Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki Review: Specs, How to Use and F80 vs F82 vs 3DHD

What is a flat kabuki brush?

A kabuki brush is a short, dense brush for blending base products over large areas. A flat kabuki cuts the top straight across, so the whole surface touches the skin at once: you press (stipple) product in, then buff in small circles. That flat top is what gives the F80 its smooth, streak-free finish compared with a classic paddle-shaped foundation brush.

Sigma F80 vs F80 Air vs F82 vs 3DHD

Sigma makes several $38 kabuki brushes for base makeup. Here is how they differ, based on Sigma’s product details:

Brush	Head	Best with	Coverage
F80 Flat Kabuki	Dense, flat	Liquid, cream	Medium to full
F80 Air Flat Kabuki	Soft, wispy duo fibers	Liquid, cream	Sheer to medium
F82 Round Kabuki	Dense, rounded	Powder and mineral foundation	Sheer to medium with powder; medium to full with cream or liquid
3DHD Kabuki	Dense double wedge, flat and pointed	Liquid, cream and powder, around curves and creases	Medium to full
F48 Soft Coverage	Dense, slightly angled	Liquid, cream, skin tints	Medium to full

For concealer, Sigma’s 4DHD Kabuki (pointed, four-sided) and F79 Concealer Blend Kabuki do the detail work. See where each brush fits in our guide to types of makeup brushes.

How to use the Sigma F80

1. Dot liquid or cream foundation on the face (or on the back of your hand).
2. Stipple: press the flat head onto the skin to deposit product.
3. Buff in small circular motions until there are no lines.
4. Add a second thin layer where you want more coverage.

Dense foundation brushes hold a lot of product, so wash the F80 regularly. Our guide to cleaning makeup brushes compares Sigma’s mats, gloves and cleansers.

Who should buy which

• Full-coverage liquid or cream: F80 Flat Kabuki.
• Skin tint or sheer foundation: F80 Air.
• Powder or mineral foundation: F82 Round Kabuki.
• One brush for everything, including contour areas: 3DHD Kabuki.

The F80 also comes in the Most-Wanted ($108) and Classic Face ($136) sets, which cost about 25% less than buying the same brushes one by one. Compare them in our Sigma brush sets guide.

FAQ

Is the Sigma F80 good for powder foundation?

It is designed for liquid and cream products; for powder or mineral foundation, Sigma recommends the F82 Round Kabuki.

What is the difference between the F80 and F80 Air?

Same flat shape, but the F80 Air has softer, wispier duo fibers for sheer-to-medium coverage, while the F80 gives medium to full.

Is the Sigma F80 vegan?

Its fibers are synthetic, and Sigma states that all its products are cruelty-free. Read our Sigma Beauty review for more on the brand.

Bottom line

For liquid or cream foundation the Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki is the safe pick; switch to the F80 Air for sheer coverage or the F82 for powder.

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