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You probably remember your first trip to the beauty counter: potions, perfumes and palettes galore. Makeup artists flank the glass-covered counters, and you immediately stare at their wraparound black belt — the one that housed all the makeup brushes.
Just like building a house from the ground up, a primmed-and-proper makeup routine starts with a good foundation. That said, how you apply (and blend, most importantly, blend) your full-coverage foundations is the name of the game. (Related: Best foundations for mature skin).
“There are many benefits of using a foundation brush in your make up application,” Jasmin Winnie Stephen, makeup artist with more than eight years of experience — working with top brands like Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, Nike and, most recently, assisting with the Super Bowl 2023 Half Time Show, told the New York Post. “It can help with coverage, using an even amount of product, the finish and overall application.”
Ahead, our team of makeup artists cherry-picked the 14 best foundation brushes on the market, along with sharing their application tips and expertise in our in-depth FAQ section.
While you’re at it, you’ll want to pick up one of the best makeup primers and best concealers we reviewed to precede and follow your foundation of choice.
“This is one of my go to brushes for medium to full-coverage application,” Wendi Miyake, celebrity makeup artist, told The Post. “It’s the perfect size for a quick application and perfect to maximize coverage.”
For a brush that’s less than $20, it’s one of our personal favorites for applying foundation and dabbing onto certain areas — like the perimeters of the face and jawline — for a seamless coveage.
“This is a traditional foundation brush, perfect for ‘painting’ foundation onto the skin,” Winnie Stephen says. “It will provide the perfect amount of coverage and great for pairing with a Beautyblender ($20) to finish pressing product into the skin.”
Tapered brushes work well for buildable coverage, too, and the pointed handle makes applying your liquid product as simple as possible.
“The very soft angle allows for an extremely smooth application,” Miyake shares. “I love this brush for all foundation formulations.”
What’s more, this brush is apt for applying cream bronzers post-foundation.
“If you’ve been keeping up with the underpainting trend — which has been a MUA staple for years in the industry — then this brush is ideal for that,” Winnie Stephen says. “This brush is perfect for applying a light amount of foundation on top of your sculpted face, while buffing everything out!”
Specifically, this pick is one of our top recommendations if you’re looking for a budget-friendly pick. That said, browse our edit to the best beauty products under $25 for more to add to your cart.
“I love this brush to get a controlled application of foundation,” Miyake highlights. “The blend of synthetic and natural bristles allows the brush to blend any formula without streaking or dragging.”
Though a splurge, this pick is one of the softest ones to add to your collection and worth the investment — especially if you’re a beauty aficionado.
“This is an airbrush machine at your finger tips!” Winnie Stephen exclaims. “It’s the densest brush among my recommendations and will buff out and provide a beautiful finish in seconds!”
Oh, and if you can’t get enough of Queen RiRi, check out our full review of the brand’s Cookies N Clean Clay Face Mask.
“The paddle shape allows you to get into every area of the face,” Miyake notes. “I love this brush for sheer foundation application.”
For less than $25, this is a wonderful brush to toss into your makeup bag, especially if you desire to have plenty of control when it comes to buildable coverage.
“The Bdellium Tools Golden Triangle 968 BDHD Phase II Foundation Brush is newer to my collection, but quickly turned a go-to,” Winnie Stephen says. “It has an angle that hugs the face beautifully and enough density for an airbrush finish with no streaks — but enough give to work fast!”
With a slightly oversized handle, this is a great beginner-friendly brush to add to your collection if you want one that’s more versatile. For instance, it’s stellar for applying cream bronzers and powders.
“This one is the perfect size for quick application,” Miyake says. “t’s very quick to use and even gives a medium- to full-coverage foundation application.”
With a skinny handle, it’s especially great for traveling (and, a no-brainer for your carry-on).
“I personally prefer a medium dense brush, and this is it!” Winnie Stephen says. “I love the tapered point and use this when I want the product concentrated in the inner part of the face!”
More, this particular brush will ensure your product is blended super quickly. From personal experience, it’s one that’s worth your add-to-cart motion.
“The MAC Cosmetics 170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush is the perfect dense foundation brush that blends out any foundation formula seamlessly,” Miyake adds. “I love this brush for skincare application as well.”
We highly recommend picking up the brand’s MACStack Mascara ($28), too; it’s one of the best mascaras we reviewed.
“The NUDESTIX Blend & Buff Foundation Brush is the perfect do-it-all foundation brush,” Winnie Stephen highlights. “It’s double-ended, travel friendly size is the perfect brush to give a beautiful application while only having to invest for one brush (while getting two amazing brushes in one!)”
Particularly, we’re big fans of double-sided brushes, considering you’ll likely be applying a creamy concealer following your foundation.
“I love this foundation brush for a medium- to full-coverage application,” Miyake shares. “The handle of this brush allows you to easily move the brush to get a seamless application.”
To get the most bang for your buck, use this foundation brush with the brand’s acclaimed Ambient Soft Glow Foundation ($58).
“This is the perfect foundation brush for buildable coverage,” Miyake adds. “The dome shape is perfect for really working the foundation into the skin for a seamless finish.”
With a name like Tom Ford, can you pass up this luxe option (*hint hint*: it’s a great gift idea for the beauty lover you know).
An FAQ on Foundation Brushes
Ahead, our team of makeup artists share the 411 on using a foundation brush — the many variations of them, too – for achieving a glam, well-blended look for any occasion.
The different types of foundation makeup brushes, explained
Brushes range in every aspect, from density to synthetic versus real hair. Weight and overall quality of the brush handle (and, of course, the brush itself) are other factors to consider.
“Synthetic brushes have come a long way since they first emerged onto the makeup scene,” Miyake explains. “When investing in quality makeup brushes, it’s equally important to understand how to properly clean and maintain the quality of your brushes. Cleanliness and maintenance is No. 1 to ensure your brushes are long lasting and will perform at their highest capability.”
According to Winnie Stephen, another key characteristic is understanding what the bristles are made of.
“This will effect how different products will preform,” she adds. “For example, natural hair brushes are perfect for powders, while synthetic brushes tend to be perfect for cream and liquid products.”
The most important part? There are no exact rules on what brushes are to be used on what step in your makeup application. “Play around and see what works for you!” Winnie Stephen suggests. “The care of your brush is far more important than what you use the brush for!”
What types of foundation brushes to use for every type of coverage, per experts
There are many benefits of using a foundation brush in your makeup application. These handy-dandy tools can help with coverage, ensuring that you’re using an even amount of product and the overall finish and application.
Depending on the finish, amount of product, and overall look you wanna achieve, you should look for these things in a foundation brush, per Winnie Stephen:
- For full coverage: Use a flat, traditional makeup brush.
- For an airbrush medium- to full-coverage: Use a very dense and dome-shaped makeup brush.
- For a light, barely there, no-makeup makeup look: Use a fluffy, loose bristle brush, like a duo-fibre brush.
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