I have both sizes of the Ita, and I just don't like them. They would be great for cutting a cheek, haha, but for regular every day looks they just give too harsh of a line or require lots of blending. I'd rather just use a blush that does it in one step. I actually use a Chanel blush brush for contouring and it's perfect for a natural contoured look where you can't actually SEE that there is sculpting going on, it just looks like natural shadows. I can't get that same look with these brushes.

I am just posting this to remind myself to review it. I got this brush recently in a gift brush haul. I am extremely attracted to Matte black items. I want to compare it to another brush I received in the haul, the Mac 109. These brushes look nothing alike but are both used for contouring. I am interested to see how they both spread out pigment on paler skin (like mine) where contouring can be extremely unforgiving. Will update soon.


Ideally, a brush of this price should not need to be repurchased again.


Edit::11\15/2012::

I haven't used it for contouring, but I used it for Highlighting, and just wow. Lovely disbursement of product. Highlights are easy to over do on my skin because I am so pale it is hard to see. This seems to place a wonderful amount evenly considering the flat shape of the brush, which I thought my be a problem with light application, seemed to do an excellent job.
Though I think brush is wonderful so far, I do not yet think it is unnecessary unless you love contouring and highlighting. Also I believe I forgot to mention that this is the longer handle, shorter length version of the brush, and not the shorter handle wider version.

Edit :: 12/02/2012::

So I used this brush a few times for contouring, it is impressive. Will definitely define with a contouring powder. I am rather pale so I have to be very careful how I apply a contour, but this is great for a dramatic line, but the line can also be blended out. It even displaces pigment. Lovely brush.

I adore the NARS kabuki brush line. I have the Botan, the Yachiyo, and this one. Mine however is the shorter one.

The design of the brush sets it apart from the usual brushes on the market. It's sleek, unique, and very purse friendly! No long handle to get in the way.

There's so many different uses for the Ita. Initially, I bought it to contour. It fits perfectly into cheekbones, chin, cheekbones. I actually prefer this much more than the traditional angled brush I was using before. Afterwards, I can even blend my contour out.

I've also used it for blush and powder highlight. It is just a great design, easy to use, and very versatile (especially for travel).

While my Botan brush does shed, I've really had no issues with the Ita.

Note: I've had mine for 1 year and don't see myself needing to repurchase anytime soon. It's in perfect shape!

I have the #21 which is the longer brush,not the shorter kabuki. (Although I haven't tried the short one i've heard there's a slight different in the density/length/etc of the brush hairs) Its EXTREMELY versatile, can be used for blush, powder, contouring and highlighting of any location, but it particularly like it for contouring. I wish it came with a case because the shape makes it kinda awkward to store in a regular brush holder. The shape is so unique, its flat and can cover both very large areas or very small with practice. Something I couldn't help noticing though...this brush Sheds like NO brush i've ever experienced. Because of this i'm not quite sure if its worth the steep price tag but then again it is Nars, and even though they're pricey their products always deliver.

i got this brush in the Nagauta Kabuki Brush Set, and i am fully satisfied with all the conponents, and the box is awsome!! this brush in particular is just what i was searching for since years for contouring! super soft and the size is perfect. i am finally in love!

I really loved the sleek and elegant design of the long brush, but the honeymoon was over soon. The protective spray (?) on the handle peeled off over three years of use. It also sheds like crazy!! I was literally picking off fall-offs on my cheeks after each use. Appalling.

The NARS Ita #21 is my go-to brush for applying blush/ contour/ highlight, and it also works for powder! I love this brush. It sculpts my face effortlessly. Unlike traditional blush brushes which, more often than not, result in uneven application, with the #21 Ita I just tap it into my blush and tap/ sweep it along my cheeks at an angle to get perfect results with zero fuss. The only downside is NARS' notorious gummy black packaging. This horrid coating on my first Ita ended up such an icky gooey mess I had to actually scrape it all off. The brush is still functional, it just looks like it's a fake that's been through hell. I purchased a new one today though. I cannot live without this brush in my routine and I am extraordinarily happy to have discovered it.

OMG I adore these brushes! I have both the Ita ($39.00) and the Ita Kabuki ($38.50). I don't know why it took me so long to invest in these! Perhaps it was because I did try a few of the NARS brushes (push and bronzer) and I was less than impressed. I found them to be scratchy and just blah for the price tag. Then I got a makeover and the MA used the ita on me for bronzer and I just HAD to have them both. Now do I really *need* them both, probably not. Is it nice to have both...yes. The ita kabuki is much wider and a little "fluffier" than the ita, which makes it perfect for bronzer. For blush I think the ita kabuki wouldn't really work as it would cover too much cheek = clown. The regular ita however is perfect for bronzer, blush or highlighter. They are great for flawless application and it deposits the perfect amount of product...even with my super pigmented blushes. Overall I'm impressed by the quality and softness of the bristles. I have experienced NO SHEDDING with either of these brushes. My one tiny tiny, not even really a complaint is that the handles are kind of awkward to use as they are flat vs round and the handles are the same rubbery material the NARS cases are famous..or infamous for depending on how you look at it i guess. I like it, but my OCD side can't stand the finger smudges I get on them. Ah well. I'll live. Also I heard one or both of these will be discontinued at some point, per the MA who did my makeup that day...I really hope not b/c these are FAB and well worth the investment!

I had tried out several brushes for the perfect bronzer application before finally shelling out for this one. I typically apply my bronzer in a contouring motion so this brush is absolutely perfect for that. The bristles are amazingly soft and I can apply a little or a lot of product. Definitely worth the money!

OMG I LOVE THIS BRUSH!
At first I was a bit disappointed with how the hair looked kinda frizzy and unruly but it turns out that does NOT interfere with its performance =p

This flat brush is so easy to control with just a little bit of practice.
You can even use it on small areas like brow bone and for nose shading, etc.
I use it for highlighting & contouring my face.

If you weren't so happy with the result you get w/ angled, round, or bullet shape brushes meant for contouring or applying blush, I definitely recommend u to try this brush.

The price doesn't seem so bad, i think it was $38. I think most MAC brushes are more expensive than this.

I can sweep the brush in Nike logo shape(can't think of another way to describe it) for my cheekbones so easily...

You should definitely go to the dept store and try it out!

I just wish it had its own case, though.
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