13 Best Foundation Brushes, As Per A Makeup Artist (2024)
Get your cheeky makeup on point with the most ergonomically designed foundation brush.
Alysha Tucker is a certified permanent makeup artist, specializing in brows and lips. She is also the owner of Blush Baby Los Angeles. After graduating in 2018 from Elite Permanent Makeup in Santa Monica, CA, Alysha, has worked alongside some of California's best permanent makeup artists and tattoo artists, and completed several rigorous apprenticeships.
Read full bio of Alysha Tucker
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
Read full bio of Srijita De
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
While many people believe that our good-old hands do the trick, the best foundation brushes are the secret to even and effortless application. It helps the product blend easily onto the skin and gives you a flawless and non-cakey finish. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got the best foundation in the world with you; it is of no use if you don’t have the best foundation brush. To get your hands on the best one, check out our list of the best 13 foundation brushes to choose yours.
In This Article
13 Best Foundation Brushes For An Even, Precise Makeup Finish
1. Best For Beginners And Experts:Bestope Makeup Brushes
The Bestope Makeup Brushes (a set of 16 brushes) cover the eyes, nose, lips, cheeks, forehead, and even hard-to-reach spots on your face to give a perfect makeup finish. These brushes are made of soft and dense synthetic fibers to spread any liquid, powder, or cream foundation evenly on your face without shedding or smudging. The multi-sized brushes can be used to apply foundation, primer, powder, lip color, and gel eyeliners.
The bristles are soft to provide a high-definition airbrushed look and sculpted face. The top-quality ferrule and wood material offers a comfortable grip while applying makeup. This brush set is ideal for contouring, blending, shading, and highlighting. Alysha Tucker, a permanent makeup artist, says, “Wash these brushes with a mild soap or brush cleanser and let them air dry upside down overnight before use. Clean brushes last longer and work better”
- Suitable for beginners and experts
- Made of premium synthetic fibers
- No absorption of the product
- No shedding
- Durable
- Comfortable grip
- Cruelty-free
- Not odorless
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 6,617 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
2. Best Ergonomic Design:Keshima Flat Top Kabuki Foundation Brush
The Keshima Flat Top Kabuki Foundation Brush comes with a flat head, perfect for buffing and blending foundation. You can use it to apply a lightweight liquid, cream, or mineral foundation to the flat areas of the face evenly without shedding. The bristles are made of soft synthetic fibers that don’t absorb the foundation. This high-quality, foundation brush is easy to clean. It is a perfect tool for a streak-free, patch-free finish with medium to full coverage.
- Super-dense bristles
- Streak-free
- No shedding
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable grip
- No absorbption of product
- Ergonomic design
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
None
StyleCraze TriviaWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 30,889 great reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Long-Lasting Results:Beauty Junkees Angled Kabuki Foundation Brush
The Beauty Junkees Angled Kabuki Foundation Brush with soft angled bristles helps you apply, blend, and buff cream, liquid, or powder foundation seamlessly. The synthetic bristles made of Takloncontour your cheekbones and face to create a natural look.
This foundation brush does not absorb any pigment and is easy to clean, much like makeup buffs. It is vegan, cruelty-free, and has an ideal density for even application of blush or foundation. The wide bristles cover the apples of your cheeks, and the soft angle fits their natural contour. You can use this long-lasting brush for contouring, highlighting, and setting various makeup products. Several reviewers on Amazon liked this product as it delivers an even, streak-free finish and sculpted effect.
- Seamless application
- Wide bristles
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Easy to clean
- No shedding
- Do not absorb pigment
- Long-lasting
- Comfortable grip
- Affordable
None
Bestope Makeup Brushes Best For Beginners And Experts | Keshima Flat Top Kabuki Foundation Brush Best Ergonomic Design | Beauty Junkees Angled Kabuki Foundation Brush Best Long-Lasting Results | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrule Material | Aluminum | Copper | Copper |
| Handle Material | Wood | - | Wood |
| Skin Type | NormalColor | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, NormalColor |
| Dimensions | 9.84 x 6.69 x 0.79 inches | 5.71 x 0.91 x 0.91 inches | 1.5 x 1.5 x 6 inches |
| Weight | 6.74 Ounces | 0.71 Ounces | 1.4 Ounces |
| Material | - | Synthetic Fibers | - |
| Color | - | Black | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 6,617 | 30,889 | 1,030 |
| Price | $9.99 | $10.0 | $13.97 |
4. Best Steak-Free Use:Real Techniques Foundation Brush
This foundation brush by Real Techniques helps buff and blend liquid foundation evenly on your skin. The firm, synthetic bristles are not tested on animals and offer seamless application. This foundation brush is easy to clean and provides a streak-free, natural finish. It offers medium to full, even coverage without being patchy. This multi-purpose foundation brush helps contour, conceal, and highlight your skin smoothly.
