/finishing brush, for me it’s simply HG, I don’t think there is another brush that makes the liquid or cream base makeup application look so airbrushed. I don’t use it with powder but it’s also meant for that. 
Due to the very regular usage of these brushes I highly enjoy having at least 2 of them. I am glad they upgraded the quality but with regards to the functional aspect of it, there is nothing you can do with the new one that you cannot with the old version.
Just like the old one, it’s made of goat hair. The size of the new Radiance is slightly bigger, sometimes you see two measures for the old one , that’s because I have two brushes and the size can slightly vary :
| Rae Morris Radiance | Total length | Base of ferrule | Thickness base-top |
Hair length |
| New version | 9.5cm | 7.2cm | 1cm-3cm | 2.8cm |
| Old version | 9/9.2cm | 6.5/6.7cm | 0.8cm-2.8/3cm | 2.5/2.7cm |
There is just a small difference in the hair, the new version has slightly softer hair, a bit whiter too. I am just happy that it kept the original “wavy” or “not too straight” finish at the surface of the hair, which delivers a softer and more flawless blending than many other flatter alternatives like the similar Hakuhodos shown below or the Mac 179 .
The material used to hold the bristles together feels more solid, same for the cord, the handle has a differrent varnish coating and an upgraded wood quality that looks more resistant to washes. It did shed a bit during washes, when I first washed it, it had a strong smell but it is fading away, I washed it 4 times and always removed the excess water with paper tissue so that it dries faster. We will see how this evolves.
The surface it covers is a bit larger 2.8cmx7.8cm versus 3cm x 8.3cm in the new version.
Two old Radiance brushes with the new one :
Similar alternatives :
The most similar Hakuhodo option to the Radiance is the Itabake Large, not because of the size but due to how the bristles perform, they have more flexibility and they spread out a little bit more than the other Itabake X-Large. Both the Gidayu and Itabaka X-Large are firmer and very directional, I really don’t think it’s a good idea to use these if you have dry and delicate skin. The Radiance is more appropriate because it won’t put so much pressure on the skin while blending or buffing.
I have used the Itabake Large just like I use the Radiance, I tend to use it smoothly but quickly, if I don’t use it with care the sides of the ferrule could accidentaly touch and hurt my skin in the process, it’s just a matter of being careful but either way it will not deliver the easy and flawless blending like the Radiance does.
The Radiance bristles are whiter and just very slightly softer.
Compared to the Mac 179, the Radiance surface is thinner and has much more flexibility in the bristles. The Mac 179 is more appropriate for the body, it’s too firm and feels like a huge thick flat mass of hair on the skin.
Mac 179 vs Rae Morris Radiance
The Radiance is sold out at this moment but I believe you can write to them and enter their waiting list, that’s what I did. It wasn’t even possible to have it delivered to Switzerland, so I got some help from my friend Bonnie.
Now they have a message on their online store saying :
“We don’t ship to your country” message….
If you get this message, please let us know through the “contact us” button and we might be able to open up a shipping option for you 🙂
LoveMakeup have some Rae Brushes, I have contacted them and they told me it would back again in stock end April.
56 comments
I look at this brush and I think “awkward to handle” so I’ve not been too interested in it but several of the ladies here love it so maybe I should reconsider looking into purchasing one. 🙂
you are right, the first time I looked at it I asked myself how I was supposed to use it 😀
I felt really clumsy !
I’m so glad it arrived! I was getting worried…. phew! Let me know if you need a backup or if any of the other ladies here need help obtaining one when the Radiance is in stock again. It should be about 5 weeks or so now.
I’m actually quite enjoying it, more than I thought it would. It’s still a little unwieldy, but wow, it’s a brilliant and efficient blender 🙂 I’m so glad I got it, and both the Radiance and Koyudo Fu-Pa07 will occupy a special place in my heart…
The Radiance will have a slightly odorous one though… like damp goat LOL
Oooh and briefly to mention, due to the handmade nature of these, I’d say there are variations in the new Radiance too. When I was comparing the two Radiances before I sent it to Sonia, I noted these differences:
– The hair on Sonia’s Radiance was slightly denser and softer than the one I kept
– Sonia’s also had a thicker top.
