Best Foundation Brushes
When it comes to getting flawless foundation, the tools you choose are essential, and whether you are after a full coverage finish or a natural barely there look; the best foundation brushes will make the world of difference. The huge range of foundation options out there can make finding the best foundation brush a difficult task, and every type of brush will leave you with a slightly different finish. Perhaps you love the natural finish that can only be achieved from a stipple brush, or you crave perfectly blended pores from a buffer brush? Whatever foundation look you like to rock, the perfect brush will help you perfect your make-up effortlessly.
Getting your hands on the foundation brush of your dreams can be a struggle, especially with the range of options available. Foundation brushes come in various shapes and sizes, each designed and perfected for a different look or foundation type, making finding a brush that works with your skin type and favourite foundation a real challenge. The list of foundation types out there is extensive; ranging from creams, powders, liquids and minerals to different formulations of finishes and skin types. Each of these different foundations has its own unique setting speed which is vital to remember whilst applying, and there are various techniques for applying them such as buffing, swiping, patting and stippling.
The way your foundation is applied is equally as important as the type and quality of the product itself; you will never achieve flawless coverage with the incorrect tools for the job. Trying to choose which make up brushes to invest it can be challenging, especially as there are so many options available, and millions of different brushes that each claim to give you the perfect finish. The fact is, different brushes need to be used with different products, so if you are looking for the best brush for powder foundation, it is going to be different to the best brush for liquid foundation.
We have reviewed some of the top selling and highly rated foundation brushes on the market. If you are after the best brush for oily skin or the best foundation buffing brush, browse through these popular foundation brushes to discover what works best for you and your make up regime.
This guide has been written by:
Rachel Simms
Senior Editor (Health & Beauty Makeup)
- Best Foundation Brushes
- The Verdicts
- bareMinerals Beautiful Finish Brush review
- NARS Botan Kabuki Artisan Brush review
- Sisley Powder Brush review
- Dior Light Coverage Foundation Brush review
- RMS Beauty Skin2Skin Foundation Brush review
- Make Up Brush Foundation Kabuki Flat Top review
- Too Faced Kabuki Brush review
- Jane Iredale Kabuki Brush review
- Sigma Beauty F80 - Flat Kabukitm review
- Revlon Foundation Brush review
- Best Foundation Brushes Buyers Guide
The Verdicts
1
bareMinerals Beautiful Finish Brush
Our Verdict
Brand: Bare Minerals
Price Range: ££
PROS
Luxuriously soft
Extra-large brush for fast yet even coverage
CONS
Can only be used for powder and mineral foundations; this brush is not designed for liquid foundations or other powder make ups such as bronzers or blushers
This Bare Minerals brush was actually designed specifically to be paired with their mineral foundation, however it is perfect for use with any face powder. The convex centre and synthetic fibers give an even coverage without being flaky or caked-on. The large brush size makes application quick and easy, saving valuable getting ready time in the morning!
2
NARS Botan Kabuki Artisan Brush
Our Verdict
Brand: Nars
Price Range: £££
PROS
Large brush size is perfect for blending and quick foundation application
Natural goat hair bristles for even coverage
CONS
Large brush can’t be used for definition or sculpting
Natural fibres can collect product and be difficult to clean
This domed, goat-hair brush is perfect for blending and buffing with loose powder foundations. The short, chunky handle and soft yet dense bristles give an easy and flaw-free application. As this brush is made from completely natural fibers, it distributes the foundations evenly over the skin.
3
Sisley Powder Brush
Our Verdict
Brand: Sisley
Price Range: ££
PROS
Large, round brush shape for full coverage and natural finish
Synthetic bristles are luxuriously soft
CONS
Can only be used for powder and mineral foundations; this brush is not designed for liquid foundations or other powder make ups such as bronzers or blushers.
The Sisley Powder Brush makes powder foundation application easy and efficient thanks to the rounded head. The wavy synthetic fibres are luxuriously soft and specifically designed to provide a natural, matte finish and full coverage. Sisley have worked with French master brush maker, Raphael, to develop professional and high quality make-up brushes.
4
Dior Light Coverage Foundation Brush
Our Verdict
Brand: Dior
Price Range: ££
PROS
Dense bristles for full coverage
Angled design for precise application
CONS
Dense synthetic bristles are difficult to clean and collect product easily
This awesome foundation brush is super dense which makes it great for liquid foundations and for getting a flawless full coverage look. The synthetic bristles are angled to help get foundation into harder to reach areas and are beautifully soft to the touch. Whist the densely packed fibres of the brush provide beautiful full coverage and easy application, they are notoriously difficult to keep clean.
5
RMS Beauty Skin2Skin Foundation Brush
Our Verdict
Brand: RMS Beauty
Price Range: £££
PROS
Unique and dense swirl design for a perfectly natural finish
Long and short bristles to reach every curve on your face
CONS
Unusual design takes some getting used to – but once you’ve got the hang of it the results are flawless!
