Best Japanese Makeup Brushes on a Budget
A little piece of luxury is at your fingertips with this range of affordable Japanese makeup brushes. Like their more expensive counterparts, they're handmade by artisans in the Kumano region of Japan.
Here's a roundup of 11 of our customer's favorite brushes that don't break the bank.
Japanese Kumanofude Makeup Brushes $39 and under
Koyudo FU-PA02 Foundation Brush, $39
The gentle touch of this cute Koyudo brush is thanks to its densely packed yet soft bristles. It's ideal for applying cream and liquid-type foundations, with a smooth finish and even graduation, and the perfect tool for anyone wanting to apply makeup in a more professional way.
Bristles: Goat hair (Hakutotsuho)
SHOP NOWChikuhodo T-7 Medium Eyeshadow brush (Takumi Series), $22
The Takumi series are brushes of true craftsmanship. Artisans at Chikuhodo use the highest quality Saikoho goat hair, making it one of the most prestigious makeup brush series. The volume and moderate size of the bristles of this eyeshadow brush makes it ideal for even application and natural gradation across a variety of eye areas.
Bristles: Saikoho goat hair
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Chikuhodo PS-2 Cheek Brush, Passion Series, $33
This brush is designed to help you buff any makeup powder with ease, and to perfection. Feel the light and comforting touch of bristle, made of a high-quality Sokoho goat hair. The volume and the round shape of this brush's bristle are perfect for applying cheek makeup. Chikuhodo's Passion Series combines premium Sokoho Goat hair bristles with glossy magenta handles. The series symbolizes a passion for beauty and a desire to allure.
Bristles: Sokoho goat hair
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Koyudo FU-PA11-P Concealer & Highlighter Brush, $22
Talk about multi-purpose! This sweet brush can be used as a contour brush, highlighter and concealer all in one. Soft, dense angled head that fits all areas of the face. Suitable to apply liquid foundation and concealer. Bristles trimmed to easily apply makeup around your eyes and on to the highlight zone.
Bristles: Goat, PBT
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Chikuhodo Z-10 Eyeshadow Brush (Z Series), $29
This eyeshadow brush is dedicated to easy, smooth application of eyeshadow. The volume of the bristle makes it an ideal brush for even application and natural gradation. The Z Series brushes are the product of dedication and passion for creating the highest quality brushes for effortlessly flawless makeup application.
Bristles: Grey squirrel
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Mizuho CMP527 Eyeshadow Brush (CMP Series), $20
A combination of grey squirrel hair and pony hair makes this brush excel in depositing the right amount of powder every time. The bristle shape is designed to fit the eyelid perfectly.
Bristles: Grey squirrel, pony blend
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Chikuhodo R-P3/RR-P3 Powder Brush (Regular Series), $39
The full and densely packed bristles of this brush mean it can pick up powder and apply it evenly across the face for a polished look every time. This brush is ideal for base coats, as well as for adding finishing or blending touches.
Bristles: Sohoko Goat hair
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Chikuhodo GSN-15 Screw Brush (GSN Series), $10
This hard-bristled screw brush is perfect for removing unnecessary mascara and styling your eyelashes.
Bristles: Goat, horse
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Chikuhodo Z-11 Blending Brush (Z Series), $30
With one gentle sweep, this brush will perfectly blend eyeshadow colors, creating a flawless gradation. Chikuhodo's Z Series brushes are handmade with the extreme skill and precision of master brushmaker, Tesshyu Takemori, a native of the Kumano brush-making region of Hiroshima Prefecture.
Bristles: Grey squirrel
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Chikuhodo Mens SH-8 Brush & Comb, $8
Tame unruly brow hairs and create smooth, beautiful brow line with this brush.
This brush is perfect daily care for strong brow hair.
Bristles: Horse
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Chikuhodo Makeup Brush Case (Maki-e Series), $30
This Maki-e box is an excellent companion to Chikuhodo's MK-series brushes. Use it to store your favorite brushes, or as a decorative box for other treasures or to package gifts.
