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These brushes will make application a breeze
It’s amazing how one tool can take a makeup look from amateur to pro—and that’s why using the right foundation brush is crucial. You already know that foundation brushes come in a myriad of shapes, sizes, materials, and price points. But did you know that the type of foundation brush you choose oftentimes depends on the foundation formula you prefer?
Whether you like to opt for a liquid, cream, or powder foundation, you can bet that there’s a perfect brush for that. Below, we’ve rounded up the best foundation brushes on the market—from fluffy brushes for light powder coverage to more dense options for full coverage, liquid foundation.
Artis Elite Mirror Palm Brush
Best Overall
This top pick is specially made to fit on the palm of your hand and works well with powder, cream, and liquid formulas.
What We Like
Ergonomic design
Works great with all formulas
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
We know this may not look like a traditionally-shaped brush, but trust us, just go with it. As you may gather from the name, it’s specially made to fit into the palm of your hand with both a grip pad and finger indent for ultimate control. The proprietary synthetic fibers work equally well with liquids, creams, or powders, applying the product and seamlessly blending it all in.
Many folks love Artis brushes because they blend products really seamlessly and create the look of “second skin.” Because of the high-quality and lasting longevity of this pick, it comes at a higher price point of $65 per brush.
Price at time of publish: $65
Size: 5.59 x 4.45 x 3.23 inches | Material: CosmeFibre (synthetic)
EcoTools Wonder Cover Complexion Brush
Best Budget
This affordable pick is made from renewable and recyclable materials and packed with 100,000 bristles for seamless application.
What We Like
Affordable
Eco-friendly
What We Don’t Like
Not ideal for powders
If you have a hard time shelling out big bucks on brushes, consider this pick. It’s a super good deal for the price, with over 100,000 bristles for smooth application, and it's made of renewable and recyclable materials, too. Because of its short bristles, you can also use this pick to apply cream contour to the face.
Because the bristles are on the shorter side, we wouldn't recommend using this pick to apply powder foundation—you’ll end up applying too much powder, and it probably won’t blend very well. This brush is really ideal for liquid or cream formulas that require a stiffer application brush.
Price at time of publish: $9
Size: 2.81 x 1.13 x 8.5 inches | Material: Synthetic
NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation Brush
Best Drugstore
This drugstore pick has an angled-shape, making it useful to get foundation in those hard-to-reach areas of your face.
What We Like
Affordable
Unique shape
What We Don't Like
Not ideal for powders
The bristles on this brush are soft yet dense, which makes it a good choice for more pigmented liquid bases. An angled top glides seamlessly along the contour of your face, smoothly applying and blending in every last bit of product.
We recommend using this brush with liquid and cream foundations over powder foundations, as the bristles are on the denser side. It doesn’t blend powder foundations as seamlessly.
Price at time of publish: $15
Size: 6.94 x 0.89 x 0.89 inches | Material: Synthetic
Related:The 15 Best Cheap Makeup Brush Sets That Belong On Your Vanity
Fenty Beauty Full-Bodied Foundation Brush 110
Best for Liquid Foundation
With a rounded shape, this brush applies liquid foundation with an airbrushed finish.
What We Like
Densely packed and soft bristles
Creates an air-brushed finish
Unique shape
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
There are more than 140,000 extra-fine, synthetic bristles in this brush, which boasts a unique rounded shape. The shape ensures the same type of even application as you’d get with a traditional flat-headed foundation brush, along with an airbrush-esque finish. For the best results, use it following Ri-Ri’s go-to method: press the brush into the skin, roll, then repeat.
While we love the density of this brush, it’s on the pricier side at $34. Also, it’s important to note that this is a pretty dense brush—if you don’t like a full-coverage foundation look, opt for another pick on this list.
Price at time of publish: $44
Size: 0.87 x 7.4 x 1.65 inches | Material: Synthetic
Anisa Beauty Pinnacle Foundation Brush
Best for Liquid Foundation, Runner-Up
This brush was specially made to work with liquid and cream formulas.
What We Like
Unique shape
Great for medium-to-full coverage
Works great with all formulas
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
The synthetic fibers on this brush are not only densely packed, but they’re also very flexible. Translation: They’re great at imparting medium-to-full coverage without ever leaving behind any tell-tale streaks. The patented triangular brush head makes it easy to get into hard-to-reach areas like around your nose. Plus, the bristles are also domed to help seamlessly blend along the curves of your face. FYI: While it does work best with creams and liquids, it can be used for powders, too.
