Hakuhodo G544 Liquid Powder & Liquid Brush

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.

Hakuhodo Mizubake Brush

The Mizubake brush from Hakuhodo is an odd little thing. I don't have anything even remotely similar in my collection, which was reason enough to get it. I'm all about unusual brushes. The hair is white goat (about 1" long), the handle is short and wrapped in cane, similar to Hakuhodo's Yachio brushes. The handle is quite short, which might be the only issue with the Mizubake. I tend to prefer heftier ones that are more weighted. But since the Mizubake is part of the Japanese traditional brush series, I assume that's how it's supposed to be.

 Hakuhodo's website lists the Mizubake as a face brush for  liquid and cream blush formulas and it's absolutely perfect for that. The fluffy flat head picks quite a bit of color, places and blends it beautifully while feeling like the softest puffy cloud. The brush is far too soft and floppy for powder formulas but, as predicted, it's ideal for liquids. I've used other natural hair brushes for cream blushes (as well as assorted synthetic ones), but this might be my favorite because of the way it feels against my skin. I would suggest caution when using highly pigmented blushes, but the Mizubake is great at blending, so it's still effective.

Hakuhodo Mizubake Brush ($34) is available from hakuhodousa.com.

All photos are mine.

Hakuhodo Kokutan Eye Shadow Brush T E0183

The Hakuhodo Kokutan Eye Shadow Brush T, also known as E0183, is somewhere between a precise and dense pencil brush and a similar sized but fluffier crease brush. It fulfills multiple functions and is perfect for doing some crease/outer V work (I have big lids). The blue squirrel hair (Hakuhodo promises they don't harm the animals. I wonder what the squirrel thinks about that) is soft and pleasant on delicate skin, yet picks up more than enough product.

I use the Kokutan E0183 for quick and heavy lining, smudging and creating a nice crease. It still requires good blending work afterwards as do other brushes in these category: The NARS #14 (which I just realized I never actually reviewed) and my ancient Sephora Professionnel Platinum Natural Dome Smudge Brush #13 (try saying that three times fast) are definitely more smoky eye and smudging brushes than the Hakuhodo. E0183 and NARS #14 are close in softness, but the Hakuhodo is fuller and a tad fluffier,  so in a pinch can shade a whole lid.

This brush, as the rest of the Kokutan range (named after the wood used for the handle) is small but looks and feels incredibly luxurious. It's easy to spot-clean as needed (Hakuhodo recommends not to do full washing too often) and returns to shape right away when washed.

Bottom Line: one of my hardest working brushes.

Hakuhodo Kokutan Eye Shadow Brush T E0183 ($42) is available from hakuhodousa.com. Elsewhere in the world check the international site.

All photos are mine.

Hakuhodo G527M Powder Brush Maple

The G527M Powder Brush with a maple handle was my very first Hakuhodo brush. I love dense flat-top brushes and have a thing for heavy power tool, so G527M was a relatively easy choice, considering the huge selection of gorgeous and impeccably made makeup brushes offered by Hakuhodo, the top Japanese brush crafter. This brush style also comes with a regular black handle (G527), but since they were the same price and I adore maple wood (yes, too much Antique Roadshow and the Keno Twins) I picked the prettier one.

Using finishing/setting/illuminating face powders with this brush is done by gently buffing it onto the skin. The Hakuhodo G527M creates a perfect airbrushed look and prevent the powder from ever looking cakey. The result is an even and polished appearance- no matter how little makeup one uses, the finish you get with this brush elevates the look. The powders I've been using are my usual favorites from Le Metier de Beaute, Guerlain, Becca and Lancome. All of them work perfectly with this brush.

The Hakuhodo G527M is as soft on the skin as it is sturdy in my hand. The hair is goat (all Hakuhodo brushes are supposed to use cruelty-free hair. I certainly hope that's the case) and the head measurements are just over 1" in length and thickness. The overall length of the brush is a little under 6".

Bottom Line: a favorite.

Hakuhodo G527M Powder Brush Maple ($54) is available online from hakuhodousa.com (international buyers should check hakuhodo.com.

All photos are mine.