I am the proud owner of an extensive collection of makeup brushes. How many do I actually have? I honestly couldn't tell you. My obsession began on my first day of training for a year-long extensive professional makeup artistry certificate at Delamar Academy. We were all given a hefty kit of products and tools, and upon unravelling my pristine new brush set, it was love at first sight. The next year really showed me just how pivotal brushes are to execute looks, whether they be for beauty, fashion, theatre, TV or film.
My most-used brush during that time—and to this day—is the humble foundation brush. It really is the quickest and easiest way to achieve the desired finish on either yourself or someone else, as foundation brushes allow for more control and concentrated application of product.
So what exactly do you need to look for in a foundation brush? I caught up with top British makeup artist Hannah Martin, who knows a thing or two about what makes a brush brilliant, having just launched her very own collection with Ciaté London.
"I always go for synthetic hair, as not only are they cruelty-free, but they work best with both powder and liquid foundations," she explains. "This replicates the texture of hair and allows the product to be well dispersed as each hair is expertly designed to blend and stipple.
"A flatter foundation brush is best for a sheer liquid base application, whilst a denser brush will give a more full-coverage effect. You also want to find a sturdy brush. Your foundation brush goes through a lot, and for longevity, it's best to find [the best] quality and price point that works for you."
How to Use a Foundation Brush
Martin says the very first step is to ensure you’re not applying too much foundation. "I tend to place a small amount on my hand and lightly dip the brush in to coat the bristles rather than to soak them through," she says.
"I first start by placing [foundation] in the centre of the face and I use little strokes starting around the nose and then blending out towards the hairline. Focus on blending from the centre [of the face] to the hairline, ears and neck—this will allow for the coverage to target where it’s most needed in the centre of the face and prevents those harsh neck lines we all dread."
Keep scrolling for my edit of synthetic foundation brushes that excel on application, coverage and finish.
Shop the Best Foundation Brushes:
1. Hannah Martin x Ciaté London Base Brush
"It can be used with liquid, powder, and cream foundation, as well as liquid and cream bronzer application and base blending," explains Martin. "The hair is thin and tapered at the tips, allowing the brush to perfectly glide, swirl and stipple."
2. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Complexion Brush
One thing is for sure: Charlotte Tilbury knows how to ace an airbrushed base. Much like the name suggests, this tool enables you to recreate the magic of the world-class makeup artist’s wizardry at home. The ultra-soft, flat brush makes light work of buffing and blending foundation formulas seamlessly into the skin.
3. NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation Brush
The densely packed bristles of this brush make it the perfect pick for buffing in full-coverage foundations. I've also found it to be great at blending cream bronzers into the cheekbones for a sculpted finish.
4. Haus Labs Foundation Brush
A high quality, soft-bristled brush with a weighty, luxe handle. It applies foundation evenly and beautifully for a filter-effect finish.
5. Wander Beauty Round Trip Foundation Brush
This is a dual-ended, flat foundation and dense kabuki brush which is great for blending liquids, gels, creams and powders. Perfect for applying your makeup on-the-go.
6. Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Foundation Brush
I'm a massive fan of the Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation, which buffs in like an absolute dream with this brush. Because it's quite fine, it's also great for blending out my cream blusher and bronzer.
7. Fenty Beauty Full-Bodied Foundation Brush
A medium-density liquid foundation brush designed to give a full-coverage finish. For best results, follow Queen RiRi's method of pressing the brush into skin, rolling off, and repeating.
8. It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7
A dual-sided dream brush. The large brush head sweeps foundation over the skin with ease, and the smaller tip allows you to go in and cover any redness, blemishes or dark circles with concealer. I take it everywhere with me.
9. Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush
Okay, Hourglass brushes may be on the slightly more spenny side, but for good reason. The bristles on this one are so unbelievably soft, and it sculpts and shapes the facial contours, including around the eyes and nose, with ease. Little wonder the brand's brushes are Hailey Bieber's go-to.
10. Vieve 117 Foundation Brush
I've found this brush works to achieve both light and full coverage with liquid, cream or powder foundation. Because it's domed in shape, it's also perfect for stippling out any cream products on the face like blushers or bronzers.
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