I could not dream of a better place to haul for brushes than Japan, this is my second trip to Japan and Kumano. I knew I was going to bring “some” with me but before I left I had a nightmare that I was back without any brush at all! Such a relief that I was able to get beautiful gems and take them home! I wanted more but my luggage and budget had limitations! 😀
I am not sure if I should show you first pics of all these brushes in the same post but I believe some of you are dying to see what came with me, some of these are purchases and some are gifts and I have been spoiled really bad.
Unfortunately most of them here haven’t even been washed (this will likely happen today), so I couldn’t use them (except for a few that I could easily wash at the hotel). Once I have used them for a little while, I will be able to share my thoughts. This post is just for those of you who wanted to see what I brought.
Koyudo
This Yakusugi set is going to be released on CDJapan on the 30th of June, link here. This set is made with Yakusugi wood and with red squirrel bristles. There is another brush in the set not shown here but you would be getting 6 brushes for a quite high price BUT, if you really truly love brushes, this is the set of a lifetime. It’s made by Koyudo’s President himself and will be released in limited quantities. I simply could not leave Japan without it, I feel I cannot get anything as special as this. The review will come as soon as possible 🙂
The scent of the wood is still very present -I can’t stop smelling them, it’s truly mesmerizing. There is no lacquer on the wood, it’s 100% natural, there is no problem for washing them and if they get a scratch you can use sand paper (I guess not any sand paper!) and restore them but I will share more details on the review. I could just get this set and come back home and I will be happy but it doesn’t stop here…
These are the Lohas brushes.. synthetic series, sold individually too! Link here. I haven’t tried them yet but I am very intrigued!
The Kumamon brush, so cuuuute 🙂 I purchased the towel separately (in Miyajima). Link for the brush here. It’s super dense and big, the goat bristles have been placed by hand to shape the Kumamon and that is quite a long process.
This is a special brush shaped by the President for me for my visit, so so so incredibly soft and the handle is gorgeous uruchi lacquer. Couldn’t love it more. It’s engraved diagonally for luck. Of course I won’t do that but every time I go there I want to fill my pockets with all their prototypes and run for my life 😀
This is a very special brush made with the softest goat hair on earth, very very very expensive… usually it’s sold in a very very very expensive set but if you are interested in one, I can contact them (I told them there might be some interest for it). I haven’t use it yet but I am even scared to do so… feels very delicate and softer than squirrel.
Hakuhodo
I found this set at their Kumano manufacture (they have a store there) and could simply not consider leaving without it. I love the S100 series and this is a mini set with probably a J110 head on the cheek brush, an eyeshadow brush with canadian squirrel and a huge lip brush that I LOVE ! that is pure love and perfection !!!
Some others that I bought at the Omotesando store 🙂
Also a single pouch, at the same Omotesando boutique :
and the large roll -because I had to get a new roll to bring all the new brushes… 😉
Chikuhodo
The cute little set on the right was a present from my friend Melissa (the present was waiting for me at the Kyoto store!!!) how amazing!!
The little silver one is a present from my new friend at that store, it was lovely getting to know them 🙂
The second from the left is the AR 4-3 (very similar to the Hakuhodo Kokutan on the previous pic!) I want to use them as pencil brushes with liquid/cream products, maybe also powder.
The Chikuhodo red and black is a face wash brush, gift from Yutaro Takemori (my bf also got one hahaha, his first brush!!!)
KumanoFude SelectShop
These are new, amazing brushes. I will write a review about them, there is a bit of everything, blends, goat, squirrel, pony, etc.. some are softer than others of course but I LOVE these! The pencil is a mix goat/squirrel (just soft enough for me, if it was softer it would even be better but it’s still fine), the round cheek is squirrel, the angled is goat (very soft), the flat one is squirrel (amazing) and the crease is goat (amazing). I bought them separately and also got the roll.
Miscellaneous
This Chicca brush is the biggest from their crease series, expensive but very unique, only squirrel hair. The Kei is pine squirrel and synthetic, I also got that one because it reminded me of the Chicca brush, it feels soft and dense and I was so intrigued. Link of the Kei here.
