The ALPINE series – The Face brushes

Honouring Craftsmanship

There’s so much I want to share with you today, I’ll try to do it in a way that’s detailed enough for those who adore craftsmanship, but hopefully easy to follow if you’re new to the world of Fude (brush, in Japanese).

I first met with the Fude artisans in 2013, since that first trip that clearly changed my life, I travelled to Japan several times a year. I always have a full schedule when I am in Kumano, I love every moment with the artisans, and with everyone else I have the chance to talk to.
The artisans are always excited to tell me about their work, to introduce me to everyone, to show me their incredible Fude for calligraphy, painting, and make-up of course. I am already very familiar with some of the brushes that they show me, but there is still so much more to discover, it’s so interesting to learn about their techniques and the evolution of Fude. Kumano Fude is a craft built on generations of skill and dedication. We know that these techniques live in the hands of the artisans, and they can only continue if these are diligently passed on.

When I started creating my own brushes, my goal was to highlight the artisans’ craftsmanship and traditions while also introducing thoughtful innovation that meets today’s needs and modern formulas. Our brushes are entirely handmade in Japan, the amount of work that goes into each piece is the reason restocks take time and why the cost reflects the labour and expertise involved.
For me, working with these artisans and preserving traditional techniques really matters. It feels meaningful to know that what we do helps keep these skills alive and ensures the next generation can learn and carry these traditions forward.

Here are the direct links to each section of this post should you wish to jump to a specific one directly:

The Alpine Series
The Yasha Bristles
Yashabushi dye vs Kakishibu dye
The Alpine Handles
The Alpine Brushes – Details and Comparisons
– ALP1
– ALP2
— The Duo ALP2- ALP4
– ALP3
—The Duo ALP1- ALP3
-ALP4
Technical Specs and Pricing
Availability

The ALPINE series

These ALPINE face brushes are limited‑edition. Today, I’m introducing the four face brushes and sharing all the details about each one. There are also four eye brushes currently in production.

The handles feature a gradient that transitions from black to grey, with a touch of sky blue in between. The ferrules are finished with the same lacquer as the handles, creating a continuous look, you’ll notice the subtle sparkles that begin at the base of the handles and flow seamlessly onto the ferrules. The bristles are saikoho goat, dyed with a traditional technique using yasha dye to create this distinctive greyish hue.

The inspiration

The name of these series is inspired by the Swiss Alps. I don’t live in the Alps but I am not very far from them, we are in a tiny ski-resort village that’s perfect for long walks and mountain views. One of the perks of being at a higher altitude is that the fog and clouds often sit just below us, which makes the scenery feel even more magical.

I often go on hikes in order to improve my health. This activity has played a very important role in the past 2 years.
The good news is that the views are quite extraordinary, seeing the clouds stretch like a soft blanket beneath the mountain peaks is both grounding and deeply inspiring.

I’m lucky to see the Mont Blanc directly from home, although this peak is in France.

We all have places and landscapes that calm us and stun us at the same time, so beautiful they take our breath away. For me, it happens whenever I’m by or in the sea, or surrounded by mountains. In Japan, it’s the Mount Fuji; in Switzerland, it’s the Alps.
These places may be worlds apart, but they stir the same emotions in me, a mix of peace and awe.

Most of the photos I have of the Alps include my family, but I’ll be back in the Alps this Thursday and I will make sure to take new pictures that I can share here.

I had an Alpine theme ongoing, and I also wanted to showcase Yasha dye for the bristles, this felt like the perfect opportunity to bring both elements together in the same project.

Update March 20th, 2026

The Yasha Bristles

Like many of you, I love discovering new designs, craftsmanship, and different bristle types. If you’ve been with me for a long time, you already know that high‑quality natural bristles are becoming increasingly scarce as demand continues to rise. Even so, there’s still plenty to explore in the Fude world. What I enjoy most is creating new designs, challenging the artisans, and bringing fresh interest to our collections and daily routines.

We could have created these brushes using undyed saikoho goat bristles, but whenever I have the opportunity to incorporate a traditional technique, that’s the direction I choose. It may be more complex and more expensive, but it results in a far more distinctive project and, importantly, contributes to preserving the artisans’ craft for the future.

The saikoho goat bristles that we used for these series were dyed using Japanese Green Alder (Yashabushi) dye. It may not be the first time that you hear about this type of dye.

If you’ve travelled to Japan, you may have noticed how deeply natural dyeing techniques are valued and how widely they’re used, especially in textiles. You’ll see them on traditional garments, everyday clothing, and handcrafted goods. There’s a long history, and a genuine love for natural dyes woven into Japanese craftsmanship.

The Master Artisan who worked with me on these brushes is passionate about natural dyeing, and it’s a craft he has practiced for many years. His dedication and love for this particular craft are the reasons he looks for ways to blend this traditional art form with the world of Fude.

