7 Makeup Brush Sets to Gift Someone Special

A makeup brush set makes the perfect gift—whether it's for you or for someone else special.

Makeup tools are an essential part of any beauty routine. Nowadays there is a large variety of makeup tools with varying shapes, sizes and purposes. What sets Japanese makeup brushes apart is that artisans focus on one specific feature to draw out the best out of their crafts, is the tip.

Since ancient times, the Japanese have required expertly designed calligraphy brushes to write their elegant kanji script. Without an adequate tip, the brush would be useless. In recent years, brush artisans have applied this same design principle to makeup brushes. A good makeup brush tip enhances both the experience of applying makeup, and the results.

The town of Kumano in Japan, a town adjacent to Hiroshima, is where two of the world’s finest brush artisans are located, Chikuhodo and Koyudo. By carefully choosing the materials the artisans work with, and adhering to the traditional principles of design, they craft high-grade makeup tools that not only please the skin but also the eye, making them perfect even as gifts on special occasions. 

Entry-model makeup brush sets

Chikuhodo BR-2 Gift set: 3-Piece Makeup Brush Set, $55

This 3-Piece Makeup Brush Set from Chikuhodo is the perfect gift for weddings, Christmas, and other joyous celebrations. This set consists of two elegant cheek brushes with bristles made from fine horse fur and a handy lip brush featuring durable weasel fur, all wrapped up in a stylish and cute white box.

Koyudo Mizume-zakura Rin 3-pcs Brush Set, $108

This entry set from Koyudo may be a little more expensive, but is worth it. Mizume-zakura Rin 3-Pieces Brush Set gives an overall luxurious feeling. With all its brushes handles being made from high-grade Japanese Cherry Birch (Mizume-zakura) wood, each of the brushes comes with a different pattern, making them one of a kind. The brushes featured in this set are a dense powder brush with a round and flat top, a brush perfect for applying the right tone for blushes, and an eyeshadow brush designed for quick applications.

Even the gift box is imbued with special meaning, as it’s made from recycled paper cranes, which was donated to the Hiroshima Memorial Park from all over the world.

Makeup brush sets for people on the move

Chikuhodo S-15 K-series brush set, $172

This stylish and highly compact set by Chikuhodo features all brushes of the K-Series, which distinguish itself with slim and retractable silver handle perfect for application whenever you want. To further improve this set’s mobility, it comes in a compact pouch you can easily transport your brushes with, making it the perfect gift for people who work on the go or travel a lot!

The basic pouch comes in black, but just let us know if you’d like to change the color to the more vibrant red one.

Chikuhodo Passion Series Brush set, $224

Another highly compact makeup brush collection from Chikuhodo is the Passion Series Brush set, coming in a glossy pink pouch, which matches the pink handles of the brushes. As this sets features all Passion Series brushes it allows for a wide range of applications, whether you’re after a natural look or something more dramatic.

This set is perfect for those who need a trusty all-rounder to be their daily makeup brush companion!

Premium makeup brush sets

Koyudo Gray Squirrel 8-Piece Red Brush Set with Roll & Tie Pouch, $327

Made from Premium Gray Squirrel hair these 8 professional makeup brushes are softer, denser and silkier than most other brushes out there. But for Koyudo that’s still not enough. Look at those gorgeous handles! They’re made from beautiful Japanese woods, while a masterfully crafted black ferrule serves as the link between high-grade bristle and handle. Apart from the nice looking wooden box the makeup brushes come in, Koyudo also provides a simple yet elegant black pouch for more mobility!

Chikuhodo Z Series 8-Piece Makeup Brush Set, $621

 

Featuring the highest grade of brushes from Chikuhodo this 8-piece set provides you with the famous Z-Series, including powder, cheek, eye and lip brushes. It’s presented in a stylish wooden box, and for those of you who want to take them out for a walk even a refined black pouch is included.

The Z-Series radiates the skill and passion for quality exercised by master brush maker, Tesshyu Takemori. As a native of the Kumano brush-making region of Hiroshima, his brushes represent his tireless pursuit for an effortless makeup application experience, so that users would enjoy this craft even more!

Unique makeup brush sets

Chikuhodo MK-2 Powder Brush, Maki-e Series, $146

 

This beautiful Maki-e brush is the result of a collaboration between Chikuhodo and Yamanaka-Shikki. Chikuhodo ensures that only the highest quality of fur is being used, which enables an even application of powder that will always result in a polished look. The decoration on the handle is professionally decorated by artisan Yamanaka Shikki, giving it a very Japanese touch. It’s the perfect gift for those who appreciate an exotic touch to their makeup brushes.