Beauty
Brush-On Foundation Makeup: The Ultimate Guide to Best Brushes for a Flawless Finish
Achieve a flawless finish with this brush-on foundation makeup! Explore tips, the best brushes and step-by-step techniques for every skin type and foundation formula.
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With the perfect foundation brush, it can help you speed through your morning and help you to feel your best without worrying about retouching your makeup.
Picking the perfect brush-on foundation makeup brush doesn’t have to be overwhelming, which is why I came prepared to help you narrow down the best options based on my own experiences!
Some might ask why investing in a brush-on foundation makeup brush is necessary when there are simply other methods of application, such as a sponge or even using your fingers.
The reason why they’re used by all makeup professionals is because they always provide an effortless base with even coverage all around for all clients.
If you’ve made it this far, you might as well stay for a while because I will be explaining all areas of how to pick the best brush, application techniques, tips from experts, and sharing my personal favorite recommendations with you!
Let’s get on with it, shall we?
Photo by Pexels
In This Post:
• What is a Brush-On Foundation Brush?
• Types of Foundation Brushes and Their Benefits
• How to Choose the Right Foundation Brush
• Step-by-Step Guide on Applying Foundation with a Brush
• Best Brushes for Foundation Makeup
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Final Thoughts
What is Brush-On Foundation Makeup?
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Photo by PexelsBrush on foundation makeup is the terminology we use to define foundation that is applied with a makeup brush that is meant for base makeup application.
This way of applying makeup is growing in popularity because it carries the ability to enhance your skin complexion with an even distribution of product on all necessary areas.
Popular makeup artists use makeup brushes because it helps to minimize product waste compared to other forms of application, such as sponges that soak up more product than it distributes onto your skin.
Outside of providing even coverage throughout, one of its best features is the ability to be cleaned and sanitized easily while maintaining its longevity.
Just like a car, we don’t want to buy something that will leave us with more repairs to be made for it to end up becoming usable within a short time frame.
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Photo by Pexels“But I usually use my fingers, and it works. Why should I switch?”
Let me put it like this.
When you want to paint a powerful picture on a canvas and make it look effortless, do you use your fingers? If you use your fingers, the painting will come out streaky and patchy, right?
I would like to think that many of us would not choose to finger-paint a nice painting.
That is why we have paint brushes that come in different shapes, densities, and sizes.
Now, let’s apply this to our faces. Our faces are our representation of how we want to look, which is why we want to also have a flawless base with the right products.
With that being said, hygiene is also important. Washing our hands with clean soap to ensure that our fingers won’t apply any dirt and germs to our face is great, but after you wash your hands and touch the foundation bottle, there may be leftover residue of dust and other bacteria on it.
I would only advise using your fingers if you are using a light-to-sheer coverage foundation and if you’re in a pinch.
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Photo by Pexels“I use sponge, and they blend great though.”
I agree. Sponges can provide an even coverage for makeup, but realistically speaking, I notice that it eats away more product than what’s left to be blended into our skin. Many other girls have the same concerns with make-up sponges.
Other concerns many may have with sponges is their ability to build coverage.
With sponges being porous, it soaks up more product into sponges while providing a more sheer coverage with the first layer of application.
When we take this into consideration, a realistic, speedy makeup look with a sponge may not be suitable if you are expecting the full extent of coverage that the foundation promises to achieve by using a sponge.
Many of us understand that beauty blenders and other sponges that are marketed for makeup are probably the least hygienic.
They are the hardest to clean and mold easily builds up inside it since they are made out of synthetic material that only advised to last a couple months at best.
I know my own troubles with it being that the makeup sponge will never look like its original color again after I dab it into a potent liquid foundation and a bright liquid blush formula- even after thoroughly cleansing it.
Photo by @annaismailbeauty
Photo by @annaismailbeauty“Don’t makeup brushes grow dirty too?”
Yes! Everything you touch can grow dirty if it goes unwashed.
I find that makeup brushes tend to carry more positive attributions than negative effects. Here are some of the reasons why I say that.
• They’re easy to clean
I find that a little face wash and warm water helps to remove build-up from a freshly used brush the easiest. I like to think of it like our hair, where we clean it from its roots to the bottom of the hair strands.
• They’re easy to maneuver
Most brushes have some form of handle that most people can grip onto. Brushes have the most versatility when it comes to ways of gripping them.
• They provide a flawless base for the rest of your makeup.
