The kabuki brush is named for the professional makeup brushes used to apply makeup for the kabuki theater performers of Japan. The kabuki brush is one of the highest quality cosmetic brushes you can buy, and makes a superb foundation brush. The handle is thick and easy to grip, and the hairs of the brush are very densely populated and sturdy in the holder.
A good source of reasonably-priced kabuki brushes is eBay. Some sellers offer free shipping.
At first it is hard to get used to the kabuki brush, because it is such a different shape and the handle feels too short. But once you get the sweeping motion mastered, you will appreciate how the design of the brush enhances the application of the makeup. The thick dense forest of natural bristles allows you to apply just the right amount of mineral makeup. You don’t waste your expensive mineral makeup by applying too much and wiping off the excess. Using a kabuki brush allows you to apply the correct amount of makeup the first time. Get an extra kabuki brush for a final bare polishing of your face once all the mineral makeup has been applied.
Natural makeup application becomes effortlessness when putting on makeup with a kabuki brush. Since the idea behind natural makeup is the creation of a natural look, the procedure for application is simple. You do not need to double check to see if the shade is right for your skin tone as with liquid makeup, due to the ability of mineral makeup to blend into the skin more easily. Typically, only one application will be enough for your skin, which greatly simplifies putting on makeup. Since many women lead busy lives nowadays, being able to apply makeup quickly is a necessity. The ease of application and long life of every application is most likely the main reasons why natural looking makeup is becoming so popular now.
So here is how to get used to your new kabuki brush. Hold it gently in the fingers with a loose wrist. Make a sweeping motion across your face, bending the wrist as you sweep the makeup across your skin. Do not pat or tap, just sweep gently and with large motions. Don’t press down hard, but use a gentle yet large stroke. It should take only four or five sweeps of the brush to completely put on your foundation. A good kabuki brush makes an excellent concealer brush for hiding any blemishes you might have.
I use a dedicated kabuki brush for my foundation brush, and another dedicated kabuki brush for my mineral veil blush brush. It is worth the extra money to have a kabuki brush reserved for those two main layers. I prefer the small kabuki brush as I can better cover the area around my nose and eyes with less makeup for the same complete coverage.