The TAKUMI collection was just released last month, while I was waiting to receive my parcel I already knew these were great brushes, the SMuT friend community started sharing pics and raving about them on the forum already a few days ago… a reading that triggered a second order for the remaining 3 that I also wanted but didn’t dare to order before. I just have 5 of them today, 3 more are on their way to me. Since you may be excited to see how they look like I thought I could start sharing my thoughts on the ones that I already got.
The collection is made of 11 brushes that you can purchase individually. The white ones are all bundled with Saikoho goat hair.
Saikoho hair comes from the neck of the goat and is the highest quality, there is a topic here on the forum about goat hair. Some of us know that there is a way to go even softer, with “Saibikoho” but unless you want to pay each brush 300$ you better stick to Saikoho which is already insanely good. To compare the softness of Saikoho to other brushes, for example let’s take the J Series from Hakuhodo. Some of the J Series are made with Saikoho (usually the round brushes). Some other J Series are Ototsuho (which are better with liquids). Some white Hakuhodo’s are Sokoho with a little Saikoho mixed in to give them more softness and still don’t compromise on efficiency. The choice of material goes with the purpose of the brush -most of the time-. If you are going to be using the brush perpendicular to your skin, the softer the better, hence the round brushes will often be softer. If the brushes are flat, you’ll use the swipe motion, so it doesn’t matter that much, swiping doesn’t require very soft bristles since you won’t feel the tip of the hair in a perpendicular motion, hence less chances it will poke you. Brushes for liquids require a higher efficiency and stronger blending hence they will be thicker and more enduring.
What you need to remember is that Saibikoho is the softest but it’s too rare and soft does not always pair with efficient. If you are a collector and have a budget, you have to try one Saibikoho though… but otherwise, just go with the next quality which is the excellent Saikoho.
Sokoho comes from the same place as Saikoho but the latter is slightly superior in quality (selection). There are many names for every type of bristles but this is just to point out that these Takumi are very soft brushes, softer than Mac, softer than many options out there.
The Takumi collection is designed by Mr Tesshyu Takemori, here besides me:
Mr Tesshyu Takemori is one of the Presidents and also the Chairman of Chikuhodo and I confess I was very impressed to be at the manufacture talking to him, actually I was totally messed up. I could not talk properly, I couldn’t even write, I had to write the word “brush” (signing his guest book in his office) and I didn’t manage to and made a mistake, can you even believe it ? duh !!!! My boyfriend was looking at me and smiling, telling me that they were really nice and that I shouldn’t be nervous but it wasn’t even funny, my soul was begging for control, I may look calm in the picture, believe me, I just wasn’t in control of anything 🙂 Mr Tesshyu Takemori is also behind the Kiwami design, my favorite brushes ever.
It’s a family business, every one gets to work there. I don’t even know why I was so nervous because they were so kind with us, so humble, so funny and welcoming… I wanted to hug them really bad but I thought they would throw me out if I did 😀
My dream was to take a picture with the 3 Chikuhodo generations and it happened! but I will share that in the post that I will dedicate to my visit.
So… the brushes… let’s come back to them.
The handles
Did you see those handles ? They are matte black, there is the Chikuhodo logo written in red, followed by “by Tesshyu Takemori” and then the number of the brush, nothing written at the back. The eyeshadow brushes are quite lightweight but the two face ones are heavier. It feels like the ferrule is metal and is the heaviest part of the brush, the handles could be wood but I am not certain, when you press them against your skin the ferrule feels cold so you know that is metal. I personally like sturdy brushes and I am really happy with the face brushes, I wouldn’t mind that the eyeshadow ones were heavier, but that is a personal preference. They are super gorgeous, elegant, they look very Japanese with the white/black/red combination and at the same time they feel solid which is fantastic.
