Beauty Product Reviews

The ideal brush for natural no-makeup makeup

I have the entire fusion face set and was on the fence about this one, I wasn't sure if this will add anything to my collection. I enjoy a sheer layer of makeup but typically need to either spend more time blending or more than one brush to achieve this kind of finish, so I usually end up skipping foundation altogether. This brush solves this problem - I get skin tint/light level of coverage with medium to full coverage foundations but with an invisible layer of product. In comparison, if I'd opt to use a skin tint for the same level of coverage (with a denser brush), I feel the result is always a bit thicker on the skin. This brush is fantastic with pigmented liquid/cream blushes and cream bronzers. While the synthetic stippling layer is not as airy as we've come to expect from Sonia's saikoho goat brushes, it is by no means unpleasant on the skin. Looking forward to the smaller version, and hopefully we'll get a keyaki version as well.

Don't sleep on this one if you like cream blush/highlight hybrids

This is by far my most used brush from the lotus set, I use it daily and got a second one because I love it so much. I love wearing blush/highlight hybrid formulas like the Westman Atelier super loaded and the Charlotte Tilbury beauty light wands, and this brush is ideal with such pigmented metallic finishes, it is dense enough to pick up thick creams and diffuse them beautifully, and the fact it is all goat means it absorbs just enough to leave a seamless finish. It is also beautiful with powder blushes, but for me, it is my designated highlighting blush brush. I've had the lotus set for over two years and the fibers have not been stained and still wash out white.

Received a dud

Mine unfortunately doesn't come to a tip, it is simply domed like a long pompom. Of course handmade brushes are going to have some variation but in this case it is problematic since the brush is inspired by the art of calligraphy and named after the tip of the bristles... There's also a dent at the top of the ferrule on mine, and my brush has never fell or anything. It doesn't affect the bundling, which is why it took me a few months to even notice it, but it is a shame this particular brush even made it out of the manufacturer's workshop. I received it a long time ago but thought I should share, especially for those looking for the versatility in hitting the inner corner precisely with powder, you might not find the pointy tip you're looking for with this brush. Otherwise, like all of Sonia's brushes, of which I have most, it is thoughtfully designed and made of high grade materials. The execution unfortunately on my brush is less than what I'm used to and have come to expect.

Diffused but chiseled sculpt/bronze, quick blush & great buffer

A great addition to my fude collection that definitely filled a space for me. This is the bronzer brush I was missing. The brush head is very soft and plush, the ferrule design is genius and having both keyaki sets, I clearly am a fan of this line. L-R for comparison: Sonia G Face Pro, Koyudo fu-pa 14 CB, Chikuhodo ZE-3, Keyaki Niji

Not for delicate skin

I've been using the smooth buffer for a while and while it is a wonderful shape and density for buffing, at times it can feel rough on the skin. Hopefully Sonia will come out with a softer squirrel or squirrel/saikoho blend version.

Completing the ritual

If you enjoy the experience of Fude a microfiber towel is essential. This is obviously not necessary, but if applying makeup is a ritual for you, these beautiful towels will elevate the experience. I got a couple of the previous design (blue/orange) and much prefer this release with the blue/red colors. The quality is the same. The microfiber side is soft but solid, easy to clean and has retained its shape through many washes (I hand wash these). Meanwhile my (much cheaper) Hakuhodo towel is falling apart...

Quality craftsmanship

Structured and sleek pouch, the fabric is perfectly cut and assembled. Although it is very compact it fits plenty. Much more impressive in person.