I've been planning to add more Kokutan brushes to my little collection for quite a while, and last month's IMATS show was the perfect opportunity to do it. Hakuhodo Kokutan Blush Brush S (model no. H2282) has a narrow elongated head that blends blue squirrel hair with synthetic fibers, to achieve the ultimate softness. Like my other Hakuhodo Kokutan face brush, it feels heavenly on my skin, making applying blush an extra nice experience. Kokutan brushes are wonderfully luxurious, from the elegant ebony handles to the silky touch. And they perform beautifully.
I use this small(ish) Hakuhodo Kokutan with most blushes. I even tested it with a crazy intense color such as Chanel Rouge, and it worked (the key is being careful when collecting the products). It's also wonderful with mellow blushes that you want to gradually build up; the brush's softness allows you to work on it without stressing out the skin (especially important if you're sensitive and your cheeks turn red when you apply makeup, then lose that redness only to reveal that you applied less blush than is good for you).
The closest blush brush in my collection to the Hakuhodo Kokutan Blush Brush S is the RMK Cheek brush. It's similar in softness and width, but the Hakuhodo is slightly longer and has less bounce. They are mostly interchangeable, but the Kokutan is slightly more gentle.
Bottom Line: highly recommended.
Hakuhodo Kokutan Blush Brush S ($77) is available from hakuhodousa.com. They offer worldwide shipping.
What, in your opinion, are the softest blush brushes out there? I have the exact same redness/sensitivity issue as you described and it's very frustrating to be left pale and ghostly after the redness fades. Many thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis one is definitely in my top five. There's the RMK one and Hakuhodo S103. Also, Hakuhodo Yachiyo are made of goat hair, but they're loosely packed, so it's as soft as a goat can get.
DeleteThese brushes look to be of superior quality. Great review on it. I never realized how important brushes were until this exact post!
ReplyDeleteI believe that good brushes that fit the formula and purpose of the products are the key for successful makeup application. That, and I'm a brush nerd ;) .
Deletei've been dreaming of this brush for the past 5 months!
ReplyDeleteYou should. Some things are totally worth planning and saving for them for as long as it takes.
DeleteIsn't this one of the nicest brushes out there? I love mine. I also have touch reactive skin and find that this beauty let's me build color without turning fire engine red for 30 minutes! It's a bit pricey, but if you take proper care of it, it will provide years of superior application. Love Hakuhodo!
ReplyDeleteI've been collecting and babying my brushes for years. The funny thing is that I hesitated to even mention it on the blog because I thought it would be too geeky and bore people. Realizing that others share my view that makeup is not just about pretty colors has been an incredible revelation. No one else in my life cares about makeup brushes, but I have all of you to join me in fawning over hair types and well-crafted handles.
DeleteThis is so beautiful!! And best of all, the price hasn't increased since before 2012. :) I'm considering this but also the Kokutan LAG seems amazing. Do you like S103 the best out of the bunch? Is this your favorite blush brush? Which Kokutan is your favorite and which are your top 3 Hakuhodo eye brushes? :)
ReplyDeleteThe Kokutan LAG is wonderful, but it's a finishing brush, therefore more of a super-luxury item, and less of a true necessity. I love each and every one, so hard to choose, and it depends on the blush I'm applying and the method I want to use. I do worship my S103, for its beauty, performance and softness.
ReplyDeleteAs for Hakuhodo eye brushes, having to only choose three is making me whimper. I'd say S121G, S122, and S142. At least for today.
I love your brush reviews!! <3 my favourite ones.
ReplyDelete