Chikuhodo Squirrel Powder Brushes Review and Comparison

[@neoneha123]

MK-1 and MK-2 are the same brush. I sent a message to Chikuhodo about it years ago when I was trying to decide between the two. I got a reply from Tesshu Takemori himself :-) Differences in individual brush bundling makes it seem like one is firmer/denser sometimes. @jaybirdwalking.

[@Jaybirdwalking]

Great to know! Thank you so much for the confirmation! Fudekyun's mk-1 and mk-2 are different enough that she swears they are different brushes!

[@cynthiamaulden2468]

I can tell by the way that you look and touch your brushes that you love love your brushes, I have 18 luxury brushes, that’s all I use now, once you feel the difference between luxury and regular brushes it’s VERY hard to go back, so I use my luxury brushes, I feel like I worked hard to acquire them so I’m going to enjoy them. I have no regrets for the $$ spent. I’m at the point to going ahead and ordering the Z set, I’m like you in that I love just looking and touching them so the Z set will most likely a set to love and enjoy on my makeup table. I really enjoy your videos, you have a very calm, gentle voice and mannerisms.

[@Jaybirdwalking]

Absolutely! I respect my brushes by using them. I think you'll love the Z series! It's such a solid luxury starter brush set! Thank you for the kind words and expressing your appreciation for my videos 😊

[@JeannetteRiquelhmeMUA]

Love them all!!! Excellency quality wise. They feel very soft and gives an air finish. You are the best!

[@nondistinctasian1658]

Omg this video Is just what I needed! I was heartbroken to know that MK1 has been discontinued for a few months already and is sold out. I wanted it because I saw reviews that said it was denser. If it's the same, and since I really prefer the cherry blossoms print color anyway, I won't hesitate to get it now. :)

[@Jaybirdwalking]

Enjoy!

[@crazedazed]

I've watched this video like 3 times. They're such beautiful brushes!

[@Jaybirdwalking]

Comments like yours motivate me so much ❤️

[@Vialamesa]

Omg look at all these giant brushes

[@tinakris7893]

Your blush in this video is everything! What is it? And what brush did you use it with lol

[@KnockOutCutie]

What a beautiful collection. Thanks for this review very helpful

[@rubyrupi]

That red lip! Gorgeous!

[@Jaybirdwalking]

Thank you! I think it's bite beauty's gazpacho

[@recklessisrecording]

This is super helpful! Tho I'm still having a hard time deciding which brush to get as usual :p

[@Vialamesa]

Sold on the z1. I had this video on repeat to make it into my memory. How does the z1 compare to the Surratt face brush btw?

[@Jaybirdwalking]

surratt is firmer. the surratt feels denser and the hairs are shorter that Z-1's

[@tgathri8512]

Very helpful video. I really appreciate you. Out of the brushes that you displayed do any of them come close to the density of the GSN-2 powder brush? I love that brush but want a larger version and the GSN-1 is too floppy.

[@LuVena143]

Do you know if the mk-ko (carp design) is more similar to any other makie? Debating if I NEED it. Also, I’m not sure if you have already done so but an updated complete collection and how you display/store your brushes video would be AMAZING. I know it would take a lot of time to do so though!! Maybe split videos up in segments. I.e. face - eyes- etc. just throwing ideas because I love watching them!

[@Jaybirdwalking]

I believe I saw on fudeJapan's IG that it is the same brush head as the mk-um and mk-mo. I'm working on a brush Catalogue/library spread sheet for this collection show and tell purpose!

[@shesaidwhatmonkey]

I really enjoyed your review :) I wanted a soft setting brush and was thinking of getting an MKII, but then saw someone say that squirrel should only be used on already powdered skin. I have the Chikuhodo Passion powder brush but I want something softer to set with. What brushes would you recommend?

[@gracewl9798]

Thank you so much for this review. I have enjoyed your informative reviews and blog posts. I’m trying to decide which brushes to get for setting powder and finishing powder. I prefer to use 1 brush per product so that I don’t have to clean it when switching products. I use mostly loose setting powder and prefer to lightly press and sweep. I just purchased Guerlain Meteorites for finishing powder which I’m hoping to be able to use with a buffing motion. I’m deciding between the Z1, FO-1 and the new MK-KO which is so pretty in pink and seems to be similar in size to the MK-1 & MK-2. Any thoughts on which 2 I should get?

