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Applying makeup can take a bit of practice and the right beauty tools. And, as it turns out, foundation brushes are one of the most important applicators in any makeup bag.
While many opt to use their fingers when applying foundation — we’re also guilty of doing this — a proper makeup brush can give a more evenly distributed application. On top of that, fingers can deliver blemish-causing bacteria and excess oil to the skin which is less than ideal.
Why Use a Foundation Brush?
“Using your fingers or a blender gives you just one point of contact on the skin, but a brush gives you thousands, so the makeup gets spread so much more evenly and smoothly.”—Jenny Patinkin, celebrity makeup artist and founder of beauty brand Jenny Patinkin
With the benefits of foundation brushes top of mind, our PEOPLE Tested team set out to find the best foundation brushes. We researched dozens of top options before narrowing it down to 24 applicators for lab testing, where we conducted experiments to determine quality, application efficacy, and more. See which ones made the cut with our top picks for the best foundation brushes, ahead.
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Flat brush head gives excellent, seamless coverage
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Bristles are soft to the touch and don’t cause any irritation to the face
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Durable handle and bristles won’t break or shed
The Charlotte Tilbury Magic Complexion Brush is our top pick for the best foundation brush overall. This brush features a flat-headed brush shape and synthetic bristles that are as soft as natural hair. Designed for buffing foundation, the makeup brush held up against our rigorous lab testing and can withstand lots of wear and tear, thanks to its durable handle and flexible brush bristles.
As far as blending is concerned, we were thoroughly impressed by how well the makeup brush blended foundation into the skin. Not only was it easy to apply and achieve even coverage, it also helped create a beautiful, seamless blending effect without any streaking. When cleaning, the bristles gently separated from the foundation and didn’t clump together while wet. They dried quickly and never lost their integrity. While it is a little pricey compared to some options on our list, we think it’s well worth the investment, considering you get what you pay for.
Pro Tip!
“When using the right foundation brush, your foundation will blend seamlessly, giving it a second-skin-like appearance and being nearly undetectable. It will also speed up your application time and you can cover more real estate on your face in a shorter amount of time.” —Dominique Lerma, executive makeup artist at OMNIA Brush
Brush Shape: Flat head | Bristle: Synthetic | Good For: Buffing foundation
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Luxury quality at an affordable price
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Dome-shaped head allows you to blend contour for a seamless finish
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Durable and flexible bristles don’t shed when buffing out foundation
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Doesn’t absorb too much foundation and does an excellent job of transferring makeup to the complexion
For a less expensive top pick, consider the BK Beauty 101 Contoured Foundation brush. This under-$35 makeup brush is inspired by its luxury counterparts for just a fraction of the investment. While it is slightly large for a foundation brush — which might not be ideal for some preferences — the dome-shaped head allows you to blend and blur contoured looks for a smoother and more flawless finish.
When testing the brush quality, we were impressed by the overall dense design and how it doesn’t absorb too much foundation, so you don’t waste a lot of product. The bristles are also highly flexible and durable and don’t shed when buffing out the foundation on the complexion.
Brush Shape: Dome head | Bristle: Not listed | Good For: Contour
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Ultra-lightweight and comfortable to use
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Bristles are very soft and pliable while remaining flexible enough to move with brush strokes
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Beautiful design that looks luxurious on top of a vanity table
If you’re in the market for a splurge-worthy makeup brush, consider the Clé de Peau High Coverage Foundation Brush. At $70, this is the most expensive brush on our list — though we promise it’s well worth the splurge. The brush features a highly durable yet ultra-lightweight construction that makes it comfortable to use when applying foundation. On top of that, the bristles are very soft and pliable while remaining strong and flexible enough to move with brush strokes while blending (and without shedding or breaking off). On top of that, the luxury foundation brush also features a stunning design that doubles as vanity decor.
Cleaning this brush was a tad tricky but not impossible. It takes a little bit of extra effort to remove all liquid foundation from the bristles, and when wet, the bristles clump together. That being said, once dried, the brush retains its shape and texture and is ready for the next application.
