14 Must-Have Japanese Makeup Brushes From Hakuhodo and Chikuhodo
Hakuhodo and Chikuhodo have earned global recognition for their high-quality makeup brushes, prized for their fine craftsmanship. These brands focus on creating brushes that offer smooth, precise application and long-lasting durability. Their attention to detail and use of top-tier materials ensure that every brush is a work of art. Whether you are looking for a soft, blending brush or a precise liner tool, both brands offer exceptional options.
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Hakuhodo Gidayu Bake (Kabuki Body Makeup Brush)

The Hakuhodo Gidayu Bake is an exceptional kabuki brush designed for body makeup. With its large, dense bristles, it allows for even and smooth application of foundation, bronzer, or highlighter over the body. This brush is particularly useful for covering larger areas like the arms, chest, and back with flawless coverage. The high-quality goat hair bristles ensure a soft and gentle application, while the ergonomic handle allows for easy maneuvering. It is perfect for achieving an airbrushed, natural look on the skin.
This brush is ideal for those who enjoy full-body makeup looks or need to apply setting powders to the body. The dense bristles make it easy to distribute product evenly, while the softness ensures a smooth finish. Whether used for daily makeup or special occasions, the Gidayu Bake provides a luxurious feel and finish. It is an essential tool for makeup enthusiasts who want to elevate their body makeup game. The size and design of this brush make it a must-have for any makeup collection.
Chikuhodo MK-SK (Sakura) Powder Brush

The Chikuhodo MK-SK (Sakura) Powder Brush is a luxury tool designed for applying face powders with precision. Its soft and supple bristles provide an even distribution of product, ensuring a smooth, natural finish. This brush is ideal for setting makeup with loose or pressed powders, offering a flawless, airbrushed look. The beautifully crafted wooden handle features a sakura design, which reflects the brand’s commitment to both function and artistry. It is a must-have for those seeking professional results in their makeup routine.
The MK-SK powder brush is crafted with high-quality goat hair, which adds to its softness and durability. It can be used with all types of powder formulas, including translucent, mineral, and setting powders. The rounded shape of the brush makes it easy to apply product to the entire face without disturbing other layers of makeup. Whether you are applying light dustings of powder or building coverage, this brush ensures a seamless finish. Its elegant design and superior functionality make it an indispensable tool for makeup lovers.
Hakuhodo Yachiyo Round Medium

The Hakuhodo Yachiyo Round Medium is a versatile, medium-sized brush that is perfect for applying blush, bronzer, or highlighter. Its unique shape and dense bristles allow for precise application, blending seamlessly into the skin. The round shape of the brush ensures an even, flawless application of color on the cheeks or anywhere you need a natural flush. This brush is ideal for both beginners and professionals, offering control without sacrificing softness. Its design is inspired by traditional Japanese artistry, making it both functional and visually appealing.
This brush is a great tool for building color gradually, allowing you to add layers without over-applying. Its synthetic blend of bristles is soft yet durable, ensuring longevity and excellent performance. The Yachiyo Round Medium is also great for blending and softening edges for a smooth, natural look. It is an essential brush for anyone who enjoys the art of flawless contouring or highlighting. With its blend of beauty and practicality, this brush is a standout tool in any makeup kit.
Chikuhodo FO-6 Eyeshadow

The Chikuhodo FO-6 Eyeshadow brush is specially designed for precise eyeshadow application, making it a must-have for anyone who loves perfect eye makeup. With its soft, dense bristles, it allows for smooth application of powder eyeshadows onto the eyelid. The smaller, tapered shape is perfect for adding depth to the crease, and it works well for both bold and subtle eye looks. The FO-6 is particularly effective for creating detailed, precise lines or blending shadows seamlessly into the eye area.
This brush is ideal for those who want to add fine details to their eyeshadow routine, such as creating defined cuts or softening harsh lines. The bristles are crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and a gentle application on delicate eyelid skin. Whether applying dark shades to the crease or blending lighter shades onto the lid, the FO-6 brush delivers smooth, even results every time. It is a must-have for those who want professional-level precision in their eyeshadow application. With its excellent performance, this brush is a game-changer for eyeshadow lovers.
Hakuhodo Fan Brush (Goat)

