I am Spanish, living in Switzerland and I love Japan, the people, its culture and traditions. I travel to Japan often, I feel closely connected to Kumano, to my friends there and the artisans, they are like a second family to me.
It all started with a simple discovery that changed my life. My sensitive and super dehydrated skin was causing me a lot of issues and discomfort, until I found the right skincare. I could finally enjoy and experiment with make-up and it was such a revelation! I loved it so much that I decided to start a blog in 2012.
I wanted to share my own experience and my discoveries and that’s when I realized the importance of great tools, specially the benefit of using the best handcrafted make-up brushes.
In 2017, I launched my own collection of make-up brushes, entirely designed by myself, handcrafted in Japan by Kumano’s artisans. They are more than just tools, they combine art, luxury and efficiency, I wanted to elevate the results and bring joy to the experience of applying make-up. They are exclusively available on Beautylish.
If you love high end make-up brushes you really just found the core of that topic 🙂
95 comments
Sonia, I just found you through gossmakeupartist. I have to ask, what moisturizer did you find that worked so well for you that you mentioned in About Me. I have very dry skin also, am in my early forties and have never found a moisturizer that really works. I haven’t gone through your whole blog yet so if you have mentioned it sorry, I just haven’t gotten there yet. Also what foundation do you like best for your dry skin? Would love to hear back from you.
Thanks,
Tanya
Hi Tanya,
Thanks ! Wayne is just simply the best 🙂
I use the Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Repair Creme, the one without SPF. Not that I don’t want spf but the one with it (the Day creme) is not rich enough for my skin. I use this one night and day. I have been using it for ages and love it. We have only one counter here in Geneva that sells it and the pot I am using at the moment comes from there (instead of from the USA where I usually buy it), I don’t know why but it feels a tiny bit less moisturizing, either my skin is changing or the formula is slightly different… Since I am again running out of it, I am today ordering a new pot but from the USA, just to make sure it does not come from the formula.
I recommend you try a sample of it, it really worked like a miracle for me.
These are the foundations I use at the moment :
Tom Ford Traceless
By Terry Sheer-Expert or Light-Expert
Chantecaille Future Skin
Burberry Sheer
Mac Mineralize SPF15 or Mac Face and Body
Kevyn Aucoin SSE
Ellis Faas (S103)
I use more brands but these are the ones I reach for the most, I select the foundation depending on how my skin feels, if I feel it’s a bad day for my skin, Tom Ford or By Terry will be very appropriate since they are extremely comfortable. All of them are fantastic for my dry skin, they have a glowy finish and do not provide a heavy coverage, but when you have extremely dry skin, a heavy or mat coverage, in my opinion, is not a very good idea 🙂
I hope this helps and let me now if you have the possibility to try it and if it works for you too !
Hi there Sonia!
I came across your blog during my endless search for the perfect blush brush. Your blog has been very helpful, just need the money now lol. Just wanted to say I had very very dry and sensitive skin also (not helped by typical Scottish weather!) and after many years and trips to the dermatologist I found a moisturizer that transformed my skin…
I use Eucerin Auqaporin Rich moisturizer. This moisturizer hydrated my skin so well! A million times better than any other product for dry sensitive skin, drugstore or high end. I also use Bourjois Healthy mix foundation which I’ve found to be best for my skin over many high end products.
I just thought I’d just share this as it’s what has helped me so much. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and reviewing products. It’s so appreciated in this increasingly expensive market!
Vicky
I realize this is an old question, but I’ll share my HG moisturizer for dry skin incase it’s ever helpful to anyone else. I’ve been learning so much here that I want to pay it forward!!! At any price point, the most soothing moisturizer I’ve ever tried is Dr Hauschka’s Rose Day Cream.
Thank you for sharing Cyn 🙂
Will get a sample and try it 🙂 I am trying Cle de Peau (samples) and it’s good but too expensive anyway…
Hi Vicky ! I am so glad it helped… I am waiting for some Chikuhodo at the moment, I will also post about them as soon as I get them 🙂 and Rae is sending me a replacement set… we’ll see 😉
I know Scottish weather very well, my boyfriend is from there and I go there often ! Funny how you know you are arrived in Scotland… often the wind reminds you where you are… , but it’s so beautiful over there and the people are so incredibly friendly and helpful !
Like you, I also went many times to the dermatologist but without success…
I will try these products for sure, a big THANK YOU for sharing that with me ! I really appreciate you leaving me this sweet comment !