The application can be done in different ways, such as stippling and using strokes, compared to fingers and sponges, where you can only use those tools one way.
“So how do I know which foundation brush I should try first?”
You’d be thrilled to know that we will be getting into the varieties of foundation brushes the market offers next!
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Types of Foundation Brushes and Their Benefits
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Photo by PexelsTo make the rundown of foundation brushes more digestible, I have broken down what types of brushes work best for what formulas.
Let’s get started!
Flat Foundation Brush
Photo by Angela Nguyen
Photo by Angela Nguyen- These types of brushes are usually categorized for their two-dimensional look where the bristles are dense, wide and flat. They look most similar to a traditional paintbrush.
- This brush is best for liquid foundations that have natural coverage or are preferable for those who want to build upon layers.
Kabuki Brush
Photo by @alminshacosmetics
Photo by @alminshacosmetics- These brushes are iconic for their short yet round bristles that carry a dome look.
- Kabuki brushes are ideally meant for powder products, such as mineral formulated foundations and press and loose powders.
Stippling Brush
Photo by Angela Nguyen
Photo by Angela Nguyen- These brushes are dual-layered bristles built for lightweight and buildable coverage.
- For those seeking natural and flawless bases, this is perfect for my everyday natural dewy girls.
Angled Foundation Brush
Photo by Angela Nguyen
Photo by Angela Nguyen- Angled brushes are best for having great precision for hard-to-reach areas and contours based on their sharpness based on its tightly shapen bristle ends.
- With the bristles densely packed, I recommend this brush for liquid and cream foundations.
Oval Brushes (Ergonomic Brushes)
Photo by @fromsandyxo
Photo by @fromsandyxo- Oval brushes are categorized for their unique design for effortless application, and their handle makes it one of the easiest brushes to grip.
- I recommend this brush for any foundation formulations.
Synthetic Brushes
Photo by Pexels
Photo by Pexels- Synthetic Brushes describe the texture and material of their bristles, which tend to be more uniformly appealing and are brighter in color, such as having blonde or white plastic-like bristle tips.
- I would recommend these synthetic brushes for everyone because they are the most versatile and convenient brush material to purchase.
“Seems easy enough, but how do I pick one of these brushes to work well with my foundation preferences and skin concerns?”
Don’t feel overwhelmed because the best part of learning about brush-on foundation makeup is finding and tailoring your preferences to your foundation brush, which I will explain next.
Believe me when I say that I have gone through an accumulation of various foundation brushes.
My skin type has changed numerous times with the seasons, which is why I like to say that for every skin concern, I have personal recommendations that I will be sharing!
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How to Choose the Right Foundation Brush
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Photo by PexelsNow that we’re on the topic of tailoring foundations to brushes and your skin needs, we need to understand the basics. What I like to call the foundation trifecta would include: liquid, cream, and powder.
Let me explain what each foundation formulation is best for.
- Liquid: Liquid foundations tend to be versatile since it has a diverse range of coverages. It can be light and natural to full coverage, and all skin types are able to use it.
- Cream: This formulation is a packaged deal for those who are in need of an extra boost of hydration.
- Powder: Powder formulations are great for combination with oily skin types that tend to get oily and need to retouch throughout the day. This is my personal preference since I grow quite oily during the spring to summer seasons.
“What about mineral foundations?”
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Photo by PexelsMineral foundations are great for all skin types as well, but they’re especially great for mature and sensitive skin types.
With minimal ingredients in them, they make a great base and all-in-one if you simply prefer more clean and calming products that usually leave out parabens and harsh chemical irritants.
As I mentioned above, those are my own recommendations and knowledge that I have accumulated over time for other girlfriends who also have varying skin types and my own experiences.
I strongly encourage trying out other formulations so you know more specifically what works for you and what doesn’t.
What I would also like to note is that depending on the occasion, you may want to try different foundation formulations, which means you may want to consider purchasing different brushes if you want to optimize your makeup.
I know with certainty that I have two to three foundation brushes on my vanity that go on rotation depending on my ideal coverage level for certain events to everyday wear.
“You mentioned synthetic brushes earlier. What’s the difference between synthetic and natural brushes?”
Outside of the different colors that could hint to you which brushes are synthetic and which are not, it’s also in the texture and where the bristle materials come from.
Let’s make this easy and sweet.
Photo by Pexels
Photo by PexelsSurprisingly, synthetic brushes are the most common types to find on the market because they are the easiest to manufacture.
