►Bristle diameter and features
| Dia（μm） | Representative | Touch and function | Applicable brush type |
| 5-15μm | Grey/red squirrel hair | Extremely soft, weak powder holding power, suitable for light blending | High-end loose powder brush, blush blending brush |
| 15-25μm | XGF goat hair, high-quality synthetic fiber | Moderately soft, balanced powder grabbing and smudging | Eyeshadow brush, tongue-shaped foundation brush |
| 25-40μm | Coarse goat, pony hair | Strong elasticity, good powder holding power, suitable for precise coloring | Eyeliner brush, concealer brush, detail eyeshadow brush |
| 40-60μm | Nylon fiber, pig bristle | Stiff and wear-resistant, suitable for paste products | Eyebrow brush, lip brush, cream contour brush |
►Mainstream brush types and compatible bristle diameters
1. Powder brush/setting brush
Diameter range: 15-25μm(animal hair) / 20-30μm(synthetic hair)
Recommended materials: Squirrel hair(18-22μm),XGF goat hair (20-25μm）
Functional highlights:
Recommended materials: Squirrel hair(18-22μm),XGF goat hair (20-25μm）
Functional highlights:
Diameter < 20μm: Pat lightly to set makeup, suitable for dry skin and clear nude makeup (such as Chikuhodo Z-1).
Diameter > 20μm: Rotary polishing, suitable for oily skin and high concealer makeup (such as Sigma F25).
Diameter > 20μm: Rotary polishing, suitable for oily skin and high concealer makeup (such as Sigma F25).
2. Foundation Brush
Tongue-shaped brush:
Diameter 18-25μm (synthetic fiber), such as Real Techniques 200, for a light and smooth base makeup.
Flat brush:
Diameter 25-35μm (nylon hair), such as Artis Oval 7, for high coverage and fast polishing.
Diameter 18-25μm (synthetic fiber), such as Real Techniques 200, for a light and smooth base makeup.
Flat brush:
Diameter 25-35μm (nylon hair), such as Artis Oval 7, for high coverage and fast polishing.
3. Eyeshadow Brush
Color brush:
Diameter 20-28μm (goat hair/synthetic hair), such as Hakuhodo B004G, evenly spread color without lumps.
Blending brush:
Diameter 15-20μm (squirrel hair), such as Chikuhodo Z-10, natural border transition.
Detail brush:
Diameter 25-35μm (pony hair), such as MAC 219S, accurately outline the triangle area at the end of the eye.
Diameter 20-28μm (goat hair/synthetic hair), such as Hakuhodo B004G, evenly spread color without lumps.
Blending brush:
Diameter 15-20μm (squirrel hair), such as Chikuhodo Z-10, natural border transition.
Detail brush:
Diameter 25-35μm (pony hair), such as MAC 219S, accurately outline the triangle area at the end of the eye.
4. Blush/Contouring Brush
stippling brush:
Diameter 15-22μm (goat + synthetic hair), such as Qinzhi G081, avoid heavy hands.
Angled brush:
Diameter 25-30μm (synthetic hair), such as Fenty Beauty 120, suitable for cheekbone contouring.
Diameter 15-22μm (goat + synthetic hair), such as Qinzhi G081, avoid heavy hands.
Angled brush:
Diameter 25-30μm (synthetic hair), such as Fenty Beauty 120, suitable for cheekbone contouring.
5. Lip brush/Concealer brush
Fine brush type:
Diameter 40-50μm (nylon hair), such as Q-24, the paste has strong extensibility.
Diameter 40-50μm (nylon hair), such as Q-24, the paste has strong extensibility.
►Golden rules for choosing a brush
1. Choose by makeup style
Japanese style transparency: choose fine hair (15-20μm) + round brush (loose powder).
European and American high color rendering: choose coarse hair (25-35μm) + flat brush (dense powder).
European and American high color rendering: choose coarse hair (25-35μm) + flat brush (dense powder).
2. Adjust according to skin type
Sensitive skin/dry skin: Prefer gray squirrel hair (5-15μm) , reduce friction.
Oily skin/acne skin: Choose antibacterial synthetic hair (20-30μm), easy cleaning.
Oily skin/acne skin: Choose antibacterial synthetic hair (20-30μm), easy cleaning.
3. Notes
Too thin diameter (＜10μm): easy to fly powder, only suitable for top-grade loose powder (such as By Terry hyaluronic acid loose powder).
Too thick diameter (＞50μm): only for special purposes (such as stage oil paint brush).
Too thick diameter (＞50μm): only for special purposes (such as stage oil paint brush).
►High-end bristle diameter reference
| Material | Top reference | Dia（μm） | Applications |
| red squirrel hair | Chikuhodo Z-1 | 8-12 | Lady-level makeup, sensitive skin |
| Weasel hair | Hakuhodo S103 | 25-28 | Gel eyeliner, cream eyeshadow |
| Biomimetic nanohair | Hourglass Vanish | 18-22(synthetic) | Liquid foundation/cream highlighter |
Summary:
Diameter determines function
- <20μm: Blending, setting makeup - pursuing natural soft focus.
- 20-30μm: General purpose - balance powder collection and comfort.
- >30μm: Precise coloring - suitable for lines and high color rendering requirements.
When choosing, you can combine the triangle relationship of material + diameter + brush type to accurately match your makeup needs!
