Tool Thursday: NARS Ita Kabuki Brush Review

Measurement

• Head: 2 cm H x 4.1 cm W x 1 cm D (0.8 in H x 1.6 in W x 0.3 in D)
• Handle: 10.5 cm L (4.1 in L)

Review & Usage

NARS Ita Kabuki Brush is a cult classic, contouring brush that features a unique design both in the shape of the bristles and in the handle itself. The thin handle is rubbery matte black (signature of NARS packaging), ultra lightweight, and features a split end. Looking side view, you will see that the bristles are nested between the split and everything is held together by a nylon (?) threading. The design of the brush is unlike anything I have seen before; a little awkward perhaps, and may be slightly intimidating to use at first, but this brush is in fact, the easiest to hold and maneuver compared to other contouring brushes in my collection. The bristles are soft, non-scratchy, goat hair that shed slightly in the beginning but stop after a few washes.

Jaclyn Hill made an excellent Youtube video on how to use the Ita brush. Basically the brush is handled loosely at the opposite end of the split. Start by applying a contouring powder just right under the cheekbones (the tapered, narrow bristles allow for precise placement of the powder). Angle the brush so that it makes a straight line from the top of your ear to the corner of your mouth. Then “wiggle” the brush back and forth to place the powder on the cheek (try to concentrate on a small area for the most natural finish) and up and down to diffuse hard edges. I find the soft and slightly fluffy bristles ideal for blending and contouring. In my opinion, this brush pretty much does most of the work for you, all you have to do is wiggle! :D

The Ita brush is a great tool to have especially if contouring is necessary in your makeup routine. Its innovative design makes it a fool-proof tool that anyone can use; be it beginners or professionals. It really does make a job of contouring fun, quick, and easy. Besides contouring the cheeks, I also use it to contour down the sides of my nose, and sometimes I also use it to highlight. It is also very purse/travel-friendly due to its slim and lightweight design, not to mention multipurpose, too!

In summary, I honestly think that the Ita brush lives up to its hype in all aspects and I highly recommend it! :)

Footnote

1. There are supposed to be two versions of this brush — the Ita and the Ita Kabuki. The handle of the Kabuki is supposedly half the length of the regular Ita. Mine looks like it is a regular size, however, it says “Kabuki” on the box (confusing!). Maybe they stopped making the “real” Kabuki altogether and just call the regular version a Kabuki now?

2. It is difficult to get hold of this brush. Although I didn't have any difficulties getting mine, I know a lot of people have been waiting/watching for its availability. It is so popular that it is constantly out of stock on most online retailers, even on the NARS website, too. However, I have good news for you, at the time of writing this post, the brush is now available on beauty.com (link down below)! :)

Purchase