Z-8 Cheek Brush

Chikuhodo Z-8 Cheek Brush ($141.00) is a medium-sized, tapered, slightly paddle-shaped, blush brush. The brush head is 1.25 inches or 3 centimeters in width, just over 1.5 inches or 4 centimeters in length, and 0.75 inches or 2 centimeters in thickness. It has an open ferrule and a total length of 6 inches or just over 15.5 centimeters. It is made out of gray squirrel hair.

It’s an impossibly soft, dense blush brush that applies both sheer and more pigmented blushes with ease, blends them almost as you apply and lay down the color, and never, ever irritates the skin. I like how dense and full the brush is, but it still has give; it doesn’t feel stiff or heavy against the skin–you still get a lot that featheriness of a less dense brush. This brush is a real multi-tasker, if you wish it to be, because it’s large enough to apply blush, bronzer, or powder as desired, but it isn’t overly large, so it could also work for dusting on a highlighter (probably one that is sheerer) or finishing powder all-over the face. I’ve had no issues with shedding over the past two months I’ve been test-driving it. I can see why some splash out for luxury brushes like this one, though that “is it worth it” question is always going to be difficult. I couldn’t think of similar brushes to this that I have; its density and roundness at its base made it hard to dupe (most of my blush brushes are flatter).

Z-2 Highlight Brush

Chikuhodo Z-2 Highlight Brush ($92.00) is a thinner, tapered brush. It is made out of gray squirrel hair. The brush head is 1.5 inches or 3.5 centimeters in length, 0.75 inches or 2 centimeters in width and thickness (it is rounded). It has an open, rounded ferrule with a total length of 6 inches or 15 centimeters.

The really tapered tip allows for highlighting with precision along the bridge of the nose particularly well, but it can easily deposit highlight onto cheek bones, forehead, or even all over (this is actually how I’ve often used it: to dust on a finishing powder like Guerlain’s Meteorites). As it is a smaller brush, it may take a few more strokes for all-over application, but it seems like the ideal size for applying a highlight to cheek bones. It’s not so large that it will overlap heavily with your blush application, but it still has a soft, feathery feel so that the highlight applies evenly, smoothly, and is diffused on the skin. The most similar brush I have to this is the Hakuhodo J5521, which is shorter and is less tapered/narrow (and it is not quite as soft, but it’s a very soft and well-made brush as well). MAC 165 is also similar, though a lot less soft and not quite as pointed at the edge. MAC’s 138 has a similar shape but is two and a half times the size.

Z-3 Contour Brush

Chikuhodo Z-3 Contour Brush ($54.00) is small, flat circular brush that almost looks like a very, very tiny flat-topped kabuki with an elongated, thinner handle. I can’t recall having a brush shaped like this for contour (or for any other purpose in this size). It’s made out of gray squirrel hair and has a glossy black handle (slightly shorter than the average brush’s handle). The brush head measures just over 0.50 inches or 1.5 centimeters in length, just over 0.5 inches or 1.8 centimeters in width/thickness (it is round). It had an open, round ferrule and a total length of just over 5 inches or 13 centimeters.

If you prefer more precise, detailed-driven brushes, you might like this option for contouring, as it is noticeably smaller in general compared to your average face brush. It fits well underneath the cheek bone and in the hollow of the cheeks for contouring. The brush is incredibly soft, never scratchy or rough, whether used in a stippling, sweeping, or buffing motion. I really liked it for contouring, as you can get a stronger, richer contour line and then buff and blend it out without over-blending. But I really loved it for buffing concealer and applying powder beneath my under eyes and around the nose. The softness is much appreciated along the under eye area. It also worked well for buffing out the edges of cream blush or adding a bit of powder to soften an over-done blush without worrying about over-correcting as you might with a larger buffer brush.

Chikuhodo brushes can be purchase at Now-e Project. Starting today, they have reduced shipping up to free shipping, depending on purchase amount ($250+ = free). They also have four sets of various Z-series brushes bundled (saves a bit!) if you’re looking to buy a few at once. Or you can save 10% with code TEMPTALIA. All valid coupons cannot be used with other coupons (one per order), discounts, or special value offers.

Chikuhodo Z-8 Cheek Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-8 Cheek Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-8 Cheek Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-8 Cheek Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-8 Cheek Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-8 Cheek Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-2 Highlight Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-2 Highlight Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-2 Highlight Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-2 Highlight Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-2 Highlight Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-3 Contour Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-3 Contour Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-3 Contour Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-3 Contour Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-3 Contour Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-3 Contour Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-8 Cheek Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-8 Cheek Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-8 Cheek Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-8 Cheek Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-8 Cheek Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-8 Cheek Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-2 Highlight Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-2 Highlight Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-2 Highlight Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-2 Highlight Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-2 Highlight Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-3 Contour Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-3 Contour Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-3 Contour Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-3 Contour Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-3 Contour Brush  

Chikuhodo Z-3 Contour Brush