What is a Kabuki Brush?

Sometimes called a mushroom brush, a kabuki brush is usually used to apply loose powder on large surfaces of the face (for example face powder, blush or even foundation). If that’s what you use it for, you’re not wrong... but there's a bit more...

Because of its design, it’s great for blending makeup evenly on the skin to create natural looking coverage.

This cute brush has dense to fluffy bristles and has a short handle. The brush head is most often rounded, although it can also be flat. Traditionally, the bristles are made of natural materials like animal hair (like goat or horse hair), but most brushes available now on the market have synthetic bristles.

where did the kabuki brush get its name?

But where did the name come from you ask?

It is named after the Kabuki Japanese drama theatre where actors wear Keshō- a very heavy makeup that emphasizes the nature of their characters. There, the kabuki brush is used to apply the white rice powder uniformly on the entire face.

Interesting. But is that it?

What is it used for?

The kabuki brush isn’t a one hit wonder. You can actually use it several ways.

If you think about it, the kabuki brush is dense; it’s almost like a soft (hair) brush. Spray it with a bit of hair spray and tame those fly away hairs without disrupting your style.

Not just for the face...

One of the things that people often forget when applying makeup is below the face. The kabuki brush is also excellent for highlighting your shoulders, collar bone and décolletage. Simply swirl your brush in your highlighter and sweep along any areas you wish to illuminate! Then just buff and blend using small, circular movements.

liquid foundation

You can apply liquid foundation with the kabuki brush too. Just pop some foundation onto the back of your hand or mixing palette and dot onto your face in the areas you want. Using circular motions, this will blend onto large areas in a jiffy!

Contouring

Contouring can be done with a kabuki brush too! Because of all of the bristles, it will naturally pick up more product. So make sure you use sparingly. All of you have to do is use the tapered side and press into the powder. Create a crescent moon shape with the product on the brush and tap it to get rid of any extra.

With the tip of the brush facing the ear, swipe along the cheekbone, making sure that you don’t go past where the cheek aligns with the outer corner of the eye.

Put too much on? Just clean the brush and buff out.

This amazing little brush works wonders. It’s the all rounder that really should be in everyone’s makeup bag. Do you use it for anything else? Let’s hear it! Comment below.