Article by Fluffy Fude

As an avid Japanese makeup brush collector, I have many brushes I treasure and enjoy discussing with the fude community. I enjoy sharing and learning from others about the “Best brushes for x, y and z”. Today I wanted to do something a little different and share some of my favorite “hidden gem” brushes.

These are brushes I believe do not get the attention they deserve. They are underrated, underestimated, and simply overlooked in favor of other more well-known brands and brushes. However, these brushes are on par with the best of the best for their respective uses, provide a good value for the price, and are some of my favorites in my collection. If you decide to try them, I hope you will love them as much as I do!

Here are my 10 hidden gem brush recommendations in no particular order:
    Eye Brushes
  1. Bisyodo B-ES-08 Eye Shadow Brush
  2. Koyudo Ksz-06 Eye Liner Brush
  3. Koyudo Ksz-05 Eye Shadow Brush Small
  4. Koyudo Ksz-04 Eye Shadow Brush Large
  5. Houkodou Flat Eye Shadow Brush G-S2
  6. Houkodou Flat Eye Shadow Brush G-S1
  7. Koyomo Pearl Pink Shadow Brush


    8. Face Brushes
  8. Houkodou Angled Foundation Brush BZ-2
  9. Mizuho Highlighter Brush MB114
  10. Chikuhodo G-9

About Fluffy Fude

Eye Brushes

Bisyodo B-ES-08 Eye Shadow Brush

I can’t emphasize how soft this brush is. It is great for inner corner highlight or the lash line. If you have sensitive eyelids and are looking for a tiny soft brush, this one is an all time favorite of mine.

Koyudo Ksz-06 Eye Liner Brush

Similar to the brush above, this pencil brush from the Koyudo Kakishibuzome Series is extremely soft and multipurpose. As with the other eye brushes in this series, I find it to be incredibly soft for goat hair and recommend it even if one has sensitive eyelids.

Koyudo Ksz-05 Eye Shadow Brush Small

Perhaps the most robust dupe I have for the original MAC 239 shader brush, the Koyudo Ksz-05 is efficient at applying eyeshadow of all formula types and a classic must have shape and size. The brush is second to none and I can’t recommend it enough.

Koyudo Ksz-04 Eye Shadow Brush Large

If one prefers a larger size shader brush than the Koyudo Ksz-05 above, the Ksz-04 is a larger version of the Ksz-05 but with a greater width and added body. Usually, I would recommend getting the brush in the size that best suits your eye shape, but in this case, I honestly think having both is the best option as they pair well together!

Houkodou Flat Eye Shadow Brush G-S2

I am happy to see this brush is loved by many but I still do not believe it gets the praise it deserves. The Houkodou G-S2 can do it all, from blending shadow in the crease, to laying down eyeshadow all over the lid, one can do a whole look with this brush alone. Did I mention it is a reasonably priced brush made from Canadian Squirrel? This brush should not be overlooked and neither should its larger friend below.

Houkodou Flat Eye Shadow Brush G-S1

The Houkodou G-S1 is a great value for the price especially for a brush made from Canadian Squirrel. I like how it is large enough for me to use as both an eyeshadow brush and also as a highlighter brush.

Koyomo Pearl Pink Shadow Brush

One cannot go wrong with the pink handle series by Koyomo and in particular the eye brushes. They are soft even for the most sensitive skin types and a good value for money. My favorite from the series is the eye brush with the round ferrule – something about the size, density, softness and shape makes it an ideal blending and crease brush. Whatever your makeup application preferences may be, I am confident you will find this one to be a handy little brush.

Face Brushes

Houkodou Angled Foundation Brush BZ-2

Another great brush by Houkodou, the BZ-2 is a dream to use with cream and liquid cheek products. The bristles are softer than expected for Sokoho grade goat hair and I would say it feels closer to Saikoho grade. This brush blends out cream blush quickly and gives a natural finish. I also love the small size and angled shape as it allows me to work precisely with the cream products in a targeted area. If you have been looking for a brush for cream cheek products, this is a great brush to try!

Mizuho Highlighter Brush MB114

The MB114 brush by Mizuho is a mysterious brush with a unique shape and hair mix. Truly a fun brush to try if one is looking for a little surprise. The bristles are made from a mix of pine squirrel and pony and it is perhaps the softest pine squirrel brush I own! If it were not for the description, I would not know it was mixed with pony. There is a silkiness I had not experienced with other pine squirrel brushes. It is soft enough for me to use on the under eye area and due to the hair mix picks up more powder than an all squirrel hair brush. The shape is wonky but fun! It is an almond shape paddle brush with a slant, this shape makes it easy to use for under the eye and highlighter but it is really a very multipurpose brush and a joy to play with.

Chikuhodo G-9

The G-9 by Chikuhodo is one of my all time favorite powder brushes. The bristles on this brush are so luxurious and soft it is hard to believe this brush is not as well known as other Chikuhodo brushes such as those in the Z-series. The brush head is densely packed and applies powders effortlessly and seamlessly. It is also a rather large face brush and one can cover a large surface area quickly.

About Fluffy Fude

My name is Liz but my fude friends call me Fluffy. I am an admirer of Japanese makeup brushes and luxury beauty. I review and discuss makeup brushes on my YouTube channel.
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