How to Choose a Foundation Brush

If you’re looking to give your complexion a smooth and airbrushed look, it’s important to invest in the right foundation brush. With our help, you can get the best one for your skin type and coverage goal.

Makeup artist Jeannie Vincent says the best foundation brush foundation brush for you will depend on your skin’s needs. Keep reading for her top picks, along with a reminder to always wash brushes regularly to prevent bacteria build-up.

1. Soft bristles

The bristles on a foundation brush are one of the most important factors in how your makeup looks. The softer the bristles, the better they will blend into your skin. There are many different shapes and types of bristles, so experiment with them to find what you like best. Some brushes are designed for specific finishes, such as full coverage or an airbrushed look. Others, such as the Morphe M707 Oval Foundation Brush, are perfect for applying powder foundations.

The soft, dense design of this brush makes it easy to use for both dabbing and gliding liquid foundations onto the complexion. It also helps create a smooth, even finish without any streaks. The bristles are incredibly soft and durable, which means it is easy to clean and will last you for years.

For a more intense coverage, opt for a firm Kabuki-style brush with flat topped bristles and a short handle. This type of brush can be used with a variety of foundations, including cream, mineral and powder makeup. Just be sure to keep it clean so that the bristles don’t get too clumped together with product.

2. Dense bristles

The density of the bristles on your foundation brush makes a big difference in how much product they pick up and spread. If you want a more full coverage look, reach for a flat-top kabuki foundation brush with densely packed bristles that make it easy to buff liquid or cream foundations like our Green People Stay Vulnerable Liquid Foundation onto your skin in small circular buffing motions. The angled brush head is also ideal for working around the jawline and hairline, so you can avoid harsh makeup lines.

If you prefer a lighter coverage, consider a more lightly-packed brush with less dense bristles. Our 104 Dual Fiber Face Brush has super soft, yet densely packed bristles that are perfect for applying blush or pressed powder. To use, gently dip the brush into your chosen product on the back of your hand and dab it gently to load up the bristles. Then, lightly tap off any excess to avoid over-applying.

If you’re using a pressed powder foundation, you can also opt for a slightly less dense Kabuki-style brush like our 102 Face Brush. The curved brush bristles pick up slightly less of the product, giving you a more sheer look that is easily buildable.

3. Rounded bristles

A foundation brush should have rounded bristles that are densely packed for blending and buffing. This shape allows the product to be spread evenly across your skin for a natural, smooth finish. These brushes can be used with liquid, cream and powder products. Round bristles are also great for a variety of makeup applications, like contouring, highlighting and concealer.

The bristle shape and density is important but you need to consider what type of makeup you use and the coverage you want to achieve. If you use a full-coverage mineral foundation, then a brush with rounded bristles will be better than a flat or angled-shaped one because it will deposit more product.

Rounded bristles are also good for a powder foundation because they work well with setting sprays and will help your makeup stay put. You can find a rounded foundation brush at most beauty stores and online retailers.

Regardless of what kind of makeup you’re using, it is best to use a clean brush when applying it. That means regularly washing it with soap and water or a professional brush cleaner to keep it looking soft and fresh. It is also best to invest in a high-quality, vegan and cruelty-free brush because they’ll last longer and you won’t have to replace them as often. You can also get multiple foundation brushes so you have a couple on hand to use with different formulas or for specific makeup applications.

4. Flat bristles

If you’re going for an airbrushed finish, a flat foundation brush with short bristles will help you achieve it. The bristles are flat-topped and densely packed so they can lay down foundation brush customized a lot of product for a full coverage, or buff it in with light strokes for a more natural look.

A flat brush also works well with powder for setting your makeup, whether it’s a face powder, contour powder or cheek stain. The flat brush will pat down the powder gently to lock it into place, avoiding any blemishes or colour changes.

The only downside to a flat foundation brush is that it’s more likely to be dusty than rounded ones as the bristles aren’t shaped to easily trap any loose debris or excess product. This is why it’s important to use a clean, dry brush after each application so you don’t waste any of your expensive powder or risk wiping off any of your hard work.

If you need more than just a light touch of powder, try using a densely packed flat Kabuki brush with curved or tapered bristles like the Koyudo Fu-Pa02. These brushes are less densely packed than flat top ones so they’ll pick up slightly less product and provide a look closer to medium coverage. They’re great for working mineral makeup into the nooks and crannies of the face too, and are also suitable for pressed and loose powder foundations.