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If you're anything like me, there's probably a file of photos from your younger, more naïve years, where you can visibly see the streaks in your foundation even through your Blackberry phone's abysmal camera. I spent a lot of time thinking that blending was for other people, cycling through foundations and powders and orange bronzers, thinking that it was the product's fault that it wasn't looking right. If I could go back in time, I'd tell my younger self, "Newsflash! You're not using the right foundation brush! Also, stop plucking your eyebrows; you're embarrassing us." But anyways.
In the days of foundation sponges, brushes have fallen to the wayside. In my opinion, that's nothing short of a tragedy. I love a good sponge as much as the next person, but if you're looking for precision and coverage, sponges remove a ton of product and can leave you looking a bit splotchy if you're not careful. But I understand the hesitation with brushes. When you use the incorrect brush, you can end up with streaks that you overlook until trying to take a selfie. But nowadays, brush technology has improved so much that you can find one that works perfectly for your products, for a beautiful, flawless finish.
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
Pros
- Blends makeup
Cons
- Can leave streaks
Wield the power of this brush like you're Picasso and your face is a beautiful canvas. It blends like a dream and you won't end up with weird patches due to it's superior densely packed bristles.
NYX Professional Makeup Cant Stop Wont Stop Foundation Brush
Pros
- Soft bristles
Cons
- Can leave streaks
If you're lazy like me and don't want to spend twenty minutes blending, snag this brush, do a quick swipe, and boom, you're photo ready.
Pros
- Blends well
Cons
- Hard to clean
Blending is my new form of therapy, and this brush gets me calm every time. Those circular blending sessions have the double benefit of chilling me out, and letting me walk out of my house with perfect skin.
Pros
- Blends quickly
Cons
- Hard to maneuver around smaller areas
For pure blending power, this flat-topped brush will make your life easier. Just sweep it across your face and a few moments later you're good to go.
Pros
- Blends well
Cons
- Can leave streaks
This is the perfect tool if you don't want to be bothered trying to navigate the brush aisles at your local beauty supply store. It blends, applies product, and will probably take meetings for you if you let it.
Pros
- Layers makeup well
Cons
- Pricey
Once a classic, always a classic. This flat brush can apply foundation all over your face for a full-coverage look. If we're still obsessed with it, it must be good.
BOBBI BROWN Full Coverage Face Brush
Pros
- Soft bristles
Cons
- Pricey
We trust Bobbi with our life, and in return for our loyalty, she rewards us with incredible makeup brushes. I can still remember stealing this out of my mom's makeup bag when I was thirteen. Sorry mom!
Pros
- Blends well
Cons
- Pricey
For the powder foundation fans amongst us, this brush was designed for you. It picks up product and places it gently upon your face like a makeup artist in brush form.
HOURGLASS Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush
Pros
- Blends well
Cons
- Pricey
For the makeup obsessed, you probably already know that you need this brush. Stop fighting the urge, just buy it and sink into your seamlessly-blendeed, smooth-faced life.
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Can leave streaks
For lighter coverage, a stippling brush will make sure you don't accidentally end up caking product on your face. It will blend and deposit color in the gentlest way possible.
Pros
- Innovative design
Cons
- Can be messy
If you don't know how much product to use, squeeze a dollop of foundation in the middle of this brush and it'll take care of the rest. It blends color perfectly without ever overdoing it.
EcoTools Flat Makeup Brush for Foundation
Pros
- Full coverage finish
Cons
- Can leave streaks
A staple in everyone's brush bag, this flat brush from EcoTools is the ideal first foundation brush in anyone's collection. Paint on your foundation like an expert every time.
Lancôme Full Flat Brush #1 Full Coverage Foundation Brush
Pros
- Soft bristles
Cons
- Pricey
If you're obsessed with Lancome's foundations like you should be, it might be time to commit wholeheartedly and get the matching brush.
Pros
- Blends well
Cons
- Pricey
Not only will this brush melt your foundation into your skin, but it's so fluffy and smooth that you might just enjoy rubbing it around even when you're not wearing base makeup.
FAQs
What do you look for in a foundation brush?
"When I reach for a foundation brush, I always gravitate toward something that has denser bristles and is small to medium in size," says Tricome. "I like working with a denser brush because it really helps push the product into the skin and blend everything. It is also great for focusing more product on areas of the skin that need more coverage. You can use a denser brush with any foundation formula but it works especially well with products like foundation sticks."
Does the size of the brush impact the makeup look?
"I like working with small to medium size brushes because you are able to get a more precise application," says Tricome. "I find when you are using larger brushes you can't reach the smaller areas of the face as well and you end up getting foundation in your hairline or brows, or have to go back in with more product for those areas that didn't cover as well. The smaller size brush also allows you to focus product on areas that need it, which also results in a more natural and flawless skin look."
Do different shapes and styles of foundation brushes achieve different looks?
"Different styles of brushes can absolutely achieve different results," says Tricome. "For example, a duo fiber foundation brush can provide a more lightweight coverage since there are different lengths of bristles spread further apart. Using any brush that has a lighter density will result in a lighter application."
"In terms of the shape of the brush, I think that mostly affects how easy it is to apply products to the entire face. Smaller brushes make it easier to apply product around the nose, mouth, and eyes. Some brushes are designed to have more of a curved shape that follows the natural contours of the face to help with your sculpting and blush products."
How do you like to use foundation brushes?
"I can use a foundation brush for the whole entire complexion. I use [a foundation] brush to apply foundation, cream bronzer, cream blush, and cream highlight. It is the perfect shape and density to blend and apply all those types of liquid and cream products."
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