Brush Shape: Angled | Bristle: Synthetic | Good For: High coverage
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Feels high-quality and durable despite under-$10 price tag
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Bristles don’t break off or shed during application
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Makes it easy to blend for a more airbrushed look
The Real Techniques Expert Face Makeup Brush is proof that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a high-quality foundation brush. This under-$10 makeup brush is made from high-quality and durable synthetic fibers that feel soft on the face and are flexible enough to blend cream and liquid foundations without breaking or shedding. While the brush shape is a little small in size — which took some getting used to — we were able to achieve excellent coverage with an airbrushed look, thanks to its blending power.
Brush Shape: Dome | Bristle: Synthetic | Good For: Cream and liquid foundation application
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Durable blending foundation brush for under $10
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Dome bristles help you achieve a buildable application while also blending seamlessly into the skin
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Applies foundation in an even and precise layer, without causing streaks
For something even less expensive, consider the Elf Cosmetics Ultimate Blending Brush. This budget-friendly foundation brush costs $7 and rivals some of the more expensive options on our list. It’s constructed from synthetic bristle fibers and features a dome shape that allows you to achieve a buildable application. When testing, we were impressed by how well the brush also blends for a more airbrushed finish, and how it deposits an even and precise layer of foundation without much effort. While the brush handle is on the thicker side and takes some getting used to, we found this e.l.f. makeup brush to be comfortable, lightweight, and easy to use.
Brush Shape: Dome | Bristle: Synthetic fibers | Good For: Buildable application
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Hourglass handle provides a more comfortable grip
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High-quality bristles don’t break or shed
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Super soft bristles help achieve more buildable coverage when using liquid and powder formulas
The IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7 is an excellent option for those shopping for a dual-ended foundation brush. Whether you’re using a foundation for mature skin or a full coverage foundation, this brush is ideal for achieving buildable coverage with liquid and powder formulas. It features one large, rounded side for foundation application and a much smaller side for blending concealer or focusing on hyperpigmentation cover-up. The handle has a slight hourglass shape for a more comfortable grip, and the brush bristles are durable, flexible, and ultra-soft against the skin, too. While the full and fluffy nature of this brush can take some getting used to, it’s an excellent option for those looking for a two-in-one makeup brush designed for a range of coverage.
Brush Shape: Rounded | Bristle: Synthetic | Good For: Buildable coverage with liquid and powder formulas
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Tapered handle is comfortable with a good grip
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Light and airy bristles give an airbrushed finish with both foundation and concealer
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Despite its $8 price, durable bristles don’t shed or break
If you want a dual-ended foundation brush for less, we’ve got your search covered with the Elf Complexion Duo Brush. This foundation brush features a large and small rounded head constructed from super soft synthetic fibers. Designed for achieving an airbrushed look with concealer and foundation, the multifunctional makeup brush is easy to use, comfortable to hold (thanks to its tapered handle), and has a great grip for precise application.
Despite costing less than $10, this brush is also highly durable and has strong yet flexible bristles that move with your technique without shedding or breaking off. The only downside is that the tips are white so foundation can stain the brush easily, even with regular cleaning.
Brush Shape: Round | Bristle: Synthetic | Good For: Airbrushed concealer and foundation
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Thicker handle helps provide additional comfort and a good grip during application
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Synthetic bristles have a super soft texture that feels like natural hair
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Brush mimics finger application, so you can easily achieve a smooth and well-blended finish
For a smooth finish that looks well-blended without any streaks, consider the Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush. This makeup brush features an angled head with soft synthetic bristles that resemble natural hair but with much more durability. After testing several options, we were most impressed by how this brush is designed to mimic finger application, allowing you to achieve more precise blending — ideal to use with bronzer sticks, for example — for a seamless look (though you do need to use a little more foundation to get the desired look).
In addition to the brush and application, the handle is highly comfortable and easy to grip with an almost ergonomic feel thanks to its thicker design.
Brush Shape: Angled | Bristle: Synthetic | Good For: Mimicking finger application for precise blending
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Flat top head makes it easy to achieve natural coverage with powder foundation
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Makes a little product go a long way
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Cleaning the brush is a breeze
Not all makeup brushes are compatible with powder foundation. Still, the It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush #6 does an excellent job of dispersing powder with an even and natural-looking finish. The brush’s shape makes it easy to cover a lot of the face with just a small amount of product, so you can achieve light coverage or layer on for a more buildable finish. Although the flat top design can take some getting used to, we found it to be highly effective at applying powder formulas and buffing liquid foundation for a more airbrushed look (it also works great for blending in blush).
