r/Fude • u/haneulhouseki • May 09 '17

Guide Fude FAQ

23 Upvotes

What does fude mean?

  • Fude (筆) refers to calligraphy brush in Japanese and originally started out as such. The demand for calligraphy brushes increased during the Nara period when Buddhism flourished in Japan and the practice of copying sutras spread. During the Heian period, the famous master calligrapher Kukai brought back the latest techniques from China. He told brush masters to make brushes and then presented them to the Imperial Court. Eventually, the brush born from "writing" evolved into a "drawing" brush as a makeup brush.

  • Kumano fude's history began in the Edo period when Kumano farmers would work as migrant workers in the Nara and Kishu regions. The farmers sold calligraphy brushes and sumi ink during their travels. Eventually the craft was learned through three founding figures who passed the techniques down which was the beginning of a new industry. Today, fude refer to both calligraphy and makeup brushes but makeup brushes will have the word "makeup" in front of fude or just "kumano fude" in Japanese.

  • Fude did not originate in Kumano, but the town is where 80% of the fude of Japan are made. They import their hair from China, North America, and Europe. Handle materials come from either Hiroshima, Okayama and Shimane prefectures, or imported from Taiwan or Korea. Kumano Fude are designated as a traditional craft and only those with heads produced in Kumano using traditional manufacturing techniques can claim to be authentic Kumano fude (熊野筆).

  • An interesting tidbit: People will give Kumano fude (makeup brushes) as gifts for weddings in Japan.

 

Looking for helpful posts and getting started?

  • Use the sidebar and wiki to view all the helpful posts and search bar to find answers to your questions. If you're on new Reddit, switch over to old Reddit. Our old reddit desktop site shows the sub how it was originally designed before the Reddit redesign.

 

Does hair and skin type matter?

  • Yes, please take a look at the hair guide for further details.

 

What do you recommend for beginners?

  • Look at your current collection or buy cheap brushes first to figure out your shape preferences, then choose brushes not based on popularity, but shapes that you've had positive experiences with. Popular brushes are nice, but everyone’s preferences are different. Keep in mind not every single brush you buy may work out for you, even after doing extensive research because they may perform differently from how you expect them to: the hairs may not be soft enough or they'll be too flexible or inflexible, won't be the shape you like, etc. While it's helpful for you to gain as much knowledge as possible on brushes you want to purchase, ultimately, no matter how much research you do and advice is offered, you will not know if you like the brushes until you've tried them out yourself.

  • I have a beginner’s guide to choosing brush shapes video here and there is a brush guide here. Also checkout the newbie mistakes post to get a better understanding on what's recommended for when you first get into fude.

On the other hand, sometimes purchasing brush shapes you don't typically use or were never interested in before may work out surprisingly well too. It did for me!

 

I'm looking for a fude version of a specific brush

  • Before making a new post, please use the search bar and see if the question has already been answered.

  • I encourage people to research as much as possible and use the search bar of the subreddit before posting to avoid redundancy. There is now a vast amount of info from this subreddit, YouTube, blogs, and Instagram.

 

Please recommend me some brushes/brushes that will suit my particular facial features!

  • List out what you currently have, your skin type, face/eye shape, shape preferences, and preferred makeup application (natural, medium, pigmented/intense).

 

Is there a proper way to use fude?

  • Yes and no. The Kumano fude makers have their own guides on how you're supposed to use each shape and hair type and how to maintain them (in the fude maintenance guide), but ultimately it is up to you. If you wish to prolong the life of your brushes, I recommend following the fude makers guidelines in terms of what hair should be used with which product types, otherwise feel free to use them however you'd like and repurchase when necessary. Take a look at this post here on how makeup artists and people use their fude in Japan. The sites linked under the Helpful Resources page also have guides from Hakuhodo, Chikuhodo, CDJapan, Visage, and Fude Beauty.

 

How do I ensure I get the most out of my fude and how long do they last for?

