** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

Whenever I hit a makeup store, one of the first things I do is feel the display brushes (not dirty-looking ones, of course). I just love comparing the soft bristles of each brand! Sounds weird, huh? What’s even weirder is that I’m currently feeling the soft bristles of the e.l.f. Studio Kabuki Face Brush I’m about to review. (TMI?)

I just can’t get over how soft this little brush is – not only on my hand but on my skin, too. Because of it, I actually enjoy adding that extra step of applying a setting powder over my face makeup. Other than softness, find out what else you’ll appreciate from this elf kabuki brush.

e.l.f. Studio Kabuki Face Brush Pictures & Photos

(Reminds me of certain characters from My Neighbor Totoro. Holla if you know what I'm talking about!)

Claims: TRUSTED

√ Flawless look
√ Easy to use
√ Light to full coverage
√ Precise & controlled application

Key Notes

• Name: e.l.f. Studio Kabuki Face Brush
• What I Paid: $2.50 US (was on sale; retails for $5)
• Other Studio Face Brushes Available: Powder Brush, Blush Brush, Concealer Brush, Complexion Brush, Angled Foundation Brush, Fan Brush
• Where to Buy: e.l.f. website

elf Studio Kabuki Face Brush Review

If you’ve never owned a kabuki brush before, this little gem is perfect as a starter at $5, a mere fraction of what other brushes cost. And even if you’ve tried other brands, I think the e.l.f. kabuki brush is a winner!

On the box it says “medium to full coverage” (“light to full” on the website), but really you’re in control here. It’s got good bristle density so you can go from sheer to complete coverage, depending on how much product you use.

And because it’s so full, I also use it as a buffer brush to blend out my foundation and setting powder. The result is more natural, airbrushed-looking coverage. Sounds like a contradiction… It just makes your skin look like you don’t have a lot of makeup on!

While I do enjoy how soft the synthetic bristles are on the elf Studio Kabuki Face Brush, I do think that they could be a tad stiffer. Right now, they are slightly too pliable. If they are a bit stiffer, you’ll enjoy an even more controlled application than this brush already offers.

The size of the elf synthetic kabuki brush is also good. The brush head measures approximately 2” in diameter – small enough for precise application, yet large enough to cover a big area so you don’t have to apply multiple times.

And talk about quality. The elf face kabuki brush hasn’t shed on me yet, not even during washing!

Final Verdict: 9.5/10

I feel that the e.l.f. brand is hit or miss a lot of the times. But for their kabuki brush, I think they really hit it out of the park. It scores high marks on all the elements I want in a kabuki.

Think you’ll give this affordable kabuki brush a try? Let me know your thoughts!