Just so you guys have an idea, I’m not sure it helps!
gosh thank you Bonnie, so generous of you ! <3
Oh no, it was nothing! I know your skin is more sensitive and it didn’t really make a difference to me anyway 🙂
no, it’s really incredibly generous from you ! I highly appreciate it Bonnie ! you shouldn’t have done that !
Thank you Bonnie, that is so sweet of you !
yes mine too but it’s fading away… so I have good hopes !
I have updated the post with that mention 🙂
Hi
Please can you tell me if the 27. Radiance brush is goats hair. I have been using a Ron. RansonHake ( pronounced Hockey brush ) for many years in oil portraits to obtain a realistic skin effect . These particular Hake brushes have a wonderful smooth well blended look too and are beautifully soft, so I just know that the. Radiance will do the same job on the skin!
Sorry Zeta, yes it’s goat 🙂 I have now added that in the post !
I think you may like my next review with the new Make Up for ever 412 🙂
Sorry Sonia
I should have read Bonnies post before I sent mine. Yes, I will look forward to your next review on Makeup forever. Such fun!
Thanks for the update. Goss has an interesting youtube on blending
, focused on cheek makeup. He dips a clean Radiance brush in very small
Amount of clear powder, then blends blush, highlight, shader in a few light
Swipes. Radiance is also his favorite foundation brush. What do you think
For cheek blending…and if used for foundation, would I need
Clean brush for cheek blending or could I use the brush which might have
a little foundation left On it?
Do you first apply foundation with different brush then just blend with Radiance?
Any difference in application or blending such as where begin, or direction?
Are there any types of makeup s you would not use with Radiance?
Thanks…I am learning so much from your great in depth research!
Hi Siochaina !
When I had one Radiance brush only, I was placing and roughly spreading the foundation with any flat foundation brush, then I use the Radiance to blend, this way it wasn’t getting that dirty and it would function without having to go through so many regular washes, it doesn’t get as dirty if you use it only at the end of the application.
Today I still apply my foundation with any foundation brush then I finish blending with the Radiance, I also often use cream contour or blush so the overall “surface” blending with a Radiance brush is more gentle and flawless on my skin than using one brush for each, but again, I place the products with any flat foundation brush before (or the fingers…).
I don’t use powder with the Radiance, in summer I think I will do that, taping the excess powder product on the back of my hand and then buffing it on the skin but I dont think of a product I would not use with it actually.
Hope this helps 🙂
I have just ordered another brush that looks similar to the Radiance, here, I’ll keep you updated.
There are some similar brushes out there but not that deliver the same result.. we’ll see about this one 🙂
I too was on the wait list for the Radiance brush for what seemed like forever. When my brush arrived I was overwhelmed by its STRONG goat smell Uggg!
After working with Jim at Rae Morris I now have two fantastic Radiance brushes to alternate. Yes one smells more “goaty” than the other but I think after use and washing it is getting better 🙂 I think because of the size of the brush we will notice a scent more obviously than a smaller brush head of goat.
I have to say the Radiance is my favorite brush to apply foundation! It is unparalleled in its ability to provide a flawless foundation application. On top of that the company’s customer service is outstanding!
I second you on the Rae Morris customer service.
Rae had an excellent hand when chosing Jim Cornish for the job. Truly excellent!! I hope he earns a big FAT salary!!!
I nearly feel backwards the first time I washed it … ugggggg !
after 4 washes it got better 🙂
La la la la la!!!!!! I can’t hear you, I can’t hear you, I can’t hear you, LOL!!!!!! No Radiance for me, and no time for it anyway, so I’ve decided that I haven’t actually read your post – nor Bonnie’s comments 😀 😀 😀
I’ll let you know in a few weeks when it’s arrived and ask you if you want it shipped to Burma 😛
And it looks pretty! And I care about you and wouldn’t want you to miss out on the radiant things in life…
Yeah, getting lame because it’s getting late here ><
I’m so glad I found your blog!