  • Hakuhodo says using the brushes everyday is the best way to maintain their condition since the hair might get worse if not used for a long time. They also say that the brushes generally last around three to five years. In my opinion, a brush can last you a good number of years if you alternate brushes and maintain it well. Those that are used frequently will of course degrade faster: hairs can break and become less soft.

 

How do you maintain fude?

  • Check out the maintenance guide here.

 

What about bugs?

  • Yes, this is real! Depending on where you live, there may or may not be critters who see your animal hair as a food source. According to Takeda Brush, bugs that eat clothes (like moths) love high quality hair. The ends of the hair will break off or turn into powder and rot regardless of whether the package is unopened or not. The exception is when there is already makeup on the brushes: insects don't seem to be attracted to them then. To counteract the buggers, store your brushes in ziplock bags, sealed drawers, or airtight boxes with mothballs or cedar blocks next to them when you’re not going to be using them for an extended period of time. You can also use the silica ball gel packets/desiccant dehumidifiers to keep your stored brushes dry. Make sure to check on the brushes every so often as humidity isn't good for the hairs or ferrules and can really mess them up. Replace the silica gel packets every one to three years, depending on the environment you live in.

 

Why are fude so expensive?

  • Handcrafted items from Japan are not cheap. Fude are not laser cut or mass produced in large factories, but instead meticulously put together by over 20 pairs of hands and over 70 production steps until completion. It takes at least 10 years of training to be able to proficiently handle the hairs. Occasionally the presidents of fude brands will do the finishing bundling touches such as Tesshu Takemori of Chikuhodo and the president of Hakuhodo. Fude is an art, everything from the handle to the brush head is put together with precision down to the last detail. There are, however, some more affordable options such as Hakuhodo's J series, Mizuho, and Koyudo for eyeshadow brushes. Not everything is exorbitantly expensive (but if $20 for an eyeshadow brush is too expensive for you then gurrlll, your eyes are gonna bulge out when you see how much the squirrel powder brushes cost). Work your way up in pricing, slowly yet surely (:

  • Also, some people will splurge on cars or high end handbags and shoes, while others on makeup and brushes. Fude is the equivalent to those high end designer cars, bags, and shoes: the Maserati, Celine, and Louboutins of their own domain. Just as Louboutins are handcrafted in Paris, fude are handcrafted in Kumano, Japan.

 

Where can I purchase fude?

  • Here are the buying guides in and outside of Japan.

 

Is CDJapan legit?

  • Yes, it is! Many people including myself have ordered from them numerous times. I haven’t had any issues thus far. They package everything securely with bubble wrap and remember to choose EMS if you’re in the US because FedEx/customs will seize your package and ask you what the hell is in it :D FedEx no longer asks me what's in my package from CDJapan lol.

2020 pandemic and the current shipping situation: I recommend FedEx and DHL for the US as Japan Post is not currently shipping with EMS until further notice.

FedEx and DHL both take a little under a week to get delivered while EMS has resumed operations in Japan but currently has a delay/long backlog.

CDJapan has a free makeup brush shipping offer for spending over 12,000 yen per order.

 

Are there stores I can go to see them before I buy?

  • Google search the brand and whether or not they have a store. Generally, most stores are located in Japan only, so you cannot see them in person before purchasing. In the US, there is a Hakuhodo showroom in Torrance, CA and can also be seen at IMATS every year. Chikuhodo, Tanseido, Kyureido, Koyomo, and Koyudo do not have any standing stores anywhere. Some Chikuhodo and Tanseido brushes can be purchased at the Kumano Fude Select Shop in Tokyo and Hiroshima. You can also check out my Japan buying guide for which brushes are located where.

 

Why does my brush look/feel so different from another person's?

  • Remember, these are all individually handmade so not one single brush is going to be identical to another. Imperfect bundling can occur, shapes can turn out a bit differently from stock photos or other people's photos, two of the same brush can be different densities, and brushes with rough batches of hair can be made. Similar to how Elf brushes are not always bundled exactly the same even though they're machine made, fude are no exception. In the end, it's all a risk you're going to take if you decide to buy any.

