Beautylish Hachiko Kabuki Brush Review & Photos
Hachiko Kabuki Brush
Beautylish Hachiko Kabuki Brush ($80.00) is a new, limited edition kabuki brush with a ceramic handle that is designed to “commemorate the story of Hachiko,” who was a beloved dog in Japan for his loyalty to his human. It features undyed, saikoho goat hair bristles in a kabuki-shaped form: a dense, rounded edge brush with a squat handle. The bristles measure 1.75″ in length and 1.5″ in width.
The quality of the brush is top tier and is in line with saikoho goat brushes from Japanese brush brands like Hakuhodo and Chikuhodo (who the OEM here wasn’t disclosed). The bundling of the bristles was excellent, as they lined up beautifully with nary a stray bristle out of place and very minimal shedding upon first use (and no additional shedding from subsequent uses, including after cleaning). They were densely-packed but smooth at the edge and still had enough movement to work for buffing motions. The bristles were soft and as soft as I’d expect for the bristle hair type but have the texture necessary to blend out products.
I haven’t used a kabuki brush as part of my regular rotation in quite sometime; I used to love them for applying foundation but have moved to synthetic brushes that can take more “abuse” and frequent washings with harsher cleansers (like alcohol-based cleansers, if necessary!). In the past, I have also used kabuki brushes to help soften and diffuse more stubborn products or to meld a look together at the end.
Per Beautylish, the brush is “a collectible and is recommended for use with powders only.” Based on this, I’d recommend using this with setting powders, finishing powders, and for general, all-over blending at the end (once your products are set with a loose or pressed powder!). I tested it out to apply setting powder (loose), finishing powder (pressed), and to help soften and diffuse blush/highlighter edges for a seamless look allover, and it functioned well for those purposes and in line with how I’d expect a good kabuki-style brush to perform.
It’s currently sold out, but Beautylish listed as “returning soon,” so stay tuned for a restock date!
Christine, have you ever reviewed a product you wanted to give more than 100%?
I don’t think so!
Not something I would consider for myself but a true work of art and craftsmanship. <3
Way out of my range for a Kabuki brush that is just too beautiful and cute to ever use! This is absolutely precious ???
It is absolutely too adorable and too expensive, but I LOVE the artwork and would love it as a framed print.
I bought it. I LOVE it on so many different levels! It is a stunning work of art that performs perfectly for its intended use. It brings me joy…the story behind it….the craftsmanship.
WOW. I will only use it when that feeling strikes me…like when I’m missing someone, that I won’thave to cleanit so much. A masterpiece.
So, not for powder foundation, eh? The brush is sublime, and Hachiko is the embodiment of the canine-human bond. Said no so far, but finding it hard to resist. But i ought to listen to what we say to the nosy dogs: ‘Leave it!’
Should be okay with powder foundation, since they say to use with powder… though if you’re more of a collector, probably stick to something sheerer I’d imagine.
I haven’t used a Kabuki brush since I stopped using Bare Minerals foundation which is about 15 years ago. I really liked it at the time. I think this is a beautiful brush and is a true work of art. For that reason alone, I wouldn’t purchase. For $75 I would want a brush that I would feel comfortable using on the daily. I have several of the Artis brushes which function much the same as the Kabuki and I haven’t used them in awhile. I need to drag them out and revisit them. I remember really liking them but stopped when I started using more cushion foundations and developed a love for air puffs. So many choices, so little time!
I love the artwork and the story behind it, and the brush itself is beautiful. At that price though, I’d probably be afraid to use it. I’d love to see more like it if they were less fragile and more affordable!
Hahaha, I sometimes feel the same about the more expensive stuff – too afraid to use or saving for the better times!
I really hope they bring it back as I regret not picking it up. I was worried about breaking the porcelain handle if I used it. I lived near Shibuya station as a child and heard the story of Hachiko many times, as well as having given his bronze statue more than a few pats!
This brush just re-stocked and I jumped on it ! It was literally just delivered at home as I write this while at work ! I’m so happy I got this beautiful brush; I’ve always loved kabuki brushes and the story behind this one was hard to resist as well as it being handmade and ceramic …ps it again says returning soon on beautylish so its getting re-stocked again !
So glad you were able to grab one, Jackie!