It is the best blog I’ve found about brushes!
I love brushes, and one day I want to have a collection like yours!
You already know about the brand of bdellium brushes? I can´t compare to Hakuhodo or Japanese brands (because japonese brushes are the best!) , but the new line “pink bamboo” is so cute! I dont know if they are good, I never bought it, but they are so cute and gorgeous! They are very cheap, is it possible to have the same quality as the brushes of real tecniques?
Congratulations, wonderful posts!
I was on the wait list for the radiance and purchased it as soon as I was notified it was available. Upon receipt of my brush, I noticed it had a really strong smell, of not sure what, perhaps varnish?, but luckily it has gone away with washing and use. Overall, I really like this brush and I would purchase a backup. Are there any videos in existence showing how to use it?
hmmm I remember seeing Wayne (gossmakeupartist) using it on his videos, if I find them I will send you the link !
Hi Sonia, how would you compare the finish on the skin between the Radiance and the Houkuduo? I am trying to pick one but both sound too tempting!
Hi CC !
one does not replace the other…
the Radiance is more a “perfecting” brush, the Houkodou is more a foundation brush, both are great to apply the foundation, really great, probably the most stunning brushes out there.
The Radiance is an airbrush blender if I may call it like that, the final result of a foundation application is very similar to me, I don’t see a difference but here you need both…
I have ordered this one https://wawaza.com/products/Yoshiwara-Japanese-Wide-Facial-Brush.html which is cheaper, I will let you know if it’s as good !
Thanks again Meredith for the link !!
The Yoshiwara brush looks good. If you like this, I am gonna go grab it immediately. 😀
Thanks.
they already shipped it so as soon as it’s here I’ll let you know !
Can’t wait!!
Today I am trying La Prairie Concealer Foundation (shade Creme Blush, a good match) and their skin caviar firming complex as base.. though I must say I really dislike the smell (from the firming complex), the finish is flawless!
yep, exciting 🙂
I will have to try again the Prairie in summer, for now it’s so cold here and it’s snowing again and a lot ! this winter will never end !
The Gossmakeupartist YouTube is entitled A blending Beauty Secret. From 2012
I like how the Radiance brush covers all cheekl area …and quickly blends
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8SETTJw4lOI. Is he doing anything special in stroke and directions http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8SETTJw4lOI
thank you ! there is another video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUAja0XXJYs
I also use it like if I was polishing shoes … 🙂 the technique and strokes are similar in a way 🙂
I had sworn off goaty smelling brushes but raves about this one have moved me to be put on the waiting list! I’m curious to see what is so special about it. I have some time to decide whether I purchase or not. 🙂
Hello Kay ! How are you doing ? 🙂
once the smelly part is gone, I can definitely recommend it to you and I hope this time all goes well !
at least we know thanks to Stacy that the customer service is good enough for them to exchange it in case of problems 😉
Hey Sonia! The Radiance is back in stock so you can add that to the “News” section. Also, if anyone needs help obtaining one, feel free to give them my email and I can help with ordering and shipping if they need it!
Thank you Bonnie, that’s amazing 😀
Hi Sonia ! I purchased the Radiance brush based on your detailed review and lovely pictures. A question, how do you wash your Radiance brushes and how often do you do so ? Thanks !
Thank you Vanessa, I hope you will love it ! 🙂
I use the Radiance to “finish” the foundation application, therefore it doesn’t get so dirty so quickly, the product residue on the bristles is minimal using it that way. If only used for finishing I wash it every week (or even 2 weeks..), if it’s for the full application from start to finish I would wash it every 2 or 3 days. I just wash it under lukewarm water and clean the bristles with mild soap, remove the excess water with paper tissue (pressing it gently) and leave it flat (not under direct sun light). During the dry process, gently move the bristles a few times so that they dry quickly.
Hi Sonia, have you try using Radiance brush to ‘stipple’ with a bit of pressure on your face & eye area? does it feel pokey/scratchy or it is still as soft?