This is another foundation brush that costs on the higher side at $38 per brush. We love that it’s vegan and 100% cruelty-free and offers an innovative shape, unlike others on this list.
Price at time of publish: $38
Material: Synthetic
Related:The 7 Best Makeup Brushes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Alima Pure Foundation Brush
Best for Powder Foundation
The dual-colored bristles on this brush allow you to see how much powder you are picking up, so you can dust on the ideal amount.
What We Like
Dual-colored bristles help you see the product
Ergonomic design
What We Don’t Like
Not ideal for liquids and creams
It’s expensive
For those who prefer mineral or powder foundation formulas, this brush is a good choice. The vegan bristles are dual-colored (the white tips make it easy to see exactly how much powder you’re picking up) and dust on the ideal amount of product for light to medium coverage. Bonus points for an extra comfortable grip, thanks to the tapered handle.
Although this pick does have relatively dense bristles, it might create streaks if you use it for liquid foundation. Additionally, it costs $48, so it’s not an affordable option.
Price at time of publish: $48
Size: 7.32 x 1.81 x 1.46 inches | Material: Taklon (synthetic)
Artis Elite Oval 6 Brush
Best Small Shape
The smaller shaped head makes it easier than ever to target smaller, hard-to-reach spots where you’d dab on concealer.
What We Like
Ergonomic design
Works great with all formulas
Great for small spots
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
For those who like their foundation to also act as a concealer, this brush is ideal. The smaller shaped head makes it easier than ever to target smaller, hard-to-reach spots where you’d dab on concealer—think under your eyes or around your nose. And, like the other Artis brush on the list, it works just as well with powders, creams, and liquids.
You can also use this brush for blush and bronzer, too. One of the downsides is that it’s so expensive. At $60 per brush, this is definitely an investment brush that should last you a long time.
Price at time of publish: $60
Size: 6.5 x 1 x 1.5 inches | Material: CosmeFibre (synthetic)
Related:The 16 Best Eyeshadow Brushes for Pro-Level Glam
Jenny Patinkin All Over Face Brush
Best Multi-Tasker
Designed by a makeup artist, this brush is great for applying foundation, blush, bronzer, powder, and highlighter.
What We Like
Densely packed and soft bristles
Works great with all formulas
What We Don’t Like
Brush head could be a bit larger
This makeup artist-turned-product creator wrote a book called "Lazy Perfection: The Art of Looking Great Without Really Trying," so you know that her eponymous line of brushes will be all about ease and convenience. Case in point: You can easily use this one brush for all of your complexion products, from foundation to blush to bronzer to powder to highlighter. Made of high-quality synthetic fibers (that are even finer than natural hair), this brush also has two and a half times more bristles than most other brushes, making it feel velvety and ensuring seamless application every single time.
While we love all the bristles and the construction of this pick, we think the brush head could be a bit bigger to cover a larger area on the face.
Price at time of publish: $30
Size: 1.25 x 0.75 x 6.5 inches | Material: Synthetic
IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7
Best Dual-Ended
This dual-ended brush allows you to seamlessly blend your foundation on large and small areas on your face.
What We Like
Dual-ended
Doesn’t shed
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
This brand makes some of our favorite makeup brushes of all time, and this two-sided pick is no exception. The 100 percent synthetic bristles are some of the highest quality we’ve ever seen, with a silky-soft feel and the ability to constantly pick up exactly the right amount of product. Use the oversized, fluffier end to blend foundation onto larger areas of your complexion (it makes for an airbrushed effect), then use the micro-end to precisely dab the product onto smaller spots.
Unfortunately, this pick is on the pricier side. However, we think it’s worth shelling out for it because it’s a 2-in-1 brush that can be used multiple ways.
Price at time of publish: $49
Size: 7.09 x 1.18 x 7.09 inches | Material: Synthetic
Related:The 10 Best Airbrush Makeup Kits of 2023
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation Brush
Best Splurge
This luxe pick has super soft bristles, and the durable handle is made of sustainably-sourced wood.
What We Like
Fibers don’t absorb too much product
Sustainably-sourced wooden handle
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
Ready to invest in a high-quality foundation brush? Make it this one. The synthetic fibers have an ever-so-subtle wave to them, which makes for both the ideal product pick-up and payoff as you glide it across your skin. Sephora fans also rave about how said bristles don’t soak up too much product. Also nice: The handle is made of sustainably-sourced wood. This brush costs $39 but can be used for foundation, blush, bronzer, and highlighter, too.
