Shiseido • The Makeup Powder Brush • Makeup Brushes

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*TOP REVIEWER* girlndocs on 4/16/2013 12:44:00 AM more reviews by girlndocs

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Other, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Grey    

"So," says my man (he asks this out of curiosity, you understand, not to grill me). "What did you spend the rest of your birthday money on at Nordstrom?"

"A brush," I say.

"A brush," he says. "ONE brush. You spent $55 on ONE brush?"

"I HAVE NO REGRETTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTS," I scream as I dive through a window and run into the sunset.

Okay, actually I stick my tongue out at him.

Obviously, this is the most expensive brush I've ever bought. I have a couple of super soft synthetic powder brushes that feel nice on my face but it dawned on me that since they were dense, they were also -- duh -- applying my powder densely. I went looking for the highest quality natural powder brush I could find for my budget, and after a lot of looking online and at Sephora and Nordstrom, the Shiseido came up on top.

This brush is genuinely silky, like, the texture of the hairs is unlike any brush I've handled before. It feels very luxurious sweeping across my face, absolutely whisper-soft. I had also considered the Laura Mercier blue squirrel powder brush, which was just as soft, but the LM brush was denser and I ended up glad I opted for the Shi because I do feel that not being overly dense really helps it to lay down powder in an extremely sheer, invisible layer. Unlike my synthetic brushes, it is very easy to distribute powder evenly thoughout the bristles of this brush without their collecting in one spot more than another -- translating to very even application to my face.

About the only thing I could wish for is handle construction out of something more weighty and substantial -- obviously you don't want it to be *too* heavy, but I was surprised at how very light it was and I think a little weight would give it even more of a luxury feel.

Next on my list is the blush brush.

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bubblewarped on 12/20/2012 6:59:00 PM more reviews by bubblewarped

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

Gorgeous brush that I haven't stopped using since the day I took the plunge. A little off-puttingly expensive but I do not regret purchasing it, not one bit. This is the softest, silkiest, most luxurious brush I have ever had the pleasure of using. As mentioned previously, the bristles are not too densely packed so the brush slides airily and effortlessly along the planes of my face. Not too "floppy" and keeps its shape nicely after washing/drying. Absolutely foolproof with translucent/setting powder -- even when I'm in a huge rush and just throwing products on my face, I've never had the issue of looking overly powdered or matte -- and the super silky bristles evenly distribute just enough to polish/set my makeup. When I'm going out, I like to use a puff to "lock" my makeup in place and gently run this brush over my face to remove the excess powder -- flawless. I also use it to dust off and blend out heavy-handed blush/bronzer/highlighter/etc. without rubbing off the rest of my makeup. It's easy to wash, I haven't had any problems with odor and shedding has been slight, maybe a couple hairs every few washes. For removing the hassle of powder and the luxurious feel, I'd definitely buy this brush again.

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*TOP REVIEWER* mariannepilgaard on 10/8/2012 7:55:00 AM more reviews by mariannepilgaard

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

This powder brush is so super soft (squirrel) on your skin, and the handle is perfectly balanced. I use this for powder, as a finishing brush and sometimes for bronzer too. I gave it a 3 in packaging because it comes with a flimsy plastic pouch, and such a beautiful brush deserves a proper brush case.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Hisoneandonly on 3/23/2011 7:05:00 PM more reviews by Hisoneandonly

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I can't believe I've never reviewed this wonderful brush!

Shiseido Powder Brush is large and quite fluffy. Perfect for a light dusting of setting powder - no cakey OTT matte effect! I think this is great for highlighting cheekbones as well since it isn't so dense. It feels very soft and gets softer after each washing and there is minimal shedding IME. It is the only powder brush I own that is like it.

Well worth the price tag - I suspect it will last me forever:)

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

katiebaby87 on 9/5/2009 5:10:00 AM more reviews by katiebaby87

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

Okay, so I know this brush is crazy town expensive (like $80AUD or something ridiculous), but I don't regret laying out the pennies for a minute. I love this brush. Silky soft, picks up just the right amount of powder and applies beautifully. Awesome for all over powder application, blush, highlighter, whatever. It's heavenly.

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Hnole on 7/30/2009 12:35:00 AM more reviews by Hnole

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Warm   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

this brush is da bomb! Ok I know what you're thinking! $50 for a brush?!?! But let me tell you ladies, it feels like heaven on your face! Softest brush EVERRRR and I've tried them all HE and low end. So run don't walk and get one NOW!

