Hakuhodo G544 is the first flat duo-fiber brush I’ve come across. All the duo-fibres in my collection are more or less variations on the stippling brush idea (Sephora Platinum 44, Guerlain duo-fiber foundation brush, MAC 187 and 130). Hakuhodo G544 (from the G series) is a smallish paddle-shaped brush made of long synthetic fibers and shorter goat hair. This brush is labeled as a liquid and cream foundation brush, which is not surprising as it’s a classic foundation brush shape.
The thing is that I’m not crazy about paddle-shaped brushes for foundation application. While Hakuhodo G544 fluffier and less streaky than most brushes of this type I still prefer to apply foundation either by buffing or stippling. However, the G544 has proven itself as a wonderful brush for cream blush and liquid highlighter. The different lengths of hair pick up less product than flat-top brushes, so this is ideal for dark and/or very pigmented cream blushes. The brush is very soft (though not floppy) and makes blending the blush a quick and easy process. When I use liquid (or cream) highlighters on top of my foundation (I usually prefer to mix them together pre-application, but sometimes I forget), the brush blends and melds the textures together, so the highlighter never looks like it’s just sitting there being awkward and shiny.
Bottom Line: One of the better options out there.
Hakuhodo G544 ($30) is available online from hakuhodousa.com.
All photos are mine.