Take care 🙂
Sonia
Congratulations for this blog that allow yourself to escape in your own way and that is very well kept. I could never bring my knowledge to support this blog cause i am condemned -as a male – having to keep my “nude” appearance at all times..!! 🙂 but continues like this! kisses. (excuse my (poor) english..)
Thank you so much Joris, you are a sweetheart and I am so happy to know you ! I sincerely hope we can meet more often ! <3
Hi Sonia,
I just found your blog and happy I did. I am in my 40’s, am an American 1/2 Spanish, 1/2 Norwegian. And love love love playing with makeup! It is nice to follow a fellow lover of great makeup and within my age range! Thanks for blogging!
Sandra
Hi Sandra, thank you for your sweet comment, you are very welcome, it’s such a pleasure to share my passion with you 🙂
Hi Sonia, I’ve subscribed to your blog and am looking forward to browsing through your past post. Can’t wait ! Can I ask how you managedto buy brushes from Chickuhodo? Last time I looked about a year ago it was in Chinese and I was totally lost. Thanks 🙂
Thank you so much Mary for your interested and also for subscribing 🙂
Here I explain a bit about using a forwarding company, but that was complicated and really expensive. Unless you have a friend in Japan they are not so easy to get. I got most of them from Kohlindo (Sueden) I will send you Malin’s details by separate email. She is my contact and you can tell her what you are interested in, she is really helpful and friendly !
These are expensive brushes but of the best you can find.
Talk soon !
Hi Sonia – jut wondering if you have a Twitter account? Couldn’t find one.. thanks!
Hi yes I do : My Sweet MT
thanks !
I forgot to say, I sent Astalift a long email with questions a few days ago, I will send it again to your address 🙂
I found your blog while browsing for Tom Ford eyeshadow swatches and Hakuhodo brushes and pretty much all the brands that I love. I too have a weakness for luxury cosmetics. Love your blog and subscribed!
Thank you Joanne ! wishing you all the best and lots of fun here 😀
Hello Sonia,
I just discovered your blog (via Kate from Drivel about Frivol) and I must say that I spent two days going through all your posts. My goodness, I feel like I’ve just been through a University course lol 🙂
Just wanted to say that you really do a fantastic job and I find your blog to be a wonderful resource! Paint me impressed and consider me a fan…
Cheers,
Nina (an expat Greek in London)
Hi Nina, oh well… what can I answer to that ?? you are really sweet and I thank you so very much 🙂
welcome on board 😉
Hi Sonia!
I’ve been stalking your blog for awhile.
I thought I’d make an introduction, as I will be asking zillion questions about brushes.
Your posts have been feeding my brushes lemming you see 😀
Thank you so much for providing detailed review, thorough comparison and the gorgeous fluffy brush pics!
Oh and on another irrelevant note,
I hope one day I’ll be an IT architect like you so I can afford moar brushes 😀
haha
Hi Ellen, thank you and welcome !! 🙂
I hope that whatever career you choose that it will make you happy and allow you to get a million brushes -there are never enough you know.. 😛
Sonia, Yours is the best resource for info re high quality makeup brushes. Your comparative photos are so helpful as well as the actual reviews. Like you Ihave dry skin, prefer light medium coverage and am NW 15 or 20 . I was glad to learn about the
Laura M moisturizer- I’ll give it a try. Of the brushes reviewed I only have Hakuhodo, because the others are too difficult to get. If sources become available here in the US I’ll try other brands. I’m fascinated with Japanese cosmetics. Please review more, esp.
RMK, Lunasol, Addictive, Jill Sanders, and Esprique. I have a friend in Hong Kong who
is willing to purchase for me, but I’m concerned that the cosmetics would be counterfeit.
Do you think that would be a problem? Please let us know your opinion of the “seasonal
sets” from Japan. Sorry this is such a long post.
Hi Felcie,
Thank you ! 🙂
I don’t think they will be counterfeit if they are purchased at the beauty counters.
I also had one friend swapping with me and purchasing things for me in HK (Lunasol brushes) and it was perfectly fine. They have easier access to japanese brands and they usually carry them. It was a great experience.
I will try to share as much as I can 😉 thank you for your precious support !
Sonia, can you recommend the service bringblingjp? Is it correct that some of the ladies have used the service and had a good experience. Just seems to be the simplest
option for acquiring Japanese brushes. I need your input as I’m ready to place order(thanks to your blog).