- Easy to clean
- Steak-free
- Patch-free
- Seamless application
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 13,065 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
5. Best Waterproof Optiion:Sigma Beauty Flat Kabuki F80 Foundation Brush
The Sigma Beauty Flat Kabuki F80 Foundation Brush is made of synthetic Sigma Tech and Sigmamax fibers for better hold of cream, powder, or liquid foundation. The uniquely designed soft bristles do not absorb any pigment and offer easy, seamless blending and buffing of makeup essentials.
The ferrules are made of corrosion-resistant sigma alloy with metal plating to give the perfect shine and strength. The patent interlocking-technology and double threaded engineering enhance the functionality of ferrules and make the brush long-lasting. The sleek, durable handle is made of solid polymer that is unbreakable and waterproof. This award-winning brush is antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, vegan, and cruelty-free.
- Vegan
- Antimicrobial
- Hypoallergenic
- Ergonomic design
- Corrosion-resistant
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Easy to clean
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 3,535 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
6. Best For Flawless Finish:NYX Professional Makeup Foundation Brush
Take your complexion from flat to fierce with this NYX Professional Makeup Foundation Brush which is an ideal beauty tool for professionals and beginners alike. It blends liquid foundation evenly with the skin tone without shedding. The ultra-soft and flexible synthetic bristles reach every part of your face to give a gorgeous look.
The angled-shaped top with inward curve glides seamlessly to fit the natural face curves and hard-to-reach spots for a precise application and flawless finish. This brush can also be used to blend liquid illuminators, primers, and bronzers. It is vegan, cruelty-free, and features ergonomic handles for a firm hold. Reviewers highly recommend this brush owing to its soft bristles and ergonomic design.
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Ergonomic design
- Ultra-soft bristles
- Easy to carry
- Affordable
- May cause itchiness
7. Best For Professional Use:Artis Elite Oval 7 Brush
The Artis Elite Oval 7 Brush is an all-rounder make-up tool. Its cosmefibre bristles work beautifully with all formulas (liquid, cream and powder) and can be used to blend foundation, concealer, blush and bronzer for a flawless airbrush effect. Further, the dense fiber bundles and their tapered-end design make the brush super soft and suitable for all skin types.
This professional makeup brush is made of premium quality metal alloy and has an ergonomically designed grip pad that effectively distributes weight, making maneuvering the brush super easy. Moreover, the airbrushed foundation brush’s head is positioned to imitate the way you use your fingers to blend in makeup.
- Soft touch
- Compatible with all formulas
- Easy application
- Expensive
8. Best Budget-Friendly Product:EcoTools Wonder Cover Complexion
The Eco Tools Wonder Cover Complexion brush features 100,000 bristles for full coverage of liquid and cream foundation coverage quickly. It is environment-friendly and made of recycled aluminum and plastic. The ergonomic handle is crafted with renewable bamboo for a comfortable grip. This lightweight foundation brush is durable, budget-friendly, and provides an airbrushed finish and gorgeous glow. Plus, this brand is devoted to animal welfare and does not test on animals.
- Provides full coverage
- Suitable for wet and dry makeup
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Tree-free packaging
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to carry
- Comfortable grip
- Ergonomic design
None
9. Best Versatile Use:e.l.f. Flawless Face Brush
This Flawless Face Brush from e.l.f is perfectly suitable for blending and contouring purposes. Its soft synthetic bristles are gentle on the skin, animal-test-free, and let you apply makeup with just a light touch for a flawless effect. The product’s two-sided application makes it suitable for applying different make-up products at once. You can use the broad, flat side of the brush for applying powder over a large area and the narrow end for precise bronze or blush applications. The brush also tapers at the head to target sculpting of the face.
- Easy to clean
- Durable
- Budget-friendly
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 4,918 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
10. Best Anti-Bacterial Brush: Lamora Flat Top Kabuki Foundation Brush
Lamora’s Flat Top Kabuki Foundation Brush comes with a flat brush head that is made of extremely dense, soft, durable, premium-quality synthetic bristles to ensure smooth makeup application. Its large head and wooden handle make blending makeup a hassle-free task, giving you exceptional results. It lets you build full coverage and effectively conceals minor spots, fine lines and acne. The brush is easy to clean and prevents bacteria, making it a low-maintenance, hygienic tool to add to your makeup kit. Reviews on Amazon indicate that this brush works efficiently and is soft on the skin.
- Vegan
- Long-lasting
- Easy to use
- Non-patchy application
- Cruelty-free
- May shed
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 9,608 rave reviews on Amazon.
11. Best For Full Coverage:bareMinerals Foundation Brush
The bareMinerals Foundation Brush holds loose foundation powder for sheer-to-full coverage. It features a skirted silhouette with a rounded center that distributes and blends powder evenly with the skin. This makeup brush is made with luxurious synthetic fibers that stay intact with a clear plastic sleeve. The patent-pending design with elongated fibers on the outside and the convex dome center ensures quick, flawless application.
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- Provides sheer-to-full coverage
- Easy to use
None
12. Best Travel-Friendly: IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush #6
The IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush #6 is quite handy when it comes to blurring the appearance of your wrinkles and pores. Its densely packed, soft, synthetic bristles coupled with a soft touch handle ensure natural airbrushed results every time.