The Hakuhodo Fan Brush is a fine tool designed for applying highlighter, setting powder, or even blush with precision. The fan-shaped design allows for an even distribution of product across the face, especially in areas like the high points of the cheeks or the bridge of the nose. The soft goat hair bristles ensure that the product is applied lightly and evenly, providing a subtle, natural glow. It’s ideal for adding a soft highlight or dusting off excess powder without disturbing your makeup base.
This brush is also great for applying delicate touches of shimmer or softening the edges of contour makeup. It is perfect for those who prefer a light, buildable layer of product rather than heavy application. The unique fan shape allows for an airy finish, leaving the skin with a radiant and smooth look. Whether you are creating a luminous glow or setting makeup, the Hakuhodo Fan Brush offers professional-level results. Its versatility and soft bristles make it an essential tool in any makeup routine.
Chikuhodo Z-11 Blending Brush

The Chikuhodo Z-11 Blending Brush is a premium tool that excels at blending eyeshadow for a seamless finish. Its fluffy bristles are designed to soften harsh lines and seamlessly blend colors together, ensuring that your eyeshadow looks smooth and well-blended. The brush’s soft bristles make it perfect for transitioning between different shades, creating a soft gradient effect. This brush is ideal for achieving flawless, blended eyeshadow looks without streaks or uneven areas.
The Z-11 brush is made from high-quality materials, ensuring that it holds up well with regular use while providing excellent control. Its shape is specifically designed for blending, making it a must-have for those who love soft, blended eyeshadow looks. Whether you are using it to blend dark shades into the crease or to soften the edges of lighter colors, this brush works effortlessly. It is an essential tool for anyone looking to achieve professional-level eye makeup. With its ability to blend seamlessly, the Z-11 is an indispensable brush for eyeshadow lovers.
Hakuhodo Blush Round and Flat

The Hakuhodo Blush Round and Flat brush is a perfect tool for applying blush with precision and control. Its round shape allows for easy application to the apples of the cheeks, while the flat edge ensures that you can create a defined contour along the cheekbones. The brush is made from soft, high-quality goat hair that provides smooth and even application, leaving your cheeks with a natural flush of color. This brush is a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their facial features without over-applying product.
The Blush Round and Flat brush is ideal for building color gradually, allowing you to achieve a soft, customizable finish. Its versatility also makes it suitable for applying bronzer or highlighter, depending on your needs. Whether you are using it for a light daytime look or a more intense evening makeup, this brush offers great results every time. It’s a must-have for those who want a flawless blush application. The softness and design of this brush make it a great tool for anyone looking to elevate their makeup routine.
Chikuhodo Z-10 Eyeshadow Brush

The Chikuhodo Z-10 Eyeshadow Brush is a small, densely packed brush designed for precise eyeshadow application. It works particularly well for applying eyeshadow to the lower lash line, as well as for detailed work in the crease. The brush’s soft, high-quality bristles ensure smooth and even product application without tugging at the skin. Whether you’re creating a dramatic smoky eye or a subtle everyday look, this brush offers the precision needed for a perfect application.
With its compact size and controlled application, the Z-10 Eyeshadow Brush is ideal for those who love to create defined eye looks. It’s especially useful for applying darker shades or building up color with great control. The bristles are soft yet firm enough to deliver the desired effect, making it a must-have for eyeshadow enthusiasts. Whether you’re blending or creating sharp lines, the Z-10 will help you achieve the perfect eyeshadow look. It is a high-quality, reliable tool for anyone looking to enhance their eye makeup.
Hakuhodo Eyeshadow Tapered

The Hakuhodo Eyeshadow Tapered brush is specifically designed for applying and blending eyeshadow in the crease and outer corners of the eye. Its tapered shape allows for precise application, giving you full control over where you place color. This brush is great for creating depth and dimension in your eye makeup. The soft goat hair bristles ensure a smooth, seamless application that blends effortlessly.
The Eyeshadow Tapered brush is perfect for both beginners and professionals, as it makes applying eyeshadow in detailed areas easy. Its unique shape makes it ideal for blending darker shades into the crease or adding color to the lower lash line. The bristles are soft yet firm, providing a smooth and even application every time. Whether you’re creating a dramatic smoky eye or a subtle everyday look, this brush is essential for perfecting your eye makeup. Its tapered design and high-quality craftsmanship make it a must-have in any makeup collection.
Chikuhodo FO-4 Cheek or Highlight