Hi Felcie !
yes I can recommend her since I used her services already, it worked very smoothly, no problems whatsoever 🙂
Sonia, I know you’re hard at work preparing for your trip to Japan. I hope it will be all that you hope for and more. All of us are anxiously waiting for yor posts, but please do relax and enjoy. I have a question regarding Chikuhodo brushes. On their website they use terms I’ve never heard to describe the brush materials
1 crude light peak
2 light crude peak
3 rough light peak
Can you please explain.
PS I placed and received an order from cdjapan (white mushroom & fan baby goat pink)
Lovely brushes
Waiting for my order from Tommy( a few Chikuhodos and the Houkudou stand- white foundation? Prior to following your blog I bought Hakuhodo, but I’ve become a “brush
monster. My husband’s eyes are glazed over.
Hello Sonia! Your blog is a great finding for me!!! I am from the Ukraine and found your blog while searching in the web any information about Hakuhodo brushes. You are the best in describing any brush! I love your reviews very much and you helped me a lot in choosing my first Hakuhodo brushes! Thank you very much for your work.
I have a question, almost all brushes I chose from J Series, but I am in a doubt regarding a brush for a powder (powdery and compact) , I’ve chosen J103, but then looked at S103, the difference in price is only $9. So i think what to choose. Is S103 very very soft? I do not like very soft brushes, but in J103 I am doubt about their Hair Type as it has Synthetic Fiber. How do you think, will it be good for powder and which one will you recommend?
Thank you.
hi Alena,
glad it helps, I am here for that and happy that you all somehow benefit of my craziness 😉
well… I have both the J103 and the S103, in the past I didn’t like the S103 because I wanted even more softer options, today I prefer the S103, as far as I remember (I am in Spain so no access to these here) it is better “bundled”, has a more defined shape than the J one, I would recommend you the S definitely. It is not too soft so it may just perfectly fit in your criteria for a powder brush, it picks a great amount of product but in a buildable way, no edges. the J one is less precise but I really would go for the hair on the S (in terms of efficiency and “not too soft”).
Hi Sonia
I’ve just discovered your blog and I love it! Thank you for generously sharing your encyclaeapedic knowledge and pics of your fabulous collection. You put a lot of time, effort, and money into your product reviews and it’s incredibly informative for your readers. I’m working my way through your archived posts. It’s nice too that you’ve created a forum here for beauty/brush junkies who can talk about their passion without judgment from others.
Like you, when I have a passion for something, I’m obsessive compulsive. I’m into clothes, jewellery, and of late, beauty products. When you’re 40-something and you decide you’re not going to go down the plastic surgery route, then good beauty products and knowing how to use them is essential. And it’s fun!
I’ve got a small collection of brushes by Trish McEvoy, Nars, Hourglass, Becca, and RM’s Radiance. And I’ve just ordered 7 Hakuhodo’s. I’m very excited! The Australian dollar is dropping by the day 🙁 I should have developed my collection when it was stronger! My next order in the coming months will be Tanseido – I may need your advice 🙂
I do have a question for you around organisation. I have a massive nail polish collection. I’ve created polish wheels so I can see at a glance what colours I have. I also have a list of my lipsticks that go with each polish. It just makes things easier. My face ‘colour story’ goes with the clothes I’m wearing and polish/lipstick I’ve chosen. I prepare all my clothes and accessories for the coming week each weekend. I’m not a morning person and I have a lot of stuff so I have to be organised. What I’d like to know is how you decide each day which products to use and which brushes. Why one particular blush brush as opposed to another? Do you have sub-categories? For example, cream blush brushes? Why one eye palette over another? I expect my collection to grow and I’d like to know how to manage it effectively. Your expert advice is much appreciated.
Apologies for the incredibly lengthy comment. Thanks and warmest regards, Star Girl.
Hi Star Girl, I really appreciate having people like you here, sharing our passion with like minded makes us feel really good 🙂
I will take some time to reply to you, right now I can’t because I am about to leave home but I’ll try to give you some recommendations. Also my new studio will be “installed enough” for me to start move things inside and organise them. After I still need to do the walls and the floor but I just can’t wait any longer 😀
So far I organise some by hair (suqqu, chikuhodo Z, fine kalla together)or brand then I have a stand just for red handle brushes (Koyudo, Hakuhodo, Tanseido, Takeda, Kashoen), each brand separately. It’s more a visual clean and neat organization than for “functional” use. FOr me it’s easier to reach for the brand I want than the brush but I’ll tell you more in the future, I will also share the organization of the studio with you, also to get some input from you, I saw some organizations of make up lovers here and they are just abslutely amazing !
talk soon 🙂
Take your time, Sonia. I’m delighted that I’ve found a kindred spirit. 🙂
Cheers, Star.
