Kabuki brush: what you absolutely need it for

Kabuki brush
What you absolutely need the beauty tool for

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The kabuki brush should not be missing in any beauty case. We explain here what makes the particularly fluffy make-up brush and how to use it.

What is a kabuki brush?

A kabuki brush, also known as a buffer or buffer blush, is a make-up brush with a flat, round, extremely voluminous head. The brush hairs, which are mostly made of real hair or Taklon (polyester fibers) in high-quality specimens, are very dense and stronger and more stable than other brushes. Its handle is rather short and wide and there are specimens that only have a kind of pommel as a handle.

What makes the kabuki brush so special?

The special thing about the Kabuki brush is its ability to absorb powder (loose or pressed) well and in large quantities, to release it evenly on the skin and thus to create a natural look. That is why it is particularly suitable for the use of dry powder textures (powder foundation, highlighter and bronzer, for example).

But the kabuki brush can do even more: it also works excellently as a blender brush when applying liquid make-up.

How do you use the kabuki brush correctly?

If you’ve never used a kabuki brush, you’ll be amazed at how much powder the brush can hold. Therefore, first try carefully to pick up a small amount of powder with the hairs of the brush.

Before applying the powder on the face, you should tap the brush a little. This way you can be sure that not too much powder ends up on your face. Then you can run the buffer over your face with small and large circular movements. Preferably from the nose to the cheeks to the ears. Then the forehead and chin as well as the neck.

If the coverage is not strong enough after the first application, repeat the process again. Because that is one of the great advantages of this brush: It transfers the texture so finely to the skin that you can easily work in several layers. From a completely natural look like normal day make-up to a thicker layer (evening make-up) or even a more mask-like layer.

What should I look out for when buying a kabuki brush?

When buying make-up brushes, it is usually worthwhile to value high quality. It is the same with the kabuki brush. Make sure that the brush is as tight as possible, because it is the volume of the brush head that defines the kabuki and its great make-up properties. In addition, it should be soft and hardly lose any hairs or particles during use. You can get a good, high-quality kabuki brush from around 30 euros.

Where does the kabuki brush come from?

Kabuki is traditional Japanese theater that featured dancing, singing, and pantomine. Here a special brush was used to create the special, elaborate make-up of the performers – the kabuki brush. Later, the kabuki spread around the world as a beauty tool.