The Chikuhodo FO-4 is a multi-purpose brush that can be used for both blush and highlighter application. Its dense bristles allow for the perfect amount of product to be picked up, providing a natural flush of color on the cheeks or a soft glow on the high points of the face. The softness of the bristles ensures that the product is applied smoothly and evenly without streaking or patchiness. This versatile brush is great for achieving a radiant, well-balanced look.
Ideal for both powder and cream products, the FO-4 brush works well for highlighting the cheekbones, nose bridge, and cupid’s bow. It can also be used for applying blush to the cheeks, blending it out for a seamless finish. The high-quality materials used in this brush ensure long-lasting performance and gentle use on the skin. Whether you are looking for a light touch or building up intensity, the FO-4 brush gives you full control. It’s a must-have for anyone who loves soft, glowing makeup looks.
Hakuhodo Finishing Round and Flat

The Hakuhodo Finishing Round and Flat brush is designed for applying setting powder, offering an even and smooth finish to your makeup. Its round shape allows for precise application, while the flat side ensures product is distributed evenly across the face. The high-quality goat hair bristles are gentle on the skin, leaving a soft, flawless finish. This brush is perfect for those who want a natural, airbrushed look after applying foundation and concealer.
Ideal for both powder and cream products, the Finishing Round and Flat brush can be used for setting powder or applying highlighter. Its soft bristles ensure that product is applied evenly without disturbing other layers of makeup. Whether you are applying a light dusting of setting powder or a heavier layer for more coverage, this brush makes the process easy. It’s an essential tool for anyone who wants to achieve a smooth, polished look. This brush will help you lock in your makeup for a long-lasting finish.
Hakuhodo Finishing Angled

The Hakuhodo Finishing Angled brush is designed for applying powder, blush, or contour with great precision. Its angled shape allows for controlled application along the cheekbones, jawline, and forehead. The soft, natural bristles ensure that product is blended smoothly without any harsh lines. This brush is perfect for those who want to create a sculpted, defined look with ease.
Ideal for setting powder, blush, and contour products, the Finishing Angled brush is versatile and can be used for both soft and precise applications. Its shape helps in applying product to the natural contours of the face. Whether you are adding a light dusting of powder or creating sharp contours, this brush offers great control and smoothness. It’s a must-have for anyone looking for a flawless finish. This brush provides the perfect balance between precision and softness.
Hakuhodo Japanese Painting Brush Togal

The Hakuhodo Japanese Painting Brush Togal is a unique brush designed for those who appreciate the art of makeup. Its shape is inspired by traditional Japanese painting techniques, allowing for fluid, graceful strokes. This brush is used for applying delicate layers of makeup, especially around the eyes or lips. It offers a level of precision and control that allows for detailed, artistic work.
Made from high-quality materials, this brush is ideal for those who enjoy creating intricate, artistic makeup looks. It can be used for precise liner applications or for adding detailed accents to eye makeup. The soft bristles ensure that makeup is applied smoothly, allowing for smooth and beautiful lines. Whether you are creating bold eyeliner or fine details, the Togal brush offers the control you need. It is a must-have for those who treat makeup as an art form.
Chikuhodo GL-17 or GS-17 Screw Brush

The Chikuhodo GL-17 or GS-17 Screw Brush is an innovative tool designed for precise eyebrow grooming and eyeliner application. The screw shape allows for detailed work, making it perfect for adding color or shaping the brows. The high-quality bristles pick up just the right amount of product, allowing for a clean, defined application. This brush is especially useful for those who like to fill in their brows or add precise lines along the lash line.
This brush is ideal for anyone who prefers a clean, defined brow and precise eyeliner. Its screw shape makes it easy to create natural-looking brows, whether you are filling in sparse areas or defining the arch. The bristles are firm enough to create sharp lines while remaining soft enough to blend. Whether you use it with pomades, pencils, or powders, the GL-17 or GS-17 brush ensures smooth application. It is a must-have for anyone looking to perfect their brow and eyeliner routine.
Hakuhodo and Chikuhodo brushes are perfect for anyone looking to enhance their makeup application with high-quality, professional-grade tools. Their exceptional design and performance allow for flawless application, blending, and precision.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.