Best Kabuki Brushes of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2026

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Kabuki brushes are a type of makeup brush that originated in Japan. They are characterized by their large, dense bristles and short handle, which make them perfect for applying powder products like blush, bronzer, and setting powder. Kabuki brushes are incredibly versatile and can be used to achieve a variety of different makeup looks. They are also known for their high-quality construction and durability, making them a favorite among makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, a Kabuki brush is an essential tool for any makeup bag.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

e.l.f. Kabuki Face Brush Cover #TOP 1
e.l.f. Kabuki Face Brush
ftb score rating icon 9.9
LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Retractable Kabuki Brush Cover #TOP 2
LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Retractable Kabuki Brush
ftb score rating icon 9.8
EcoTools Retractable Face Makeup Brush Cover #TOP 3
EcoTools Retractable Face Makeup Brush
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Kabuki Brushes

#TOP 1

e.l.f. Kabuki Face Brush

I0093806
Black - Kabuki Face
1 Count (Pack of 1)
e.l.f. Kabuki Face Brush Cover
e.l.f. Kabuki Face Brush, Travel-Sized Makeup Brush For Precise & Controlled Application On-The-Go, Vegan & Cruelty-Free

The e.l.f. Kabuki Face Brush is a versatile and compact brush that applies bronzer, powder, or highlighter with precise and controlled application. The synthetic haired brush is soft and absorbent, perfect for use with wet or dry products. It is designed to be travel-size and is easy to clean or wipe daily. Additionally, it is cruelty-free, vegan, and free from harmful chemicals such as Phthalates, Parabens, Nonylphenol, Ethoxylates, Triclosan, and triclocarban.

What We Like
Soft bristles
Affordable price
Even powder application
No shedding
Easy to clean
What We Don't Like
Too fluffy for bronzer
#TOP 2

LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Retractable Kabuki Brush

0160-0008005
1 Count (Pack of 1)
LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Retractable Kabuki Brush Cover
LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Cosmetic Professional Makeup Brushes - Cruelty-Free 02 Retractable Angled Kabuki Brush

Get the perfect and even makeup application with LAURA GELLER NEW YORK Retractable Kabuki Brush. The brush has high-quality bristles that feel luxurious and blend seamlessly. It is versatile and can apply foundation, color, highlight, or contour. The brush is perfect for liquid, cream, and powder products. It is also travel-friendly, making it a must-have tool for every makeup bag.

What We Like
Soft bristles
Easy to use
Compact and travel-friendly
Even makeup application
Good value
What We Don't Like
Minor shedding
Retractable mechanism slightly loose
#TOP 3

EcoTools Retractable Face Makeup Brush

1214
Green
1 Count (Pack of 1)
EcoTools Retractable Face Makeup Brush Cover
EcoTools Retractable Face Makeup Brush, Kabuki Brush for Foundation, Blush, Bronzer, & Powder, Travel Friendly & Perfect for On The Go, Eco Friendly, Synthetic & Cruelty Free Bristles, 1 Count

The EcoTools Retractable Face Makeup Brush is perfect for on-the-go makeup application with its full, soft bristles that are gentle on sensitive skin. The brush is best used with powders and bronzers and comes with a cap for mess-free storage. It is handcrafted with eco-friendly materials and sleek bamboo handles. Additionally, it is cruelty-free and vegan, made with synthetic Taklon bristles and recycled aluminum and plastic to reduce waste.

What We Like
Soft, high-quality bristles
Retractable, travel-friendly design
Even, streak-free blending
Easy to clean
Eco-friendly materials
What We Don't Like
Brush can come apart if forced
Retracting mechanism needs gentle handling
#TOP 4

BS-MALL Kabuki Brush Makeup Sponge Set 8 Pcs

7Blender-BS
A-Purple
BS-MALL Kabuki Brush Makeup Sponge Set 8 Pcs Cover
BS-MALL Kabuki Brush Makeup Sponge Set 8 Pcs with Foundation Powder Brush Powder Puff Essential Tools for Flawless Makeup Application

The BS-MALL Kabuki Brush Set offers a compact design that's perfect for carrying your makeup essentials wherever you go, making touch-ups easy and hassle-free. You'll appreciate how simple it is to clean these sponges, allowing you to reuse them without losing their shape or quality. The set includes a kabuki brush that helps you apply powder products smoothly and with great control, giving you a polished, professional look. Made from soft, durable materials, these tools blend your makeup seamlessly without leaving streaks or residue, ensuring a flawless finish every time.