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Crystal78 on 7/8/2009 5:48:00 AM more reviews by Crystal78

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This is really the softest brush i've ever seen & the most expnsive brush in my collection. In my country it costs about USD70 for this powder brush. Despite it's softness it does pick up powder & apply powder evenly on my face. It's also good for applying pigmented blush.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

SushiGirl8 on 6/14/2009 11:02:00 PM more reviews by SushiGirl8

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy   Eyes: Brown    

Hmmmm .... I really liked this brush when I first bought it - it's definitely the softest brush I have ever had - however, it doesn't pick up colour very well (especially some of my densely-packed bronzers) and I found that it applied in a streaky manner. Also- I'm not sure if anyone else noticed this but the brush really STINKS!!!! I know it's made from a squirrel, but I didn't expect it to smell like one too :(

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SayoonaraSadness on 4/20/2009 1:21:00 AM more reviews by SayoonaraSadness

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I don't know what overcame me but I had to get my hands on one of these after reading the reviews. So yesterday, I called all possible Shiseido locations to see if they had these in stock. Lo and behold the nearest one was Sears and since I had nothing better to do I drove my butt down there and bought the darn thing. Opened the package and was expecting a really well crafted brush and the silkiest hairs i've ever laid eyes on but the hairs looked really average to me. Now to be fair, I tested the bristles on my hand and by golly they were one of the softest i've felt. What changed my mind about this was the fact that i've felt some of similar texture before, and before I knew it I was back at the counter returning this. I really don't think 52 dollars was really reasonable...well especially when I'm really not supposed to be spending. HOWEVER if money is no object for you, and you're in need of a soft powder brush by all means...

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*TOP REVIEWER* curlycuesue on 3/24/2009 3:45:00 AM more reviews by curlycuesue

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Okay, even though I shouldn't be spending money, even though I don't need a powder brush b/c I already have a Japonesque one, and even though I rarely use the brush I already have b/c I seldom wear face makeup, I bought this anyway. ;) It's soft, fluffy, and feels like air on my face, but honestly, in terms of softness, it's not much different than my Japonesque. However, in terms of bristle density and application, there is a noticeable difference. The Shiseido's bristles are very sparse, so it seems like there's more air and movement "amongst" and "within" the bristles; whereas my Japonesque is pretty dense. Therefore, the Shiseido applies makeup more lightly and gently, and it doesn't disturb any concealer already on my face. I wholeheartedly wish the Shiseido didn't cost $50, but I think I'll keep it, and hope it lasts me a lifetime (or two). UPDATE (4/1/09): Okay, I'm upping this to 5 lippies. I know previously I said this brush was comparable to my Japonesque, but it's totally not. The Shiseido is like sliding satin around my face. At first I thought it wasn't applying any makeup on my face b/c it's so soft. However, it actually does apply my powder foundation in an airbrushed, my-skin-but-better way. I'm soooooooo glad I splurged and bought this. UPDATE (4/11/11): I don't know what's going on but my brush started shedding like crazy about a week ago. I use the same brush cleaner; I make sure to dry it completely after washing; I still use it gently. It's really frustrating b/c every time I use the brush, about 10-15 hairs of various sizes are left behind on my face. I thought spending $50 on a powder brush was a worthwhile investment but I guess I was wrong.. boo =(.

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barnaclebay on 3/20/2009 1:07:00 PM more reviews by barnaclebay

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

The brush IS extremely soft! It's still being sold here in Beijing. I don't think it will be discontinued here. It's a great brush but very pricey.

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obsessedovermakeup on 3/9/2009 7:40:00 PM more reviews by obsessedovermakeup

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Wow! This brush is the softest of the softest. I'm glad I was able to pick one up before it is discontinued! When I was at the counter, I was really contemplating on picking up the blush brush too. Now that I know they might discontinue it, I might just get it also! Please pick up this brush when you still have the opportunity to.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* mashimaru on 3/7/2009 12:19:00 AM more reviews by mashimaru

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

What a great powder brush! Soooo soft. My Nordstrom SA just told me that Shiseido is discontinuing all their brushes, though. Boo!

