Whether this is your first time hearing about Chikuhodo, or you‘re a dedicated fan, we’ve out together a guide to help you in your search for your soulmate makeup brushes.

First of all, Chikuhodo is based in Hiroshima and is one of the largest crafters of handmade Kumano makeup brushes. Kumano brushes originate from the Kumano region of Hiroshima and require years of training to perfect the methods used to create the exquisite brushes. Kumano is known to be more durable of makeup brushes so if one invests in a handcrafted set of Kumano brushes from a Chikuhodo series, they might last you a lifetime.

Chikuhodo is an OEM manufacturer that supplies high-end makeup brands such as SUQQU, Shiseido, Kanebo, and Kose. They are now one of the most respected makeup brush artisans around the world.

Each series is very specific to the target user but we have specified which kind of makeup fanatic should buy which series.

HIGH-END RANGE

Chikuhodo Z-Series

Release Date: 2014

The most sought-after of the Chikuhodo brushes, this popular brush series lives up to its reputation. They are renowned for their quality, lightweight feel, and delicate touch to the skin. Each brush in the Z series is created using 100% grey squirrel hair, with each hair hand-picked by a team of specialists. The bristles are left uncut, allowing for the silkiest feel possible. Designed by Tesshyu Takemori. For those with sensitive skin and a high budget who would like to experience the very best series from Chikuhodo.

Availability: Comes in 4, 6 and 8 piece sets with a lip, eyeshadow, eyeliner, cheek, powder, contour and highlighter brushes available.
 

Chikuhodo FO-Series

Release Date: 2019

The FO Series is the industry's first natural makeup brush made with silver fox bristles. The softness is comparable to gray squirrel, with the strength of goat hair. Together, with an elegant wooden handle, these create brushes of unprecedented luxury and efficiency. For those with sensitive skin who would like to experience a luxury set from Chikuhodo, and rare set in the industry.

Availability: Available in Powder, Foundation, Cheek/ Highlight, Cheek and Eyeshadow brushes.

Chikuhodo Takumi T-series

Release Date: 2014

Made with Saikoho goat hair, which is the highest quality of goat hair. The bristles are soft yet firm and are not dyed to honor the original white color of the goat hair. The designer Tesshyu Takemori has his name painted on the matte black handle in a red insignia. This makeup brush series is hard to miss.

Availability: Available in a 10 piece set with powder, foundation, cheek, highlight, eyeshadow (L, M, S), eyebrow, and lip brushes available. Comes with a sleek black bag with pouches for the individual brushes.

Chikuhodo Maki-e Series 

Release Date: Initial release date 2016

Arguably the most aesthetically pleasing of the Chikuhodo series. The handles are the defining feature with beautifully painted peony and sakura flowers on the black lacquer. Made from squirrel hair, densely packed to ensure even finishes to your makeup. For those who would like a very “Japonesque” handle due to the Maki-e art with all the power of a soft, yet firm powder brush. 

Availability: Portable lip, cheek, and powder brushes. Basic Powder brush model has three kinds of maki-e art to choose from. Also available, 2 different kinds of Makeup Brush Maki-e boxes in black, red, and beige.

Chikuhodo Kazan Series

Release Date: 2020

Availability: 8 individual brushes, including powder, cheek and eyeshadow brushes. Also available in an 8-piece set with a case. 

Chikuhodo Premium Series

Release Date: 2017

Gathering the very best of the materials, Premium series is listed in the standard lineup but almost always short on the stock due to the rarity of the materials. The only brush out of the series, P-8 uses only the highest-quality long hair of the grey squirrel. Ebony wood is used for the handle as well as the stand, to complement the high-end bristle. For those interested in trying out the rarest, very best of the grey squirrel powder brush.

Set Availability: There is only one brush in the Chikuhodo Premium Line Makeup brush series (Powder brush).

Chikuhodo GSN series

Release Date: 2013

The GSN is the new (n stands for “new”) edition of the older GS Chikuhodo series. Sets include a mixture of Sokouhou goat and blue squirrel bristles (remember “g” for goat and “s” for squirrel). GSN is recognizable by the white handle and metallic gold ferrule. For those who want to buy Chikuhodo brushes with long handles but enjoy contemporary makeup brands and application styles. 