As mentioned previously, synthetic brushes are usually lighter in color and are more flexible if you were to push down on the bristles.
The springy, almost plasticky sensation is what will be the dead giveaway for synthetic brushes.
If you were to rewash synthetic brushes, over time, you will notice that their bristles retain their shape a lot better than natural bristles.
On the other hand, natural bristles are derived from animal hair, which usually comes from goats, squirrels, and sable.
The sensation of their dark colored bristles is softer and more malleable in elasticity.
One of the biggest perks of natural brushes is their ability to stay in their shape over multiple washes and their soft touch.
The hairs are trained to dry in the same direction without falling out as often as synthetics will, and they are better for people with sensitive skin.
Outside of making a decision on what type of bristle material you would want to use, you should highly consider the handle design of these foundation brushes as well.
The most common handle that you will find in the makeup aisles will be a straight wooden handle.
This is best for those who prefer a secure and lightweight grip.
There are other brushes on the market that appear short and thicker in width, which can help with holding the brush for application if you find it difficult to grip a smaller and thinner object for too long.
Photo by Pexels
Photo by PexelsRemember that the key component to ensure that your brush is working goes beyond the quality and shape of the bristles. It has to be easily graspable and cleanable.
I personally love using synthetic flat foundation brushes, such as ones from Real Techniques and NYX Professional makeup.
Those two brushes are inexpensive and have lasted me for several years without major wear and tear.
If you are trying to start experimenting with foundation brushes, I recommend those two, considering that their price points are extremely affordable and can be easily accessible through Amazon.
If it comes to natural foundation brushes, my go-to would be a short and densely packed bristled brush. These bristles are the best for buffing in foundations without leaving streaks.
One of the most important things to consider about investing in your foundation brush is to remember that the application process matters just as much as your selection process.
“How do I make sure that I take full advantage of my makeup brush to blend in my foundation?”
That is a fantastic question. Since you have made it this far into my guide of brush-on makeup recommendations, stick around and find out next about my secret guide to applying foundation like a pro with a brush!
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Step-by-Step Guide on Applying Foundation with a Brush
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Photo by PexelsBefore we apply any makeup products to our skin, ensuring that our skin is clean and prepped is a must.
As a person who has grown up with combination and acne-prone skin, I can tell you with certainty that priming your face correctly is the best way to ensure that your foundation lasts throughout the day.
I noticed that when I didn’t have the right combination of skincare under my makeup, my foundation would begin to appear oilier quicker.
That usually leads to my makeup breaking down on my face quicker throughout the day, which isn’t the most convenient way to go about your day.
Once I found the ingredients that were best for my skin to layer under makeup, my skin broke out a lot less often, and my makeup became flawless.
You may be wondering what some tips and tricks are for each skin type. Wel, don’t worry!
You would be relieved to know that I have curated a list below of some popular ingredients that work best for each skin type.
Photo by Pexels
Photo by Pexels- Oily skin/combination skin: We want to ensure that we use niacinamide-based skincare or primers that help to control our sebum production. Our face can become oilier throughout the day and break down our base makeup without using oil-control products beforehand.
- Dry skin / mature skin: Ensuring that your facial barrier is well protected and hydrated is extremely crucial. Some ingredients that can help alleviate dryness include hyaluronic acid and vitamin C serums.
- Sensitive skin: I believe the best remedy to protect your skin barrier from products breaking you out and lasting throughout the day includes minimal ingredient listed lotions and primers. Soothing serums and certain ceramide ingredients can be the key to solidifying your base before foundation.
In this modern age, skincare and primers can also help to produce different foundation finishes depending on what pair of foundation formulas you select with a foundation brush shape.
Let’s get into some combinations that are transformative: the best-found foundation and its finishes.
Photo by Pexels
Photo by Pexels• Natural finishes
I recommend using a liquid or stick foundation and buffing it in with flat-shaped or dome-shaped foundation brushes to produce the smoothest base for this specific finish. The number of bristles in these brushes is dense enough to transfer product from the brush to your skin without tugging on it.
• Matte finishes
For creating a base that is solid and poreless, I suggest pairing liquid and stick formulated foundations with a kabuki and angled brush since they are normally the densest brushes with the most packed bristles. Their short stature in bristles also helps to drive the product onto your skin better than others.