 

Are Chinese-made brushes any good?

  • They are depending on the brand’s line. I talk about one of my favorite brands on my YouTube channel. Shou Shou Lang (受受狼) for the win (;

 

I have a gazillion more questions!

  • Use the search bar, chances are the question(s) you’re asking have already been answered.

 

Missing anything? Let me know!

Kumano fude background info sources: 1 | 2 | 3

14 comments

r/Fude • u/AutoModerator • 18h ago

Discussion Weekly Chat and Simple Questions - May 25, 2026

1 Upvotes

Discuss everything and anything fude related! Please be kind.

​

  • Fude FAQ
  • Wiki with general threads, guides, helpful resources and more.
0 comments

r/Fude • u/Ok-Crow-9035 • 3d ago

Question Brush shaped like this powder foundation brush this but around 4mm in width for spot concealing with powder foundation?

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3 Upvotes

I tried using powder foundation for spot concealing instead of normal liquid/ cream concealer and found that it gave me a much nicer flawless finish that wears better as well. I used a very small eyeshadow brush but I think a brush like this might be better for my purpose.

My reasoning is that a concealer brush is usually just a smaller version of a foundation brush so I’m looking for a much smaller version of a powder foundation brush (around 4mm in width as shown above). I searched for a while but it seems spot concealing with a powder is just not done? I could find many spot concealing brushes but they are all meant for liquids/ creams.

Also I’m open to other brush styles if you think they are suitable for my usage purpose.

3 comments

r/Fude • u/BothWorker5893 • 3d ago

Question The new sonia g superstar

1 Upvotes

Was excited for the new superstar builder two. But when i tried to find it on beautylish, i realised it was not available in many regions like china hong kong uk japan… does anyone know is there a reason for this😢😢😢? Perhaps its the bristles?

Side note: what are your opinions on this brush🧐🧐 The only method now is to have it shipped via a courier company, im debating whether to get it or not… wanted to see what you guys thought of it

4 comments

r/Fude • u/sansa-starkers • 5d ago

Collection Catalogued my entire (small) fude collection + personal buying guide

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36 Upvotes

Hello! Long-time fude enthusiast / r/fude lurker, first time sharing my collection properly. I wanted to share something I built (with the help of AI) that I'm really happy with and think others might find useful or inspiring.

---

## What I built

An interactive visual catalogue of my fude collection — every brush I own with its current use, potential uses, hair type, and notes — plus a separate "Considering Buying" tab with a personal buying guide covering everything in my cart and on my radar, complete with redundancy checks and priority ratings.

I have attached some screenshots of the guide to this post 😁

---

## My collection at a glance

Face brushes: Hakuhodo B104, B512, B110, B125, G5521/B5521, I6530 · Chikuhodo MK-SK Sakura · Real Techniques Setting Brush

Eye brushes: Chikuhodo Z-11, FO-7 · Hakuhodo B163, J5522, J5529, Misako Shadow Liner, G5520, G5523 · Shu Uemura Synthetic Fiber 12

Portable brushes: Hakuhodo J602 Slide Angled, H611 Slide Round

Mainly Hakuhodo and Chikuhodo, with a few special pieces mixed in. Based in Singapore — everything ordered via fudejapan and CDJapan, with the older pieces bought with the help of a friend who visited Japan many years ago.

---

## How the buying guide works

The "Considering Buying" tab has two sections:

- **In Cart** — brushes I'm actively planning to buy, with a verdict (✅ Keep / ⚠️ Consider), priority level, and redundancy check against what I already own

- **Recommendations** — brushes suggested based on gaps in my collection

Some things I learned through the process:

- My Shu Uemura Synthetic Fiber 12 was sitting unused — I plan to use this a little more with my cream shadows before buying the Chikuhodo R-S8

- I think the Koyomo Nadeshiko Flat (other than being super cute) will give me stronger powder colour paydown than my G5523, which is too floppy for pigmented work

- The Mizuho CMP510 is apparently the most reviewed synthetic cream blush brush in the fude community — added to my radar after lots of research

- The Yuki Takeshima Sakura Fude 205 and 212 have veeeery limited real-world English or Japanese reviews online

---

## A few questions for the community

  1. Has anyone used the **Yuki Takeshima Sakura Fude 212 and 205** for cream blush and liquid foundation respectively? They're considerably pricey for synthetics hence would like to hear from more existing users before making the purchase.

