Beauty Product Reviews

Genius Duo

I'm pretty fair and purchased the lightest shade- Light Gold. These shades are gorgeous and I cannot put it down. First of all, the formulation is very soft, smooth and buttery which makes blending a breeze if you're using a good brush. The light contour shade you cannot over do and looks amazing on my skin. It truly gives me buildable definition without looking at all orange/red/anything off putting. It seriously adds the most natural definition, when I finish off my face I see a big difference using this as opposed to a typical bronzer, everything looks much more natural. I think most people will be off put by how grey it is but it works really well for me and I think it’s the perfect tone for a natural contour.

The bronzing shade has this really nice subtle sheen to it that gives your skin a goddess-like appearance, similar to the campaign images. Not too shimmery and not too matte- like a satin bronzy sheen. It reminds me of a more pigmented version of the Hourglass ‘Luminous Light’ Ambient Lighting Powder, which has been an all time fave of mine for a very buildable, light natural bronze. Amazing for fair skin as well.

I think this palette is genius for someone fair skinned looking to add subtle definition and bronzing, because that's what this palette does. I think Wayne really nailed the tones of this palette for this purpose. It’s perfect for everyday. A lot of bronzers and contours on the market are just too deep and they’re difficult to work with for that purpose. This is great to add a kiss of something or to blend out a deeper shade all over. I’m thinking of grabbing the deeper palette to use in conjunction with this one for added depth.

KOYUDO Premium Line Deserves More Hype!!!

I’m not sure why nobody talks about this line of brushes, they’re amazing.

I started with the SJ200 (basically a mini/cheek version of this brush) and absolutely loved it. I like smaller face brushes but it was a bit tight and wanted to try something bigger and fluffier so I figured I’d try the SJ100 knowing I already loved the hair type.

This Grey Squirrel and Sokoho Goat mix of hair is perfect. It’s fully functional and super soft. You get the softness and fine setting of the squirrel but the utility and resilience of the goat. Not to mention the brush itself is just beautiful and well made. The salt and pepper hair with the Cherry blossom wood handle is simply stunning.

If you’re looking for a brush that you can actually use daily, that sets makeup beautifully and is a piece of art/craftsmanship- this is for you. $144 is pricey for one brush but I actually think it’s justified given the price. Don’t forget this brush is the most dense mix of goat and squirrel that you can even buy from Koyudo.

The SJ100 and SJ200 are my favorite Kumano Fude to date. Again, they need much more recognition! (I’ve also heard this is comparable to fox hair, which makes sense given it’s mix).

I've attached pre and post wash images below so you can see how it blossoms out when it's washed.

Woah, incredible little guy!

I've been looking for a replacement for my synthetic powder brush and I think I've found it. This is an incredible setting brush, from the first moment I used it I noticed how finely it set my face and made my pore disappear. Koyudo was genius making this brush a mix of Grey Squirrel and Sokoho; you get the grab of product from the goat and the fine finishing/softness from the squirrel.

This brush is very soft but not so soft that it's unusable- squirrel is great and all but it has a lot of limitations. Once washed it does get much larger than the picture- flares out at the sides and is quite dense. The hairs have great flex and definitely snap back. I love the shape as well- flat and paddled but dense. You can sweep it across the face using the sides of the brush or grab product and blend directly from the tips (my preferred way).

In summary, I highly recommend this brush! I think the price is justified; it's impeccably made, has great performance and is just beautiful! I'm so glad I enjoy it, the cherry blossom wood handle and the mix of hairs are just stunning to look at.

Essentials I didn't realize I needed! A joy to use.

I waited for so long for these to come out and got them as soon as they were back in stock. Boy I'm glad I did. They're definitely worth the price and I loved them from the first time I used them. It's true, they're generally all the same shape with the exception of one of the brushes which is more flat as opposed to tapered. But I think they all serve a different purpose and can achieve an amazing eye look with just all 5, they're essentials I'd say. With these you have the ability to get that blended, blown out crease as well as achieve more detailed precision work such as deepening the outer corners or smoking out the lash line. They're made so well also, I love how skinny the brushes are. I think this is the perfect set for someone looking to upgrade from synthetic eye brushes or just looking to fill a gap missing in their collection. I've been a makeup lover/brush collector for years but these made me realize brush shapes I had been missing.

Home run for KGD once again

This a foundation that I immediately fell in love when I put it on my skin. Prior to that I gasped at this size. I feel conflicted. This foundation really is incredible, it feels so nice and hydrating on the skin, has a cooling sensation (you can feel the water content), lays beautifully, lasting power is there and has the perfect amount of medium coverage upon first application. I’m quite fair (NW15-20) and 002 is a perfect match for me. I prefer this over the Aqua foundation, much more hydrating. I think a fair amount of skin types will make use of it as well, it’s hydrating but not overly dewy where you feel like a greaseball by the end of the day. Koh Gen Do simply kills it every time when it comes to complexion. Their foundations and powders are so impeccably made and never disappoint (as other brands often do). As long as you can stomach the price for the .71oz that you get, you won’t be disappointed with this one.