Price at time of publish: $39
Material: Synthetic
Related:These Are the Best Makeup Brush Cleansers Out There
Hourglass Vanish Foundation Brush
Best Splurge, Runner-Up
This splurge-worthy brush works well with a variety of different cream and liquid bases.
What We Like
Extremely soft bristles
Unique shape
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
The bristles on this brush are not only some of the softest we’ve ever felt, but they’re also unique because they’re crimped. Why does that matter? It helps to control the placement and application of the product as you run the brush along your face, making for a completely effortless result. While it was made to work with the brand’s cream foundation stick (another product we adore), we’ve found that it works equally well with a variety of different cream and liquid bases.
This brush not only comes at a hefty price tag ($47 per brush), but it also comes with very dense bristles, too. If you like a less-heavy foundation application, don’t choose this one.
Price at time of publish: $47
Material: Talkon (synthetic)
Jenny Patinkin Pure Luxury Makeup Sponge Duo
Best Sponge
Made of chemical-free foam, this sponge is ideal for those who love sheer coverage.
What We Like
Recyclable
Great for skin-like coverage
Ergonomic design
What We Don’t Like
Not ideal for powders
Okay, so yes, this (obviously) isn’t a brush, but sponges are a great pick for liquid or cream products, particularly if you’re looking to score lighter, more skin-like coverage. This particular one earns our vote for a few major reasons. For starters, it’s made of a pure, untreated, chemical-free foam. That means it’s not only better for your skin, but it can also be recycled once you’re done with it (although it can be used and washed repeatedly). The velvety texture also absorbs very little product and feels lovely on the skin, and we also like the ergonomic shape that’s easy to hold and use. Plus, you get two in this set.
Makeup sponges, in general, are not ideal for powders—and this pick is no exception. If you use a powder foundation regularly, opt for a foundation brush with loose fibers instead.
Price at time of publish: $32
Material: Untreated polyurethane foam
Real Techniques Foundation Blender
Best for Full Coverage
The short, dense bristles on this brush provide full coverage from your foundation of choice.
What We Like
Affordable
Works great with all formulas
What We Don’t Like
Reviewers say it's hard to clean
FYI, short, dense, domed bristles—like what you’d see in a kabuki brush—are best if you want to pack on your foundation and score extra full coverage. This offers the same effect but with what we think is much easier to use and maneuver handle. It’s great for controlled application, as well as buffing and blending so that everything looks seamless. Not to mention that it works equally well with creams, powders, and liquids. We love how dense this brush is, but because of its density, it’s a bit difficult to clean.
Price at time of publish: $13
Size: 2.78 x 1.65 x 3.7 inches | Material: Synthetic
MODA Angle Foundation Brush
Best Angled
The angled-shape is ideal for blending your base into smaller spots that are harder to reach.
What We Like
Affordable
Bright color
Unique shape
What We Don’t Like
Not ideal for powders
Slanted or angled brushes are ideal for blending your base into smaller spots that are harder to reach—think around your nose, near your hairline, or around your ears. This one—which also boasts a super wallet-friendly price tag—does exactly that. The handle is also super durable and water-resistant, and that hot pink hue makes it easy to find, even in a super crowded makeup bag.
Because of the angle on this brush, it might not be a great option for powder application. We suggest using a liquid or cream foundation with this pick.
Price at time of publish: $9
Material: Synthetic
SEPHORA COLLECTION PRO Powder Brush #50
Best for Powder, Runner-Up
What We Like
Unique dome shape
High-quality, vegan synthetic bristles
What We Don't Like
Might not be ideal for liquid or cream formulas
Talk about a fluffy brush—this pick from Sephora Collection is dome-shaped and works wonders for powder foundations. If you prefer a lighter coverage when applying your foundation, this brush checks the boxes. It has high-quality, vegan synthetic bristles, is uniquely tapered and not too dense, and can be used for foundation or with a setting powder.
This brush is pretty fluffy, so it’s not really meant to be used with liquid or cream foundations. Opt for powder when applying product with this brush.