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ShayFL on 2/26/2009 10:40:00 AM more reviews by ShayFL

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

O.k....I will be honest and say that I never thought I would get excited over a makeup brush. But....OMG!! This brush is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.!! I love it. So soft and puts just the right amount of my mineral powder on. It feels so indulgent over your skin.

It is pricey, but it seems very well made and I will wash it regularly and update as to it's resiliency. I expect it to last a long time. But even if it only made it a year it would be 50 bucks well spent.

My HG makeup brush. :)

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*TOP REVIEWER* simiparga on 1/16/2009 8:54:00 AM more reviews by simiparga

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

This is just the most amazing powder brush and I have now stopped my search for a decent one. I haven't tried many high end powder brushes so really wanted to invest in one that would hopefully last many, many years.
I read the reviews of this brush and it seemed too good to be true. Nevertheless, I bit the bullet and spent the $$$ needed for this super brush.
It's probably the softest most luxurious brush I have ever used!
My La Mer loose powder is applied evenly and beautifully with this and I also use it for my presses Chanel and Guerlain powders. No complaints (apart from the price, but if this lasts for years as it should I can't grumble about that either!) - I'm just full of praise for this wonder brush!

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Mireille on 1/1/2009 8:06:00 PM more reviews by Mireille

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

If you spent your whole life searching for the softest powder brush, you would never find one as soft as this one. Nothing else even comes close. It is somewhat different from large fluffy powder brushes in that it is flat.You just sweep powder across your face. The experience of using it is pure luxury. It can also be used for bronzer, highlighter or blush. Hurry to get one, because Shiseido is discontinuing their brush line.

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sarahann1 on 9/22/2008 10:48:00 PM more reviews by sarahann1

Age: 30-35   Skin: Sensitive, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

Excellent powder brush,exactly what i was looking for.I have sensitive skin and the daily use of any brush even with natural hair bristles(horse,goat) cause irritation on my skin,but this does not.
Apparently this brush is made with Squirrel hair.I use it take up YSL's semi loose powder,and lightly dust face.Effect is less noticeable powdered appearance,much lighter coverage than using the mini brush YSL provides.
Would definitely buy again,but that might be after many years as it is expected to last a very long time(a lifetime?:) )
A good investment all in all.

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cuteesq on 7/27/2008 6:45:00 PM more reviews by cuteesq

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I agree with all the reviews for this brush. I've had it for 2 years. By far, the softest and most luxurious brush out there. A bit pricey, but well worth it. I was so impressed, I splurged and bought the blush brush a few months ago. You will never use another brand of powder brush again.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* RavenBeauty on 7/24/2008 6:32:00 PM more reviews by RavenBeauty

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

What an incredible brush! The reviews here are right on the money. I've never been much of a brush person (I really prefer using my fingers and find most brushes to be a lot of hype). I also need full coverage, so I've always used a puff to powder my face down after applying foundation. I had tried a few popular powder brushes in the past, but they always seemed to pull my foundation off no matter how gently I stroked, This left me fearful of trying another one. The only reason I wanted to give powder brushes another shot is because puffs can give you that dreaded caky look if you need to blot as often as I do.



I had heard that this brush was one of those best kept industry secrets as Shiseido is not typically known for their brushes in general. The $50.00 price tag put me off, but I took the plunge and bought it from Nordtrom's nonetheless (no wonder you can never find this brush up for swap-nobody wants to part with it and I can see why)! It's the softest brush I have ever felt in my life. It's obviously made with only the finest materials and what a pleasure it is to use! This gorgeous brush gives you an airbrushed look that is astounding to behold. You have to see it to believe it. It just distributes the powder so beautifully that you get that soft focus, airbrushed look with no cakiness whatsoever. What I love about this is that you can pull it out and sweep it across your favorite compact or whatever powder you use and dust your face throughout the day without getting caky at all! You don't get the build up and unlike so many other powder brushes, it doesn't pull your foundation or concealer off because it's so soft! I've never felt anything like it! You want to keep dusting your face all day because this decadent, luxurious brush makes you look and feel like a princess. This is the one! I doubt there is another powder brush out there that could ever beat this.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

green72 on 6/2/2008 2:25:00 PM more reviews by green72

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

This brush is VERY soft. I wish Shiseido would list which fabulous natural fibers comprise this brush. Feels like squirrel. The head is a little floppy and makes for a sheer, light application. The flattened and slightly angled head does allow more precise application under the eyes and around the features. Good for blending or finishing.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No