I tried a picture on a black background, maybe it’s better to see the shapes:
Measurements
In cm: | Total length | Hair length | Base of ferrule | Surface | Price (approx) |
T-4 | 15 | 3,8 | 1,7 | 3 | 50$ |
T-3 | 13,5 | 2 | 1,9 | 2,8 | 60$ |
T-6 | 14 | 2,4 | 1 | 1/1,5 Tapered | 35$ |
T-7 | 13 | 1,5 | 0,8 | 0,3/0,5 Tapered | 25$ |
T-8 | 12,8 | 1,3 | 0,5 | Pointy | 22$ |
Takumi T-4
Those of you who love round blush brushes, you need this in your life. Why ?
…It’s a gorgeous brush, costs approx 45$-55$ depending on where you buy it, but it’s worth it. Why ?
…It’s like having a partner who can cook, be sexy, be kind, be clever, be creative and on top of that, be funny. It ticks all the boxes. Well, maybe the “be clean” box not that much because it’s white, it will always look dirty as soon as it starts doing something 😀
You can use it with blush, bronzer, powder, whatever you want. You can even use it with mineral foundation (swirl and tap). Those of you in the hunt for the perfect brush for Guerlain Meteorites, don’t look away, it’s here, it will handle your balls like no other. Sorry… So yeah, a T-4 full of potential.
The density is medium, it’s less dense than the Hakuhodo J210, less dense than the Kashoen, very slightly denser than the BP016 (can’t really tell) but the Koyudo does not have the same shape, it has the same softness.
The closest brush in functionality is the GSN-04 from Chikuhodo. This is a brush that I could not live without, you don’t have the issue with the white bristles here, well, for some it’s an issue for others they just prefer them white, specially because of how they look. The GSN-04 is just slightly firmer and directional.
The two on the left, Suqqu and Chikuhodo Z-4 are for size reference.
Sideways for those that aren’t round…
Takumi T-3
I was hoping that this brush was a bit less dense and maybe not as flat at the surface, irregularities can sometimes be a plus and not make them as flat and massive on the skin. It’s very soft though so if you want to stipple your foundation it will feel super soft. But continue reading please…
… I have tried it with liquid foundation but the foundation sinks into the bristles. If you want to apply it with your fingertips or a flat brush before and then only finish with this, then the finish will be absolutely flawless and you won’t end with too much foundation down the head of the brush. I’d rather just use it for finishing anyway.
I don’t use powder foundation, sometimes just a bit to set or add more coverage to a previous coat of sheer liquid foundation, but at this moment my skin is so dry that I need to stay away from powder, whatever the powder. But it does a great job of covering the pores if you need to. The size is also very appropriate, not too small not too large.
I will be using it with cream blush, specially when the blush is like a stain and difficult to pick, this will work nicely and blend nicely, with a less “hair mass” feeling than the Hakuhodo J528 that I find a bit too dense, that J528 moves the product around where the T-3 does the same job but without forgetting to leave and blend some as it goes… I hope you get what I mean. The Hakuhodo is a bit too dense and stiff to follow my face features, that doesn’t mean you can’t do other type of work with it, we are not all equal in the brush world, we all have our criteria and I prefer less dense brushes or with a less flat surface when they are.
I took a pic with some others for size reference. I am loving the Rae Morris for mineral foundation, perfect length and density for a natural coverage, does follow my face features, beautiful results always.
I also think it’s a good idea to use the T-3 for contour and highlight when you want to proceed with cream products, then blend them all together once they are placed on the skin.
Conclusion: The T-3 offers a bit more flexibility than the Hakuhodo J528 but remains a super dense brush.
Takumi T-6
Here I am in Heaven territory. This is just a wonderful little precious thing that came with a VIP ticket to the top place in my 2014 top favs. I was looking for a brush like this since… I don’t remember… We all have a brush shape somewhere that makes our eyes sparkle with desire. Here is mine.
I have always been after big eyeshadow brushes, well, I love big brushes in general, maybe because I am quite big myself, who knows. It’s not a brush that you necessarily need for achieving your look but that you may want to reach for every single day just for love sake.