• Dewy finishes
If your type of finish is dewy, combining a lightweight liquid foundation with a stippling or flat foundation brush will guarantee your desired base finish.
We do not want to push too much product into the skin with a dense brush in this scenario since we want to enhance your skin and the product’s glow.
Now that you know more about how to pair your preferred brushes with your foundation, let’s discuss the techniques that will work best for a flawless complexion.
When makeup products are used, many directly transfer the product from the container to their faces.
While this may work and build an even complexion for those who are using a light to light-medium coverage base, it may be best to avoid this application method if you need more coverage.
Let me explain why.
We all know that influencers promote products and makeup tools, but it’s important to also note that not all of them carry a degree in cosmetology.
Not everything that you see online will work for you like how they show you in real life. At the end of the day, they are selling you a product that promises a full transformation.
“So how should I properly apply the foundation?”
Let me explain some tips and tricks that makeup professionals with a cosmetology degree recommend.
Photo by Pexels
Photo by Pexels• Buffing
One of the most popular methods makeup professionals recommend to apply foundations is by buffing it into the skin. ‘Buffing’ is the act of gently swiping the product in small sections across the face. Swipe gently onto the face in small sections until the entire face is seamless.
• Stippling
This method is helpful in creating a cohesive blend between your natural skin and the foundation. When you stipple the product in, the product is distributed in tiny dots onto your skin and potentially fewer pills than other techniques that could add too much product on at once.
• Layering
This is a great method for those who want to carefully build their makeup base without applying too much product all at once to prevent dry flakes from forming and cakeiness over time.
Keep in mind that all of the mentioned techniques can be combined to create the best base depending on what type of finish you are looking for and the desired coverage level.
I have a personal tip that I recommend to my girlfriends who want their stick and liquid foundations to look as secure and natural as possible.
It uses a combination of all of the techniques that I have just mentioned.
Photo by @marygraceofficial_
Photo by @marygraceofficial_Secret tip:
Once your skincare is ready, apply your foundation product onto the back of your hand to warm up the product.
Pick up a densely packed brush and start buffing all the product deep into the brush’s bristles.
Once you buffed all the product into the brush, the back of your hand should have almost no foundation left on it.
What you’re essentially doing is readying your paintbrush for your canvas by making sure there’s an even distribution of foundation throughout your brush.
Start dabbing the brush into the areas where you need the most coverage first and sweep the remaining products onto the places you need it least.
This way, you’re layering your product in thin layers without causing flakiness or cakeiness to start.
Repeat this step if you need more coverage, and take a look in the mirror to see how natural and delightful your skin tone looks!
Photo by Pexels
Photo by Pexels“How about if I apply foundation directly onto my skin?”
You can go with this method of application if it feels more comfortable for you.
However, you must make sure that your skin is as hydrated as it can be before you apply your foundation.
It’s important to know when your skin is dry enough to start applying the foundation since you don’t want the skincare product to mix in with your foundation.
Ironically, another way to avoid streaks and harsh lines on your face is to make sure that you spritz your face with a mist or setting spray in between each layer of product.
I know I mentioned not to let your skincare and makeup mix together, so let me explain.
When your foundation dries, it’s less resistant to spreading and can be applied evenly regardless of whether your foundation is dry or wet.
Once you spray on a setting spray or mist in-between application layers before you blend, you’re allowing the product to be more malleable.
“I have tricky areas that tend to look flawless, like my nose, jawline, and hairline. What should I do?”
For the longest time, I have also been devastated from facing the same issues. What helps me most is applying extremely thin layers of foundation on these areas and making sure that there is no hair in these areas.
My life-changing tip to remedying this problem is to exfoliate the skin often to get rid of the dead skin that could make the makeup look flaky.
I Derma planes my face often where I get peach fuzz to make sure there are no barriers between my skin and the foundation.
After getting this far into my tips and tricks, I hope you find some suggestions palatable and easy to try at home.
I would like to say these methods of makeup application are cheap and affordable for your everyday gal who doesn’t have too much time on her hands – such as myself.
The very last step to make sure your foundation is secured throughout the night is to tap on a light layer of setting powder and or setting spray.
I personally like to spray and pat in powder for two different reasons.
Instead of swiping on my setting powder, I like to take a small round brush and tap a little bit of it into areas that I tend to get oily and crease at. Once that’s done, I set my face with my spray.
This way, it helps my makeup to mesh together and look cohesive.