Hi Sonia!
Yesterday I could not find your blog and got actually worried….that is how addicted I got 😉
Anyway I really like this new layout and I am looking forward to the forum and the upcoming reviews!
I noticed you mentioned Kevyn Acuoin SSE among your favorite foundations, I hope you will include it in the foundation brush review since I have been considering it for a long time but I read it requires some patience with application and I am not sure I would get it right.
Thank you in advance!
Elena
lol 😀 I hope the new layout will work, we’ll see with time, it may change a bit… but thank you so much ! I appreciate all your encouraging comments, specially right now since I am really tired, I am just starting to relax a bit, gosh it was a stressful process but I am back 🙂
yes it is included briefly but if you have any questions you will be able to comment and ask, I know some friends who use it and they may also help. It does require effort and patience but it has some good benefits.
Do you have a private email address?
Yes, it’s written in this “about me” page.
Dear Sonia,
I found your blog while searching Hakuhodo brushes review. I could not stop reading. Your reviews and pictures are amazing! Can’t stop reading. Do you have a review for Hakuhodo B104 brush?
Thanks,
Olga
Hi Olga,
First of all I am happy it helps you and thank you for the sweet comment, very touched 🙂
Regarding the B104 unfortunately I don’t own it, I own the little sister (that I don’t remember the number now because I am on a trip and I don’t have it here with me).
The shape is my favorite -round and flat-, the easiest and more pleasant for me to use. The material of this B104 is goat so I have to say that this material tends to be slightly different from each model, being sometimes a bit too rough on delicate skin, therefore I cannot talk about that brush in particular.
However, I have the similar in the J series http://www.hakuhodousa.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=330. That one is very soft although it’s goat, it feels very pleasant and still preserves the efficiency of goat hair, but I don’t own the B104 🙁
Impresionante, sin palabras me he quedado, aún no he visto todo el blog pero no dudes que lo hare, solo tengo una hakuhodo y una pequeña “lista de deseos” que desde hoy es gran lista de deseos.
Un besote y continúa, que encima me das un empujón con el ingles 🙂
Me alegro 🙂 asi nos empujamos las dos jeje
un besote a ti tambien!
Hello Sonia,
A lovely and succinctly written review and your personal thoughts.
It does come through,that you write as you speak.
Thank you Kelly! so sweet of you! <3
Hi there Sonia! I was looking for Hakuhodo-reviews and someone recommended your blog… It’s just awesome! Your reviews are honest and it’s a pleasure to read… And then I saw… You’re a swiss girl!! So am I!!
Now I have to get these Hakuhodo-brushes 😉 I hope shipping is not too expensive!
Keep it up!! 🙂
Hi Sonia,
I live and breathe by your amazing “best of” recommendation lists…would it be at all possible to ask you (please! also, pretty please!) to make a current list of your HG makeup products? I haven’t seen anything since your Summer 2012 best of list, and I would really to know what you’ve been loving more recently!
Thank you! 🙂
Megan
Hi Megan,
Sure I can do that 🙂
I know I am sooo late with makeup reviews, since I came back from Japan all is going so fast. And the lighting is not the best at this moment since works haven’t finished yet!
My hg products have changed since summer 2012, some remain but I will do that post for sure, I am planning it for the upcoming 5 posts or so because I wanted to show a picture of the organization of the daily products and that precise organization is made of my HG’s 🙂
Thank you so much for your interest, so sweet!!
Hi Sonia,
I have come across your site a number of times in the past and I can see that you are a lover of high quality makeup brushes. I will be launching a new line of brushes in 2014 and I want to get in touch with you so I could send you some of the brushes to try out, I would love your feedback.
Thanks,
Nyla
Hi Nyla, indeed 🙂 I believe you have my contact details in the about page, do not hesitate to contact me if you wish to talk, otherwise let me know and I’ll get in touch.
talk soon!
Hi Sonia,
Can you list your foundation matches? I think we have similar skin tone, so that would be very helpful.
Thanks!
Sure, here are some :
RBR chestnut milk parfait
Tom Ford Fawn (but will switch to a darker one probably)
Ellis Faas S103 (or 102 in deep winter)
Suqqu 30
Mac Mineralize NW20 or 25 in summer
Mac Medium Plus skin finish
Bare MInerals Medium Beige
By Terry Sheer expert n5 peach beige
By Terry light expert 5
Chanel aqua b30
chanel vitalumiere 20
I often have to mixe them to get to my final color (specially Illamasqua) but the one that seems to adapt the best is the Ellis Faas 🙂
Hi,
here is a link that matches one brand’s foundation colour to the best match in other brands: http://findation.com/
thank you Jeanette, did not know that one 🙂
OMG, how am i only now discovering your blog?!