This unique swirl designed brush is perfect for those who love the look achieved from applying foundation with your fingertips. This innovative foundation brush gives that all-natural finish, without risking clogged pores from fingertip application. The fibres are tightly layered into a swirl pattern to mimic skin-to-skin application and provide a flawless natural finish.
6
Make Up Brush Foundation Kabuki Flat Top
Our Verdict
Brand: Beauty Junkees
Price Range: £
PROS
Flat top design for medium to heavy coverage
Dense bristles for an even application
CONS
Not ideal for achieving a natural and light finish
This Beauty Junkee flat-top brush is an absolute bargain and perfect for applying and blending full coverage liquid foundation. This foundation brush will give you an effortlessly airbrushed finish and is versatile enough to use with creams and powders as well as liquid products. The high density bristles provide even application whilst also being lusciously soft to touch.
7
Too Faced Kabuki Brush
Our Verdict
Brand: Too Faced
Price Range: ££
PROS
Completely cruelty free
Retractable design for varied coverage
CONS
A common fault is that the casing can be easily broken
This beautifully soft foundation brush is a firm favourite for mineral foundation application, the domed shape is retractable which allows you to slide the sleeve up or down to change the denseness of the coverage. If you want to achieve a lightweight natural look for the office and then a more full-on foundation finish for that big night out; this is the brush for you. The super soft bristles provide easy and fast application of mineral foundation and are super easy to clean and maintain. Portable and lightweight, perfect for quick touch ups whilst out and about. Soft ‘Teddy Bear’ hair bristles.
8
Jane Iredale Kabuki Brush
Our Verdict
Brand: Jane Iredale
Price Range: ££
PROS
Luxuriously soft bristles
Vegan friendly and cruelty free
CONS
Not ideal for pressed powders, liquid or cream foundations
The Jane Iredale Kabuki Brush is large and soft to provide a gentle application for mineral foundation. With a choice of either goat hair or Naturon bristles, this foundation brush gives a light natural coverage without being too caked or flaky. This brush is completely cruelty free, and the rose gold version is also vegan friendly. It is perfect low applying and blending loose mineral foundations for a flawless and natural look.
9
Sigma Beauty F80 - Flat Kabukitm
Our Verdict
Brand: Sigma Beauty
Price Range: £
PROS
Flat-top design
Dense, non-absorbent bristles
CONS
Not versatile enough to be used with powder or mineral foundations
This premium brush is one of the best on the market for buffing and blending foundations. Perfect for applying liquid and cream foundations as the unique brush head fibres don’t absorb product, instead the foundation sits above the bristles ready to be buffed over the face easily. The flat top design and soft yet dense natural fibres provide a flawless, air-brushed finish. The non-absorbent fibres also make this brush easy to clean and maintain.
10
Revlon Foundation Brush
Our Verdict
Brand: Revlon
Price Range: £
PROS
Flat brush shape for full coverage application
Luxury synthetic bristles
CONS
Best to be followed by a buffing or blending brush to get a completely streak free finish
This flat brush style foundation brush is ideal for flawless application and full coverage finish on oily skin. The luxury bristles are perfectly soft and allow liquid and cream foundations to glide onto skin effortlessly. The specially designed unique handle offers ultimate comfort and grip, as well as a sleek finish. Made using quality synthetic fibres, this brush is great for building up layers to give full control over the coverage you desire.
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bareMinerals Beautiful Finish Brush | Brand: Bare Minerals Price Range: ££
PROS Luxuriously soft Extra-large brush for fast yet even coverage
CONS Can only be used for powder and mineral foundations; this brush is not designed for liquid foundations or other powder make ups such as bronzers or blushers This Bare Minerals brush was actually designed specifically to be paired with their mineral foundation, however it is perfect for use with any face powder. The convex centre and synthetic fibers give an even coverage without being flaky or caked-on. The large brush size makes application quick and easy, saving valuable getting ready time in the morning!
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CHECK PRICE | |
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NARS Botan Kabuki Artisan Brush | Brand: Nars Price Range: £££
PROS Large brush size is perfect for blending and quick foundation application Natural goat hair bristles for even coverage
CONS Large brush can’t be used for definition or sculpting Natural fibres can collect product and be difficult to clean
This domed, goat-hair brush is perfect for blending and buffing with loose powder foundations. The short, chunky handle and soft yet dense bristles give an easy and flaw-free application. As this brush is made from completely natural fibers, it distributes the foundations evenly over the skin. |
CHECK PRICE | |
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Sisley Powder Brush | Brand: Sisley
PROS Large, round brush shape for full coverage and natural finish
Synthetic bristles are luxuriously soft
CONS Can only be used for powder and mineral foundations; this brush is not designed for liquid foundations or other powder make ups such as bronzers or blushers.