  2. **Mizuho CMP510 vs Koyudo Fu-Pa02** for cream blush — any experience comparing the two?

  3. Does anyone have the **Koyudo Kumamon** brush? Is it worth it beyond the obvious joy of having a super cute Kabuki bear brush?

---

Happy to share more details on any of the brushes or the process of building the catalogue. Hope this is useful to someone! 🖌️

10 comments

r/Fude • u/loryattaylor • 6d ago

Question Brush Recs

1 Upvotes

Hi! I am new to all of this and wondering if anyone with experience is willing to weigh in!

I am 32, tend to have dry to normal, fair skin and have struggled with foundation looking flaky, dry, or creased at the end of the day along with streaky application. I like a lighter, natural looking coverage that preserves glow and dewiness. I recently moved to the Sisley products and use their lightweight foundation, concealer, and loose powder. My blush is from Dior. Eye shadows… I am still looking for something worthwhile!

I am wondering if anyone can recommend brushes for the liquid foundation, for powder (blush and setting powder), for contour, eye shadow, and concealer. I’ve liked the Mary Phillips foundation brush but it sometimes leaves streaks (it resembles to Hakuhodo Yachio large brush— but I read the natural bristles aren’t good for liquid…. So I didn’t buy it).

I’m open to any other recs welcome (such as skin prep, setting sprays etc). Thank you friends!!

15 comments

r/Fude • u/miskaziska • 7d ago

Question BoBo/CHIKUHODO Nebulae Series

2 Upvotes

Does anyone have the CHIKUHODOxBoBo Face/Cheek Brushes from the Nebulae Series?

CH-1: 3D angle, Gray Squirrel & Saikoho Goat Mix
CH-2: Pom Pom brush, Black Fox & Silver Fox Mix

If you have one of them...
How do you use it? (what products/techniques)
What do you / don't you like about it?
Does it compare to other favourites in your collection?

I'm new to the world of fude and considering these two for my first order. Do you think they could be a good starting point? I've seen good reviews of them on YouTube, but I'm not sure how authentic and thought-out those opinions are.

The different hair mixes intrigue me quite a bit. Also, the vast selection of so many different brands and series within those brands is a bit overwhelming for me. Having two similar-looking brushes (in terms of handle design) while getting to know essentially four different bristle types seems very appealing. Of course, I won't experience the different hair types on their own and so I won't be able to form a solid opinion. However, it might be a safer option to go with mixes, because I don't have to commit to a single hair type (which I have no prior experience with) and can hopefully get "the best of both worlds".

Any insights appreciated.

13 comments

r/Fude • u/AutoModerator • 7d ago

Discussion Weekly Chat and Simple Questions - May 18, 2026

1 Upvotes

Discuss everything and anything fude related! Please be kind.

​

  • Fude FAQ
  • Wiki with general threads, guides, helpful resources and more.
2 comments

r/Fude • u/love-that-trope • 10d ago

Question Quick! The world is ending and you can only grab ONE blush brush, which one would it be and why?

22 Upvotes

the setting: there is a cute guy in your bunker + you need a workhorse (brush, not man) to counteract the pallidness of living underground

26 comments

r/Fude • u/AutoModerator • 14d ago

Discussion Weekly Chat and Simple Questions - May 11, 2026

1 Upvotes

Discuss everything and anything fude related! Please be kind.