What We Like
Compact and travel-friendly
Easy to clean and reusable
Kabuki brush for precise application
Soft, durable materials
#TOP 5

LORYP Retractable Makeup Brush Set

Black
LORYP Retractable Makeup Brush Set Cover
LORYP Retractable Makeup Brush Black Kabuki Foundation Brush for liquid Cream and Powder Makeup 2 Pack Travel Makeup Brush Set

The LORYP Makeup Brush Set features two portable, retractable brushes that make applying makeup a breeze. Designed with dense bristles, these brushes are ideal for blending both powder and liquid foundations, ensuring a flawless finish every time. You’ll appreciate the no-shed, vegan materials that provide ultimate comfort while working on your makeup. Plus, the travel-friendly design keeps your brush clean and protected, making it easy to maintain and perfect for on-the-go use. With these versatile brushes, you can effortlessly achieve different looks, from natural to dramatic, anywhere you are.

What We Like
Retractable design
Soft bristles
Travel-friendly size
Easy application
Good quality
What We Don't Like
Applies less product than expected
Slightly too soft for some
#TOP 6

NUBANGOO Professional Kabuki Foundation Brush

nubangoo
#1 Gold
NUBANGOO Professional Kabuki Foundation Brush Cover
NUBANGOO Professional Kabuki Foundation Brush,Makeup Brush, Self Tanner Brush,Self Tanning brush,Foundation Makeup Brush Cream Powder Liquid,Face Neck Body Leg Tanning Makeup (Pink Gold)

The NUBANGOO Kabuki Brush is a versatile tool that helps you apply powder, foundation, blush, bronzer, and more with ease. Its soft, high-quality bristles blend makeup smoothly for a natural, flawless finish. Made from durable materials, this brush is built to last and easy to clean, saving you time and money in the long run. Its compact size makes it perfect for travel, allowing you to carry it easily for quick touch-ups wherever you go. Whether you're contouring or applying foundation, this brush offers convenience and professional results right at your fingertips.

What We Like
Soft, dense bristles
Effortless blending
Works with liquid and powder
Versatile for makeup and self tanner
Easy to clean
#TOP 7

Bueart Kabuki Face Makeup Brush M1

QU-PAHP-XFQ3
Black
Bueart Kabuki Face Makeup Brush M1 Cover
Bueart Design Kabuki Face Makeup Brush Setting Powder Brush Foundation Cream Blush Blending Brush M1

The Bueart Kabuki Brush offers a soft and dense set of synthetic bristles that feel gentle on your skin while helping you apply powder, blush, bronzer, and foundation smoothly. Its versatility allows you to easily use it for various makeup tasks, ensuring a flawless finish whether you're setting powder or contouring. The brush’s compact handle fits comfortably in your hand, making it easy to control and perfect for travel or daily use. Plus, it's made from durable materials, so you can clean it without worrying about losing its softness or effectiveness over time.

What We Like
Soft, dense bristles
Perfect size for travel
Sturdy and durable build
Blends powder smoothly
Attractive design
What We Don't Like
Bristles not dense enough for some
#TOP 8

Retractable Kabuki Face Brush for Travel and Home Use

Black
Retractable Kabuki Face Brush for Travel and Home Use Cover
Makeup Brush Kabuki Face Brushes Retractable Travel Blush Kabuki Brush Portable Flawless for Foundation, Powder Blush, Bronzer, Buffing, Liquid, Cream, Cruelty Free with Cover(1PCS)

The Retractable Kabuki Face Brush is a travel-friendly makeup brush that comes with a protective cover to keep the bristles clean. Its soft and dense synthetic fibers are cruelty-free and perfect for sensitive skin. The brush is multi-purpose and can be used for full coverage of powder foundations, mineral blending, contouring, and finishing for a natural and perfect look. Its lightweight and durable aluminum tube has a retractable baking paint design, making it easy to clean and stylish to use.

