Z-9 Powder Brush

Z-9 Powder Brush ($226.00) is large, rounded, slightly flat brush with medium-full density. The brush is made out of gray squirrel hair, and the brush head is 55mm in length, 40mm in width, and 26mm in thickness. It had a total length of 6.5 inches or 16 centimeters with an open ferrule. When it came to apply setting powder, I preferred this slightly more than the Z-1, because of the flatter shape, which enabled me to press the setting powder against the skin, rather than with more sweeping motion. For setting powders, I prefer pressing and patting, and for finishing powders, I like the more feathery, sweeping motions. The end result is very similar, though, regardless of the brush used. The Z-9 can be used in sweeping, patting, or pressing applications, and it feels like silk against the skin.

Compared to the Z-1, the Z-9 is larger, more dome-shaped, longer, flatter, and has more spring and give (so it is less dense and firm). Otherwise, I didn't feel like any brushes I have were all that comparable in shape--most were significantly flatter. I feel like I should mention Tom Ford's Bronzer Brush ($115.00), but the shape is significantly wider and the brush much denser and firmer, so I don't think they're comparable.

Chikuhodo brushes can be purchase at Now-e Project.  Brushes ship from Japan, so shipping isn't cheap ($35), but there is free shipping on $300+ purchase with code VALENTINE2014.  Or you can save 10% with code TEMPTALIA (so orders under $300 would benefit best from this code).  All valid coupons cannot be used with other coupons (one per order), discounts, or special value offers.