AF Series AF-5 Eye Shadow S

It doesn’t look like much, but this is a must have if you use cream eyeshadow or do a lot with cut crease work. I was surprised at first as to how small the brush was. However once actually in use this became a fast favorite. If you struggle with brushes that are too large, or can’t seem to get close to your mirror due to long brush handles this brush is for you! My first time trying the brand because I only buy synthetic bristled brushes. A+

I absolutely adore this brush, but I really only use it when I’m doing a cut crease. And it’s size and shape are perfect for that.

I initially bought this brush as a supplement/replacement for my MAC 242 brush, which is the best thing I've ever used (so far) to apply pressed shimmer/foiled shadows. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed when I attempted to use this brush for that purpose; I see other reviewers have had more luck, so I may try again, but my hopes aren't high.

HOWEVER. When I attempted to use this brush with cream/liquid eyeshadows - including ones that are tricky to work with - it performed REMARKABLY. Even formulas that I had previously all but stopped working with - because they were hard to apply, hard to blend, etc. - have now been brought back into circulation. This brush provides a consistently smooth, controlled, even application. I no longer need to use my finger - except maybe as a finishing touch to make it all sink in a little. I can use my liquid shadows to create any shape I want (previously it was virtually impossible), and the brush is stiff enough to apply thin lines as well (for eyeliner, or graphic lines).

So far, every Chikuhodo brush I have purchased has been game-changing in one way or another. I do very much wish I could find a MAC 242 replacement from this brand (or similar). But in the meantime, I am loving this brush for what it has added to my toolkit.

its a great brush for packing on shimmers to the lid or even creating a cut crease with concealer, only downside is the ferrule quickly became a little loose/wiggly for me :(

Pics up shimmer and glitter shadows like a dream and really smooths them out. I was looking for something similar to the Mac 242 because I never got my hands on it before it was discontinued. This does the job better than anything else I’ve tried. Very small though. I was alarmed by the size of it. Similar to a travel brush but works perfectly.

I use this brush to help smudge my Laura Mercier Caviar sticks onto my lid as a base for my day time smoky look. Even though I don't necessarily need the precision it is helpful because I have Asian monolid eyes so I create my own lid with it. The handle is shorter than most average brushes. I

Thank u, Jacqueline G!!! Read her review & u'll know why these were created!! ;) I have regular crease American eyes & still agree with all she said. Ordered several of these (different eye sizes) brushes & hated them with my different eye shadows til I read her review. Then ran & grabbed my LM caviar sticks & used them & they work like an absolute DREAM! They work FAST & perfectly--like they were made 2 b used with them! Couldn't b happier with these little gems NOW that I know what product 2 use them with! Just so u know--the reason these brushes r different from all my others (& I have LOADS of brushes) is they r **VERY FIRM & STIFF**!! (comparing 2 Chikuhodo, Hakuhodo, TOM FORD, MAC, NARS, Hourglass, Marc Jacobs, etc.)

I use this to help cleaned up and define my edges when I use my Laura Mercier Caviar sticks when I lady down the base for my daily brown smoky look. I think moves the cream shadow well. I have the Asian eyes without the fold so I have to draw a very and 'thick' line to give the illusion of a fold.

I bought the AF-6 in order to test out this new line from Chikuhodo as well as look at the softness of the synthetic fibers used. This brush is firm but it also has enough give that you can use it for precision work. The best analogy I could use is it serves a similar purpose to the MAC 242 but it's much better quality than that brush.

If you are a professional MUA or you use your brushes often, you'll know that synthetic brushes tend to be more convenient because they can stand up to repeated disinfection and washing without giving out. This brush is very easy to clean (either with spot cleaner or soap and water) and is very high quality. Recommended.

* Just a note: the stiffness of the fibers on these synthetic bristle brushes means they tend to be more suited for flat brushes than blender brushes. I use these in conjuction with either the Cozzette S175, S185 or D220 on other people or with the Hakuhodo J5529, J5523 and J5522 on myself.