What We Like
Soft, dense bristles
Retractable, compact design
Easy to clean
Elegant, protective casing
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Smaller than expected
Not flat-tipped

Sigma Beauty F80 Flat Kabuki Brush

F80-1
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Sigma Beauty F80 Flat Kabuki Brush Cover
Sigma Beauty F85 Airbrush Kabuki Brush (F80 Flat Kabuki Brush)

The Sigma Beauty F80 Flat Kabuki Brush is a professional-grade makeup brush made with exclusive Sigmax fibers, which features a flat top head with soft and dense fibers to apply flawless, buffed foundation without any absorption of product. It is perfect for blending liquid or cream products onto forehead and cheeks evenly and smoothly, avoiding makeup streaks, lines, and splotches.

What We Like
Flawless foundation application
Super soft and dense bristles
Even and smooth blending
Works for concealer and powder
High-quality, sturdy construction
What We Don't Like
Minor initial shedding
Buffing may require some effort
#TOP 10

HEYOTECK Retractable Kabuki Makeup Brush

HEYOTECK
Rose gold
HEYOTECK Retractable Kabuki Makeup Brush Cover
HEYOTECK Retractable Kabuki Makeup Brush - 2-in-1 Retractable & Kabuki Brush, Travel Face Brush with Cover, Soft Bristles for Blush/Powder/Foundation, Flawless On-the-Go (Rose Gold)

The HEYOTECK Retractable Kabuki Brush is designed for easy use wherever you go. Its compact, retractable design fits neatly in your purse or travel bag, making touch-ups simple whether you're at home, work, or on the road. The brush features soft synthetic bristles that feel gentle on your skin and blend various makeup products smoothly, helping you achieve a flawless finish without wasting product. Made with a sturdy recycled aluminum body, it’s built to last and easy to clean, so you can keep it in great shape with minimal effort. Plus, the protective lid keeps the bristles clean, ensuring your makeup routine stays hygienic and hassle-free.

What We Like
Soft bristles
Easy application
Convenient retractable case
Good for powder and blush
Durable quality
What We Don't Like
Slightly high price
Metal casing feels light
Buying Guide Image

The Ultimate Kabuki Brushes Buying Guide

Introduction

Kabuki brushes, also known as Kabuki makeup brushes, are an essential tool for any makeup enthusiast. These versatile brushes are typically used for applying and blending foundation, powder, and blush, but can also be used for a variety of other makeup applications. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right Kabuki brush for your needs. In this article, we will provide some tips to help you make an informed decision.

Consider the Bristles

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a Kabuki brush is the type of bristles. Kabuki brushes can be made with a variety of bristles, including natural hair and synthetic fibers. Natural hair bristles are typically made from goat, sable, or pony hair, and are known for their softness and ability to pick up and distribute product evenly. Synthetic bristles, on the other hand, are made from man-made materials such as nylon or polyester and are often more affordable than natural hair brushes. Synthetic bristles are also typically easier to clean and are less likely to shed or irritate sensitive skin.

Determine the Shape and Size

Kabuki brushes come in a range of shapes and sizes, and the right brush for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. For example, a round Kabuki brush is great for applying and blending foundation, while a flat Kabuki brush is ideal for contouring and highlighting. Kabuki brushes with a tapered tip are also great for applying powder and blush, as they can easily reach the contours of your face. In terms of size, a larger Kabuki brush is typically better for applying and blending foundation, while a smaller brush is better for contouring and highlighting.

Choose the Right Handle

The handle of a Kabuki brush is another important factor to consider. A comfortable, sturdy handle is essential for applying makeup evenly and smoothly. Look for a brush with a handle that is easy to grip and control, and that feels comfortable in your hand. You may also want to consider the length of the handle, as a longer handle can be more comfortable to use and can provide better control and precision.