The brush is also one of the easiest brushes we cleaned as you can not only remove product without much effort but also don’t have to worry about bristles clumping together or losing its shape.
Brush Shape: Flat top head | Bristle: Synthetic | Good For: Buffing
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People / Tamara Staples
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People / Joy Kim
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Provides excellent, even coverage
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Super soft bristles don’t irritate sensitive skin
Blending requires a lot more brush contact, so you want one with ultra-soft bristles that are strong yet flexible enough to achieve a desired look. We found these must-haves in the Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation Brush, which features an easy-to-use teardrop shape and a lightweight handle for lasting comfort. The brush features a dense and angled design, making it easy to achieve excellent coverage while also blending into the skin. The bristles also have a super soft touch that doesn’t irritate skin with rigorous blending strokes.
When testing the brush’s durability, we found that the logo was easy to remove with a piece of tape. While this isn’t a complete deal-breaker for us, it’s worth noting that, over time, the logo and other details might wear off.
Brush Shape: Teardrop | Bristle: Not listed | Good For: Achieving a second-skin finish
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Quickly blends foundation and achieves a streak-free look
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Doesn’t absorb a lot of formula, so you don’t have to worry about wasting product
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It’s easy to get a precise application for buildable coverage
The Morphe M707 Oval Foundation Brush is designed for full coverage, but we found that it works best on buildable formulas. This foundation brush doesn’t pick up a lot of excess formula so you don’t have to worry about wasting formula and you can get a more precise application when building your coverage look. Additionally, its thick bristles and oval shape make it easy to blend foundation into the skin and prevent streaks.
Since the bristles are thicker, they’re more prone to clumping together when wet. This makes cleaning a bit of a challenge but not impossible — just know that you might need some extra downtime between uses in order for it to fully dry.
Brush Shape: Oval | Bristle: Synthetic | Good For: Full coverage
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Thick handle is comfortable to hold when blending liquid foundation
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Full yet tapered brush design is good for liquid foundation and powder formulas.
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Super soft and dense bristles can either dab or glide across the skin
For a multipurpose makeup brush, consider The Base Brush from Saie. This foundation brush is designed for liquid formulas, but also works well with powdered foundation and blush, too. Since the soft bristles are dense and compact, you can use this brush in several ways, including dabbing and gliding across the skin. Its full yet tapered design also makes it easy to maneuver on the complexion, whether you’re blending liquid foundation or applying powder formulas. Plus, the thick handle is comfortable to hold, especially when rigorously blending foundation.
Cleaning the brush is a bit tricky because the brush head is so dense. However, the brush doesn’t pick up a lot of excess formula so you don’t have to worry about not getting everything out (you might just need to wait a little longer for it to dry).
Brush Shape: Tapered | Bristle: Synthetic | Good For: Liquid formulas
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Simple yet effective design
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Brush density provides a little bit of firmness, but the bristles still feel soft against the skin
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Blends beautifully and evenly, and it’s perfect for beginners
For the best kabuki foundation brush, we recommend the Sigma Beauty F80 Flat Kabuki Brush. This brush features a flat head design and super soft bristles tightly packed together for a slight firmness. Overall, the brush’s density allows you to get a lot of control when applying foundation and it’s easy to achieve a seamless look with just a few blending strokes. Although the brush absorbs a little excess foundation (so be sure to really get in there when cleaning), we found it to be an effective and easy-to-use brush, even for beginners.
Brush Shape: Flat head | Bristle: Synthetic | Good For: Achieving a buildable airbrushed finish
Others We Tried
Sonia Kashuk Essential Flat-Top Foundation Brush No. 168: We also tried the Sonia Kashuk Essential Flat-Top Foundation Brush No. 168 and loved it as another budget-friendly alternative. This foundation brush features a larger head that takes some practice to create a smooth and seamless look. However, once you get the hang of things, you only need a little bit of foundation at a time, so it’s a great option for buildable coverage.
Sephora Collection Pro Foundation Brush #47: The Sephora Collection Pro Foundation Brush #47 is also worth mentioning. This $30 foundation brush is ultra-light and comfortable to use, and its round head makes it easy to achieve even coverage with just one to two layers of foundation. It is a bit tricky to clean between uses, though, and we found that the bristles absorb too much water, making it harder to dry in time for the next application.