Price at time of publish: $34
Material: Synthetic
Final Verdict
At the top of our list is the Artis Elite Mirror Palm Brush. It gets major points for fitting seamlessly into the palm of your hand and having synthetic fibers that work well with liquid, powders, or creams. We’re also raving about the EcoTools Wonder Cover Complexion. This cruelty-free tool has over 100,000 bristles for a smooth application. But if you’re still not convinced that brushes are the way to go, the Jenny Patinkin Pure Luxury Makeup Sponge Duo is a prime choice for sheer coverage and is made of a chemical-free foam that is better for both your skin and the environment.
What to Look for in a Foundation Brush
Shape
The shape of your brush will have a major impact on your foundation application. Sponges can be a nice option for light, sheer coverage, while tightly packed oval brushes are great options for applying powder foundation for a seamless blend. As a general rule of thumb, the denser the brush, the denser the coverage.
Liquid vs. Powder
Liquid, powder, and cream foundations all call for different types of brushes. For a full-coverage liquid foundation, you’ll want to go for a flat brush that allows you to use a paint-like technique for streak-free precision. If powder foundation is more of your thing, use a fluffy yet dense brush with a lot of surface area like a Kabuki brush.
Synthetic vs. Natural
It might feel luxurious to have a fluffy makeup brush sourced from the finest animal hair or fur, but it’s not the most sustainable or cruelty-free option. Synthetic brushes have come a long way, and there are plenty of options to consider that are both earth and wallet-friendly. It’s also important to inquire whether or not a brand conducts animal testing. So if you want to be kind to animals and still have a high-quality brush that won't irritate your skin, cruelty-free is the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you apply foundation with a brush?
After moisturizing and priming the skin evenly, dot your foundation directly onto the skin and then use a clean brush to blend in each direction. When layering more products, use a patting motion to avoid creating streaks.
Is a brush or a sponge better for applying foundation?
“Brushes last longer and save you time because you can apply foundation faster with a brush than a sponge. Plus, brushes absorb fewer products than sponges do, so your product goes further," says MUA Tamekia Greer.
How often do you clean foundation brushes?
Greer recommends makeup brushes be cleaned once a week to prevent possible skin breakouts and buildup on your brushes. The cleaner they are, the better the application and the longer your brushes will last.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like composition, ease of use, and design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She’s realized that applying foundation with a brush or a sponge is a total game-changer when it comes to scoring a super seamless finish and uses one anytime she’s wearing a base. She’s used (or is currently using) many of the tools featured on this list.
Daley Quinnis a Byrdie contributor who covers all things beauty and wellness. She has bylines at The Cut and WWD, and is a former editor for Family Circle. For this story, she considered the most popular makeup brushes, looking at their shape, ease of use, and composition to deliver our top picks.
FAQs
The 14 Best Foundation Brushes of 2023? ›
Tapered foundation brushes are usually flat, less full in form, with a gentle taper. These brushes are best for liquid foundation and other liquid products.
What type of brush is best for applying foundation? ›Tapered foundation brushes are usually flat, less full in form, with a gentle taper. These brushes are best for liquid foundation and other liquid products.
What is the best MAC foundation brush? ›MAC Cosmetics MAC 190 Foundation Brush
Makeup artists love this classic brush. You can use it with liquid foundations, too, but the flat paddle shape is especially great for creating a smooth, even canvas with cream formulas.
Flat foundation brush – great for spreading the tinted moisturizer while maintaining its dewy finish. Dense buffing brush – if you want a finer, more airbrushed finish.
What is the best foundation brush Charlotte Tilbury? ›Magic Foundation Brush
This is the best brush for getting that even, smooth looking application and flawless-looking base for your makeup. Perfect for: applying Charlotte's Beautiful Skin Foundation, Airbrush Flawless Foundation, Light Wonder and Hollywood Flawless Filter for a gorgeous, flawless looking finish!
For a foundation brush to deliver an airbrushed finish it needs to be fluffy, not overly dense, not too flexible, if it's very soft and too flat it will not fit that purpose.
Should I apply foundation with a wet or dry brush? ›I like to use brushes for application when I want to focus on a detail area, or when I want to use a sheer finish and give a wash over the skin. If the skin is really dry, I only use damp brushes when applying. Generally speaking, sponges can give more coverage, while brushes can be more sheer.”
Are Sigma or Mac brushes better? ›Sigma Makeup brushes are definitely a more affordable alternative to MAC brushes or any other high-end brushes. They are good, but not always great and sometimes just so-so. Like all brush ranges, not all brushes are made equal. Some brushes aren't as soft, others not as useful.