Look for Quality

When it comes to choosing a Kabuki brush, quality should be a top priority. A high-quality brush will be made with durable materials and will be built to last. It will also be gentle on your skin and will not irritate or cause breakouts. To ensure that you are getting a high-quality brush, look for a reputable brand and read customer reviews before making your purchase.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right Kabuki brush can be a challenging task, but it is an important step in achieving a flawless makeup application. Consider the type of bristles, the shape and size, the handle, and the overall quality when making your decision. By following these tips, you can choose a Kabuki brush that will help you achieve the perfect look every time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is special about a kabuki brush?

The special design of a kabuki brush allows for even application of makeup on the skin. Its large head makes it suitable for applying makeup on larger areas of the skin, such as the neck and cleavage.

2. Is a kabuki brush a foundation brush?

Yes, a kabuki brush is an all-in-one tool that can be used to apply foundation, powder, or bronzer. It is versatile and can be used for various makeup applications.

3. What kabuki brush is used for foundation?

A flat kabuki brush is commonly used for applying foundation. Its flat top allows for even distribution of foundation and tinted moisturizers, resulting in an airbrushed, non-cakey look.

4. Can I use a kabuki brush with liquid foundation?

Yes, a kabuki brush is suitable for use with liquid foundation. It is a versatile makeup brush that can be used to apply mineral makeup powders, blushers, and liquid foundation. It provides an even application for a flawless finish.

5. What style of brush is best for liquid foundation?

For liquid foundation, a flat brush is recommended as it allows you to paint the product on, providing high coverage. Buffing brushes can also be used in small, circular movements to achieve medium to full coverage with an even, streak-free finish.

6. Is a round or flat kabuki brush better?

A flat-top kabuki brush is better for applying liquid or cream products like cream blush, bronzer, or foundation. On the other hand, a round or domed kabuki brush is great for applying powder makeup, such as powder foundation, blush, or finishing powder, especially on larger areas of the face.

Editor's Notes

During our kabuki brush research, we found 48 kabuki brush products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 199,963 customer reviews through our big data system to write the kabuki brushes list. We found that most customers choose kabuki brushes with an average price of $8.37.

The kabuki brushes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of kabuki brushes, including e.l.f., LAURA GELLER NEW YORK, EcoTools, BS-MALL, LORYP. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.

Kabuki Brushes Comparison Table

#TOP1
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#TOP3
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#TOP5
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#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand e.l.f. LAURA GELLER NEW YORK EcoTools BS-MALL LORYP nubangoo Bueart Design Banidy Sigma Beauty HEYOTECK
Recommended Uses For Product For Highlighting, For Setting Powder Face Makeup For Blending, For Blush, For Bronzer, For Foundation Apply Makeup indoor For Foundation/Blush/Tanning/Bronzer/Blending/Highlighting For Bronzer, For Contouring, For Setting Powder For Blush, For Foundation This dense kabuki brush is ideal for applying liquid foundation and cream foundation. It also works well as a cream blusher brush or cream contour brush. For Tanning
Color Black - Kabuki Face Retractable Angled Kabuki Brush Green A-Purple Black #1 Gold Black Black F80 Flat Kabuki Brush Rose gold
Material synthetic Wood Aluminum Synthetic Synthetic Bristle Polyester Synthetic Aluminum Plastic Plastic
Item Form Palm Brush Angled Kabuki - pencil Dome-shaped, Synthetic Kabuki Kabuki Retractable Brush Kabuki
Bristle Material Taklon Synthetic Taklon - Nylon or Polyester Polyester Synthetic Fibers Nylon Nylon -
Number of Pieces 1 1 1 - 2 1 - 1 1 1
Handle Material Plastic Aluminum Aluminum - Wood Resin Plastic Aluminum Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) -
Ferrule Material Copper Aluminum Aluminum - Metal Aluminum - Aluminum Copper -
Item dimensions L x W x H 3.99 x 3.99 x 9.5 inches 5 x 3 x 1 inches 2.95 x 1.25 x 8.39 inches 1.8 x 1.4 x 1.2 inches - - - 1.9 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches 7.4 x 2 x 1.75 inches 1.2 x 1.2 x 4 inches
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
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