I use it for base eyeshadow application, for blending, for highlighter, for contour, for setting the little zones around the T zone, for dusting away, and I will even use it for blush because sometimes blush pans come in a micro size or other times I want to use eyeshadows as a blush. I can’t do the same with the Chikuhodo GSN-07 because that one is not as thick and fluffy. The Paula Dorf is an excellent blender but a quite pokey one, it will be ok as long as I don’t need to put pressure on it.
The others here are for size reference but you will see in this next pic that sideways it’s even as thick as the Hakuhodo J116. Stunning.
It’s dense but not overly dense that it will make your application painful and difficult to control. Similar softness as the Hakuhodo J116 (that I love, such a beautiful brush). The Takumi and J116 are the softest here.
Takumi T-7
This is a brush many of you should get asap. I have received many questions about finding a Mac 217 dupe but smaller, for smaller eyes, for better precision but with blending capabilities. It’s here so you can go ahead with this one.
It does placement and blending and in a super controlled way, for my hooded lids it’s spot on, I do the crease/outer v “Rae Morris” way, I found the tutorial that inspired me and you can have a look here if you are interested.
I can do what I want where I want, no more need to correct, over-blend, etc. I just used it three times so far since they are new but each time the result was totally perfect. Since it’s smaller, you can also use it as lid brush, transition, crease, etc. You can do the whole look with it. The top of the brush is fluffy enough so that you can use the surface for placement. The one brush you can throw in your bag for a trip.
I have only good things to say about this brush… except that the white bristles will probably upset me at some point. When I use white brushes a lot, they tend to look older sooner than darker ones. It’s normal though, but can be sad.
In the picture here I was trying other soaps, my traditional Savon de Marseille is super efficient, I recently received some brush soaps that I was playing around with but that I don’t really like to use. The state of the J5523 shows why. A few days ago I have received another brush soap from my friend Tesla, the Takeda soap and that one is really very nice, works and foams like the Marseille one, I love it. I visually and mentally need to see a soap foaming when I clean them, no foam no fun…
You can see here the side of the T-7, not as large as the Mac or Hakuhodo, but dense enough to work just like them with just more precision. It has the similar softness as the J5523.
Takumi T-8
I also was in the hunt for a brush like this for a while. A nice multipurpose pencil brush.
It is very similar to the Kumano Select Shop SS4-4 that I am really truly in love with. The Takumi is softer, smaller and offers more precision but very similar shape. I am adding here the SS4-2 because if you were going to place an order with Kumano Select Shop, you need that crease brush… just saying… in the very near future I will publish my post on how to purchase hard to get Japanese brushes, so get ready if you want to try… 🙂
The Chanel is a nice little blender but it’s rough on my eyes, it’s here for size and shape reference. I use it mostly with harder cream shadows.
The Z-10 is a bit too soft and floppy at the surface so I can’t really control what I am doing… The Suqqu M is not as pointy. Chikuhodo R-S4 is a brush that I enjoy but the Takumi is pointier and has larger sides so the multipurpose factor is more interesting with the Takumi.
I also often receive questions about brush guards. No I don’t use pro brush guards. Not even for drying them. If I want to do something about the shape while they dry, I will use kitchen paper and put tape around it, this will help with the shaping if I really am not too lazy to do it, sometimes I have to wash 80 brushes… so I clearly won’t do it for all. This will enhance the shape after the cleaning process, specially when you have round or tapered brushes that you wish more directional.
I use the towel here for the picture so that you can see the bristles but they were not dried facing up… just in case you wonder. Here they are already dry and I just wanted to take a picture. Whatever you do, remove all the excess water before you leave them to dry or the glue will suffer.
Bottom line
I love them, I think they are covering new shapes and that they are of true interest.
I used them all 3 times, I could do my whole face with them, no need for other brushes. I used Charlotte Tilbury Fallen Angel (new palette) and that very soft creamy texture worked super well with these brushes. I also used powder shadows and the result was also perfect. I haven’t tried them with harder creamy textures but I am sure they will work as well.
I have the feeling that the T-3 is not a brush I will use very often, we can’t properly review something after just a few uses so we’ll see how it goes.