How do I know if my foundation brush is good? ›Brushes made of the finest, high class, quality materials will last longer and result in that flawless makeup look you are seeking. When determining the quality of your brush, look for soft bristles that don't feel frayed or ragged. The bristles should be held in place by a secure, metal ferule to prevent shedding.
Which is best for blending foundation brush or sponge? ›A makeup sponge gives the most skin-like finish and pushes the product into the complexion, the foundation doesn't sit on top so it appears more seamless and natural. You can really beautifully build-up and blend the product from sheer to full-coverage, but you have to use a clean sponge!
Do you put concealer on before or after tinted moisturizer? ›
Noto also stresses the importance of going easy with foundation or tinted moisturizer before applying concealer on any blemishes, as she says this is what gives the most natural-looking coverage.
Is it better to apply tinted moisturizer with a brush or sponge? ›Ditch the Brush
Tinted moisturizers are like hydrating lotions. Skip the makeup sponge or brush and apply the formula evenly onto your skin using your fingertips. "Take a small amount and blend from the center of the face out, much like you would apply a daytime moisturizer," says Quinn.
No tinted moisturizer should be high coverage; that would make it more of a foundation and less of a “tint.” While some tinted moisturizers might be buildable, it's better to add foundation on top of a tinted moisturizer for more coverage.
What makeup brushes do professional use? ›- POWDER BRUSH. long, fluffy bristles. ...
- BRONZER BRUSH. soft, full and rounded. ...
- CONCEALER BRUSH. flat brush, wide base, pointed tip, soft bristles. ...
- BLUSHER BRUSH. more rounded and compact than a powder brush. ...
- FACE CONTOUR BRUSH. ...
- EYESHADOW BRUSH. ...
- ANGLE EYE BRUSH. ...
- BLENDING EYE BRUSH.
Foundation Makeup Brush
According to Anisa Telwar Kaicker, CEO and Founder of ANISA Beauty, a foundation brush is crucial to help create everything from full coverage to a natural "no-makeup" makeup look. "The right foundation brush sets the tone for a healthy complexion," she says.
Remember, there's no “best way” to apply your foundation, as both application techniques have their perks and unique touch. Applying foundation with a brush achieves flawless coverage and a precise, even finish. When you apply foundation with fingers, you tend to get a more natural effect that mimics your skin.
Do you wet a foundation brush? ›Once you've found your cleanser, you've got to know how to use it. We suggest that for foundation brushes, you should simply place a bit of your chosen cleanser in your palm. Then, wet your brush bristles and swirl the brush around on your hand to loosen up the debris.
Should you put foundation directly to brush? ›While you can apply your foundation with your fingers in a pinch, buffing it in with a high-quality foundation brush can instantly give you a natural, flawless finish. This is especially true if you're using a full coverage liquid foundation (which is thicker and harder to rub in with just your fingers).
Do you apply concealer before or after foundation? ›Applying foundation first creates an even base to reduce overall redness, discoloration and minor blemishes. If you apply your concealer first, you may end up wiping some off when you apply foundation or using a lot more product than necessary, which can create a heavy, cakey look.
How do you apply foundation to old skin? ›Quinn emphasizes that the most important tip for applying foundation to mature skin is the prep step right before foundation. "The skin needs to be hydrated before any foundation is applied. Massage in your face and eye creams, use a roller for added penetration, and follow up with a brightening primer," he says.
Which liquid foundation is best? ›
- Maybelline New York Liquid Foundation.
- Lakme Absolute Skin Natural Mousse.
- Mamaearth Glow Serum Foundation with Vitamin C & Turmeric.
- Faces Canada Weightless Matte Finish Foundation.
- L'Oreal Paris True Match Super Blendable Liquid Foundation.
Her hairstylist Chris Appleton revealed that he uses Tangle Teezer's The Ultimate Styler to help create Kardashian's sleek pony. But the best part? This hair brush is 20 percent off now on Nordstrom, marking it down to only $13! That's right, it's time to add it to your hair care routine immediately!
Are more expensive brushes better? ›When you have a quality brush, it's going to stand the test of time.” According to Cristina B., a stylist at Rita Hazan Salon in New York City, an expensive brush is “made with better, with quality materials and lasts longer. I've had some of my $150 brushes for about five years!”
What brushes cause least damage? ›A great hair brush to avoid breakage, a boar bristle brush is gentle on all hair types. One benefit of a boar brush is that it distributes your scalp oils to the rest of your hair, which protects and hydrates damaged strands.
