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Foundation is the base for all our makeup; the rest of your makeup must sit nicely on top. 

Whether you’re looking to smooth out your insecurities with your new creamy, liquid, or powder foundation, finding the best foundation brush up for the job can be tricky. 

We’re all looking for that dreamy finish, right? 

I’ve had my fair share of foundation brushes over the year, and trust me, I’ve had some bad ones that leave your foundation a streaky, crusty mess- yuck. 

But over the years, I’ve got to the nitty-gritty details of what makes the best foundation brushes, and you’ll want to stay tuned. Everyone is different; therefore, finding the right foundation brush for your foundation and skin can be challenging. 

Now:

Don’t panic; I’m here to help. I’ve scaled and searched through many different foundation brushes to find the most versatile brushes that will blend your foundation flawlessly, even on sensitive skin.

We’ve spent the time so you don’t have to:
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Top Picks of the Best Foundation Brushes

1.

BeautyBlender Original Pink Makeup Sponge

Beauty blenders have become a growing trend due to blogger recommendations, and people are raving about these egg-like foundation sponges. Unlike other dupes, BeautyBlender steals the number one spot for the best beauty blender.

Beautyblender’s unique, the smooth shape allows a streak-free application. The award-winning aqua-activated sponge grows to about twice its size so that you can use the minimal product for your flawless base and smooth finish.

The large rounded surface area ensures quick and easy application, but the contoured tips allow precision, brilliant for on the go.

But there’s more:

This blender is made out of non-toxic, water-soluble dyes that are completely cruelty-free and vegan. So not only is this blender brilliant for giving you a professional finish that’s ready to hold the rest of your makeup- without the streaks.

This sponge goes with me wherever I go; it’s even handy to top up a bit of foundation throughout the day.

Pros
  • Easy, streak-free application
  • Non-toxic
  • Aqua-activated
  • Can be used for all kinds of makeup
Cons
  • None

Latest deal: BeautyBlender Original Pink Makeup Sponge

2.

EcoTools Wonder Complexion Makeup Brush

best foundation brush for liquid foundation

EcoTools Wonder collection brush is something you’ll want to add to your collection; it is designed with 100,000 bristles for the full coverage look in a blink of an eye, wet or dry.

This brush can help cover skin conditions like rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and blemishes with your favorite liquid or cream foundation.

I love EcoTools makeup brushes because they are all PETA certified, meaning they are completely cruelty-free and vegan.

But wait.

They are also made out of recycled aluminum, recyclable packaging, and renewable bamboo, the fastest growing planet. You can’t beat it with these features and the flawless finish it will give your skin.

Pros
  • Blends foundation beautifully
  • Help cover skin conditions
  • Cruelty-free and vegan
  • Sustainably made
Cons
  • None

Latest deal: EcoTools Wonder Complexion Makeup Brush

3.

Real Techniques Professional Foundation Makeup Brush

Quality makeup brushes are important; they pick up and distribute the product evenly without leaving any streaks and blend out all impurities and uneven parts of your skin.

Real techniques firmly packed, duo-fiber bristles make buffing cream and foundation a dream; its domed head allows you to reach even the smallest spaces that can be easily missed with other foundation brushes.

Just dot your foundation where needed, then use the brush in circular motions to blend out and cover blemishes.

These smooth bristles are perfect for buffing foundation, even on the most sensitive skin, all while being cruelty-free and a must-have in your brush set.

Pros
  • Smooths products evenly without leaving streaks
  • Buffs foundation like a dream
  • Easy to use
  • Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons
  • Issues ordering through Amazon

Latest deal: Real Techniques Professional Foundation Makeup Brush

4.

Sigma Beauty F80 Flat Kabuki Brush

The F80 flat kabuki brush is amazing for blending and buffing your foundation, thanks to its soft and dense fibers.

The F80 provides a flawless, high-definition finish that is a perfect match for liquid or cream foundation without absorbing all of the product.

The short and dense bristles make it super easy to buff your liquid foundation, while the long handle adds comfort to your makeup application.