I think these brushes have some kind of Ninja disguise capabilities… I can’t stop loosing them, on my desk, on my vanity, it’s getting on my nerves… I spend quite some time looking for them, I need to reserve a place just to store them and do not blink away when I am using them…
Serious concerns ?
I am crossing my fingers that the logo won’t go away, it’s not engraved, it’s painted and since it’s too gorgeous I don’t want it to go away, I will be using the brushes often and since they are white, I will be washing them often.. that certainly may not help. Actually, yesterday I have been talking to Dustin (@thedustinhunter) and Danielle (@deedeetn) on Instagram and Dustin told us about dying the white bristles, I will seriously do it for some of my brushes that today look a bit “uglier” and that get to work on a very regular basis. I will be careful but I will certainly do it, not on these Takumi brushes but on others. Wayne Goss are white brushes that have been dyed after all and they are extremely nice to use -and I don’t need to wash them as many times or look at them all dirty…
If you are allergic to dye this is not to consider. Do not forget that many make-up artists, when they don’t find the brushes they need in the market, the modify/cut/whatever existing brushes. Yes it will alter their original look but to me it does not feel like a sacrilege, it will be more of a sacrilege if you buy a gorgeous brush and if you don’t use it for whatever reason 🙂 Anyway, I will be doing that in the upcoming days so if you want to me to share I will…
These brushes are available on the Chikuhodo website (they don’t ship internationally and not even to a forwarding company, tried, my order was cancelled). You can either have someone get them for you in Japan or use Visageusa.com or I think Beautylish.com will also have them in the future.
I hope this helped 🙂
Disclaimer : I am still camping in the living room so the pics are dark … hopefully next month I will move in my “brushroom” with new lights and more comfort… 😀
61 comments
I loved this post Sonia, I am glad you love these brushes as much as I do. Very informative post too. I do agree that the eye brushes are a bit light but it is easy to overlook because the quality of the hair is superb. I must soon go and order a couple that I passed over.
Hi Devin, glad you liked it 🙂 you are so right! they cannot please everyone so the most people they target the better for them and I think they did really good ! Beautiful, clean and traditional design !
I am happy I order the other 3 face ones, they are lovely brushes to use and to look at! <3
Ughhh I need that t4 in my life and you don’t make it easier to resist this year ! Even the t1 made it on my list after buggsies post wash pic…
But I have more important brushes from koyomo on my list now which will eat my budget in a second 😉
The print is not engraved ? Hmm sad but I think with a good print type it will last long … I love that they used kanjis for their name which makes them more traditional looking 😉
To dirty white brushes… Nasty gatos infected me with her dirty love so now pink colored white blush brushes are nice and sexy Hhahahaha ! So I don’t wash them often 😉
lol I know!! I cannot look at the Koyomo, I just want to wait… 🙂 I have some LE that I want to get before!
Chikuhodo gsn are not engraved and the logos haven’t come off, so it depends how the coating has been done… we’ll see.
I was thinking red dye lol happy to read you did it too!!
All my questions about these brushes are answered! Thank you Sonia!
I love that you mentioned our balls! Now that T4 is a must have 🙂
I can probably buy them next year hopefully in our Kumano trip. And if it’s me, I’d cover the handles with tissue on the label then plastic/cling wrap on top when I wash these lovelies.
Fantastic!!
Yeah.. sorry about the “balls” 😀 that just came out without a filter 😛
Since they aren’t LE no rush!!
I don’t even wet the handles when I wash them so that should not in theory alter the logo, but the fingers on the handles are more likely to erase it if that happens, just like the Kashoen did at the beginning. Now the Kashoen are not erasing since they changed the products they use… 🙂 there’s hope!
Thanks for the post darling Sonia! As usual it was jam packed full of useful info and I love reading your thoughts and observations. I can’t wait to get mine!
That thing you mentioned about the text possibly rubbing off makes me a tad nervous though.
My pleasure Bea!