I only bought one from Tanseido and even though I prefer longer handles I love this, so soft and round, and I loooove round brushes!!! Will get the ref and update this. I wanted more Tanseido but they did not had a lot of stock in the Tau store, I wish their selection was bigger.
This is a Tauhaus I bought in Hiroshima but I am not liking it, it sheds way too much, I think soon it will just loose all its hair. The handle is what really captivated me but I could not touch it, I could not even see its shape.. so that was not a clever purchase.
Hmmmm I don’t remember the name of the brand!!! Melissa helppppp!!! I know you know!!! 😀 😀 😀 This was part of a set but I talked to the Sakurado shop in Kyoto where I bought it and they managed to contact the manufacture who managed to sell me one… I love long handles so this was a necessity, I just could not get the whole set. The cheek brush is squirrel, the big face brush from the set was a mix with goat and squirrel. I will add the link when I find it 😀
Reiko Kazki has the dupe for the Shu Uemura 12, it’s not as dense (but the difference is so little) and this is only weasel (where the Shu 12 is weasel and kolinsky and the Shu is a little bit smaller) but they function the same way to me and the Reiko is super cheap in comparison! Got the Reiko in Mitsukoshi store in Ginza.
I got the Shu 11 of course, it was just a matter of time… did not find the 15…
This is the Kyuka Sangyo, the crimps on the ferrule are not very fine but the brush is huge and super nicely bundled.
At Yojiya I did not buy anything else than the little towel that I will use for cleaning the brushes or the outside of compacts. Super cute! I did not feel the need of buying anything else because I have all the brushes I want from this brand, for now 🙂
At Kashoen I got the face wash brush, this is a special release with an Echizen handle (approx 75 usd), it’s quite soft and I could see myself using it also with powder 🙂 The pencil brush is from new series that they launched but it’s goat, it’s not that soft but I think it’s soft enough for me and I loved the shape!
When I saw the brush roll I think my heart skipped a beat … seriously, I had to ask how much it was to make sure I could afford it (approx 55 usd), the cord is leather, the pouch isn’t, they explained what it was but I forgot, as I said before, they don’t want to create brush rolls with leather because of maintenance and smell, this one is easy to maintain, can hold 11 eyeshadow brushes and 4 bigger ones, did not find it on their online store, link here.
When I was staying in Kyoto, my hotel exit was pointing to Isetan 😀 😀 😀 and Houkodou were having an expo there!! isn’t that amazing?? I could finally see them in person! I purchased the little pouch for my white foundation brush that I already had (It’s not exactly the same color but it will do). I am looking for some nice goat brushes at the moment and this cheek/face brush is quite dense (they have the same one with less density, this one costs around 60 usd). The three brushes on the right were part of a set but are also sold individually. The big one is a dense squirrel brush, the eyeshadow is canadian, the cheek is grey squirrel.
This next item was not purchased in Japan but I have to show it to you, I just received it today in my mail ! This brush roll is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G, hand made by a sweet brush lover with the cutest fabric and so much talent 😀 you don’t even imagine how much I love it!! thank you so much my dear “S”. <3
This is where our passion and creativity takes us and I simply love our community!!!
I am already storing my brushes inside :
And the fan case that goes with it… so niiiiiice <3 OMG!!!
… that’s it for my new brushes / rolls / pouches… I will do the make up items soon, show you what were my favorite findings in Tokyo and Hiroshima 🙂
Thank you so much for your support, your friendship and your passion, please leave me a comment if you have any questions 🙂
104 comments
Hello Sonia, first-time commenter here but I’ve been a fan of your blog from the moment I found it, and just want to say thank you so much for sharing your enthusiasm and love for brushes with all of us.
I think there’s still some drool on my computer from scrolling through your new brush babies in this post!
They all look so beautiful, especially the Koyudos and mini Hakuhodos (do you know if Hakuhodo has plans to sell them on the Hakuhodo USA site also?) Can’t wait for your in-depth reviews on these new additions. 🙂
Hi Gia!
thank you so much for taking the time to comment! it’s a pleasure to share it with you, I am blessed 🙂
About the mini Haku, please contact Hakuhodo USA and ask them, most of the time they can get the brushes for you even if not on their website, show them the link to the pic and that will help them to check!