What to Know About Foundation Brushes
Brush Shape
Foundation brush shape can vary and is often a personal preference for application. However, some brush shapes are designed specifically to achieve certain finishes, such as full coverage, buildability, an airbrushed look, and blending for contour. The most common foundation brush shapes include dome, round, oval, flat head, and teardrop.
After testing several options, we found that the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Complexion Brush is the best foundation brush overall. This brush features a flat headed shape that makes blending the formula super easy. We also loved the BK Beauty 101 Contoured Foundation for a less expensive option. This foundation brush as a dome head shape that is a little oversized, sort of like a powder brush. We loved it because the bristles are dense and super soft, making it easy to build coverage and blend seamlessly while working with a contoured effect.
Bristle Material
The bristle material is another important thing to consider when shopping for the best foundation brushes. While natural bristles might seem like the better choice, they are more absorbent and make a smooth application a little trickier as a result (plus, they take a long time to dry when cleaning). Instead, Lerma recommends opting for a synthetic makeup brush that resembles natural hair with a soft and flexible texture.
All foundation brushes on our top picks list are constructed from synthetic hair, which helps achieve a more seamless application and keeps its quality for a lot longer compared to natural brushes.
Behind the Scenes
To find the best foundation brushes, our PEOPLE Tested team researched dozens of options before narrowing it down to 24 makeup brushes for lab testing. Once in the lab, the team determined each brush’s performance based on a series of seven tests, from applying the foundation to putting each brush through a drop test (and more!). We rated each brush on a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the best) on design, durability, performance, and ease of cleaning. We then narrowed it down to our top picks and curated this list of the best foundation brushes as a result.
- Design: The products with the best design featured handles that were comfortable to grip, bristles that were soft against the skin, and brush heads that were shaped to make blending easy.
- Durability: Through a series of durability tests, we determined if each brush was likely to shed bristles, bleed color from the bristles, or break when dropped. We also considered if any design features (like the logo on the handle) rubbed off.
- Performance: The best brushes spread the product evenly and didn’t absorb excess product. Our favorite brushes made easy work of achieving an airbrushed finish.
- Ease of Cleaning: We know that frequent cleaning is key when it comes to high-performing tools, so we washed each brush to observe how they held up. During cleaning, any product should easily rinse out, bristles should not clump together, and the brush should dry to its original shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What kind of brush is best for liquid foundation?
“I recommend using a synthetic brush to apply liquid or cream foundations,” says Lerma. While natural hair brushes are beneficial for makeup application, Lerma notes that synthetic brushes can often mimic the same texture and application as a natural brush but last much longer. “A natural hair brush absorbs water and moisture, becoming thick and wet,” she adds. “The formula will need to be worked from the brush onto the face and can risk the chance of the product not gliding on as evenly and will require a bit more blending and precision during application.”
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What shape is best for foundation brush?
The best shape for a foundation brush is a personal preference, though Patinkin recommends a slightly domed angle foundation brush “because it hugs the curves of the face but still can get into every little nook and cranny.” The Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush is a good example of this type of brush since it features an angled cut while remaining fluffy and full. We also love the Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation Brush for similar reasons.
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How often should you change your foundation brush?
“This is unique to each individual, the brand of brush they invest in, and how they care for their brush in between uses,” says Lerma. If taken care of properly, a high-quality foundation brush should last you years. Patinkin says you’ll know it’s time to replace your brush if it’s shedding or the bristles feel prickly.
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Is it better to apply foundation with fingers or brush?
To achieve a seamless finish, Lerma says it’s best to use a brush. “Using your fingers to blend your foundation can cause streaking with the formula,” she explains. On top of that, fingers aren’t always as clean as brushes and using them can “cause a spread of bacteria or oils on the face, causing an unwanted breakout,” Lerma adds.
With that said, Patinkin says some artists still prefer fingers because they generate heat and “can help foundation meld better with the skin.” For the best of both worlds, consider a foundation brush that mimics finger application, such as the Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best foundation brushes, Jessie thoroughly reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team’s insights and considered their notes on design, durability, performance, and ease of cleaning. She also reached out to makeup experts Jenny Patinkin and Dominique Lerma to learn more about what to look for in the best foundation brushes and answer some of our most burning questions about design, shape, and application. As a result, she curated this list of top foundation brushes tested and approved by PEOPLE.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.