I was using mineral makeup about a year ago. In that time, I ran the gamut of all sorts of brands of mineral foundation. However, for brushes I zeroed in straight on the Lumiere Kabuki brush, no second thoughts. I’d read so many good things about the kabuki I knew I’d have to order it.
This review is for the benefit of those who are still using mineral foundation and want a good kabuki brush that can buff in the foundation for a flawless finish. You need look no further than the Kabuki from Lumiere Cosmetics. For some strange reason its not available at their online store – perhaps they are restocking. Mine is the full size Kabuki which isn’t all that big as you can see above. Just a little shorter than a Dior lipstick.
The synthetic bristles are so wonderfully soft and pliable and its packed very densely – all the better to buff in the foundation. I found that because it was so dense it worked very well for applying a light layer of mineral foundation over your skin and for buffing. Your skin never gets scratched by the brush because its so soft! Do you see the recurring exclamations of “soft!”? Its because it is!
However I no longer use mineral makeup so my Lumiere Kabuki brush got placed by the wayside. Until recently when I was looking for my powder brush that had slipped behind my dresser – ew! At a bit of a loss, I decided to try using the Lumiere Kabuki brush.
Know what? It works just the same with normal 2-way powder foundation as it does with mineral foundation! I don’t end up picking as up as much color on the brush as I do with normal powder brushes and I found that it gives a smoother (sheerer) coverage than when I use a sponge but slightly heavier coverage than with a normal powder brush if that makes sense. Thankfully I worked this out or this brush would be sorely underused!
The Lumiere Kabuki brush used to retail on Lumiere Cosmetics for about US$14 (I stand to be corrected). I’m told it will soon be carried at Loving Minerals but prices are still being fixed – for us here in Malaysia and Singapore, its going to be heck of a lot easier ordering from Loving Minerals than from the USA right? Faster and less risk. 🙂
Why is it called a Kabuki Brush?
I used to wonder why a kabuki brush is called that. I know what Kabuki is – its a form of traditional Japanese theatre, rather like the Chinese Opera, where the actors paint their faces white and makeup must be strong to stand out from the stage.
So the history behind the Kabuki Brush is related to Kabuki theatre and the brushes that kabuki actors used. They needed thick and heavy makeup that yet looked flawless. The Kabuki brush was what they used and even now kabuki brushes offer heavier application than other brushes due to the density of the brush. This is why you are advised to only use very little mineral makeup or powder makeup to have full coverage…. unless you plan to go into Kabuki Theatre of course! 😉
Stay beautiful,
Paris B
Ohh… i wonder when can i get this brush in Malaysia. Anyone getting it pls inform me i wish to get one too 😛
Hi Julianne
I’ll report once I know that Loving Minerals is carrying it.
OMG!!! I wanted to try Lumiere’s brushes! Too bad their pre-buy’s were no more. I hope that I can keep an eye on their pre-buy’s brushes coz they are so worth it!
How I wish Loving Minerals bring in Lumiere’s brushes soon!!! 😛
Hey j3nny9irl
A little birdie tells me your wish will be granted very soon! 🙂
wooo ngek ngek ngek 😛
I have this too! Currently am using EDM’s kabuki and even that can’t compare with Lumiere’s as it has a much smaller ‘head’ and feels less dense.
Hi Jessie
I’ve never tried EDM’s kabuki so I’d take your word for it! 🙂
Are you a mind reader or what PB? on my way to the office, I was thinking about the KABUKIs from Theatre, and I suddenly thought about the brushes and wonder why the Kabuki brush is called that way! And there goes your post! I told myself I will google it and forgot about it! Thanks for the answer 😀
Hi Nikki
LOL… I read your mind over the seas! 😀 I was curious too and I’m glad it answered a question or two!
Yay, will want to check this out. Am currently using a Body Shop Kabuki for my 2 way foundation and it’s working out well. But I have no other comparison as that’s my first kabuki.
Hi Monstro
I did not try the one from the Body Shop but I hear its pretty good too!
Will have to try this. Am using EDM’s kabuki and it’s already dense and soft soft soft. If the Lumiere one is even softer…. woooooo…… I must get my hands on it.
HI Michelle!!! So early ark 😛
Yea I also want to try them. Been hearing raves about Lumiere brushes but they are not cheap oh 😛 Look tempted lerrrrrr
Hey Michelle
I’m not sure how Everyday Minerals’ kabuki compares to this one though. But I like the Lumiere 🙂
I’m looking for a bargain kabuki~
The one came with Maybelline Minerals feels a little rough on my face…
Hi Traclyn
I’m not sure if this Lumiere one is considered a bargain in terms of price but it surely is in terms of quality!
I use their eye pigments as a concealer. Rested[matte yellow], and willow[matte light green]. Conceals my breakouts well! Haha! plus it’s talc free.
Hi Ms. Blacklace
Thats a nice use of eyeshadow!
I got the synthetic kabuki brush from Coastal Scents.
Very nice. But I don’t use it coz I seldom use powder foundation. Trying to sell…
Hi Shay
Good luck getting rid of it 🙂
hehe i use my flat top brush when applying 2 way cakes sometimes too 🙂
Hey June
Its what I do too!
Thank you for the review 😀 And that little history snip on Kabuki! I use my kabuki for loose powder and an overall buffer to make sure everything on my face look blended.
Hey Connie
Oho! I shall consider my Kabuki for loose powder too! Thanks for the tip!
mineral makeup was not really my thing, but i have heard this lumiere kabuki brush before! hope it will available at loving mineral soon!
ParisB!!! You are so right??? They are here!!!! Fewit!! But I’m broke 🙁 What’s the use… Sobbbssss
Hi,
thanks for the post. just wondering why you stop using mineral makeup?