As I said to Ann, there is hope with the logo, Kashoen corrected something in their products so now it’s not going away… 🙂
Aww,Sonia you rock!! Seriously sweetie, thank you so much for your great insights, you’re incredibly helpful!!! I’m so glad you love them and so happy chikuhodo came out with another great series at affordable prices ! now ,reading that so many of you guys love this series is making me more and more excited I can’t wait until mine arrives #teamtakumi 😀 if I remember correctly, I think I put clear polish over all my BR and SV-series labels
Thank you Tesla! I enjoyed sharing 🙂 I am glad they did not force us to get them “as a set”!
Since the handles are matte and so nice I would be sad to put clear polish on top of them 🙁 but crossing fingers the products are enduring and will last! 🙂
teamtakumi ? is that like a mysterious group of shoppers ?
These brushes look wonderful and I really appreciate all of the useful information. I would really like to upgrade my brush collection. Now that you have reviewed these brushes, if you could recommend three to someone starting out, which would they be? And what if that person had really dry, wrinkled skin?
Thanks for the review.
hi Eleanor,
thank you! what do you mean ? three from this range or three in general ?
what kind of brushes ? face, liquid or eyes ?
Thank you, Sonia, for your thorough review! I do love Saikoho hair, but oh, the white color is so hard to live with. I think I will hold out a bit longer…
Thank you Kay, I get you! they are so pretty but sometimes a bit time consuming in terms of maintenance…
Thank you Sonia…again
Thanks Sonia for another great review.
Can you talk a bit more about the dyeing process? Sorry, I could not find the info on Instagram.
My older MAC 217 and 219 have lost their pristine whiteness and look so out of place with the other brushes in my collection. I have been wondering for some time now, if there was any chance I could revive them.
On a separate note, my Wayne Goss Eye set arrived recently and I am loving the #16 brush for similar uses as you mentioned above for the T6. How would you compare the two? From the looks of it, T6 appears fluffier. Any thoughts?
Much love and appreciation from India!
oh thanks, well.. I have just briefly chatted with Dustin, so what I am going to do is right now start with one or two.. see how it goes… and then I will be able to share a bit more about the process.
Let me “try” (OMG I am quite excited… 😀 ) take a few pics and then I will be happy to share! I will use a reddish dye for the hair, will let it for a few minutes at a time.
Exactly ! the T-6 is fluffier, you don’t get the direction, density and buffing power that you get with the WG. The WG will definitely deposit more color and buff with more “precision” although it’s huge… they are actually two completely different brushes 🙂 The T-6 is more for lightweight work, where the WG is for very very close up and heavy work… Hope this helps…
Much love from Switzerland 🙂
Thank you Sonia…again for a great! post. I love the photo of you and Tesshyu Takemori. I understand that you were nervous, I would have been that too. I would be to met the greatest idol 🙂
I would love to have every brush that Chikuhodo has. This new brushserie is so beautiful <3
I send you lots of love and many hugs 🙂
You have the greatest blog 😉
Yes Malin, it felt like that, meeting my greatest idol 😀 I loved it but I was speechless… he is such a lovely man!
I am waiting for the other 3 white brushes and I ordered the two Noel sets… they are sooo beautiful!! I just could not skip them!
Thank you for your sweet comment as usual… I hope you are doing great, thinking of you <3
Malin, what did I miss? Kohlindo is closed :(?
Yes it did Olga, a long time ago 🙁 sad!!!
Hmmm…interesting. These seems like great brushes to try out. Love the quality and the sizes as well. Looks easy and simple to use.
They targeted exactly that, I hope you will be able to try them 🙂
These sound like very nice brushes. Thanks for your as always detailed review, Sonia.
The eyeshadow brushes attract me most – and I was very happy to hear that the T6 went into your top favourite brushes of 2014. I hope you will reveal your whole favourites list of 2014 to us 😉
Will you get the T5 also? I like its shape and would be very interested to hear a comparison to the Chikuhodo Kiwami highlight brush.
You are very welcome Jeanette!