Now, what does this mean for you?

The flat head is brilliant for the flat surfaces of your face, like the cheeks, so you can have a flawless finish without using too much product.

The premium filaments are engineered for outstanding softness, heat, chemical resistance, mechanical strength, and durability.

It will blend your foundation like a dream and give an excellent base for the rest of your makeup to sit on.

Pros
  • Soft, dense fibers
  • It doesn’t absorb the product
  • Buff and blend foundation
  • Flat surface ideal for blending flat parts of your face
Cons
  • Issues through Amazon

Latest deal: Sigma Beauty F80 Flat Kabuki Brush

5.

Real Techniques Face Makeup Blender Brush

best foundation blending brush

Buff and blend like a pro with Real Techniques Blender brush for a flawless, full coverage look.

The small, dense, domed bristles will blend perfectly with your foundation to give you a smooth, silky base for your makeup.

Now, let me tell you.

All you need to do is dab into your favorite base, press onto the skin, and blend until the color is mixed. These bristles are more durable and safer for your skin with a liquid foundation.

It is also handbag size, so you can take this buffer on the go to top your makeup up during the day– whether you’re at work or out with friends.

This little gem is a must-have in your foundation brush kit.

Pros
  • Small, dense, domed bristles
  • Blends foundation easily
  • Durable
  • Ideal for sensitive skin
Cons
  • Quite small

Latest deal: Real Techniques Face Makeup Blender Brush

6.

E.L.F. Cosmetics Small Stipple Brush

Now, if you’re looking for a small, simple stipple brush to create a soft, natural layer of foundation for an airbrushed look, you must check out E.l.f’s stipple brush.

It offers two layers of bristles, the to delicately apply your foundation in dots and the denser bottom to blend and smooth your foundation into your skin until you achieve the smooth, silky finish.

Now:

It is ideal for liquid, cream, and even powder products. All you need to do is apply using the top bristles, apply little dots close together, then apply more pressure to blend out your foundation perfectly.

If you’re looking for a super affordable but high-quality option, then you must try this out; you won’t regret it!

Pros
  • Leaves skin looking airbrushed
  • Gentle to apply and blend with the denser bottom
  • Ideal for liquid, cream or powder
  • High-quality bristles
Cons
  • Quite small brush

Latest deal: E.L.F. Cosmetics Small Stipple Brush

7.

Lamora Foundation Kabuki Flat Top Brush

best brush for mineral foundation

I cannot wait to tell you about this product; it is the best foundation brush you will find; it is super soft, silky, and will apply your foundation base like a dream.

The flat kabuki brush is brilliant for everyday makeup, blending your imperfections into oblivion. Do you have a pesky spot scar that needs covering? Then you absolutely need this brush.

But wait, there’s more:

The high-quality synthetic bristles can apply liquid, cream, and powdered foundation without absorbing the product like other brushes. But wait, it is also completely cruelty-free and vegan so that you can apply your makeup guilt-free.

Just use it with your favorite foundation and blend out until you have your desired consistency and finish– for an Amazon brush, this Lamora is absolutely brilliant. This is the best brush for mineral foundation.

Pros
  • Super affordable
  • Cruelty-free and vegan
  • Soft, dense, silky bristles
  • Blends in the foundation like a dream
Cons
  • Issues with shedding bristles

Latest deal: Lamora Foundation Kabuki Flat Top Brush

The Best Foundation Brushes-- A Buyer’s guide

Now you’ve found a new foundation that you’re dying to try, and you’ve come to my page to find the best makeup brushes to blend your foundation until it’s silky smooth, you’re at the right place.

Finding a foundation brush that works for both your skin and foundation isn’t the easiest job in the world; finding a good foundation is the first step, but it’s never easy to find a foundation brush to go with it.

Plus, with so many different types of foundation brushes, it isn’t easy to know which one you should be buying for sure.

Not to worry, though, in this guide, if you decide that none of the brushes above is for you, I’m here to break down all the confusing features of the different types of foundation brushes and how to choose which one is right for you.