These ALPINE brushes were all bundled with saikoho goat hair that has been dyed with yashabushi dye -hence the grey colour of the bristles.

I wanted to showcase this dye for a long time. We all felt it would be especially meaningful for this series, because of their colour, and because there is a very particular feel of airiness to these bristles.

Yashabushi dye comes from the Japanese Green Alder, a small deciduous tree growing throughout Japan. Its flowers bloom from March to April and in autumn, the fruit is taken and used for dyeing. This dye has been used since ancient times, and its applications have evolved over the years. It has also been used as medicine to reduce skin inflammation.

Known for its lightfastness, stability, and pH-neutral properties, it is used in traditional mounting studios to dye lining paper for scrolls. It’s also used to dye wood and in textiles for modern, sustainable fashion. It has proven its stability and durability which makes it highly suitable for conservation.

YASHABUSHI DYE vs KAKISHIBU DYE

You may already be familiar with the Traditions Kakishibu brushes that are dyed using the persimmon fruit dye. The bristles used for these ALPINE brushes have been dyed using Yashabushi dye, this dye comes from the Japanese Green Alder cones.

Both dyes come from a fruit, but the technique is different. The yasha dye requires a mordant that will modify the hue of the dye – it is usually yellow-brown but the mordant used by the artisan is going to change the final hue to either black, grey, purple, green or brown.

The bristles’ feel and performance vary depending on whether they’ve been dyed with yashabushi or kakishibu. But this is also influenced by the particular batch of bristles and the selection process that happens before dyeing. In other words, the dye alone doesn’t fully dictate how the bristles will feel or perform. It’s also important to note that these differences in feel and performance are based on my personal observations, they’re not scientifically proven. For the Master Artisan, the primary reasons for dyeing the bristles are aesthetics, and his love for the craft.

In this series, the yasha bristles were dyed as one batch, giving them a consistent hue and softness. Should we restock these brushes later on, the hue will inevitably shift. Each new batch of natural bristles is unique, and the Master Artisan’s fully hand‑done process also contributes to noticeable variations. The same applies to the kakishibu dyed bristles, each batch is slightly different. The dyed bristles may sometimes show little variations even within the same brush. It’s similar to dyeing our own hair: each strand absorbs colour differently, so the result can vary. With goat bristles, the reaction is even harder to control, making the process exponentially more challenging.

From my own observations, these two dyes influence the behaviour of the bristles in distinct ways. I’m personally obsessed with kakishibu, there’s something about the way this dye adds body and strength to the bristles that I believe truly elevates their performance. With the yasha dye, what I appreciate is the airiness it imparts. The distancing between each bristle feels just right and allows the bristles to work with more finesse.

I’ve tried the exact same brush designs in both dyes, and I genuinely appreciate how differently they perform. I feel Kakishibu works with more noticeable grip and strength, whereas yashabushi has more lightness in its approach. This feeling can also vary depending on the bristles’ softness and structure before each dye process is even done. Other than the different aesthetics of both types, this is the main difference that I could note.

Yashabushi‑dyed bristles will lighten over time, while kakishibu‑dyed bristles are more likely to darken as they age. Both types may release a bit of colour when washed (which is normal and completely safe). Though I personally haven’t noticed any bleeding in any of the dyes, it’s good to know it can happen. There are similarities with both dyeing methods, but with Yasha, the dyeing takes longer, the process is more complex and challenging and the variations in hue from batch to batch may be more noticeable.

If you are interested in Kakishibu bristles, you can find two posts with information linked below:

The ALPINE Handles

For this Limited Edition series, the handles are black at the bottom, they transition to light blue and then light grey.
The logo, “JAPAN,” and each brush name are printed in a light blue shade. The brushes are named ALP1, ALP2, ALP3, and ALP4, with the letter A designed to look like a tiny mountain peak.

The ferrules are finished with the same lacquer as the handles, creating a continuous look. In this photo you’ll notice the subtle sparkles that begin at the base of the handles and flow seamlessly onto the ferrules.

We revisited the Lotus series concept and used the same handle shape and length. The handles also have a gradient lacquer and bespoke ferrules, although for the ALPINE, the same colour of the handle flows onto the ferrule.

We dedicate this launch to Mr Norihisa Fujita, an artisan who worked very closely with one of our brush suppliers. He worked on many of our projects (including this release), mixing colours for the logos and applying them. Mr Fujita sadly passed recently, he will be remembered by everyone for his extraordinarily kind heart and cheerfulness.

The Alpine Brushes – Details and Comparisons

These 4 face brushes are new brush designs. The ALP2 is quite similar to the Japanese Gardens Maki-e face brush released in February 2026, it’s not exactly the same brush but it’s close in shape and we used the same ferrule.