Sure I will reveal them, can’t wait but the fight is intense… having to select just a few is really tough for me… it was a BIG YEAR for the brush 😀
Yes, I got the other remaining face brushes from this collection 🙂 I am waiting for them, I hope they arrive tomorrow!
Hi Olga,
yes with a sad heart I have to tell you that the Kohlindo shop is closed. Kohlindo was like a baby to me so I was very very sad the closing day. Chikuhodo will always have a very special place in my heart. The Takemori family is very special to me and I have been so proud to be able to sell their brushes. They have all my love.
Im so thankful for all the love and all the women I met all over the world. There are such love in the world for these brushes and I want to say thank you for the love I felt.
Sonia, the Christmas collection is always so special so I understand you 😀
Take care,
love Malin
So sorry to hear that Malin, but I wish you every success in your future endeavors :).
I’m only sorry I never saved up enough funds to shop at Kohlindo myself – there was something romantic about the idea of you being just an overnight ferry ride away from me :).
Dear god, I just broke down and purchased a Saibikoho red handled blush brush from CD Japan. Sonia, you are deadly for my poor bank account but we are evil sisters in our lust for the softest brushes!
I am a danger for myself and the others now.. oh dear.. I am so sorry!!!
Truly, this brush is art and you have to consider it like that. You will own and hopefully use something that is very unique, very extreme, that will make you feel very special. It’s not only about the purpose, it’s also often about the item and the story behind, they are very very rare and the work behind that selection is gigantic. Crossing fingers you will not be disappointed! big huge hugs!
thank you for wonderful post again honey! I am just interested in this series! I am always trying for find a substitute for my stila 21, which is a perfect flat brush. I got several ones but none is perfect. The T3 look interesting and I am curious about how is it alike to the stila one. Do you have a Stila 21? I know you are into the Hakuhodo J5554, seems you like smaller brushes for foundation.
You are welcome Rachel! I don’t have that Stila 21, I will have a look as I never had the chance to see Stila brushes in person, but I will search online and will soon give you my thoughts 🙂
I’ll let you know, but I can’t imagine I’ll be disappointed! Yes, you are a danger but we’ve got to have something in our lives to “keep us going”, right? Or, perhaps, more than one thing, but brushes are definitely one of them!
No…. And I thought I was done with the brush lemmings after I finally got the koyudo sooper-soft goat hair brush. But I detest the MAC 217’s quality but love its shape and the T7 looks perfect… Oh dear…
Hi, Sonia. I recently discovered that I love brushes. 🙂 I just ordered 17 Hakuhodo brushes based on your blog! I ALSO ordered the Takumi set as well and I can’t wait! Where I’m from good brushes are rare, and when available, are extremely expensive. 🙁 so I went on an online splurge…. Thank you for all your very informative posts!
Hi Tara!
OMG! you have certainly been very naughty!! but no offence, I am the worst! 😀
I am curious to know if and how you are enjoying them, don’t hesitate to share… and to ask if any questions 🙂
The good news is that you will keep them for a long time 🙂 our taste in make-up and techniques evolve and with several brushes you will have quite a lot of fun!
My pleasure!
Thanks, Sonia! I can’t seem to stop! Haha… I also just ordered the Hakuhodo Kinoko in vermillion from Toshiya. And yes, I found him on your blog… Naughty is now my middle name! I’m sure I will love them! Can’t wait!
🙂
oh dear!!! Toshiya is such an amazing person! It’s dangerous that he makes everything look so easy!
Wishing you lots of fun with your new brushbies!
I have ordered some of these brushes based on your recommendations! I went to Visage USA and discovered their holiday bundles, which had all three eyeshadow brushes and the cheek brush. It seemed like fate (that’s my excuse anyway.) I’m feeling a bit guilty because I have bought WAY too many brushes in the last few days, including some I didn’t plan to buy but, while drunk, thought it was a fantastic idea because I’d been lusting after them forever (or… since your review!)
My brush addition definitely started on this website. Thank you so much for your thoughtful reviews and continuing to show us all these beauties!
