NARS • Ita Brush • Makeup Brushes

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rachelleanita on 11/30/2012 12:20:00 PM more reviews by rachelleanita

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

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.

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*TOP REVIEWER* LadyKolie on 11/8/2012 3:10:00 PM more reviews by LadyKolie

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

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.

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*TOP REVIEWER* blondebohemian on 10/1/2012 10:50:00 PM more reviews by blondebohemian

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

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!

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DivaDeLosMuertos on 6/14/2012 5:36:00 PM more reviews by DivaDeLosMuertos

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Tan, Neutral   Hair: Black, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Black    

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.

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elfodimontagna on 1/7/2012 5:29:00 PM more reviews by elfodimontagna

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Other    

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!

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*TOP REVIEWER* LibertyRose on 10/22/2011 1:32:00 AM more reviews by LibertyRose

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Black, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

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.

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*TOP REVIEWER* songy67 on 7/9/2011 9:19:00 PM more reviews by songy67

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

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.

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*TOP REVIEWER* GPD on 5/12/2011 5:07:00 PM more reviews by GPD

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

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!

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redlipstickbandit on 2/26/2011 8:09:00 PM more reviews by redlipstickbandit

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

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!

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whenuwakeup on 6/11/2010 1:03:00 AM more reviews by whenuwakeup

Age: 25-29   Skin: Very Oily   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

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.

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

*TOP REVIEWER* AngelOnFire on 3/15/2010 1:30:00 PM more reviews by AngelOnFire

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

After much deliberation and having bought the NARS Yachiyo, I decided that I needed a contouring brush. And since I'm very much into NARS lately, I decided to go for the ITA, #23.


It is beautiful, and as much as a piece of art as the Yachiyo. You have to see a side-view or see it in person to fully appreciate the beauty of the brush. It is also a bit intimidating in its size. The first time I saw it, I thought, what the heck am I going to do with it? How am I supposed to use it? I didn't have a clue. The only way for me to find out was experimentation and research. 


The bristles are similar to the Yachiyo in feel, only stiffer. Therefore, it is much more suitable for hard-textured blushes (for example NARS Orgasm). But it is much more versatile than the Yachiyo. Its size makes it wonderful for the sheer application and buffing of setting, mineral foundation or finishing powder! It is amazing for contouring with any darker powder, or the application of blush along the cheekbones if you prefer this way of scuplting the face. I don't have contouring powder, so I use two shades of blush, one shade of highlighter and presto! It makes my cheekbones pop! It is, however, tricky to use for highlighting as it is too large to get into nooks and crannies with precision, but that's what the smaller, Ita Kabuki is for.


Overall, this is probably the most versatile brush I own, even more so than the MAC #217, I imagine. Whilst the Yachiyo is still my favourite because of its design and softness, it is much more specialised than the Ita. If you want a brush that does a lot for the whole face, I can't recommend the NARS Ita brush enough.

5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* SquishyUmdlaw on 1/21/2010 1:18:00 AM more reviews by SquishyUmdlaw

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Black    

Amazing. I really don’t have to try very hard with this brush as it makes application a breeze. The bristles are quite soft and I can sweep my bronzer or highlighting powder so effortlessly with it. I had some friends and family members comment on my ‘glowing’ skin and I must attribute the appearance of the glow to this wonderful brush. A definite HG.

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Catherine_K on 4/7/2009 6:02:00 PM more reviews by Catherine_K

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

This is HEAVENLY! It works better than any other kibuki brush I have ever used. And I was cynical without a doubt, thinking "How could this be any different than my Bare Minerals kibuki brush?" but it IS! My skin looks so much smoother and with less obvious pores. Run - don't walk - girls! :-)

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

*TOP REVIEWER* ahhhttack on 3/27/2009 6:43:00 PM more reviews by ahhhttack

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

This review is for the long handled regular Ita. I actually went to my NARS counter looking to get the kabuki Ita, but the girl used it on my face and then recommended I get the long handled, more narrow version instead. I am really glad she did! This version is probably the best brush I own. It is easier to handle and use than the kabuki version since that one is SO wide its hard to use for anything other than face powder or all over blending. I use the regular Ita for my Laguna bronzer and also for countouring, and you could use it for blush too. Oh, it's also a lot easier to fit the thinner version into smaller pans of powder (though the kabuki version would easily fit into a NARS bronzer sized pan or any other face powder). I HIGHLY recommend the Ita brushes and at 38.50 they are relatively reasonable for a high end brush.