“Now that I know about the types and combinations of brushes to pair with foundations, what are some brushes that you recommend?”
I’m now excited to share with you some of my favorites that I have used over the years. The following list has come from my own experiences and close friends and family.
Let’s take a peek at them!
Related: The Perfect Night Care Routine for Skin – The Ultimate Guide
Best Brushes for Foundation Makeup
Photo by @glamonabudgetja
Photo by @glamonabudgetjaReal Techniques Expert Face Foundation Brush
- Budget-friendly synthetic brush
- Pro: Flat dome helps buff light layers of liquid and cream foundations into the skin seamlessly
- Con: The Surface area of the brush could be wider to hold more product
NYX Professional Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Foundation Brush
- Budget-friendly synthetic brush
- Pro: Angular dome shape provides easy application for buildable liquid and cream foundations
- Con: The Brush could be more densely packed with bristles for easier
Sephora Collection Mini Pro Foundation Brush #70.5
- Fair priced synthetic brush
- Pro: Short, durable, and densely packed dome brush for medium to full coverage of liquid and cream foundation
- Con: Short handle can be to grasp
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Foundation Brush
- High-end investment synthetic brush
- Pro: Best for liquid and cream foundations
- Con: Not preferable for even coverage for powder foundations
Shiseido Hasu Fude Foundation Brush
- High-end investment synthetic brush
- Pro: Sturdy grip with flat, angled design
- Con: Not preferable for even distribution of powder foundation
Makeup Forever #109 HD Skin Foundation Brush
- High-end investment synthetic brush
- Pro: Most compatible with liquid foundations for full coverage
- Con: concerns over angled corners of brush being harsh
Sigma F80 Air Flat Kabuki Brush
- High-end investment synthetic brush
- Pro: Best for sheer to light coverage foundations
- Con: uneven distribution for powder foundations
Shu Uemura Natural Brush 20
- High-end investment synthetic brush
- Pro: It is best used for sheer powder foundations
- Con: less shape for contoured faces with deep set bone structures
Morphe M6 Flat Buffer Foundation Brush
- Budget-friendly synthetic brush
- Pro: Best for all levels of coverage for liquid and cream foundations
- Con: Foundation color stains on bristle tips over time
Ulta Beauty Full Coverage Foundation Brush 100
- Inexpensive, user-friendly synthetic brush
- Pro: great handle for easy-to-maneuver strokes
- Con: Not recommended for powder foundations
Now that you know all my best-kept secrets for foundation brushes and application, let’s review what we learned!
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
Photo by Pexels
Photo by PexelsSome of the most common mistakes that come with using new products and tools for makeup include pairing a foundation brush with the wrong foundation formula.
As we just learned, different types of brushes work better with certain formulations, such as denser and shorter kabuki brushes for powder foundations.
I like to remember what formulas pair with which brushes by looking at the tools and bottles themselves. Liquid and cream foundations tend to be in a tall or long bottle, which looks similar to their makeup brush counterparts.
Powder foundations are better for brushes that are usually less dense bristles. Usually, if their size does not give it away, it’s their low density in bristles that can give it away.
If it is not pairing the brushes with products that are causing your makeup to look uneven, thick, or patchy, it may be due to your skin prep.
Make sure that your skin base has ingredients that pair comfortably with your foundation ingredients and brush type.
For example, I make sure my skincare dries before I apply my makeup primer, which is silicone-based, and then I use my silicone-based foundation.
If your foundation is water-based, make sure your skincare and primer reflect the same undernotes and vice versa.
Brush cleaning is equally as important as washing your face after making and doing skin prep.
Over time, product buildup can cause uneven blending, and bacteria can form in your tools.
Final Thoughts
Photo by Pexels
Photo by PexelsFinding the right type of foundation brush to pair with your favorite foundation can save you time and a trip to the makeup store.
For me, I learned that it cuts my makeup routine down a couple of minutes in the morning when I discovered my favorite techniques for application and ways of using each of my makeup brushes.
Remember that investing in good tools doesn’t always mean that they have to have the heftiest price tag attached to them.
Invest in yourself by understanding your skin needs and your personal preference in makeup in order to curate the best brush-on foundation makeup for yourself.
If you have made it this far in the article, I hope you have learned some useful tips and feel inspired to make your special moment of your day more efficient and fun.
Give different brush-on foundation makeup techniques a try, and don’t be afraid to treat yourself to quality products.
You only live once. Cheers!
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