The Sisley Powder Brush makes powder foundation application easy and efficient thanks to the rounded head. The wavy synthetic fibres are luxuriously soft and specifically designed to provide a natural, matte finish and full coverage. Sisley have worked with French master brush maker, Raphael, to develop professional and high quality make-up brushes. |
CHECK PRICE | |
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Dior Light Coverage Foundation Brush | Brand: Dior
PROS Dense bristles for full coverage
Angled design for precise application
CONS Dense synthetic bristles are difficult to clean and collect product easily
This awesome foundation brush is super dense which makes it great for liquid foundations and for getting a flawless full coverage look. The synthetic bristles are angled to help get foundation into harder to reach areas and are beautifully soft to the touch. Whist the densely packed fibres of the brush provide beautiful full coverage and easy application, they are notoriously difficult to keep clean.
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CHECK PRICE | |
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RMS Beauty Skin2Skin Foundation Brush | Brand: RMS Beauty
PROS Unique and dense swirl design for a perfectly natural finish
Long and short bristles to reach every curve on your face
CONS Unusual design takes some getting used to – but once you’ve got the hang of it the results are flawless!
This unique swirl designed brush is perfect for those who love the look achieved from applying foundation with your fingertips. This innovative foundation brush gives that all-natural finish, without risking clogged pores from fingertip application. The fibres are tightly layered into a swirl pattern to mimic skin-to-skin application and provide a flawless natural finish.
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CHECK PRICE | |
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Make Up Brush Foundation Kabuki Flat Top | Brand: Beauty Junkees
PROS Flat top design for medium to heavy coverage
Dense bristles for an even application
CONS Not ideal for achieving a natural and light finish
This Beauty Junkee flat-top brush is an absolute bargain and perfect for applying and blending full coverage liquid foundation. This foundation brush will give you an effortlessly airbrushed finish and is versatile enough to use with creams and powders as well as liquid products. The high density bristles provide even application whilst also being lusciously soft to touch.
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CHECK PRICE | |
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Too Faced Kabuki Brush | Brand: Too Faced
PROS Completely cruelty free
Retractable design for varied coverage
CONS A common fault is that the casing can be easily broken
This beautifully soft foundation brush is a firm favourite for mineral foundation application, the domed shape is retractable which allows you to slide the sleeve up or down to change the denseness of the coverage. If you want to achieve a lightweight natural look for the office and then a more full-on foundation finish for that big night out; this is the brush for you. The super soft bristles provide easy and fast application of mineral foundation and are super easy to clean and maintain. Portable and lightweight, perfect for quick touch ups whilst out and about. Soft ‘Teddy Bear’ hair bristles.
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CHECK PRICE | |
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Jane Iredale Kabuki Brush | Brand: Jane Iredale
PROS Luxuriously soft bristles
Vegan friendly and cruelty free
CONS Not ideal for pressed powders, liquid or cream foundations
The Jane Iredale Kabuki Brush is large and soft to provide a gentle application for mineral foundation. With a choice of either goat hair or Naturon bristles, this foundation brush gives a light natural coverage without being too caked or flaky. This brush is completely cruelty free, and the rose gold version is also vegan friendly. It is perfect low applying and blending loose mineral foundations for a flawless and natural look.
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CHECK PRICE | |
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Sigma Beauty F80 - Flat Kabukitm | Brand: Sigma Beauty
PROS Flat-top design
Dense, non-absorbent bristles
CONS Not versatile enough to be used with powder or mineral foundations
This premium brush is one of the best on the market for buffing and blending foundations. Perfect for applying liquid and cream foundations as the unique brush head fibres don’t absorb product, instead the foundation sits above the bristles ready to be buffed over the face easily. The flat top design and soft yet dense natural fibres provide a flawless, air-brushed finish. The non-absorbent fibres also make this brush easy to clean and maintain.
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CHECK PRICE | |
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Revlon Foundation Brush | Brand: Revlon
PROS Flat brush shape for full coverage application
Luxury synthetic bristles
CONS Best to be followed by a buffing or blending brush to get a completely streak free finish
This flat brush style foundation brush is ideal for flawless application and full coverage finish on oily skin. The luxury bristles are perfectly soft and allow liquid and cream foundations to glide onto skin effortlessly. The specially designed unique handle offers ultimate comfort and grip, as well as a sleek finish. Made using quality synthetic fibres, this brush is great for building up layers to give full control over the coverage you desire.
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CHECK PRICE |
There is no need to break the bank to get a decent foundation brush. Whilst the pricier options may be top quality there is usually a cheaper alternative that will do the job just as well at a fraction of the price. Ensure you properly care for all your make-up brushes with regular cleaning and appropriate storage to keep them in tip top condition; the best makeup brushes in the world will not give you a flawless finish if it is clogged and dirty. Aim to give all your brushes a deep clean once a month and store them properly at home and when out and about.Once you have mastered the skill of applying your foundation perfectly with the correct tools you will never look back. It is just as essential to choose the correct brush for your foundation type, skin type and desired finish, as it is to choose the right foundation to begin with. Everyone has difference preferences and quirks when it comes to make up, and brushes are no exception, so take your time to find the perfect combination of make-up brushes to suit your needs.