This award-winning brush’s precision-cut head evenly distributes the foundation and allows you to build or buff effortlessly. Further, its ergonomic design is easy to hold and perfectly fits into your make-up kit, making it quite travel-friendly. Reviewers liked this product as it makes foundation application a breeze.
- Budget-friendly
- Does not absorb the foundation
- Cruelty-free
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- May shed
13. Best No-Shedding Brush:DUcare Foundation Flat Brush
DUcare’s Foundation Flat Brush is a premium kabuki brush made of 100% vegan, cruelty-free synthetic fiber bristles that guarantee smooth makeup application. Its dense fiber bristles go through an 80-step process that completely removes any chance of shedding. The bristles also do not absorb makeup, preventing patches and streaking, making the brush perfect for blending cream, powder, and liquid formulas. This also makes cleaning the brush very easy.
- Dense, soft bristles
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Too stiff for buffing
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 18,291 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
These are the 13 best foundation brushes that you can buy online. Let’s now look at the different types of foundation brushes and their uses.
Types Of Foundation Brushes
- Dense Flat-Topped Foundation Brush: These foundation brushes spread the powder foundation evenly. Dense, flat-topped brushes are also referred to as kabuki brushes or buffing brushes. The dense bristles form a uniformly flat top, and the angled design enables you to reach the facial curves. It provides seamless and streak-free coverage.
- Flat Foundation Brush: These types of brushes are used for dual-action – blending foundation and applying a face mask. The brushes look like regular synthetic fibers, and the flat side glides smoothly on the skin.
- Medium Flat-Topped Foundation Brush: Its dense, flat-topped brush head enables effortless makeup application.
- Stippling Foundation Brush: They are referred to as dual-fiber brushes with long bristles that buff and blend the foundation for an airbrush finish.
Consider the following factors while selecting foundation brushes for your makeup kit.
Things To Consider While Buying Foundation Brushes
- Bristles: Loose bristles might shed the foundation. Thus, check the design of foundation brushes. The bristles should be made of synthetic or natural material that is durable and soft on the skin. Ensure that the bristles are easy to clean and do not absorb any pigments or dirt.
- Handle: The handle should be ergonomically designed with a comfortable grip. It should be made of materials like metal, plastic, ceramic, or wood. Avoid fancy handles as they are fragile and break easily.
- Ferrule: The ferrule of the brush should be strong enough to hold the bristles securely in place. It should not be loose or wobbly. The ferrule should be made of metals like chrome, aluminum, or brass as they are rust-resistant and do not bend or dent easily.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right foundation to ace your makeup base is not enough. You need to get your hands on the best foundation brushes that will enable you to apply and blend your foundation effortlessly and create a celebrity-inspired, statement-making look. These brushes will give you a flawless and non-cakey finish. For an affordable option, Bestope Makeup Brushes get the job done perfectly, while the Artis Elite Oval 7 Brush is a luxury option that boasts of a unique and innovative design. However, if you are looking for flawless finish and prefer ergonomic design, the Real Techniques Foundation Brush is ideal. Consider the bristles, handle, and ferrule while choosing the best foundation brushes to add to your makeup kit. The ones reviewed in the curated list have dense bristles, offer a comfortable grip, do not shed, and are easy to clean. Most of these brushes are vegan and cruelty-free, making them a safe option, especially for sensitive skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Baishali Bhattacharya, the author of this article, is certified in makeup artistry. Her interest in trying out different foundation brushes and reviewing them for her readers have resulted in the list of best foundation brushes available on the market. She read hundreds of online reviews on trusted platforms to pick the products. These brushes offer full coverage, a flawless look, and a non-cakey finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between foundation brush and sponge?
Foundation brushes, short or long, do not absorb any pigments. They also prevent shedding, and provide medium to full coverage. However, sponges absorb pigments, and blending might get sticky.
What type of brush is best for liquid foundation?
A flat-topped kabuki foundation brush is perfect for blending liquid foundation.
Is it better to apply a liquid foundation with a brush?
Yes, it is easy and better to apply a liquid foundation with a brush.
Why does my foundation brush leave streaks?
A foundation brush tends to leave streaks on your face. To prevent this, take a small amount of foundation on your palm, swirl the tip of the brush around it and apply in a circular motion for a flawless finish.
How often should I clean my foundation brush?
You should clean the foundation brush once a week.
Should the foundation brush be wet or dry?
Generally, foundation brushes are used dry. However, if the skin is too dry, makeup artists dampen the brush before applying the product.
Why does my foundation brush leave streaks?
Use soft, circular motions and avoid large sweeping motions while applying the product with your foundation brush to avoid streaks.
Should I clean my foundation brush after every use?
No, clean your brushes once a week to maintain them in a good state.
Can you use micellar water to clean foundation brushes?
Yes, micellar water cleans the makeup off your face and brushes.
Read full bio of Alysha Tucker
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Read full bio of Srijita De
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