I hope it works! just use their usual hakuhodo contact email and please let me know how it goes 🙂
Thank you so much Sonia, I’ll do that. 🙂 I just recently purchased my first Hakuhodo brushes and also got the Koyudo fu-pa 14 based on your recommendations and and am so very pleased with them.
What a awesome brush haul !
I really need this Haku set !! I need a white S series brush 😀 White cheek brush ? thats more awesome 😀
WHY didn’t you grab ALL brushes at the koyudo cabinet and RUN !!!! Ok ok that would be bad if we want new awesome brushes to be released through your pushes LOLLLL
haha melissa is just the best right ?!
I also NEED this kashoen brush roll and you can’t show my very beginner self-made brush roll near this elegant thing LOLLLLL
I will share a DIY tutorial in the forum very soon so everyone can create their own 😛
Its beautiful Sarah!!! You are really talented! And Sonia really need to behave with the brushes in the Koyudo cabinet.. She has to remain in the good grace of the president. She has to ask the president for the brushes we want.. :p
Haha you’re right that was my thinking too ! We need her contacts for the kabuki and what else they have created since the last year visit 😛
Again : thank you so much for the brush roll! so nice of you to share!
Richard was browsing the shops where the brushes were displayed and he was saying “I could make that for you if you want” (showing me the brush stands….) youhouuuu ! I can’t wait! will have to wait one year at least but the brush room will look super nice and handy !!!
Don’t know yet what he will build but now I have to think about securing and storing them easily. He can only start at the end of the year…. I’ll have to be patient and that’s difficult for me…
Yep, I thought about running with my pockets full of prototypes but I am not sure I would go very far 😀 😀 😀
Your “very beginner” self-made brush will make many experienced artisans jealous !!! believe me!!!
Urgss one more year for your room to be ready and you must camp in the corridor ? or only the brush stands ? LOL
He just know what a brush addict needs with so expensive brushes so sweet of him 😉
I’m really thinking about the ikea kitchen option which i posted at the forum because when i will get my yakusugi i need a nicer option for my koyudo sets… But its not possible when i find new lemmings as soon as i bought one of them LOL
I got my things back in the room since the window is now into place but … I have to finish the isolation on the walls, the roof and the floor and I cannot do that before we finish other more important things, so I just have to stop thinking about it 🙁
He has been really good actually, trying my best to find the brushes I had in my wishlist (and my friends’ wish list too), but you know, it’s kind of relaxing to shop in Japan, they are so kind and so thankful that I think he also loved that for that reason.
funny because I saw the red lacquered kitchen façades at Ikea (the new kitchens) and I think I will get these units for under my desk, they have many many drawers and I want to decorate the room red black and white so that would fit perfectly! I have to go look in the forum what you typed 🙂
Awww that brush roll is so amazing! You are super talented. If I try making it, I’m going to have so much difficulty picking out the material!
I have the Kei brush and I LOVE it! it’s so soft, perfect for my highlight lovelovelove! I dunno if a Brush Master as you enjoy it as much, but to me it’s a great find. (Recommended by the Kumanofude shop lady)
oh thanks for sharing 🙂 you’ll be surprised Laura, I am in love with many brushes, not always looking for unique and rare but I also enjoy more 4×4 or daily brushes (hope this makes sense…) 😀
Waaaaaaahhhhhuuuuuuuuuuuuuuaaaaaaaa *DIES*
Speechless. Does. Not. Compute.
Only words I managed to put together:
-NEED Sonia Kabuki
-Will sell kidney for very very expensive brush that usually comes in very very expensive set
-Want want want round cheek brush red handle yummmm
-Beautiful “S” 😉 How sweet and amazing <3^1000
Stay with me Gatos 😀
I think you just killed me 😀 😀 😀
*someone send me some air to breath*
OMG – how amazing!! I can’t wait to hear more 😛
Sign me up with everyone else for the expensive individual brush that usually comes in a set Lol
I love SMT – where brush lovers unite <3 I need to go to Japan!
Sure!!! let me contact Koyudo to see how many of these they can make 😀
thank you for your support to the SMUT brush community 😀
Oh YES!!!!!!! I’m selling Gatos’ other kidney for the very very expensive brush which usually comes in a very very expensive set!!!