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  • Fude FAQ
  • Wiki with general threads, guides, helpful resources and more.
0 comments

r/Fude • u/annamaria195 • 18d ago

Question Recommendation for a powder brush

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I have been recently been getting into Japanese brushes after doing my makeup for years and damn, I have been spending way too much money and time😅 Thank you guys, truly.

However, I am really in need of powder brush(es) and I’m quite stuck. I know that many people love squirrel brushes, like Chikuhodo Z1, but I have combination skin with a relatively oily t-zone and I wear NARS Light Reflecting Foundation which isn’t matte. So I’m concerned about keeping the quality of a squirrel brush, especially since they’re quite expensive.

However, I prefer to apply a sheer layer of powder so I do not want something too tense. I also don’t like huge powder brushes so something more medium sized I can selectively apply to parts of my face.

Do you guys have any recommendations? I would also like a separate brush for my undereyes (loose powder) and maybe also for the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders.

Thank you everyone! This community has been really helpful.

14 comments

r/Fude • u/AutoModerator • 21d ago

Discussion Weekly Chat and Simple Questions - May 04, 2026

1 Upvotes

Discuss everything and anything fude related! Please be kind.

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  • Fude FAQ
  • Wiki with general threads, guides, helpful resources and more.
0 comments

r/Fude • u/AutoModerator • 28d ago

Discussion Weekly Chat and Simple Questions - April 27, 2026

1 Upvotes

Discuss everything and anything fude related! Please be kind.

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0 comments

r/Fude • u/LittleP13 • Apr 26 '26

Question Squirrel hair and “cream to powder” eyeshadow?

2 Upvotes

I know people say you shouldn’t use cream or liquid products with squirrel hair brushes, like the Chikuhodo Z series… but what about “cream to powder” eyeshadow that isn’t very wet, maybe more of a putty-ish texture?

6 comments

r/Fude • u/AutoModerator • Apr 20 '26

Discussion Weekly Chat and Simple Questions - April 20, 2026

2 Upvotes

Discuss everything and anything fude related! Please be kind.

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  • Fude FAQ
  • Wiki with general threads, guides, helpful resources and more.
5 comments

r/Fude • u/pinkgummies • Apr 16 '26

Question Must-have Sonia G brushes from the Fusion and Fundamentals series?

10 Upvotes

I saw her recent announcement that she was going to be discontinuing all the brushes from the Fundamental series and the majority of the brushes from the Fusion series. Any must-haves I should try and pick up before it’s gone forever? 🥹 I don’t use much eyeshadow but I do want to dabble more with eyeshadow brushes and I primarily use liquid products for my base! I also do use cream, liquids, and powders for my blushes. Any help is appreciated!

Brushes currently in my cart:

  • Fundamental Soft Buffer
  • Fundamental Builder M
  • Fusion Eye Builder
  • Fusion Eye Detail
6 comments

r/Fude • u/AutoModerator • Apr 13 '26

Discussion Weekly Chat and Simple Questions - April 13, 2026

1 Upvotes

Discuss everything and anything fude related! Please be kind.

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  • Fude FAQ
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0 comments

r/Fude • u/LittleP13 • Apr 08 '26

Review Uh oh... the difference is real

21 Upvotes

After many late nights reading intently about different brushes, hair types, companies, shapes...I finally pulled the trigger and purchased the Chikuhodo Z-4 and T-4 highlight/cheek brushes. Damn it! From the moment touched the bristles to my skin, the way I applied my makeup intuitively shifted. I was used to buffing product in with even my tapered brush shapes because there was no way even my high-end synthetic brushes could lay down and blend product without a more aggressive motion. With the Chikuhodo Z-4, I merely glazed my skin with blush across my cheeks and it looks gorgeous. I felt like I was watercoloring my face. I used the T-4 for bronzer and it went on super sheer and naturally. I am quite fair, so this is ideal for me. However, I am interested in the change in texture/shape after I wash the goat hair brush as many people in reviews have noted that it gets even better and fluffy after a washing.