These ALPINE brushes were designed with careful consideration of the behaviour and structure of the yasha bristles. I’ll walk you through each brush, and I’ll also explain how they work together as duos.

I captured photos in natural daylight as well as under studio lighting. I’ll share both, and you’ll be able to click on the images to view them in more detail.

THE ALP1

The bristles of the ALP 1 are 38mm long. The working surface is approximately 3cm diameter depending on the pressure you use.

The ferrule has a curved shape at the top. This ferrule tightens the bristles at the base while the brush opens towards the surface.
This allows the bristles to flex and move with ease, we still have control on the intensity of the buff, but they adapt so easily, it feels like the brush truly hugs the face.

FUNCTION AND PURPOSE

This brush has a flat surface with curved edges. The shorter bristles all around the perimeter support the flat working area, we feel that the brush works with similar strength across its whole surface, flexing easily when needed. If you’re applying product on flat areas or working around the nose, mouth, or eyes, the bristles adapt naturally, allowing for a smooth, consistent blend.

This is an “all-over” type of brush, whether you’re using a finishing powder, sweeping bronzer all over, or doing a final blend at the end, the large surface shouldn’t feel intimidating. This is because the brush gives such good feedback as you blend. It’s neither too dense nor too weak, it glides beautifully and adapts whether you want a soft blend or a more intense buff.

This is how it fits inside a Guerlain Météorites case, and it works beautifully with them. The longer bristles splay just enough to reach and pick up the different powder pearls – should you love to dip the brush directly into the container.

But it’s not limited to Météorites, this brush works wonderfully with or without product. That final blend is such an important step, and this brush is an exceptional tool for achieving it when we are working on larger areas.

COMPARISONS AND ALTERNATIVES

ALP1 vs Buffer Pro

Both have similar size working surfaces. The Buffer Pro is a denser brush, the bristles are shorter and firmer. Even though it has movement and flexibility, it’s much more determined in comparison to the ALP1 and has a stronger core towards the center of the surface. The Buffer Pro has stronger product pickup and will deliver a more polished result.

The ALP1 is going to deliver a more diffused application and a softer blend as the bristles have more airiness, flex and movement. The Buffer Pro, even though the bristles have movement, it doesn’t have the same ability to adapt to an uneven surface as the ALP1 has.

THE ALP2

This ALP2 face brush has a front and a back: the ferrule is pinched, slightly concave at the front and convex at the back, the bristles are 32/25mm long.

This is a dense brush, the main working surface is situated on the front of the brush, but we can play with the angle and be more precise with the placement.

It has high density, so we can pair it with products that require a denser/stronger brush. However, thanks to that airiness and spacing in the bristles, it remains a very easy brush to work with.

The light outdoors kept shifting every minute, going from snowfall to full sunshine, so I’m keeping the natural photos unedited, sometimes the bristles will appear darker. It’s the same brush in each image, only the lighting changes. The handles naturally shift in tone as well, sometimes looking more blue, other times more grey.

THE DUO ALP2 – ALP4

This ALP2 looks a little similar to the ALP4 but actually, the size, density and shape differ, two different purposes.
The ALP2 is the one with the density, the strength, and it covers a wider area, while the ALP4 is more airy and the shape allows for a more calculated placement.
As we often work with more natural (less bold) products on a large area, the ALP2 is the most appropriate for that purpose. But if we need a lighter hand, to be more cautious with the intensity, and more intentional with the placement, then the ALP4 will do just that.

FUNCTION AND PURPOSE

The ALP2 was designed for the application of blushes or bronzers that require a denser brush, when we aim for a polished result on a medium to large perimeter. But it remains a very versatile brush because we can also work with the tip if we need more control, to apply a product or buff with precision.

I have quite a few blushes that are stubborn in the pan, the ALP2 is my go‑to for those. Despite its density, the bristles still maintain enough airiness as if there’s some friction in the bristles preventing them from sticking together. It helps achieve a more diffused placement, avoiding the harsh edges that dense brushes can sometimes deliver.

COMPARISONS AND OTHER OPTIONS

ALP2 vs Japanese Gardens

These two brushes are a little similar as they share the same ferrule, but the Japanese Gardens is bundled with WCS (white Canadian squirrel bristles) and saikoho goat bristles, while the ALP2 is bundled only with yasha dyed saikoho bristles.

The Japanese Gardens is softer and has a smoother flow, more roundness in the shape in comparison to the ALP2. The Japanese Gardens will flex and adapt more easily, while the ALP2 is going to feel a little more directional and work with more strength.

If you have the Japanese Gardens brush, you may not need the ALP2 as they are quite similar: the ALP2 delivers a more polished and stronger blend while the Japanese Gardens is softer.
If you were interested in the shape and of the Japanese Gardens, the ALP2 is the closest you can get.