And the Yakusugi……such an elegant creation. The combination of the red squirrel hair, the satin matte gold ferrule & the very special wooden handles is just PERFECTION!! Very,very special!!
Can’t wait for mine to be shipped!!
Ahahahahahahahhahahahahaha! Buggsie!!!
Well folks, it looks like I ain’t making it out alive so I may as well offer up my liver too. Any takers? I bet it’d sell well in the black market! But be forewarned it may not be in optimal condition. WHO NEEDS BODILY FUNCTIONS ANYWAYS? Pfff, see you all in brush heaven!
Thanks for being so understanding Gatos 😀 !!
I’d sell mine, but by my age they’ve been so used & abused that I’d hardly be able to give them away 😉
Pity there’s not a market for wrinkles out there! I have a load of those to offer!!
This brush really does look heavenly though. I’m thinking saoft like the white mushroom, but hopefully a bit more dense….and then there’s that divine handle!!!!!
Hahahahaha! You two should get together 😀
@gatos : you might as well just heading over to Buggsie and Sonia’s house,hun! *brush heaven* LOLLLLLLL
yep Buggsie and I should move in together and open a museum 😀 😀 😀
muahahahahahahhaaha !! oh dear Lord!!!!
The black maki is waaaaayyyyyy softer than the white mushroom 😀 it’s very very very special hair from many many many goats (select the best bristles from each goat multiplied by thousands … or something like that…) I am not even sure this will pick product properly because it is sooo incredibly silky and sleek, I need to test it but since it’s so exclusive I don’t dare wash it or use it… but I have to… arghhhhhhhhhhhhhh
you will love it, I think I am literally obsessed with it, just want to stick it to my wrist with tape and smell it all day long 😀
I have to look this over again!!! But I want all the Koyudos, especially that individual one with the softest goat har, your personalized kabuki, and I always die for the orange vermillion brushes from Hakuhodo, and of course I need that Kokutan pointy brush and its Chikuhodo equivalent, love the colour of the Kashoen handle, and…and…and…. 😀
LOOOL I know… I was so worried I could not bring these home because I wanted to show them to you 😀 so lucky that I managed to!
*heart pounding*
zomg, so much beauty. softest goat on earth!
I know… <3 🙂
@ Kiki….Love your fabric choice for the brush roll!
Oh btw Richard also must share his japanese brush haul !!
Is he still busy painting and drawing and drooling while you do the same with yours ? Now he will say to you they needed a closer inspection or what else comes to his “in brush heaven brain” Muhahhahah
You should have seen the look on his face when Chikuhodo gave him a brush !!! I was contemplating that moment and my inner me was hysterical!!!! magic moment!!!
During the manufacture visit he was super interested and was always asking questions, he really enjoyed it!
Thanks sharing pics of your haul. I can’t believe how beautiful the Koyudo white brushes are — would be afraid to ever use them! Looking forward to your reviews!
I am too! I have to wash them today but I am a bit scared 🙂
Sonia.. I can’t believe this.. You are killing me with these brushes.. ALL OF THEM.. Well except for the one that sheds like crazy..
And to think the one from Koyudo Im super crazy for is not yet included here.
Once you got yours please ask them to make one for me. Im super ready for that and so is my wallet hahaha
Unfortunately my wallet is not ready for the very very expensive brush from the very very expensive set.. I remember the price from Melissa’s forum post. Hopefully I will.. – why oh why haven’t I won the lottery????!!! Lol
And hakuhodo online shop still does not sell S100 Vermillion series and I can’t find that small set from their website.. I have to ready my wallet for that as well..
The other brushes I have to go to Japan to get..
Super sweet and amazing – that’s Melissa & Sarah, aren’t they? Im super thankful of them as well.
Thank you for the brush haul preview eventhough we know you are super busy and probably tired.
I NEED the Haku set too because of the cheek brush !
Hmmm will contact Haku usa… its also not on japanese site… I think its one of these store exclusive sets which are different for each store…
Why dont you ask the haku jp? They reply in english and they allow me to purchase directly from their website. Maybe they could make arrangement for you/us since the contact person is based in their Kumano office.