[@Jaybirdwalking]

The Z-1 would probably be best for finishing or the MK-1 or 2. I see the MK-KO (same brush head as MK-MO) as a pressed powder brush and too firm for finishing. I dont have the FO-1. I would recommend the Z-8 for setting powder using your preferred method because paddle shapes are better for pressing and sweeping. Z-1 would be my runner up for setting

[@alexandraa7261]

Hi, thanks for all the videos on the Chikuhodo Z series. I've been thinking about getting one of the Chikuhodo face brushes to use for overall face powdering with finely-milled pressed powders or Houglass' ambient powders. I love the idea of buffing with Z1, but I am a little worried that it might move my concealer in places I spot correct (I don't use liquid foundation). Would you still recommend it over MK-2/1, which look the least likely to move any product? Thanks!

[@Jaybirdwalking]

Unfortunately, the mk-2 is no longer in production. You'd be limited to the mk-1 which is confirmed to have the same brush head as the mk-2. For your case, since you don't need to set a whole bunch of skin surface, just the limited ares where you spot correct.. I would recommend the z-4 or z8, smaller brushes to save money. Just use the paddle brushes to pat powder on, no buffing, no worries of wiping it away. If you really want to insist on the luxury of a big face brush I like the MK-MO (or any of the alternative handles-modles I list in the description) for setting best. I use it to pat on translucent powder on the days I only wear sunscreen, prefer it over the z-9 and mk 1/2 brushes because the coverage is a little heavier in one go. The z-9 and mk 1/2's are more fluffy and a little lighter in application, more like dusting powder on which make them fantastic for bronzer. The MK-MO is a bit more compact and firm like a sponge which is what I like for setting my base, whether it's sunscreen or foundation. Did that help any?

[@alexandraa7261]

@@Jaybirdwalking Thanks for your reply. I was going to buy Z-8 or Z-4 either way and was leaning towards the larger version, since I suspect it will allow me to apply blush and to build up colour intensity faster. Do you have any Hakuhodo squirrel brushes? I have their K002 (which is bit too floppy for setting powder) and K020, but they are on their last breath. I wonder how they compare to the Chikuhodo ones. I also heard that Hakuhodo's Kokutan range with synthetic fibres mixed in with squirrel can be even softer than the Chikuhodo Z series.

[@Jaybirdwalking]

You're welcome! Personally I love the Z8 more. I have featured the k002 / b002 in some of my videos, the z9 is the closest to the k002 but firmer with more resilience The kokutan squirrel-sync mixes are indeed very soft. They feel uncannily silky because the synthetic fibers are very smooth and that smoothness can translate to feeling softer than pure squirrel which will still have some friction

[@chynloves5153]

Hi 👋 how often do you clean your squirrel brushes? I plan to get 1 powder brush only and because they’re so expensive, I also wanted to know on the maintenance. Will it be advisable to clean them regularly as I hate dirty brushes and yet they’re so delicate

[@Jaybirdwalking]

I clean them when I feel like it's time to clean them. Kind of like washing my hair. No more specifics than that, sorry. To prolong the amount of time between washings, I dry clean them. I have a video on dry cleaning on my channel!

[@Manivivapressonnails]

Hiiii, just wondering, which one is bigger or denser? Z1 or MK2?...I want to buy MK1 but no more alr...

[@Jaybirdwalking]

Z1 feels denser and less airy The mk1 definitely seems like a coveted brush for the handle graphic.

[@Manivivapressonnails]

@@Jaybirdwalking Thank you ~

[@Jaybirdwalking]

@@Manivivapressonnails anytime!

[@daheederwin4053]

Do you know if the designs on the handle rub off with time? MK series

[@Jaybirdwalking]

Mine are 3-6 years old. They haven't so far!

[@daheederwin4053]

Jaybirdwalking that's awesome! I always wanted to get one but I was afraid of that .do you use them with caution?

[@Jaybirdwalking]

@@daheederwin4053 I try to make sure that I set them down on soft surfaces but I do clean the handle with water and gentle detergent to remove makeup residue