I love it and we like the same brand. I have the same passion for little niche brands (make up and skincare).
I live in Switzerland as well and it’s a mission to find the brands that i like here. How do you usually buy your products? Travelling or through Myus.com?
Thanks for sharing your passion 😉
OMG, I would like to know where you live 🙂
most usually travelling or via friends or forwarding companies …
delighted to share this passion with you!!
Hola Sonia, me he suscrito a tu blog porque me parece asombroso, es genial y disfruto mucho leyendo tus opiniones y tus viajes a Japón (es como si viajara yo también… jejeje), te seguiré porque me gustan mucho las brochas y pinceles del maquillaje. Un Beso desde la Comunidad Valenciana.
Que bien! un beso desde Suiza y gracias de todo corazon por tu presencia aqui, me alegra mucho 🙂
Hi Sonia! I can’t thank you enough for your Savon suggestion. I’m so glad knowing that my delicate brushes will be well taken care of, and be my companions for many years to come. Really, you were instrumental in this new, and only method for me! I’ve made a cheesy brush cleaning video, lol! I’ve thanked you, but I’d like your permission to direct others to your blog? I hope that I covered the issues and facts correctly, and that I’ve spread a helpful method to those who can benefit from it.<3 Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!! Here's the brush video: http://youtu.be/0_dxejcdKP4
Hi Erica,
Thank you for the link, I truly enjoyed your video 🙂
I know that makeup artists do have to use alcohol and sanitizers to wash their brushes but that will damage the bristles, if you look at the beauty counters you can see that their brushes aren’t that soft anymore and that they lost color, that is due to the harsh chemicals they often have to use to sanitize them.
When we are only using them on ourselves, alcohol is not recommended, neither for synthetic nor natural hair. When you need to sanitize the brushes with alcohol (I do that but only on foundation/eye brushes that aren’t dyed), I spray on the towel and then wipe the brush gently on the towel. So, to summarize, Savon de Marseille imho is excellent with non-dyed brushes and when I have to wash more delicate (squirrel or dyed brushes) today I use only baby shampoo.
It’s clearly the cheapest and most efficient solution!
I love how you wash them, it’s exactly what I do 🙂 nice and clear!!
Thank you for mentioning me <3
Hi Sonia, I know you are living in Switzerland so I would like to know if you have any tips about where to find nice makeup stores there and anything else that is helpful. I am myself going to Switzerland for a year but I don’t know much about it so I was thinking someone in the flesh would be perfect to lend some information. Thanks so much and I’ve been loving your blog!
Where are you going to live ? if you are near Zurich you’ll have many more choice, even Tom Ford!, otherwise look out for Globus, Manor, Marionnaud, Amavita, Douglas. Geneva has more choices than other little cities but Zurich even more…
you’ll see that makeup here is very expensive but I think in Australia it is too.
About brushes you can already forget it here, but as long as the post office is delivering parcels 😉
let me know when you are here so that we can talk 🙂
Hi Sonia 🙂
I just want to thank you for awesome blog and all those wonderfull and helpfull reviews of makeup brushes, specially Hakuhodo 🙂 I’ve been reading you since one week, and your reviews helped me a lot with making a final decision about which Hakuhodo brushes I should buy. There are sooooo many of them, it was really not easy to pick “first and most important” ones. You helped me, thanks for that!
Greetings from Norway,
Alicja 🙂
I know how it feels Alicja… the first time you discover these brands it’s overwhelming, it gets better with time and you end up identifying which ones are better targeted for your needs, I hope you will share your final picks 🙂
Hola Sonia!
Descubrí tu blog el otro día cuando buscaba las brochas de Tom Ford y me encantó!
No pude evitar darme cuenta de nuestras similitudes, también soy española y ahora me voy a vivir a Suiza y tengo pasión por brochas de maquillaje. Mi ultima adquisición fueron las de Wayne Goss y las siguientes serán sin duda Tom Ford.
No sé en que parte de Suiza vives pero me podrías decir dónde encontrar brochas, por favor? Especialmente japonesas. Si no te importa, me dirías alguna tienda de maquillaje que deba visitar si o si cuando llegue?
Estoy en la parte francesa.
Tienes un blog increíble y una colección de brochas envidiable.
