I took these photos ages ago of my much loved Hakuhodo eyeshadow brushes, and today I'm finally getting around to sharing them. Apologies for sharing dirty brushes, but LOOK, I actually wore makeup! (LOL)
L-R: Hakuhodo J125, J004G, J142
When it comes to most eyeshadow looks, I start off my look with a layer of medium to dark eyeshadow with the J004G brush. This brush is your standard flat shadow brush, but this one is my favorite so far when it comes to overall feel and depositing pigmented color. Other flat shadow brushes just don't seem to compare!
The J125 is a brush i wasn't initially sure about, but I thought its unusual shape was interesting. It is a slanted flat top brush, and I'm finding this the perfect shape to apply shadow to the outside of the lid, or even just all over. (There is a new brush from Armani that feels super soft - possibly softer than this one - that is extremely similar in shape.)
Last but not least, the J142 is often compared to Mac's 217, but I believe it is fluffier (both in actual density as well and texture) and gives a nice sheer wash of highlight. I also really enjoy this for applying a dark shade to the outer corner in a totally fool proof way. (Which reminds me - my eye shape scares me off of this but I should try it again!)
L-R: Hakuhodo J004G, J142, J125
I reach for these brushes everyday when I wear eyeshadow, and they are my favorite ones to date, depositing the most pigment and being the softest and easiest to use.
The brushes have lasted well, (I've had a few for over a year) and while my numbers are wearing off some of them, the newer ones seem to have improved in that department. You can even see in the photo below that i've been a bit rough on a few of them, stuffing them in makeup bags and letting the hairs stray. Luckily, they'e held up and not been damaged. (Phew!)
I have to say that the hype for Hakuhodo is well deserved, though shopping for their brushes is a less than exciting experience in the US. (Their website. I can't even.) Don't even try looking for a brush unless you know specifically what you want, or at least can narrow it down by category, hair type, series, etc. (I found this post from Karima to be extremely helpful when I was shopping.) However, if you are located in southern California, you can visit their showroom, and those of you who attend IMATS and The Makeup Show can also peruse the range.
All in all, I'm in love with these. I hardly even want to try any other eyeshadow brushes, and that's really saying something! Have you tried these or any other brushes from Hakuhodo? What are your favorite eyeshadow brushes? I'd love to know! :)