Set Availability: The series comes in 4, 6, 9 piece set (elegant black tie-up pouch included). Lip, screw, eyebrow, shadow liner, eye shadow, liquid foundation, highlight, cheek, powder brushes available for individual purchase as well.

MEDIUM-RANGE

In this highly diverse series of brushes, you'll find everything from brushes more traditional brushes to those suited to a more contemporary form of makeup application. Different colors and bristles types, with both natural and synthetic bristles available. These models are great for those who have high-end needs with a lower budget, and if you're just getting started in Japanese Kumano-fude makeup brushes and want to know that they're right for you.

Chikuhodo Regular Series

Release Date: 2014

The brush series employs 35 brushes in two different colors: red and black. The series covers basic needs of makeup application but with the highest quality available.

Availability: Those who would like to buy Chikuhodo brushes but who have a very specific area they would like to apply makeup to. E.g. Minimalists who need very specific brushes and nothing else

Chikuhodo Passion Series

Release Date: 2015

The most fun series of brushes from Chikuhodo. Sokoho Goat hair bristles are paired with a glossy magenta pink handle that symbolizes “passion” for beauty and a desire to allure. If the set is purchased, all of the Passion series brushes are included. For those who would like a comprehensive set and are looking to create looks from natural glows to dramatic pouts. Also for those who care about having the brush handle stand out with matching pink pouch available. 

Availability: 7 piece brush set with a glossy pink pouch. Lip, Edge, Eyebrow, Eyeshadow, Highlight, Cheek, and Powder brushes available.

Chikuhodo BP series

Release Date: 2015

Designed based on feedback from customers and makeup artists. The makeup brush series has a distinct silver ferrule and black handle. Minimalists or for those who would like to buy a set with many eye brushes. Also for those who would like a series tailored to customer reviews.

Availability: Set of 8 pieces with three-fold black tie up pouch. Powder, Cheek, Highlight, 3 Eyeshadow, Shadow Liner, eyebrow brushes.

Chikuhodo G Series (Short Handle) 

This series is distinct due to the short handles which allow for faster application with the faster application. Made from a variety of fur including goat, squirrel, and weasel. Includes liquid foundation brushes. For those who enjoy liquid foundation and would like to buy smaller sets of Chikuhodo brushes.

Availability: Sets of 3, 5, 8, each with specially designed cases. Cheek, 2 Screw, Liner, 2 Liquid foundation, Contour, 2 Powder, Lip, Eyebrow, Shadow liner, 2 Eyeshadow, Cheek/Highlight, Powder/Cheek brushes available for individual purchase.

Chikuhodo Artificial (AF) Series

Release Date: 2016

100% animal-free synthetic fiber that recreates the illusion of a delicate Chikuhodo touch. Uses the corn-based material in an effort to be environmentally friendly. Silver is also used for antimicrobial advantages. For those who are Animal-free conscious buyers who would like to use a high-quality makeup brush without animal hair. Also for those with sensitive skin due to the microbial effect of the brushes. 

Availability: Lip, Foundation, Blush, Powder, Eyebrow, Eyeliner, Cheek brushes available. Sold individually.

Chikuhodo Retractable K-Series

Release Date: 2016

Metallic, portable series with 6 brushes (lip, eyebrow, eyeliner, eyeshadow, powder, cheek brushes). Made from Soukouhou goat, and weasel fur. Each handle is labeled with its functional purpose. For those who want a less expensive set, with retractable portable functionality. Brushes provided are not as extensive but cover basic needs of a quick makeup application. 

Availability: A 6-piece set is available. Powder, Lip, Liner, Eyebrow, Eye Shadow, and cheek brush available.

Chikuhodo Men's Grooming Series

Availability: Shaving brushes, eyebrow brush and comb, eyebrow scissors, tweezers, nail files, sets and stands. 

Chikuhodo Face Cleansing Brushes

Availability: 4 different sizes and colors.