Si tienes un momento por favor podrías visitar mi blog? Estoy empezando y un poco de feedback me iría genial.
mymariayourmaria.blogspot.com
Muchas gracias Sonia
Un beso
Maria
Hola!
pues ya me diras donde vas a venir, vale ?
yo estoy cerca de Ginebra.
Por aqui no hay ningun sitio que valga la pena, las pido al estrangero.
Bueno, ahora en Zurich hay Tom Ford.
Tu blog es muy entretenido, lo estube mirando el otro dia y me gusta leerte, me relaja 🙂
Cuando tenga un poquito mas de tiempo ya te escribo!
Un beso y hasta pronto!
Hola Sonia,
Me he encontrado con tu blog cuando buscaba brochas japonesas. La verdad es que se nota que te apasiona el tema, lo dominas, además de tener una “flipante” colección.
El caso es que se me ha planteado una duda sobre la fabricación de la brochas (Koyudo, Hakuhodo, etc) y no me queda claro en los posts que he visto sobre las visitas a las fábricas y tiene que ver con el pelo y su procedencia.
El pelo,¿lo “recolectan” los talleres? ¿tienen suministradores externos? ¿hasta que punto se puede decir que son “Cruelty-free”?. Lo comento porque no creo que tengan a una ardilla toda tranquilla y le corten unos pocos pelillos.
Que conste no soy una defensora a ultranza de los animales, que comer hay que comer y abrigarse también, pero de ahí a criar a animalillos únicamente para coger su pelo… pues no lo veo muy claro… y sobre todo cuando es un tema un tanto banal como es la belleza.
Me podrías aclarar este tema.
Muchas gracias,
Un saludo.
Hola Vatna,
Gracias por tu mensaje 🙂
Comprendo lo que dices, no puedo responder en el nombre de esas empresas, cada una tiene su manera de proceder. Lo de cruelty free es sobre todo porque no les van corriendo detras para cogerlas, matarlas y quitarles el pelo, el pelo no resulta de eso y no las cazan para quitarselo pobriños, resulta mas bien por causas naturales.
Los pinceles tambien se utilizan por los pintores, escultores, renovadores,caligrafia, etc
Ahora que si no te encuentras tranquila con eso, puedes dirigirte hacia sinteticas que son tambien muy buenas.
Como no puedo ponerme y hablar en su nombre si necesitas ponerte en contacto con ellos, dime y te envio los detalles.
un saludo!
Is there anyway to find how these brushes are truly made? I am just starting my collection and it has concerned me whether they are cruelty free or not. You do such a great job with these reviews and are definitely in the know when it comes to these brushes and I assume the companies whom you have dealt with.
hello
thank you! please kindly contact the companies you want to at their contact email and they will answer to your questions directly.
Hi Sonia,
I love your website – I have just finished about an hour’s worth of browsing and reading. Your descriptions are so helpful as are your great photos!
I’m sure this has been asked many times, but I couldn’t find the specific question so forgive me if this is repetitive: What is the very best brush for applying liquid or cream foundation when you have flaky skin? (The Goss 01 perhaps?)
I use Retin-A and while I love it for its anti-aging properties, it makes me go through a shedding/flaking cycle every couple of weeks. I’m looking for a foundation/kabuki/blending (whatever) brush for these specific times – One which will actually de-emphasize the flakes. Is this a unicorn? 🙂
Thank you in advance for your help!
Kind regards,
Angela
Hi Angela!
When my skin is in that condition (that happens when I run out of my daily moisturizer for example), I love to use the Rae Morris new 23 brush. I wrote about it here : http://sweetmakeuptemptations.com/2014/03/09/rae-morris-the-magnetic-collection-part-1/
and it’s available here :
http://raemorris.com/products/brush-23-liquid-foundation
I think this is the one that you should try 🙂 and I really hope it works for you! please keep me updated ok ?
the thing with this brush is that you can work in surface and still blend efficiently, at least that’s how it works for me, I don’t need to put pressure therefore I won’t bring more friction to the skin.
Just purchased – So excited!
Thank you again Sonia, and I will definitely report back after I use it several times. RM website stated I would receive it within 7 business days (I’m US).