I can’t ask them yet because Im saving my wallet for the fluffy squirrel kabuki in the Koyudo cabinet we are lemming for!!! Lol
Sure! I will let you know as soon as possible 🙂
The S100 series will be released again but we don’t know when yet 🙁
If you want my contact in Hakuhodo Japan let me know ok ?
Amazing and beautiful…full of variety…Wow!
I would do the same as you and bring home two luggages of makeup n brushes. Simply Devine.
You are the Goddess of Makeup Brushes.
Thank you Stacey 😀 you got it! Indeed I am trying to collect and review a bit of variety!
They reduced the amount of luggage you can bring in a long flight so I was limited to one luggage only 🙁
Since Buggsiebee is selling gatos’ kidney for that very very expensive brush that usually comes in a very very expensive brush set, can I sell part of her liver for one of those brushes too? I hear liver regenerates 🙂 No, seriously, gatos, you must keep all your essential organs, we will find other means of funding that gorgeous brush purchase 🙂 So, Sonia, how expensive is it? I really want the Sonia kabuki also, so gorgeous.
Hi Carlyn! It looks like the black makie. From Melissa’s post the set is ¥200,000 excluding tax. ¥100,000 for the face brush ¥50,000 for the cheek brush? All excluding tax.. Lol
Since they did not had more, I asked them to be ready to make more if that was possible for them, now I will reconfirm with them and will tell you how much for that cheek brush. I also wanted to use it because I don’t know if that brush is supposed to work, I am a bit afraid because it’s so soft I wonder if that picks any product at all 😀
Well good thing I read this before going ahead with the kidney transactions. Liver bits for everyoneeeee!
In all seriousness though, Sonia, do you think Koyudo would be willing to make Urushi handled Kabukis of various hair types for us? I am partial to the Canadian squirrel one hiding in their cabinet 😀
Me too!!! The urushi canada squirrel flat top kabuki in their cabinet makes me drool along with the round squirrel kabuki in their cabinet.
I made them my wall paper already 😀
Lolol the things we do for our love of brushes, ladies!!! We need to start this brush black market already…..
working on it… 😀
I absolutely love the Kumamon Brush but at NZ$890.95 (yes, today’s exchange rate) 🙁 don’t think I’ll be getting it anytime soon. Thanks for sharing. Amazing collection!
Hi Audrey, isn’t the NZD just slightly lower than USD?
The Kumamon brush on Koyudo’s site is about $55 NZD!
Hi AudreyNZ……which MAFIA currency converter did you use??!!!!
The Kumamon costs 4,860.00 JPY which translates to approx. 54.69 NZD.
Now that sounds a LOT better than NZ$890.95 !!!!!
yes Audrey I believe Gatos is correct! it’s approx 50 usd 🙂
you are welcome my dear!!
Btw, what is the name of the very very expensive set/brush from koyudo?
Is that the black makie? The handles are rounded compared to Melissa’s picture
YEP dear. The black Makie set I posted a while ago is almost identical to Sonia’s cheek brush version. Except those are square handled like the red Echizen set. And yes those were the prices they quoted back then 🙁 so yeah….thats one of those dreams that will not come true for a verrrrry looooong time 🙁 🙁
I remember how I felt when I had them in my hands at the Tau Selectshop. Seriously I died and went to brush heaven. The SA looked at me as I were in some kind of endless trance. I just couldnt let go and it hurt when she put back the brushes and closed the glass cabinet. I almost cried in the middle of the store! If someone had needed a kidney right there and then I would have sold it in a heartbeat 🙂 🙂 🙂
Oh Melissa, you are a true brush princess! You made me think of the princess on the pea fairy tale, except a so soft makeup brush made you cry in stead of a pea!
I just revisited your post in the Forum on the black Makie set and saw that the price listed by Koyudo for the cheek brush was 50,000 JPY. So it is certainly not for everyone. And I would never order it just for its looks, only if it is also utterly effective 🙂 So I really look forward to Sonia’s review of it.
I still haven’t forgotten about the Chikuhodo Kiwami set and I keep comparing and prioritizing against that. I’d probably rather pick the highlight and eyeshadow brushes from that set if possible.
