Kabuki Brushes: 3 Amazing Things You Probably Didn`t Know About Them

If you are a makeup lover, you probably have heard of kabuki brushes. But what are Kabuki brushes?

These are compact, dense, and versatile tools that can apply and blend makeup over large areas with ease.

Would you like to know the history, types, and benefits of kabuki brushes? In this blog post, we will answer all your questions and help you find the best kabuki brush for your needs.

What is a Kabuki brush and Where Did it Come From?

A kabuki brush is named after the traditional Japanese Kabuki theatre, where actors used these brushes to apply white rice powder to their faces. The powder created a smooth and flawless base for the elaborate makeup that characterized their performances.

The kabuki brush has a short handle and a large, round, and dense brush head that can pick up and distribute powder products evenly and seamlessly. The bristles are usually synthetic or natural and can be shaped into different forms, such as flat, angled, dome, or tapered.

What are the Different Types of Kabuki Brushes and How to Use Them?

Depending on the shape of the brush head, kabuki brushes can be used for different purposes, such as setting, contouring, highlighting, and foundation. Here are some of the most common types of kabuki brushes and how to use them:

• Round kabuki brush: This is the classic and most versatile kabuki brush. It can be used to apply and blend loose or pressed powders, such as setting powder, bronzer, blush, or highlighter. To use it, dip the brush into the powder and tap off the excess. Then, buff and swirl the brush over your face in circular motions, focusing on the areas where you want more coverage or glow.
  
• Angled kabuki brush: This is the best kabuki brush for contouring and sculpting your face. It can be used to apply and blend powder or cream products, such as contour, bronzer, or blush. To use it, dip the brush into the product and tap off the excess. Then, sweep the brush along the hollows of your cheeks, the sides of your nose, your temples, and your jawline. Blend well to avoid harsh lines and create a natural shadow effect.
  
• Flat kabuki brush: This is the best kabuki brush for foundation, especially liquid or cream formulas. It can be used to apply and blend foundation with full coverage and a flawless finish. To use it, dispense some foundation on the back of your hand or a palette. Then, dab the brush into the foundation and stipple it over your face, starting from the center and moving outward. Blend well to avoid streaks and create a smooth and even complexion.
  
• Dome kabuki brush: This is a smaller and more precise version of the round kabuki brush. It can be used to apply and blend powder products, such as highlighter, blush, or bronzer, on specific areas of your face, such as the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, the cupid’s bow, or the brow bone. To use it, dip the brush into the powder and tap off the excess. Then, lightly sweep the brush over the areas where you want to add some color or shine.

The Benefits of Using A Kabuki Brush

This type of brush can offer many benefits for your makeup application, such as:

• Efficiency: A kabuki brush can cover a large surface area in a short time, making it ideal for busy mornings or quick touch-ups. It can also save you from using multiple brushes for different products, as you can easily switch between powders with the same brush.
  
• Versatility: A kabuki brush can be used for various products and purposes, from setting to contouring, from powder to liquid, and from face to body. You can also adjust the pressure and angle of the brush to create different effects, such as sheer or full coverage, matte or dewy finish, and natural or dramatic look.
  
• Quality: A kabuki brush can deliver a high-quality and professional-looking result, as it can apply and blend makeup smoothly and evenly, without leaving any patches, streaks, or cakey areas. It can also help you achieve a flawless and airbrushed finish, as it can blur out any imperfections, pores, or fine lines.

How to Choose the Best Kabuki Brush for Your Needs

When shopping for a kabuki brush, there are some factors to consider, such as:

• Bristle material: Kabuki brushes can have synthetic or natural bristles or a mix of both. Synthetic bristles are usually softer, smoother, and more durable than natural ones. They are also more suitable for liquid or cream products, as they do not absorb as much product and are easier to clean. Natural bristles are usually firmer, coarser, and more porous than synthetic ones. They are also more suitable for powder products, as they can pick up and distribute more products and create a more pigmented and blended effect.
  
• Bristle density: Kabuki brushes can have different levels of bristle density, from sparse to dense. Sparse bristles are more flexible and fluffy and can create a more sheer and natural coverage. Dense bristles are more stiff and compact and can create a more full and flawless coverage.
  
• Bristle shape: Kabuki brushes can have different shapes of bristle tips, such as round, flat, angled, dome, or tapered. Round tips are more versatile and can be used for any product or purpose. Flat tips are more precise and can be used for foundation or concealer. Angled tips are more sculpting and can be used for contouring or bronzing. Dome tips are more targeted and can be used for highlighting or blushing. Tapered tips are more detailed and can be used for nose contouring or eye shadow.
  
• Handle length: Kabuki brushes can have different lengths of handles, from short to long. Short handles are more compact and portable and can offer more control and precision. Long handles are more comfortable and ergonomic and can offer more leverage and reach.

How to Care for Your Kabuki Brush?

To keep your kabuki brush in good condition and prevent bacteria buildup, you should clean it regularly, at least once a week. Here are some steps to follow:

• Wet the bristles of your brush under lukewarm water, avoiding the ferrule and the handle.
• Apply a small amount of gentle soap, shampoo, or brush cleanser to the bristles and massage them gently with your fingers or a brush cleaning mat.
• Rinse the bristles thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear and no soap residue is left.
• Squeeze out the excess water from the bristles and reshape them with your fingers.
• Lay the brush flat on a clean towel or a brush drying rack and let it air dry completely before using it again.