How to Start Your Fude Brush Journey

Being a part of our Beautylish community, I know you know about makeup brushes. And you may have at least heard of Fude: some of the most coveted, finely crafted brushes ever made. They aren’t cheap, and with so many options, trying Fude for the very first time can be intimidating.

I want to get you comfortable to begin your Fude journey. My journey took time, but the whole process led me to start my blog—and now I can help you make the right choices so your Fude journey isn’t as arduous.

Below is a guide to getting the right brushes for you!

What is Fude?

Fude are handmade by Japanese artisans, who use traditional techniques, expertise and craftsmanship passed down through generations to create both calligraphy and make-up brushes. Fude is known for using uncut hairs that are carefully shaped into place, giving the brushes their superior softness. With their delicate shapes and hand-designed handles, Fude aren’t just tools; they can be considered little works of art.

Because of the labor and the quality of the raw materials, Fude can be quite expensive. They are a precious investment, but if we take good care of them, they can last many years.

Starting the Fude Journey

First of all, be excited, not overwhelmed. It’s OK to be a novice when it comes to Fude. While it takes time and some research to find the ideal brushes, the process should be fun, so enjoy it!

Take my story for example: when I decided to start buying Fude many years ago, I really didn’t know where to start or the difference between a cheap and an expensive brush. I didn’t even know what I needed, to be honest. I would get a brush, then realize that while it was interesting, it didn’t have a purpose in my make-up routine. Here’s where I want to help you hone in on what brush is right for you.

The Types of Brush to Get First

The Regular-use Workhorse

If you are a bit overwhelmed with the choices, one idea is to start with a great blender for the eyes or face. Blending is such an important task; it takes results to another level, and using a great Fude is likely to elevate your whole experience.

Or, take a survey of your products and what you use regularly. It makes a lot of sense to start with a brush that has an important role in your makeup routine and that you can imagine using nearly every day. The ratio of cost per use will be much more satisfying. For example, if you start with a great foundation brush but you rarely use foundation, that’s not a good choice.

The Gap Filler

If you notice that step in your makeup application that you struggle with , try to get a brush that will help you with that step. If it’s blending, get a great blending brush. If it’s placement, get a good, reliable laydown brush.

We assume a product is not the best for us, but sometimes it’s the tool. If you struggle to apply a specific product that you love, find a brush that works perfectly with that product. In fact, you might think about what specific products you struggle to apply and seek out a brush that works perfectly with it. Look at those products stored at the back of your drawers and ask why—maybe a different brush or approach could make a difference.

Follow Your Heart

If you are in love with a particular type of brush (a detail brush, a crease brush, a blush brush) or also a particular design or aesthetic, just follow your heart and pick a brush that makes you happy!

What to Consider when Researching Your Brush

If you find a brush that appeals to you, use these factors below to help you decide which is the best one for you to buy.

Budget

During your research, listen to suggestions and advice, but apply them to fit your budget.

Application

What is important to you when it comes to application? Do you want something quick? Efficient? Specialized? Get specific about what you are looking for.

If you are a beginner, it’s great to pick brushes that make the placement even and the blending effortless. You may not want brushes that will be too directional or too intense with the application until you are more proficient with technique. You may not want brushes that are too floppy , but rather have a firmness to help you with your application.

If you have only a few minutes to apply your makeup before you get out the door, make sure that the brush is effective for your time and lifestyle , as well as effective with the products you use. If you need to fix something quickly before you leave, an effective blending brush will save you so much time.

Products

Certain Fude are best for certain products. If you are a true beginner to Fude, keep this VERY basic and generalized filter in mind:

• If you use powder products, look for natural hair brushes
• If you use cream/liquid products, look for synthetic or a mix of synthetic and natural hair brushes

If you wish to extend the lifespan of your Japanese handmade brushes, it’s important to use them with the appropriate products. For example, if you plan to use your Fude with cream or liquid products, make sure it’s safe. Some dyes or some natural bristles should not be used with creams and liquids.

Also, it’s very useful to have a microfiber cloth to wipe the brushes after use. This will remove the residue build up. The brushes will perform better for longer, and you won’t need to wash them as often.

Ergonomics

It’s important to get brushes that fit your body and offer the control you want. Maybe you prefer shorter handles that allow you to get closer to the mirror, or maybe you prefer a handle that is more lightweight and easy to carry or hold for long periods of time.

Aesthetics

Think also of your preferences in terms of aesthetics. Makeup application should be a precious moment, and if you are going to invest in Fude, go for something that you will truly enjoy owning and using —something that fits your color palette, your vibe, your style.

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