The Lunar New Year Brush

I'm a huge Chikuhodo brush fan and this one did not disappoint, especially considering the price. This brush is right on par with the Makie series powder brushes. The handle is of the same quality as the Chikuhodo Makie Series MK-MO powder brush, as well as the super soft and luxurious blue squirrel hairs. That being said, I do prefer the glossy lacquered handles of the original MK powder brushes, but the matte finish is still very nice and the art work is absolutely beautiful in person. I definitely would recommend this brush over the MK-MO brush, but only because of the price, which in my opinion should have been priced in line with this brush. However, to be fair, the brush hairs on the Lunar New Year brush seem slightly more compact with slightly less brush hairs than the MK-MO brush, but it's still a beautifully made brush. It works like a dream for face powders, blush, and highlighters. I LOVE it! What I love most about squirrel hair brushes in general is that they apply powder products without disturbing my foundation, and is great for people with sensitive skin. A must have for the collector and a perfect entry level brush for anyone wanting to experience blue squirrel powder brushes for the first time. Photographed below is all of my Chikuhodo powder brushes in case anyone is interested in seeing how it looks in comparison to the others in my collection.

So first off let me say sorry, as I’ve only ventured into animal hair brushes the past 8 months or so, and at first bought a lot of WG and Sonia G Saikoho goat brushes, and just recently ventured into blue squirrel. I don’t own any Chikuhodo brushes yet so this is my first. But compared to the Wayne Goss Airbrush, this thing is stunning. I thought the airbrush was to die for in softness, but this brush is so much softer, and I didn’t think that was possible. I will definitely be buying more Chikuhodo brushes after this!. I also showed it with the WG #2 for size compairison. Thanks Beautylish for the excellent customer service yet again!!

Not going to lie, I didn't need this brush, but the makie print is way too cute. It's just as I thought, another version of the MK-MO. The hair is incredibly soft and bundled perfectly. If you didn't care for the MK-MO's makie print and you don't mind not having a fancy box, AND you love these little pigs, definitely pick one up if they come back in stock. Way cheaper and way cuter IMO.

Might I say that this year is even prettier than last year. The shiny handle with gloss makie is so much brighter and shinier than last years (the pig handle was matte)! In my opinion you are crazy to not get this. The Chikuhodo Z1, Z9 and Makie brushes are all $178 and yet this amazing brush is $125. And I honestly find them to be all the same! Below you will find the rat (unwashed), the pig, the MK-MO, and Z9. If you want the same quality for a better price, this is the brush for you. (Especially if you’re Canadian due to how bad the exchange rate is right now)

Love the brush, it is super soft and the artwork is cute but I really wish the handle didn’t feel so light and cheap. I expected a more weighted handle and was surprised how cheap it felt for $125. Also wish it came in a box or pouch instead of cellophane for the price as well.....side note about purchase, what happened to free samples with purchases?? I always loved getting that little something extra and haven’t gotten any in my last couple orders :(

These brushes are beyond gorgeous, I know 125 is steep for a brush but it’s actually a steal considering it’s almost identical to the chikuhodo makie brushes and it’s $60 cheaper. It’s the same chikuhodo quality and the design is adorable. Compared to the makie UM it’s maybe a tad less dense and flatter on the top but they are pretty much interchangeable and equally soft. For those concerned the design could rub off I inquired about it and was told since the design is rendered in makie lacquer it should not come off easily, no one I’ve talked to has had issues with their makie brushes, even their older ones. These are just so gorgeous and luxurious and I’m so happy I was able to get one this year. It’s pictured next to the chikuhodo makie UM. Now just to wait for my lucky XL bag and I’ll really be in beauty heaven 🤣

I’m thrilled with this brush. Its tightly packed and actually firm enough to pick up product but soft enough not to disturb foundation. Now I wish I’d ordered more than one. The design on the handle is adorable and detailed. A+, 5 stars, circle claps, and blown kisses. I can’t wait for next year’s version!

I missed out on last year’s but this year’s design is even more beautiful. I was a little bit hesitate to order it at first thinking that it looks very similar to the Chikuhodo Z8 (which I already own), but it’s much bigger and it’s more like a bigger petal brush. I can totally see myself using it for bronzers and setting powders. It’s just as soft as other Chikuhodo squirrel brushes.

First off this brush is a beauty and wonderfully soft, and the detailing is just too cute! That said I really wish the brush had the logo of the brush maker engraved, as is typical with other Beautylish collabs. Hence the 4 stars. Not too important but I also noticed the plastic sleeve didn't have the typical Kumano, Japan seal that all sleeves for all my other higher-end natural brushes arrived in e.g. Sonia G, Chikuhodo, Hakuhodo, Rephr etc.

Listen. I was expecting a beautifully made brush, but OMG I was not ready. The glossy lacquered handle as a backdrop for the beautiful artwork is simply stunning. Beauty, chikuhodo quality, and function, worth every dime. Another must have for the collector as well as for those wanting to try Japanese handmade brushes for the first time.