What Are Kabuki Brushes?

Kabuki brushes are a must-have accessory for anyone's makeup kit. Whether you are a pro makeup artist, a fashionista or just someone who likes to experiment with new techniques, adding a kabuki brush to your makeup kit is a great idea.

Identification

A kabuki brush is a makeup brush with a short flat head and a short stem. The brush head is usually rounded or flat, with a curved edge.

Origin of the Name

The name kabuki comes from a style of Japanese theatre defined by actors who wear heavy, stylized makeup.

Uses

Kabuki brushes are most commonly used to apply dry, powder-based makeup such as foundation or blush. Because of its size and shape, a kabuki brush is excellent for applying a concentrated amount of product in a strong blunt curve. These brushes are also excellent for creating all-over coverage with a natural look.

Storage

Kabuki brushes are very portable and easy to store, as they are quite small compared to other makeup brushes. Store in a cool dry place with low humidity.

Materials

Traditionally, the brush head of a kabuki brush was made of soft, semi-rigid animal fur, most commonly goat hair. These days, they often are made of Taklon or another synthetic fiber.

Cleaning

You can clean a kabuki brush by simply tapping it on the back of your hand to remove any leftover pigment. You can also cleanse it with a mild makeup cleaner, available at most pharmacies and beauty counters. Make sure to dry it throughly with a paper towel. Dab it dry, rather than wringing, to ensure the integrity of the brush.