Hi Praew,
I know the feeling… 😀 drinking and shopping is not the solution but it does feel great for a while!
Well at least you got wonderful tools that you will enjoy for a long time, and if you ever drink again, you’ll be able to use your soft brushes on your achy face 😀
You are welcome 🙂 please stick around and celebrate your new beautiful brushes!
Thanks, Sonia! 🙂 it’s truly an exercise in patience since I don’t have any of my brushes in my hands yet! I will certainly let you know how my new addiction is going! Cheers! 🙂
Hi Sonia, thank you for creating this wonderful blog and sharing all those valuable information! I will start my “love fair” with the brushes that you have recently introduced via “Sweet Makeup Temptations”, it’s a Noel collection from CHIKUHODO and it’s on the way to my hands. I also would love to add a Takumi holiday collection (4 brushes in total, 3 eyeshadow brushes and 1 either T4 or T5) to complete my 1st CHIKUHODO set for daily usage. Since the Noel collection has powder & cheek brush, if you were me, which one you will pick from this Takumi 4-Piece Collection? T4 cheek or T5 highlight? Thanks again
Hi Hellen,
it’s my pleasure 🙂 I am happy that you came here! thank you!
I prefer the cheek one because I love to use flat brushes at the surface, I mean, I prefer to work with the surface perpendicularly, the highlight is pointy and even though it’s also a brush I use, at the end it is a matter of technique and preference. The T5 is really more appropriate for highlight since it allows more precision and technique, the T4 is for blush/powder and will deliver more coverage.
The T4 is a shape that allows me to apply the blush just the way I like it, with spiral/round motions so those shapes are truly my favs 🙂
Hi Sonia,
I was so surprised and so happy when I googled your website. I spent most of the time this weekend reading your blog and found it very informative and helpful to me – a brush lover. I have a brush drawer, but it is nothing compared to your brush room. 🙂
In early January, I will visit Japan and buy Chikuhodo Z-series. Chikuhodo will have a temporary store in Tobu Ikebukuro during Jan. 2-13th.
For brushes with white bristles, I am comparing Chikuhodo Takumi vs. Hakuhodo J-series and would like to know your recommendation. Can you please kindly help?
Thank you very much for kindly sharing your collection and intelligence!
Amy
Hi Amy,
I am glad you found me! 😀 Another brush lover! yeah!!!
The comparison will depend on the brush, the softness of the J series depends on each brush, some are softer than others depending on the function they have to cover, the softest J series are made with Saikoho which is the type of goat hair used for Takumi series.
Since you are here in high quality territory both with Chikuhodo and Hakuhodo, you have to go with your heart, look at the handles, the shape and then decide which ones you prefer and you would use more 🙂
The Takumi are more unique so my heart tends to go for these, also the shapes are stunning and more unique but we are here with both brands on top quality!
Hello there 🙂 Great review thank you. I wanted to ask, how would you compare them to Z series? Which series is better in your opinion?
It’s two different collections with totally different brushes, it’s very personal. Both series have the best bristles, either from squirrel or from goat so you will be targeting the highest quality with both collections.
The Z series are more extravagant and more delicate, the Takumi are luxurious everyday brushes but more enduring, it’s really a matter of going with your heart. If I had to start now, I would pick some from each, the eyeshadow brushes are more useful in the Takumi though!
Hey Sonia the goddess of brush,
After talking to you, I purchased a whole set of Chikuhodo Z series! Yay! They are incredibly soft!
I am comparing T3 and RP5 as a liquid foundation brush (My face is spoiled by Z Series so Hakuhodo G5556 hurts). Which one is more dense and softer (maybe powerful enough to finish)? Is RP5 almost the same as Z3 (I know it’s a contour brush)?
Another Chikuhodo I’m looking for is a round-and-flat eyeshadow brush in a size between Z5 and Z10. Softness is my priority. Any suggestions?
P.S. I just discovered the most expensive eyeshadow brush: Chikuhodo R-S7 with Canadian squirrel and weasel?