Hi Anne, it is soft but if you stipple with pressure it pokes, since it’s not the way I use this brush I don’t mind, actually you don’t really stipple with it, but you buff to blend and for buffing it is clearly soft enough.
If you were planning to use it stippling mode, then it pokes a bit…
Thank you so much for your reply Sonia. I was worried about the quality of my brush 😛 I don’t really use it to stipple either but was trying different applications and realise it pokes when stippling!
Okay I finally caved and ordered mine…. :X
CONGRATS 😀
Sonia, did you also get a mail from Jim Cornish re: prematurely shipped prototype Radiance brushes?
yes I did, Bonnie had ordered mine so she will get the replacement and send it to me, did you get yours ?
Yipp, they arrived yesterday. He had very kindly marked the parcel as FREE so it didn’t get stuck at customs nor cost me additional tax.
The new brush is a great improvement in terms of softness and handling. YAY, it gets better ALL the time!! Talk about third time lucky!
Jim Cornish is doing some seriously good PR for Rae Morris. I’m SUPER impressed & very happy with my newest brushes.
Well am glad to hear that! I hope mine gets marked down too so I don’t have to pay duty on it lol.
Yup, I’ve opened mine and well… they’ve made some minor changes (stitching) from Radiance 2.0. There’s a possibility that it’s maybe even softer but since my current Radiance is a little… uhh, bogged down, I can’t really tell! But honestly, Jim Cornish is doing amazing things for the image of the brand! I’m so happy with the brushes and the service, as are my two friends who I also ordered brushes for.
OMG I already received a shipping notice?!!! I have NEVER had that happen so fast lol.
Yay Bea! Their shipping department is on the ball. You should have your brush in no time.
Another improvement in the latest brush appears to be a faster drying time! I washed both the the older one & the new together & the new brush is fluffy & ready to go while the older one is still damp in the middle. The new Radiance is more dense but it has finer hair than it’s predecessor. Perhaps finer hair dries faster? Most definitely an improvemnet & I’m certain that you will be VERY happy with yours 🙂
Yaaaaaaa! I’m so glad reviews of the new version are stellar and I would trust you ladies’ opionions over anyone else!! 🙂
Do you find it softer, Buggsiebee?
I think Sonia will be able to do a quick comparison on all 3 versions now! She has, what, 5 Radiances??
I have 3 (shame on me…) and a forth is being prepared to replace the “prototype” they sent me by mistake (or so I understood?). Since I was thinking of on doing some kind of “make up artist certification” in the future, I want to reserve two for the use on others 🙂
The only reason why I haven’t started yet is the price of the course… it’s not for working as a makeup artist but many friends and relatives ask me to do their makeup and since I enjoy it, I thought I could take it a step further. Of course I admit it is also because having a “certificate” would open some retail doors that I can’t access without that paper.
The most recent Radiance, the “prototype”, I can’t really say it’s the same as the other two I had, with time it became more spread out and is more flexible, it does change a bit and I prefer this bigger/wider option, you can imagine I really want to see what the final Radiance will be and I will show it to you in this post 😉
Hi Sonia,
You’re just amazing! All these brushes!
I would like this brush but I don’t know where to buy it (online). The official store is not available.
I am from Europe.
Thank you.
Hi Elena, you can order it on raemorris.com. If your country is not in the list of countries just write to them, then Jim will put your country on the list. He did that for me, and they write it on the website.
Do expect to be charged with taxes from your own country on top of the price.
Elena, they are probably updating the site with the new collection.
There is another site here http://www.love-makeup.co.uk/rae-morris-m-89.html
but I would NOT buy the full set… 🙂
Probably there is no choice but to wait for the new website (maybe with their new collection) …
[…] Artikel Sweet Makeup Temptations (und hier speziell der 27) Wayne Goss (video) (hier gesamte Serie, hier 27) Beautiful Active Nourished […]
I just got mine today from Beautylish and can’t wait to try it. I had considered the Becca One Perfecting Brush but knew that Rae’s brush would be better. Would you recommend staying away from using it for everything rather than just foundation? Is it just merely a matter of how often you would need to clean it?