I know it is sold out (for) now, and I only wanted some of them, so I couldn’t justify the price.
Have you received and used your Kiwami set yet? How do you like it?
Question, Sonia…..
why did you pick the Houkodou flat cheek brush as opposed to the round one?
I ask because I got the flat one by mistake – the round one is now on the way – but the flat one fluffs out so beautifully & is sooooooooo soft, that I’m really glad to have it. Mistakes sometimes turn out for the good:)
What round one?????? Where where???
It’s the GC-1, but, although it’s a bit more expensive than the GC-2, it’s not pure squirrel. It’s a sqirrel/ goat mix.
Perhaps you did see it / touch it but it didn’t appeal to you as much as this super soft squirrel brush.
well simple : did not see it !! it wasn’t displayed! they were removing the brushes as soon as they were sold out so that one wasn’t there. That would have been perfect 🙂
http://eds2.heteml.jp/houkodou/cargo/goodsprev.cgi?gno=G-C1
Wow… That “soft goat hair” brush from Koyudo sounds really intresting! Maybe it would be great fo my “so oily that can’t use squirrel brushes” skin 😉
well yes.. since it’s softer than squirrel…. 🙂
Hi Sonia
Hi Malin!!! Need to talk to you and tell you just how much Yumie is a sweetheart…
Hiiii! Please send me an e-mail if you have time
WOW!!!!!!!!! I’M AWED AND ABSOLUTELY SPEECHLESS 😀 I don’t even know where to start but pretty sure i’m going to Kumamon one
By the way, where is my wallet ? lol
hahaha Hi Tesla!!!
every brush lover should go there! it’s all about the pride and the wonderful crafts, love it!
This haul is the biggest one I’ve seen. I am so looking forward to reading the review of KumanoFude SeletShop and Lohas brushes.
Did a little bit of web browsing when you mentioned about Reiko Kazki in your previous updates, knowing new brands is always nice.
The craftmanship and fabric choice of the DIY brush roll are amazing!!!!! Especially when there is a cozy little home for a fan brush as well. It’s very convenient to find Japanese fabric here, but not a sewing machine (sigh~~~).
argh this haul is not very decent but I couldn’t resist!
Reiko also has a great cheek brush, not the softest but love the shape, probably will get it one day. My skin becomes a bit less sensitive and this allows me to use other brushes. That eyeshadow brush is fantastic and for the price a total steal!
I could not live without a sewing machine, probably bought my first one even before I bought anything else for my first appartment!
Less than 1/10 of my friend own a sewing machine at home. And my sewing lesson at school is too restricted (most girls ended up fighting with the machine instead of acquiring the technique).
Happy for your improved skin condition!
yes getting better 🙂 go figure!
I could not live without a sewing machine, just love the sound and the process hypnotizes me :)^funny they would fight for the machine!!!
Gosh, what a haul! The brushes are so lovely. And the brush rolls, so exquisite.. I very excited over the new koyudo red squirrel brush set…
yesssssssssssssssssssss! you’re back!!!!! and what does your banker says?!!!!!! ahahaha I bet he’s terrified when he knows you’re leaving to Japan!!!!!
Did you buy any skin care for yourself?
Now, thats what I’d call a brush haul in steroids 🙂 🙂 🙂
I have the Kei cheek brush and lovin it to pieces!! There was another full round Kei brush as well, like the FuPa14 bit smaller. It was divine. Will def snatch it next time.
I can’t wait to see all yr reviews!!!!! Welcome back sweetie!
A smaller FuPa14? That sounds tempting! Which one is it?
OMG, I just discovered these Japanese brushes a few days ago and the Yakusugi set grabbed me!!! What’s the price? I can’t stop reading about these brushes on the internet. I want!!!
Awesome. what a fantastic brush haul. Can you please tell me that where can I find shop for Koyudo,Chikuhodo and Hakuhodo at Osaka and Kyoto?
the Hakuhodo stores are mentioned here : http://en.hakuho-do.co.jp/user_data/stores_index.php
the Chikuhodo and Koyudo I am not sure… I am preparing a sort of brush map but I am still waiting for info so it’s not ready yet I am afraid.