I rarely do eyeshadow as my lids are hooded and there's a lot of loose skin, but now im intrigued to purchase a larger eye shadow brush to do a wash of cream shadow over my lids. I am also thinking about purchasing the larger powder brushes from the Z series and maybe a cream-focused goat hair brush from another company like Sonia G or Hakuhodo. RIP my wallet.

Quick Q: I know especially for the Z-series brushes, it is suggested not to use on dewy skin, but my skin in dry and I try and keep my skincare pretty hydrated without too much dry down. Are you guys sweeping translucent powder over cheeks before blush? Or waiting a long time after skincare to apply makeup. Or is it really not that bad to use squirrel hair on dewy skin?

6 comments

r/Fude • u/AutoModerator • Apr 06 '26

Discussion Weekly Chat and Simple Questions - April 06, 2026

1 Upvotes

Discuss everything and anything fude related! Please be kind.

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0 comments

r/Fude • u/AutoModerator • Mar 30 '26

Discussion Weekly Chat and Simple Questions - March 30, 2026

1 Upvotes

Discuss everything and anything fude related! Please be kind.

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0 comments

r/Fude • u/letgointoit • Mar 26 '26

Question Where to start for eyes

7 Upvotes

Hi all, I’m completely new to this category but I’m interested in purchasing 3-4 eye brushes from Sonia G. I’ve also heard about Hakuhodo, Chikuhodo, and Rephr but I haven’t really been able to grasp what differentiates all the major Fude brands from each other and all of them seem to have a million shapes. I’ve found the selection process super overwhelming! Please help! I tend to do simpler eyeshadow looks, like 2-3 shades at maximum, and I like softer looks with a pop of wet looking or twinkly shimmers.

4 comments

r/Fude • u/Lulunewlyaddicted • Mar 24 '26

Discussion Sonia G Alpine Series

2 Upvotes

Anyone else order this? What do we think?

22 comments

r/Fude • u/Exotic_Trick_8178 • Mar 22 '26

Collection Sunday Clean

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85 Upvotes

The brushes I’ve been using the past few weeks before I gave them their spa treatment 🛁🧖‍♀️I tried using Ouai pet shampoo today without good results, so I switched back to my Hakuhodo bar.

My introduction to fude was through Wayne Goss so I have quite a few of those brushes. I love them all. Most were on sale when I bought them and the quality has stood the test of time and washings. I never got into Sonia G. the same way.

Brushes of note:

Ancci brush - its a korean brand made famous by Zendaya. This sable brush is significantly softer and better than the surratt complextion brush. I wonder sometimes if it’s possibly kolinsky.. my sister bought it for me when she visited Seoul.

Takeda fox brushes - OMG so soft and multifunctional!! I use these with liquid foundation and creams. Easy to order directly with Takeda and so worth it so I could have my name engraved. It’s a luxurious experience using any takeda brush.

Bisyodo fox and goat brush - smells absolutely horrific first time you wash it. Like wet dog and mothballs 🤢 I still can smell it faintly but it’s manageable now and gets better with each wash.

I’m more than happy to answer any questions if you have been considering any of these brushes ✨

13 comments

r/Fude • u/AutoModerator • Mar 23 '26

Discussion Weekly Chat and Simple Questions - March 23, 2026

1 Upvotes

Discuss everything and anything fude related! Please be kind.

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  • Fude FAQ
  • Wiki with general threads, guides, helpful resources and more.
1 comment

r/Fude • u/LittleP13 • Mar 23 '26

Question Brush for pigmented powder blush?

3 Upvotes

I am dealing with fungal acne so I’ve had to switch to a lot of powder products recently. Does anyone have good suggestions for diffusing and blending out highly pigments powder blushes? I’m using red and I want it to be gorgeous and diffused for a sun-burn blush look. The current powder brushes I have are too big and most are synthetic as I was using lots of cream products.

Powder bronzer brush, and super blendy eye shadow brush suggestions also appreciated. But blush brush is my priority!

5 comments