Let’s get into it.

Different Types Of Foundation Brushes:

Firstly let’s break down the different types of makeup brushes you can get; this will help decide which one you’re going to need. 

Stippling Brush:

To put it simply, a stippling brush is used to stipple foundation onto your skin using dots, giving you a thin, streak-free finish.

Stippling brushes are designed to dot your foundation onto your skin and blend out to give a flawless finish; the closer the dots, the better the finish. 

The bottom of the brush is much denser than the top, which is more flexible and delicate. The bottom is used to blend out the dots until you get the finish you’re looking for instead of absorbing the product.

It can be used to blur out imperfections like acne and acne scars. It is ideal for someone looking for a more natural look. 

Just use the delicate bristles on the top to dot your liquid foundation around your face, and then use the denser bristles to blend it in until it reaches your desired finish. 

Buffing Brush:

A buffing brush is often made out of densely packed synthetic or natural bristles that are much more durable than the stippling brush. They are often the same length to give the brush a flat top. 

You will find that these brushes come in various sizes; the smaller ones are much easier to maneuver around the nooks and crannies of your face, like around your nose and eyes. 

A buffing brush is used to apply, blend and buff foundation into your skin and can be used for liquid, creams, and powdered foundations. All you need to do is apply then rub in circular motions until the foundation is perfectly blended. 

Blending sponge:

A blending sponge is used to apply and blend your foundation to give you an airbrushed finish without using the brushes. 

The best way to use a foundation sponge is to wet it under the water (unless you want it to suck up all the product) and blend in circular motions until the foundation is perfectly blended. 

Use the whole sponge for different parts of your face; the smaller parts can be used for smaller areas like around the eyes. 

Tapered foundation brushes:

Tapered foundations brushes are often flat and have less of a full form as to other brushes. These brushes are best for liquid foundation, in combination with another brush. 

The best way to apply foundation with a tapered foundation brush is to go in even strokes, work from the middle outwards to prevent any harsh lines. 

I would definitely recommend using this brush with another brush to make sure everything is blended for an even finish. 

All of these brushes can be used together; it’s down to preference, really. I like applying my foundation with a buffing brush, blending it out, then use a makeup sponge for the finishing touches to ensure I have even coverage.

Frequently asked Questions

How do you apply foundation with a brush?

The best way to apply foundation is to apply your moisturizer/primer and let that soak in for a minute or two. The top tip makes sure the primer matches your foundation type. Otherwise, they won’t blend.

 I like to apply my foundation in dots, working my way from the bottom to the top of my face; I will then grab the brush and buff in a circular motion to blend the dots. 

I will then apply foundation on my wrist and use the brush to fill in any extra spots I missed. I will then soak a makeup sponge until it is damp and blend the rest of my foundation for a minute or two for an airbrushed, even, and full coverage look. 

How do you wash a foundation brush?

First things first, you need to wet the bristles with lukewarm water; I like to rub the bristles under the running tap with my hand for a minute or two before going in with a cleanser to help break down the buildup. 

Place a drop of your cleanser into the palm of your clean hand or makeup brush cleansing mat and massage the bristles for a few minutes. Rinse and repeat until your foundation brush is clean and the running water is clear after rinsing. 

Squeeze out the excess moisture and leave it to dry on a towel on its side. 

Check out my full guide as to how to clean all your makeup brushes here.

Summary

In this guide today, we have gone through the best foundation brushes to give you a flawless, airbrushed finish. Foundation is the base for the rest of your makeup to sit on; it is the most important step.

The difference between a bad brush and a good brush is the finish it will leave on your skin; it could mean the difference between a well-blended finish and a streaky one.

Lucky for you, whatever you choose from my guide today will blend and buff your foundation like a dream.

jess rowley

Jess Rowley

Cheif Editor & Nail Technician Expert

ABOUT

Jess Rowley, a veteran nail tech, has been studying beauty over the last 11 years and has completed the nail technology program in California. Watching the latest trends in beauty, Jess searches for the highest quality products that make your nails feel loved.