4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* nettimacs on 2/7/2009 2:46:00 PM more reviews by nettimacs

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Tan, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

just amazing product!!!! i've always have a crush on japanese things especially i've been there. during my stay i had a proper geisha makeover. since then i am in love with these kind of brushes. this nars ita is a masterpiece, costs a lot but amazing results are guaranteed.. absolut staple in my bag... it is like the best 3-in-1 brush on the market, though i have doubts if beginners will be able to use it properly at the start.. the packaging is black and minimalist, the feeling so and very very precised, the powder/bronzer/blush goes on smoothly without any marks or whatsoever.. i tried yachiyo as well, i want that one too:)

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cperry on 12/11/2008 3:22:00 PM more reviews by cperry

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

I purchased this brush (the Ita Kabuki) after getting a makeover last December at the Nars counter at Barney's, but I didn't start actually using it until quite recently. What was I thinking? I should have been using this brush all along, and now I remember why I purchased it! I use it with Casino, and the brush picks up just the perfect amount of powder and makes contouring an absolute breeze. I was using Benefit Hoola with its included brush for a while, and I looked at myself recently in the sunlight and to my horror realized that my face just looked dirty! Anyway, I do not look dirty at all when using my Ita brush with Casino - just refreshed, a little more sunkissed, and more contoured (but not in an obvious skeletor sort of way). I love it. The Nars makeup artist who did my makeover taught me to use the Ita this way to contour: start with the brush just underneath your cheekbones and slide at an angle towards your ear, and then up towards your temple, and finally, from your temple to the middle of the forehead (all in one swiping motion, and remember to blend, blend, blend afterwards!). Then you can add blush to the apples of your cheeks for a pop of color. This method of contouring thins out my face and makes me look like I have higher cheekbones. I get lovely results every time, and it's easy!

11 out of 11 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* glossy81 on 9/8/2008 12:27:00 PM more reviews by glossy81

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Tan   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

okay, so after reading the reviews for this brush collection, i decided to splurge and get them. i am so pleased with them. i got both of the Ita brushes, the regular skinny one and the kabuki version which is wider. i was going to get just one but couldn't pick which one, so i got them both. after seeing them and using them i like them both but would be okay with just having the original skinny one, if i had to chose. i use the skinny one for contouring and blush, and it's so perfect for that. it's so soft too. i'd repurchase this in a heartbeat, if necessary. now, the kabuki one. i'm still trying to figure out what i'm going to use this brush for. i've kinda started using it to apply loose powder. it works nicely for that. i like this brush as well.

8 out of 9 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* CHLee916 on 9/3/2008 9:11:00 AM more reviews by CHLee916

Age: 36-43   Skin: Dry, Tan, Warm   Hair: Brown, Kinky, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I disagree...while I have used makeup for over 30 years - I never really pay attention to brushes and applications (which would explain my dreadfully boring look). I just began investing in makeup brushes and playing around.

I received this yesterday and immediately loved the handle and bristles. I love how it looked.

I read the reviews and NARS to find out how to use this brush.

This morning after foundation application - I decided to use it to heighten my cheekbones even more. I used the Yachiyo brush to sweep on a lovely rosey shimmer and this one to use the bronzey tone in the hollow of my face. Well...I've tried this before and usually end up looking like either Skeletor or some darkened freak of nature.

Perhaps it is the shape of the bristles that allow for perfect color application. This made me look totally natural and as my coworker said to me today "well defined".

I am finding out that a good brush DOES make a world of difference.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

artemis513 on 7/5/2008 7:31:00 PM more reviews by artemis513

Age: 25-29   Skin: Normal, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Black, Kinky, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I agree with a previous reviewer who said that this is not a beginner's brush. Definitely a superbly crafted brush that is great for highlighting and contouring. I got this brush after a makeover at a national Nars event, and I'm so glad I paid the US$38.50 for it. It's paid for itself many times over, and I am using powders and blushes (sitting in my collection) I wouldn't have otherwise now that I have this Ita brush. The price wasn't a deterrent for me because I have spent more on MAC and Sephora brushes. As I have now moved to the next level in my makeup I feel it is totally worth it to have top-notch brushes. I don't think I will have to buy another one, but if I did, I definitely would. A great buy!!!

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Skaterguy15499 on 6/12/2008 12:06:00 AM more reviews by Skaterguy15499

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Normal, Tan   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Beautiful beautiful brush! I love that it has sort of a japanese finesse to it! this and all of Nars brushes, all of Nars products in general are all so beautiful. this brush is smaller than I thought after seeing pictures but I find that its better for controlled applications and the brustles fit into the hoola box to pick up product. wonderful application and style to the brush. I love how Nars is so innovative and all I have to say is that this brush is wonderful! same Nars rubbery feel on the handle. I still need to get the other Ita brush and the Yachiyo Brush as well. I Love The Artisan Collection!

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