🙂 🙂
cool, please let me know, it would be useful also for others who may be in the same situation <3
Hi Sonia,
I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to post my experience with the RM #23. Many blog sales and lots of house hunting keep a girl busy! 🙂
My succinct thoughts on it: I *liked* the 23, but I *loved* the Koyudo Fu-Pa foundation brush! I read your reviews of the individual Fu-Pas and bought several from CJN and ebay. I had no idea a foundation brush could be this good – The dense goat hairs make application fast, even, and with the downward motion I use it does not cause any flakiness I might have to be more noticeable. I actually enjoy applying my foundation now. <3
I also wanted to thank you for this blog and all of the hard work you put into it – It is an incredible source of great information for those of us who are relative brush newbs. You're awesome!
Best,
Angela 🙂
Hi Angela, I know how it is, thank you for updating me!
There are so many great options! now you understand why it’s so difficult for me to recommend something because there are many wonderful options, then it will depend on your personal technique and so many other factors!
I am very happy that now applying foundation has become a process you enjoy. I know many people who don’t like it because either it sits on the skin or looks super fake but as you found out, it can be truly flattering and enjoyable 🙂
it’s my pleasure, I am happy that my little discoveries can help someone out there!
have fun with your new brushes 🙂
Hi Sonia,
I tried to contact the email on the brush forum but I keep getting a delivery failure notice so I’m trying to contact you here.
I registered for the forum months ago and I got the email that said my account had to be approved, but it was never approved. I still can’t log in. Did my registration get lost somehow?
If you can get me registered, that’d be awesome. I’d really love to chat with everyone about brushes. 🙂
Hi Sonia,
I’d like to know if I can translate some of your posts about Hakuhodo brushes on my blog, I am a Chinese girl who loves makeup, and recently I plan to purchuse some Hakuhodo brushes, so I read lots of your reviews about it and think it is really useful for persons like me. Therefore I hope to translate them into Chinese so that my friends whose English are not very well can read them and learn from the articles.I will put your web’s adress on the translation and you reserved all right. If you allows me to do that, please let me know, thanks!
Regards,
Sarah YANG
Hi Sarah, as long as you put my link it’s fine, thank you for asking.
Please do not take pictures that come from Hakuhodo directly due to the copyright and for me you can mention it’s my pic and that is ok.
Please can you send me the link of your site ? thank you!
Hello,
I’m living in France and I would to buy some Wayne Goss brushes but the european site “love makeup” doesn’t sell them anymore. Do you know that ? And why ? I’m waiting for your answers.
Thank you and best wishes.
Lisa
Hi Lisa, another site is going to carry them internationally very soon, I will announce it on Instagram, please stay tuned as there is going to be a surprise too 🙂
I have never commented before but I figure I should start now. I am more of a luker, but I do love your blog. So here is me coming out of my lurker shell to say hello and thanks.
Keep up the good work!
Sammy
Hi Sammy, how sweet of you to stop by and comment! I am so happy and now that you are out please don’t go back there 😉 talk soon!
Thanks for your warm welcome. Congratulations ! Your new design is amazing , your work is always impeccable and the banner photos on the top are so beautiful. I admire your works and talents !!!!
Love love
Sammy
Thank you Sammy, you make my day 😀
Dear Sonia,
I cannot find a way to subscribe to your blog! Am I missing something obvious? You and are are the same color (NC20-25) and seem to enjoy the same products. I would love to keep up with your posts!
Lisa
Hi Lisa, I sent you an email, I am updating that part so the option will be soon again in the homepage 🙂 in the meantime I manually subscribed you, thank you!! 🙂
Dear Sonia,
You are a charming lady.
Lucky and so surprise that I find your blog on web.
I have done cosmetic brush OEM producing for 8 years, serve many customers.
But no one could as expert as you.
And thank you for sharing everything.
You help many people when choosing a brush. Why not you make a series brushes named after you?
Welcome discuss further with me any time.
Skype: susansbrush
whatsup: 13590473283.
Hi Sonia!
I stumbled upon your blog and ohhh how I love your collection. I also love brushes.. Been reading one brush from another. Your blog is just love! Thank you for sharing all the information. Keep up the good work! and leave us drool and swoon over those beautiful brushes. xoxo
ps.
have you ever tried Da Vinci Brushes?
Hi Chad,
haha so cute, thank you!! <3
I hope I will soon be able to share more love and make drool even harder 😀
No I haven't tried them yet, I heard they were ok but maybe a bit too scratchy for my very delicate skin... I will have to try them one day 🙂
Hello Sonia,
First, I love your blog!!! I thank you so much for the wonderful information that you provide. I have learned so much from you and others on your blog and instagram. I am a new Japanese makeup brush lover!!! I have to stop myself from ordering them all! Prior to discovering your blog, I had purchased a Suqqu Face & Cheek Brushes, a Chikuhodo MK-2, and some J Series Brushes from Hakuhodo. Since I’ve discovered your blog, I have ordered several new lovelies. I am awaiting Chikuhodo Takumi Series, 3 piece Red Squirrel Set and Saibikoho Cheek Brush from CD Japan. So, again, thank you. I may have never learned about many of these brushes.
