Frequently Asked Questions

What brush range do you suggest for makeup beginners?

We do not have a specific brush range just for makeup beginners, but our most popular brushes are found in the B Series. It contains a selection of standard shaped brushes compiled from our other series. Our B Series brushes are generally easy to use for professionals and beginners alike.

If selecting from the B series is too overwhelming, please visit our buying guide or check out our K Series, which is an edited range that used to specialize in uses for makeup schools.
What is the difference between the same model of brushes that contain only goat hair versus the version that contain mixed squirrel and goat hair? Example: B5521 vs J5521
The pure goat version will be more firm and resilient. It will apply color more strongly and result in a glossier finish than the mixed bristle version. The mixed version will be slightly more soft to the touch and less voluminous.

What are your recommendations for tools to create natural looking brows?

Look for short, stiff angled brushes like the S163 or B163 with which it is possible to draw fine lines to best mimic hairs. Badger hair is the best for creating natural looking brows thanks to the fine tips of their hair and thick, resilient body. 

For soft and natural brows, use in tandem with a screw brush like the Kokutan Spoolie or B013 Mascara & Brow Brush to groom existing hairs and smudge color.

I am looking for a blush brush but am overwhelmed by the many different shapes Can you tell me the features of the brushes?
  • Round & Flat type: This is the basic and most versatile brush shape. You can use the side to apply color gradually in layers or use the tip for more precision. The tip can also be used to add dimension with highlighter and contouring products. Examples: K008, S111, B110
  • Round: Round brushes tend to apply color stronger. Ideal for those who seek immediate results with medium to strong color payoff. The effect will still be natural because it is very easy to blend product out with small circular motions. Examples: J210, Kaede Kinoko Medium Size, 
  • Angled: Ideal for shading and adding dimension to the face.  This shape of brush will automatically blend color as you sweep it along the skin to give you a natural effect with medium payoff due to the strength of the shorter side bristles. Examples G503, S531
    What are the difference between the different shapes for Powder and Finishing Brushes?
    • Flat: Round & Flat can be used both as a finishing brush or a powder brush, also excellent for shading. Sheer results. Examples: B101
    • Angled: This brush will blend product for you resulting in a more effortless application for a natural finish. The angle makes it easy to maneuver all over the contours of the face as a finishing. Sheer to Light results. Examples: S100
    • Round: This powder brush is ideal for applying powder. Light  to Medium results Examples: J104
    • Flat & Round: A Versatile shape that can be for many uses as the shape allows it to reach all areas of the face. The tapered shapes means product will be blended as it is applied. It can also be used to color and shade the face. Light to Intense results. Examples: K002
    • Pointed: It is good with coloration as pointed shaped brushes will have a high density of hair. Also suitable for blush brush or highlight. Light to Intense results. Examples: B103
        How many different eye brushes should I have?

        We recommend at least three of the four basic shapes to create most eye makeup looks easily.

        • Small Pointed Brush: for adding fine details and definition to the eyes. Also useful for smudging shadow as liner or manipulating cream, gel, or pencil liner. Examples: Kokutan Eye Shadow T, G5514, B533.
        • Small Round & Flat: for applying strong color, shading the eye, and blending colors into each other. Examples: B004, Kokutan Eye Shadow Brush S, J5523
        • Large Round & Flat: for applying eye base or lid colors, shading the eye, and diffusing edges. Examples J532, B021, K006.
        • Round: For adding deep color, shading the eye, and effortless blending. Examples S142, J5522, B142.

        As you can see, each brush has a name that indicates a specific function, but can be used for other functions.
            How often should I wash the brushes?
            Although it depends on how often you use the brushes and what kind of products you use with them, generally washing once every 1 - 2 month is enough for more resilient hairs like goat, horse, weasel, and badger. Fragile hairs like squirrel should be washed as infrequently as possible. Washing brushes too often will cause damage to bristles.

            Please refer here for information on how to clean and care for your fude. We sell brush soaps and cleansers under our "Accessories" section.
                I am looking for a powder brush. Can you tell me the differences between goat haired- and squirrel haired brushes?
                Brushes made of goat hair create a glossier more polished look, while squirrel haired brushes give more matte finished look.
                • Goat hair:  In addition, you can get lustrous glowy skin by sweeping gently and using the whole brush surface.
                • Blue squirrel hair: Blue squirrel hair is less resilient than goat hair; therefore the finished look will be more matte-looking as powder is lightly applied to your skin. The hair is very delicate so it is the basic rule to use the brush at a low angle with the hairs almost parallel to the skin. As the hair is very delicate, blue squirrel hair brushes are not suitable for use with powders containing oil.
                  Are your brushes cruelty free?

                  Yes, our brushes are cruelty free. Many Asian counties raise goats for their food, like cattle or poultry. Our suppliers buy hair from these butchers. We also import squirrel and weasel (sable) hairs from suppliers in the EU and Asian countries. These suppliers have explained to us that they obtain those hairs from animals that have been exterminated for reasons other than for their hair. We do know that the squirrels and weasels were not harmed, or killed, for only the purpose of obtaining their hair: the hair is a byproduct of other processes and the animals are exterminated regardless of whether we buy the hairs from them or not.

                  All purchases of materials and supplies strictly adhere to Japan's Welfare and Management of Animals Act, as well as any related international laws.

                     

                     

                     

                     

                     

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