I will publish as soon as it is, I know that some of you would like to shop for brushes in Japan 🙂
I think you can also have them delivered at the hotel just in case..
Thanks a lot! I am going to Osaka/kyoto in coming Nov. Have started researching info of what/where to buy brushes. 🙂 your blog has been soooo helpful and informative!!!! thanks a lot
Hi Sonia,
I’m such a massive fan of your blog and it’s definitely one of the reasons why I am now so obsessed with make up brushes! I’m going to Japan in November and this brush map you’ve mentioned has got me drooling! I’m not sure if you’ll have it up by the time I go, so I was hoping you could help me with the stores that I should definitely pop by? Or even if there’s a post somewhere that has some tips, as I’m finding it hard to navigate the internet trying to find the stores! I’ll be going to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Just thinking about the amazing brushes there is making me light headed :P.
Dalena
Hi Dalena,
Thank you for your support! <3
yes I will have it by then, much before, I am now writing all the Japanese posts so that may be of interest to you if you love Japan 🙂
Best advice I can give you if you want to start looking online, find the brush online stores and locate the "Stores" link, that will give you the addresses and malls where you can find counters!
I will not cover Osaka though but I will cover Hiroshima, Tokyo and Kyoto!
Oh you are amazing! Can’t wait to read the post . Thank you for your help, will definitely do that 🙂
What an absolutely amaaaaazing haul! I have read this four times now to digest it, and you must be so thrilled about every single purchase!
The mini Hakuhodo set is just so adorable!!!
And I am very taken by the very special soft Koyudo goat brush usually in a set. I’d like to hear more about it, as I could very well line up to buy it, if Koyudo decides to offer it individually. Which brushes and purposes would you compare it to? It could look like the BP016, but I guess it may rather be like the red squirrel (first release hopefully) or Chikuhodo Z-4, as you say that it is softer than squirrel?
And the crease brush and the brush roll from the KumanoFude Select shop looks so nice. As does the Houkodou canadian squirrel eye brush. I absolutely love my Houkodou foundation brush, so I’d like to try more from this brand. And, and, and … 🙂
Phew ….. lemmings …..!!!!
hmmm the Koyudo white one… doesn’t really compare to anything and nobody would believe this is goat hair. It is now clean and nearly 100% dry so I will soon be able to use it… and see how I can compare it to others. I am in contact with Koyudo to see if they could manage to produce a few, if you are interested send me an email. As soon as I will be able to report back on how it works I will!
It was tough to select *only* those brushes but I am so thrilled with them!!
The “softest goat hair” sounds so interesting… but i guess now i’m just wondering how much is very very very expensive ^_^
@Eibbun, in a post in the Forum Melissa stated that the similar brush just with flat handle had the price of 50.000 JPY
hmmm will contact you then… 🙂
Welcome Back Sonai!!!
My life span has decreased by 10 yrs just by looking at those little gems. They are exquisite and mind blowing especially the kumano fude brushes, the Tansiedo one and the very very expensive brush from the very very expensive brush set (so terrified to ask for the price even) lol… The special kabuki brush gift is so elegant and sleek.
hahaha! I will contact you by email soon 🙂
Wow, I just came across these brushes last week and I am hooked. I have always liked everything Japanese but these brushes are just beyond words!!!! Please do review the Yakusugi and the special goat hair brush ASAP. I am dying to read all about them.
This is an incredible review site. Well done, Sonia.
Hi Lisa, very much touched by your comment, thank you sweetheart… will do my best…
I am wondering if you could let me know your opinions on Hakuhodo B series? I am thinking about the B series brush set. Thank you!
I am not sure what set you are talking about in particular. In general the B series are really good of course, then if you prefer softer version, stick to goat or goat/squirrel, if your skin is very delicate better stay away from pony bristles. If you are just starting with high end brushes it will be a fantastic upgrade!
Love your blog & please keep up with the good work!