Now, I was hoping to get some feedback from you regarding my Rae Morris Radiance 26, which I just received yesterday. I was so anxious to receive it. However, upon receipt, I was slightly disappointed. I hate to be picky, but I definitely expect exceptional quality in a brush that is over $100. So, the little diagonal stitching/thread on the front of the brush was very smooth and solid. Yet, the diagonal stitching/thread on the back of the brush appeared tattered a bit like it may come apart? Also, there were some tiny scratches near the thread. Am I being overly critical perhaps? I know I was sooooo excited about receiving this brush….maybe I built my expectations up too high? I had the Rae Morris Magnetic Line (the whole collection) on my wishlist. This makes me question that somewhat. So, prior to contacting Rae Morris, I was hoping to get feedback from you or others. Also, I wasn’t sure if this was the appropriate forum for this question/concern; so please forgive me if it isn’t. I look forward to your reply.
PS-I recently subscribed to your newsletter, and I am awaiting approval of my registration for the Forum. So, hopefully I will “see” you there soon. 🙂
Warm Regards,
Stephanie
Hi Stephanie,
I am happy you have discovered this new world of beauties, I wish you the best discoveries!
Sorry for my late reply, had to work a lot these days 🙁
Ok about the Rae brush, I don’t think you are over critical, believe me it’s very normal to expect the best when you spend that much!
I will try to help, can you send me a picture of the brush ?
Either way, you know you can contact them, you have to feel free to tell them your thoughts and ask them, I have been there and was happy they could help.
And if you don’t say anything they can’t improve or correct the issues!
I have activating some accounts that were not obvious, can you please confirm you received the confirmation email or please let me know just your username and I double check 🙂
thanks for being here with me <3
talk soon!
Hi, I’m a little too new to this website but i love it already. I was wondering 1) are you on wordpress and 2) if you are how can i follow you? i can’t find the button for it.
Hi, I really hope you get to read this and reply. My skin tone is like yours NW20/25. I notice you have kevyn aucoin sse as one of your favourite products. I have been wanting to try this forever but am not sure what shade to purchase. Can you please let me know what you use. I would also be extremely grateful if you can point me in the direction of some good liquid foundations with at least medium buildable coverage and the appropriate shade for my skin tone. I have made some expensively poor decisions in the past. Thank you so much. P.s I adore your brush collection and have made many purchases on your reviews. Thank you again.
Dear Sonia,
I wanted to send a million thanks! I’ve recently found your website while visiting japan (and doing pre-brush-shopping research, ^.^) and I must say your website was simply a joy to read and super helpful. THANK YOU! Unfortunately I wasn’t able to find the koyudo white kinoko and purin brushes at Tau hiroshima and was planning on ordering from cdjapan. I live in switzerland and noticed that so do you 🙂 . Have you had a good experience with their delivery to switzerland and customs? I heard that depending on the delivery company, the customs fees can be really crazy so i’m always worried ordering from abroad. It would help a lot to know your experience.
Congratulations on your amazing blog, i’m so happy i found it!!
Best wishes,
Laura
Hello Sonia,
I just want to take this opportunity to thnak you again for your priceless education on you amazing brush collection and because of that and the other beautiful members of the “sweetmakeuptemptation’s community” I started a little collection of my own. I am so loving the brushes, especially the a couple “must-haves” like the Kyuuka Sangyo and a couple Koyomo I was able to grab. I am thankful for your great efforts. I plan to spend a bit more time reading much more of the forums and blogs to put my brushes to the best use.
Hi Sonia,
Is there a way I can email you? I am a luxury retailer and wanted to pick your brain.
Thanks!
Tiffanee Ellman
Sonia – I hope you are well. A quick note to thank you so much for the amazing amount of information you’ve provided over the years. I’m just starting on my fine brush journey, with my first purchase of Goss and Chikuhodo brushes and SmUT has been invaluable. Thank you again – Andrea
you are very welcome Andrea! thank you for your comment and I wish you will enjoy your brushes for a very long time 🙂 So happy it helped you!!! big hugs!!
Hi Sonia I just wanted to ask you about the Artis Brush Oval 6 and 7. Are they worth it for foundation? Thank you!