PS & PS. Generally speaking in eyeshadow brushes, why Kolinsky is more expensive than Canadian squirrel on Hakuhodo, where as Canadian squirrel is the most expensive on Chikuhodo?
Kay, I totally get you. My white haired brushes are my least used ones. I started rotating my brushes, so only a few are dirty at any given time and I keep them separate from the others. I’m hoping to give equal love to my precious babies.
Hi Sonia,
I love brushes, and I love your blog.
Especially I love white hair on brushes!
May I ask a question: The Chikuhodo Takumi and Tom Ford brushes, which is softer?
Since they are both high quality white brushes, I really want to know.
I look forward to your brush studio!
Hi Diane,
they are the same type of hair: Saikoho, so it’s approx similar softness, then it will depend on the specific batch used for the brush.
Some of the Takumi are softer so I would go for the Takumi, but then it’s also a matter of taste. I get much more use out of the Takumi that’s for sure, they are less dense and more multi-purpose.
Thank you, I also look forward to showing you 😉 I hope you will like it!
HI Sonia,
Just wondering what your thoughts are in regards to the Takumi T1 and T2. The T1 looks ginormous.
It would also be interesting to see how the Takumi’s saikoho hair compares to the Koyomo’s saikoho.
Lisa
hi Lisa, I hope I will be able to share soon some pics of Takumi and Koyomo brushes!
T1 is huge, really huge, you can only use it if you don’t need precision but it’s gorgeous with bronzer -all over!-. I need this brush in my life, I love huge brushes since I discovered make-up brushes, I was always looking for big ones that had enough density to apply and buff and not one that had long floppy bristles, that one checks all the boxes for me.
The T2 is less dense, wonderful too for many uses, if you like angled brushes it’s a must-have, very effortless, the quality is fantastic but I don’t know what you question is precisely … My thoughts are that I do love these brushes and totally satisfied with their function and quality.
[…] wanted to know more about this uber soft goat so I did what any brush-lover does, I went to Sonia’s blog. She solved the mystery – Takumi brushes are made with Saikoho (hair from the neck) goat […]
Sonia,
I am a bit late to the game here 😀 but would you say these Takumi brushes (the saikoho goat hair) holds up better to oily skin than the grey squirrel of say the Chikuhodo z series or the Suqqu?
Though I absolutely adore the softness of the Chikuhodo grey squirrel, I am noticing they are getting very heavy with oil after being washed even after just one use on my face.
Hi Nikole,
You are correct, goat brushes work better on oily skin.
If you still want to use squirrel brushes and you notice they get greasy, keep a microfiber cloth nearby and gently clean the tips of the brush when you see it get oily.
It is what I do when I still go for squirrel and I have too much oily residue on my face, it works really well but yes, goat brushes will better balance an oily skin and also remove that residue from your skin.
Can you please please tell me how the t-4 compares to the wg 13 brush in terms of softness and versatility? I’ve been looking everywhere for s comparison between the two.
Hello,
I’ve recently bought the Takumi set, but still looking around a good brush cleaner for it. Wondering what you use to clean your brushes?
Thanks!
Any thoughts about the Chikuhodo Takumi T-9 eyebrow brush made out of badger at $32.00? I am enjoying their Z series and would like to get a few of the Takumi eye brushes. Not sure what I want to do with blush brushes….still using what I have on hand at the moment : )
Hi. I love your detailed reviews on Japanese makeup brushes, they’re very helpful since I’m really crazy about them but sometimes I’m not sure which is for what. I’ve been on the hunt for the best contouring brush (been considering chikuhodo Z-3 contour brush) but it might be too small for my somewhat big face (lol). So I was thinking of getting the chikuhodo T3 brush instead? For powder contour. Will it work? Coz I have the koyudo fupa 02 blush/ bronzer brush and it works well as a bronzer brush. And it’s both goat hair right? Or will the T3 apply contour too heavily as it is supposed to be a foundation brush? I’m a bit confused and was hoping you could help if you have time. I would appreciate it very much.