Hi Sonia! I’m so happy I found your blog. You have no idea how much I have learned about brushes from your blog posts. I’m wondering is the Kyureido Fine Kalla KK-002 a good dupe for the Suqqu cheek brush? The Suqqu brush looks really really nice and I’ve heard tons of people raving about it all the time. But I’m kinda leaning towards the KK-002 because they seem really similar and it is much more affordable than the Suqqu(not to mention how beautiful the handle of the fine kalla is). Are there any sellers for the KK-002? The only one I could find was from Rakuten but it seems to be sold in a set(with the KK-004 and an eyebrow brush, KK-005), the seller is lifetech. Any suggestions?
Hi Lana,
thank you, I am very touched 😀
Yes the KK-002 is the dupe for the Suqqu cheek brush, the closest I could ever find. The handle is absolutely adorable, the best actually, the multi-colored sparkles are stunning and make it really unique.
Unfortunately I don’t know who sells them except for boutiques within Rakuten, I have tried to find it for you but did not succeed. If you get the set it is very expensive, on the other hand, it is truly lovely and all the brushes are useful! I’ll try to check again tomorrow and if I see something I let you know.
Hello Sonia.
Happy fo finally write a comment! Happy that people so informative like you exist!
Any news about the Lohas series from Koyudo? How are things with them? I’m wondering how they perform and if their bristles are softer than goat hair of Koyudo C004p…
Thank you 🙂
HI Mita,
Thank you sweetheart! I would love to have more time to devote to this blog 🙁
I am sorry not yet.. I have them here and I am trying them when I can, I am happy that I managed to try a few already but not all… yes they are softer than the C004p, actually although they cannot be mistaken with squirrel hair, they feel just quite as soft!
I hope I can get back to you soon!
Many thanks, Sonia.
It’s the collector’s fortune/misfortune : many things to experiment (in your case many brushes) and little time for doing it. 🙂
I find it very smart to have found a solution to be even more sustinable than using simple synthetic fibres: these fibres are derived from green sources and it could be very interesting to know how they did it. Very interesting. Anyway, if Koyudo offers such an high quality in goat hair (I talk about what I personally know and own) I’m not surprised if they were able to find other innovative solutions at the same high level.
Take care 🙂
yes it’s very interesting and I’ll share that with you! I have never seen that kind of synthetic bristles… they said it’s the same bristles as they use for wigs and yes it comes from plants but I have to gather my notes 🙂
thank you and you too take care 🙂
Hi Sonia. I’m a major fan of yours. You are my bible when it comes to brushes. I never buy anything without reading up on your reviews first. Just wondering whether you know about the Koyudo brushes that were up in the cooljapan website in the last week but are no longer there. It had lacquered handles with flowers and had very special goat hair. Each beautiful piece cost from $400 – $900. Would appreciate any info you could give. Thanks so much!
Oh, i just found it! It is the Echizen series with Saibikoho. Thanks!
ok cool!! 🙂
thank you ! ok then, since you found them I am no longer needed LOOL
take care!
Hi Sonia! I’m not going to Japan any time soon, so is there some place online I could purchase the KUMANOFUDE SELECTSHOP brushes? The red handles look like an absolute dream, so they are what caught my eye, plus you said they were quite lovely and I definitely put a lot of stock on your opinion.
Thanks!
Hi Jo,
There is no easy way online but I am sending you the info by email on how to easily get them 🙂
Hi Sonia
I’m new to your site, but I’m now addicted to it 🙂 Thank you for a wonderful website. What a wealth of information!! I just acquired some Hakuhodo brushes based on your recommendation, and you are absolutely right, they are much softer than the Mac’s brushes. I contacted the LA Hakuhodo store and was lucky enough to get the Japanese style brush case — they had one floor model left and it’s apparently being discontinued.
I’m curious about that special Koyudo with supersoft goat hair. I hope you will get the info from the company soon.
Thanks again. I will be back here often 🙂
Hi Louisa, that makes me happy, thank you 🙂
Phew, you just managed to get that brush case, amazing 😛
The Koyudo super soft goat hair are the Echizen series, Koyudo have a few but they are very expensive, I am not sure 100% but I think the eyeshadow brushes are approx 100usd and the blush 500usd, then the powder 1000usd… scary… I got mine gradually, starting with the little eyeshadow ones… If you are interested I can ask Koyudo to check if they still have them (they did a few weeks ago).
Thank you for your visit <3