ALP4 – Koyudo Holiday 2022 (Rabbit jumping on the moon) – ALP2

I have the Koyudo Yasha face brush from 2022 so I wanted to show you the nuances between this brush, the ALP2 and the ALP4.

Immediately, you can see that the mordant for the yasha dye on Koyudo’s brush gave a more purple hue to the tip of the bristles.
The ALP2 has shorter bristles, it’s denser and stronger in comparison to Koyudo’s.
The ALP4 is more similar in terms of density, but it’s much smaller in size.

THE ALP3

The ALP 3 face brush features 40 mm bristles with a sharp point supported by many layers of bristles.
This brush has lots of airiness, but the tip remains incredibly easy to control. You can place the brush exactly where you need it, target under the eyes, between the eyes and nose, or along the sides of the nose, we can feel where the tip is working, which makes navigating with control surprisingly intuitive.

Even though it’s a very tapered face brush, the yasha‑dyed bristles give it a light, airy feel that makes it easy to use. This is fantastic when you want precise placement without intensity or harsh edges.

FUNCTION AND PURPOSE

This brush is amazing for powder, blush, sculpting, contour or highlight.
The tip offers some precision, it’s there when you need it, but it doesn’t lead the application when you don’t it want to. Thanks to the airiness of the brush, you can definitely work with the sides and the tip won’t interfere.

This is how it fits in the Hourglass Ambient palettes, as a frame of reference.
I use this brush with all of these pans, with the powders, with the bright shades and also with the bronzers.

THE DUO ALP1 – ALP3

The ALP3 is the perfect companion to the ALP 1. While the ALP 1 is designed to work on larger areas and cover much more surface, the ALP 3 steps in when we need more control and precision. They are opposites that complement each other so beautifully.

COMPARISONS AND OTHER OPTIONS

ALP3 vs Traditions TF3

The ALP 3 has longer bristles, a wider diameter ferrule that is pinched, so its profile is a touch slimmer when seen from the side. The TF3 is firmer, also has a flexible tip, but the inner layers work with more strength, giving it a more intense placement and buff in comparison to the ALP3.

ALP3 vs Classic Cheek

This is to give you an idea of how they compare in size. The ALP3 is a little bigger and feels more airy in comparison to the Classic Cheek.
The application with the ALP3 will result more diffused, while the Classic Cheek has more strength to work with more difficult products.

THE ALP4

The ALP4 face brush has a front and a back: the ferrule is pinched, slightly concave at the front and convex at the back, the bristles are 20/30 mm long.

If you look at the profile of this brush, it’s shaped like a fingertip. The main working surface is situated on the front of the brush but we can use every side of it, and also the tip based on the precision and control that we need.

This brush is an evolution of a prototype that I made with the Master Artisan in 2021, 5 years ago already! I loved that original design, but that one was very focused on one specific task and didn’t offer as much versatility. By changing the ferrule and some measurements, the entire brush changed. It became more functional, more purposeful, and overall much more fun to work with. It’s such a beautiful little brush: smart, versatile, and incredibly useful. If you wanted to get just one from this whole series, I would recommend you to start with this one.

FUNCTION AND PURPOSE

The ALP4 is like 3 different brushes in one: the front is a fluffy airy flat-ish surface, the profile is a slimmer elongated dome and the back has a shorter and firmer working surface (in comparison to the working surface on the front). It just gives you different options to play with.

Because this brush can be used in different directions, it’s surprisingly capable for its size. It works beautifully for setting powders, highlighter, sculpting, and blush.

Its size and density also make it perfect for face palettes with smaller pans or with formulas that vary in intensity, you can switch from one shade to the next with the same brush. It fits neatly into smaller pans while still delivering a soft, diffused application.

COMPARISONS AND OTHER OPTIONS

ALP4 vs Mini Essentials Set & Sculpt

The Mini Essentials Set & Sculpt is bundled with a blend of brown dyed and kakishibu dyed saikoho goat bristles.
The ALP4 is the bigger brush of the two, it has a much wider working surface, it will pick up more product in comparison and deliver a more powerful blend when you need it. The Set & Sculpt is even more strategic with the placement.

ALPINE FACE BRUSHES – TECHNICAL SPECS AND PRICING

AVAILABILITY

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this long post. I hope the details were helpful and that you’ll enjoy discovering these Alpine brushes. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me in the comments below.

The ALPINE series are limited edition due to their particular bristles, they will be available as sets and also individually on April 13th, 2026 at 10am PT on Beautylish.

If you have pre-ordered these brushes in March, Beautylish will start shipping the pre-orders on April 8th, 2026.

Thank you so much for your patience and for your understanding!

DIRECT LINKS TO THE SETS ON BEAUTYLISH

The Alpine Series Face Set
($323 USD)

The Alpine Series Duo No. 1
($168 USD)

The Alpine Series Duo No. 2
($155 USD)