





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
US$55 at Nordstrom ○ Beauty.com ○ Neiman Marcus ○ Amazon
At NARS counters
Seriously Jaa I love this Brush-Thursday posts. This brush sounds excellent and like a must have. Thank you so much sharing this.
Thanks, Fiona! I’m a brush fanatic so I look forward to every Thursday to share my love (obsession). Haha.
I’ve heard so much about this brush, Jaa! I don’t do much contouring myself as I have a longer/narrow face so contouring would make it look even more narrow unfortunately! However, I love the effect that contouring can have on others!!
Hey Carolyn, I think maybe you can try contouring around the perimeter of your face, say along the hairline, and chin and maybe jaw areas? I’d think that would create an illusion/make your face appear shorter and wider. :)
Hey Jaa! I saw this pop up on your insta and was expecting a review ;-) This is definitely coveted! Sounds like a great one to have!
I’m totally in love with it! :)
This is such an interesting-looking brush! I seldom contour contour anymore. I use a bit of bronzer and call it a day. If I do contour, I stick to MAC 168!
The super versatile MAC 168! Everyone loves it! I have two of them! Haha! I don’t contour on a daily basis but I always do when I take portraits! :) It makes such a difference in the final look! :)
Aha! That’s what this brush is called! A vlogger I watch has one, and it looks like the coolest thing ever for contouring, but she didn’t know the name. Then I saw it in the promo image for NARS’ recent brush release, but then none of the usual reviews seemed to include this one. Such a mystery brush, LOL – thanks for the review!!
Hehe you’re welcome! Now you know what it’s called! ;D
I am in love with this brush since I saw it on Jaclyn’s channel…I need this for my fat face :( lets c wen..its mostly out of stock as u said….
Yeah, it’s a pretty hard to find brush! I feel lucky that I didn’t have any problem getting hold of one! ^_^
A tempting prospect!
Indeed! ;)
Hi Jaa,
Does this work well with cream product? Thank x
It does, Grace! But I wouldn’t recommend it, though! I would try to use synthetic brushes for cream products instead! :)
Such an interesting looking brush and sounds like an amazing one Jaa
It is an amazing brush, Krithi!
What’s your go-to contouring brush? :)
very curious about this brush! thanks for the review!
You’re welcome! :)
I want this brush for o long…it seems just perfect for contouring :) Nicely reviewed jaa..
Thank you, Anubhuti! Is it available in India? If so, you must try to get one! :)
very curious about this brush! I love this brush too.
Yay! It’s one of the best (and easiest) contouring brushes out there! :)
i always want this brush Contouring is big in my routine ;ooooo
Save up and splurge! It’s worth it, trust me! :D