I still haven't found time to photograph all my beauty acquisitions from Japan, but I did manage to shoot my Hakuhodo haul. Even though my trip to Japan was a whirlwind of events, I made it my mission to visit the Hakuhodo showroom in Omotesando, Tokyo, and I am so glad I did! The showroom is neat and pristine — consistent with the Hakuhodo tradition. The selection at IMATS is always impressive, but the entire Hakuhodo lineup was truly a sight to behold. I was in heaven! Check out the details after the jump xo
Ever since my friend Leanne from Singapore gifted me a short champagne-gold handled concealer brush, I have been patiently waiting to add a few more to my collection. I also wanted to browse the complete selection of brush rolls and travel pouches. Last but not least, I purchased a liquid brush cleanser, which is now available here in the USA!
First let's discuss the B531 Angled Powder. This brush is a mix of blue squirrel and goat, which is rapidly gaining popularity due to its affordability. These "hybrid" brushes also stand up better to washing, so they are ideal for professional use. I love the extra-large angled shape of my beautiful S106, so I figured this shorter-handled version would make an ideal travel powder brush. Though I use smaller powder brushes these days, this large brush head distributes powder evenly and efficiently!
The B5519 Blush is the most luxurious of the brushes I purchased, about $140 USD. It is officially one of the softest blush brushes I own. SUQQU's is ultra soft, but this 5519 model is incredibly dense — more bang for your buck! I use this brush with loose or ultra finely milled blushes since the 100% blue squirrel bristles are delicate. Hakuhodo recommends using only the flat sides to prevent damaging the bristles.
I had debated for years now how much I needed a traditional Yachiyo brush, but I figured it was worth a try! The NARS version looks much more modern with the black motif, but the Hakuhodo bristles are significantly softer. I purchased the Medium Pointed version, and I adore how well it works with all varieties of powder blush. The bristles are quite soft and fluffy for goat.
The B5521 is my new travel highlighter brush. It's nearly as soft as my Wayne Goss highlighter brush (same price at $35 each), though it is is a bit smaller and less flared. This can also be used as a natural contour brush on smaller faces. Depending upon the angle and lighting in which it is photographed, the shimmery white handle can reflect blue in photos.
The B J142 is one of my favorite Hakuhodo brushes. It is extremely affordable ($19) and perfect for blending eyeshadow in the crease or highlighter on the brow bone and nose bridge. I purchased one with the shimmery white handle and another with the champagne-gold handle. Yes, I love the handles that much.
B5549 is a very wide, stiff eyebrow brush. I have been experimenting with different styles of brow brushes since I did purchase a couple different eyebrow powders while in Japan. Most of you know that I am a brow pencil addict, but I've been trying to branch out!
I generally prefer white, but the shimmery champagne-gold handles are incredibly elegant and unique! Now, do not panic because you won't need to travel to Japan to buy these brushes. The same brush head styles are available through Hakuhodo USA, but they come with the standard glossy black handles (unless you opt for the significantly more expensive lacquered S-Class series).
If you do not have time to visit the Hakuhodo showroom in Omotesando, visit the small Hakuhodo counter at the Mitsukoshi department store in Ginza. The selection is smaller and a lot of popular styles were out of stock, but at least you will be able to get a tax refund with purchases over 7500 yen, roughly 65 US dollars using today's exchange rate! The Hakuhodo showroom is not tax free. I do plan to create a more in-depth post regarding the best places to shop for beauty and fashion in Tokyo, so please leave any questions below in the comments!
I don't think you meah 75 yen as that would equate to roughly 60 cents :)
ReplyDeleteYes, I forgot to add the two 00s at the end! Thank you
DeleteThe more I read about Hakuhodo brushes, the more I want them! I only have the J142 so far (I completely adore it!) and I definitely want to pick up more. The B5521 appeals to me, but I think the J5521 might be better for my oily skin since it's goat. I actually have the J5532 and J5529 on the way to me from the US, but I have a terrible feeling they're lost in transit :(
ReplyDeleteYes, stick to goat if you have oily skin! The US post can be very slow, so keep your fingers crossed!
DeleteI've been trying to decide whether I should invest my money in Hakuhodo brushes, Chikuhodo or Suqqu brushes. Which one do you like the best? What about the Wayne Goss ones? I've heard Hakuhodo makes brushes for Tom Ford. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI shared all my must-haves in my HG Brushes video, but WG and Chikuhodo are my current favorites! Check them out here http://youtu.be/XE60jEGf7dI
DeleteReally love and enjoy your reviews, been looking at Hakuhodo brushes for a while really love them, but I am in the UK quite different to get them in hand. I find Chukuhodo on Beautylish which can be shipped here. What's the difference between these two brands? Thanks
ReplyDeleteI adore Hakuhodo brushes and seem to have more than I could use in several lifetimes! LOL I once visited the Hakuhodo showroom in Torrence, CA and was like a kid in a candy shop so I can easily imagine how much fun it would be to actually visit their showroom in Omotesando--especially since we do not get all their brushes here in the US.
ReplyDeleteWhen I bought some at IMATS I couldn't decide what to get. They are so luxurious. There's nothing like a good brush.
ReplyDeleteI had the pleasure of visiting the Hakuhodo showroom in Omotesando in March last year. I agree the range there was impressive and the display was almost clinical. Their brush sets were great value. Although the showroom is not tax free, they had a loyalty card offer (collect stamps with every purchase) with choice of a free brush, which was very generous.
ReplyDelete