BellaSugar

Cool New Kabuki Brushes

BellaSugar — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 07:00:50 PDT

Kabuki brushes originated in Japanese rituals of geisha and kabuki theater, because makeup is an integral part of both. Kabuki brushes are great for blending, contouring and highlighting-and they're popular because they provide great coverage. In general, kabuki brushes are soft and strong, making them excellent tools for creating a buffed, glowy look.

The Nars Ita Brush ($38.50) is made from extremely soft black goat hair. It has a small, flat and angular design ideal for blending and contouring. Any intermediate or advanced level makeup junkie will know what to do with this brush once they see it, since it lies perfectly flat along your upper cheekbones.

For two more cool new kabuki brushes,

Adesign Flat Top Foundation Kabuki Brush ($26) is a new and innovative shaped brush designed for wet-to-dry foundation. It's ideal for buffing, and the texture of the brush stimulates your skin when applying makeup.

Aromaleigh Silky Smooth Taklon Kabuki ($17.50) is a baby sized version of the original kabuki. This soft, smooth, and adorable brush is great for a compact makeup bag. It's also great for touch-ups in the small areas around your eye and nose. It is made from synthetic taklon (which is cruelty-free) and won't shed.

Cute Kabukis: 5 Reasons You'll Want to Go Buff

Jaime Richards — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:00:19 PST

For a truly flawless makeup finish, you might want to think about going buff - using a buffing brush, that is. The kabuki brush, designed to cover larger surface areas, allows you to dust powder onto the face and body quickly and easily, thanks to its densely packed bristles. To use, dip the brush into your chosen powder, tap to remove excess, and swirl onto the face for a uniform, even finish. And for some very kawaii kabuki options, check out the list below:

1.) Charlotte Russe glam pink powder brush ($11) - Love a piece that will look glamorous on your vanity table? With its faceted crystal handle and pink, domed top, this kabuki is a mini work of art.

2.) Sonia Kashuk silver holiday kabuki ($12) - It's a limited-edition brush from her holiday line at Target, but this shimmery makeup tool will look great no matter the time of year.

3.) Aveda Uruku bronzing brush ($40) - With its striking red-orange bristles (inspired by the pigments in the urukum plant), 25 percent PCR aluminum handle, and anaconda snake-patterned pouch it comes packaged in, what's not to love about this eco-friendly offering?

4.) Tarte Glam on the Go ($29) - Speaking of cool packaging, here's a buffer brush that is housed in a faux-crocodile case that's perfect for all your on-the-go kabuki needs.

5.) Nars kabuki artisan brush in #27 Yachiyo ($50) - This brush is craftsmanship at its finest. The handle is hand-spun with black wisteria, and the tapered spiral dome head makes gliding along smaller, curved corners all the more swift.

What's the Difference Between Loose Powder and Pressed, Really?

Miriam Lacey — Wed, 09 May 2012 03:31:00 PDT

If you've ever stood in the beauty aisle perplexed about whether to buy loose powder or pressed powder in a compact, this is the article for you. There really is a difference, but it's probably not what you'd expect. So to find out once and for all which one you should pick up, get the facts below.

What We're Sweet On: A Just-the-Right-Fit Kit

Annie Tomlin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:47:43 PST

If complexion perfection is your obsession, Make Up For Ever's HD Complexion Starter Kit ($79) is calling your name. The Sephora-exclusive set packages the brand's oil-free primer, invisible finishing powder, a kabuki brush, and one Invisible Cover Foundation - in the shade that suits you, of course. (There are 26, so there's something to match every skin tone.) This satin-finish foundation has earned a fervent cult following for its ability to cover imperfections without looking masklike, and it's particularly good at making blemishes seem to disappear. Not everyone can have flawless skin, but with the right tools, just about anyone can fake it.

Two Easy Ways to Keep Your Self-Tan From Going Flat

Jaime Richards — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 05:00:00 PDT

Three things I don't like going flat: my tires, a glass of soda, and a self-tan. When it comes to the latter, I'm talking about that dreaded one-note look that people often get after applying a sunless tanning product. There are a few things you can do, however, to keep it looking glowy and multidimensional, as opposed to flat, muddy, and just plain boring. To find out how to bring new life to a self-tan, just keep reading.