Soft yet firm, this pliable brush from Shiseido is wonderful to work with and to touch – it blends foundation well and the silky brush hairs are a tactile pleasure.
With a slanted even cut, the supple velvety bristles feel comfortable on the skin and fit nicely into facial grooves and corners, allowing for a smooth finish. Except for water-resistant foundation formulas, the brand recommends it for all foundation types (emulsion, cream, liquid and powder). Its synthetic bristles make it perfect for cream blushes too.
Dick Page says it best:
The great thing about this brush is that it’s small, compact and easy to use. The bristles are fine and tightly packed so the working surface adheres well to the skin. The brush is easy to control. You can pick up as much product as you want with it and vary the coverage, whether you’re going for a more opaque finish or sheer look. I think this brush will enable the customer to achieve her ideal foundation.
According to Shiseido, the PFB is produced in Kumano-Cho, a town in Hiroshima, where the majority of Japanese makeup brushes are produced.
The PFB is uncannily similar to the Shiseido 131 Foundation Brush that Iris had generously gifted me with last year.
With their obvious similarities in appearance and texture, these two brushes seem identical, sans the difference in their handle material (the PFB seems to be made of wood, while the other is made of a pretty blue-tinged transparent plastic) and the placement of the brand name print (the PFB has the name on the ferrule while the 131 brush has it on the handle).
The PFB, available only at department store counters, is priced at S$40; the 131, purchased at a Japanese drugstore in Kyoto, is priced at ¥1890 (before a 30% discount). Disregarding the drugstore discount, if you purchase the PFB during Metro’s periodic sales that offer a 20% discount, what you pay for it will be close to that of the 131. ;)
Ooh I have to see if we have it here. I love flat top brushes and I’m curious to know how this one fares for foundation :)
Hey PB,
I’m pretty sure it’ll make its way to MY! Hope it works for you. :)
It’s on sale already?
Hi Karen,
I’m not sure. I think it might launch the same time as the cream shadows (August) but you could call the counters to check?
Using my trusty google currency converter, I convert the price of the PFB and almost faint… o_o But on the other hand, I’ve never seen a flat top brush like this before.. ;-) And if it does what it promises, I could really use some help with applying different foundations. :-)
Hi Milktea,
It’s really worth a try. ;)
Hi I wonder if this brush is comparable to the Sigma F80 Flat top brush? Thanks.
Hi Alicia,
I haven’t tried that brush, so I can’t make a comparison.
just what shiseido has been missing! a foundation brush! this sort of kind as well! my favorite!!
Hi Blushfully,
The angled cut fits facial contours well! :)
can you tell me where in singapore this brush can be found? thanx
Hi Zareen,
It will be available at the Shiseido counters by this week. Do call a counter to check the exact date.
hi i’m interesting PFB sooooooo much !!
so searched manymany sites to find out at Japan sale PFB cheaper version (that is 131brush as you review above : ) how sweet !! thanx to u
i really need this review!!!
anyways I have question about those brushes quality.
the 131 brush hair look little bit frizz, the brushes hair quality are same??
cuz 131 brush is much cheaper at jp, but to me exchange rate with oversea shipping charge price going to up high.
i wait for you reply ; )
Hi Joyce,
They are both very similar, to me. :)