How many foundation brushes should I have? ›You truly only need a 3-4 brushes if you are a beginner – a flat eyeshadow brush, a crease brush, eyeliner brush and a blush/powder bronzer brush. That's it!!! However, once you are beyond the beginner level there are a few more brushes that come in useful and will complete your set.
How often do you need to change your foundation brush? ›We recommend replacing your makeup brushes about every 1-3 years. For upkeep, makeup brushes should be washed weekly - whether it's application brushes, blush, bronzer or eyeshadow.
What is the best way to put foundation on? ›Dab, don't rub.
Whether you're using a foundation brush (synthetic bristles are best) or your fingertips, apply foundation in a stippling motion, which means gently tapping it into your skin. Avoid any wiping or rubbing motions because that will only push the foundation around and cause streaks.
Soft bristle brushes
Soft bristles make smooth paint strokes. For blended, flat paint surfaces, sable, mongoose, or soft synthetic brushes are ideal.
Always give your moisturizer time (as long as 15 minutes) to absorb into your skin before applying foundation. Otherwise, you can end up with a streaky mess.
Should concealer be darker then foundation? ›The general rule of thumb is that you should always opt for a shade lighter than foundation when choosing your concealer colour. Doing so helps to mask darker discolouration, but be careful not to over-correct! Knowing how to pick the right concealer is essential to ensuring that your look does not appear ghostly.
When applying makeup what goes on first? ›
- Step 1: Moisturizer. Before you begin applying your makeup, take the time to prep your skin with a high-quality moisturizer. ...
- Step 2: Primer. ...
- Step 3: Liquid Foundation. ...
- Step 4: Concealer. ...
- Step 5: Foundation Powder. ...
- Step 6: Bronzer. ...
- Step 7: Blush. ...
- Step 8: Highlighter.
Using a pea-sized amount, dab the tinted moisturizer on your cheeks, forehead, nose, and under-eye area. Dot the moisturizer in these key spots, so when you blend the product, it evenly coats your face.
Does tinted moisturizer settle in wrinkles? ›And when it comes to addressing fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging, tinted moisturizers work hard to minimize their appearance (if that's what you're seeking!) without settling in like some heavier foundations and concealers do.
Do you rub in tinted moisturizer? ›While you can simply rub tinted moisturizer onto your face using your fingertips, using a brush may give you more control. Consider using a duo fiber brush. This brush is small with a flat head so you can blend the tint into your skin. You can also use a blending sponge to get heavier coverage.
Do you put primer under tinted moisturiser? ›A moisturiser first and foremost, tinted moisturisers can be applied directly to the skin, but by priming the skin you can help your tinted moisturiser to glide on and stay put. Making a primer for your tinted moisturiser is easy to do and can be greatly beneficial for those with dry, oily or combination skin.
What is the next step up from tinted moisturizer? ›BB cream (a.k.a. “beauty balm”) is the next step up from a tinted moisturizer! BB creams are meant to both prime and moisturize your face while giving you buildable coverage that is similar to a light foundation. The nice thing about BB creams is that, unlike heavy foundations, they tend to not clog your pores as much.
How do I choose a foundation brush? ›Your brush choice depends on the type of foundation formula you're using. As a general rule of thumb, it's advisable to stick to natural bristles for powder, and synthetic bristles for liquid products. This is because synthetic bristles tend to soak up less product, hence there'll be less product wastage.
What is the most expensive makeup brush in the world? ›This Is What a $34,500 Makeup Brush Looks Like
Together with world-renowned artisans, designers and artists, Artis has created the world's most expensive brush retailing at $34,5000 (US$25,000).
They're great-quality and super soft, and they do an awesome job blending. They've weathered many a bristle bath without any shedding, too. The set comes with a large powder brush, a blush/bronzer/contour cheek brush, a stippling brush for highlight, a domed eyeshadow brush, and a nice, firm pencil brush.
What are the best brushes for mature skin? ›Natural bristles such as boar or horse hair are usually considered the best makeup brushes for mature women. This is because natural hair tends to pick up more pigment and has very soft bristles that run smoothly on our delicate faces.
What do makeup artists spray on their brushes? ›
Applying a spritz of setting spray to your makeup brushes before applying powdered products can instantly make the pigment pop even more and give it a better grip on the skin. Try this technique with eyeshadow, blush, or highlighter to amp up the intensity of your look.
What is the best makeup brush made in Japan? ›Hakuhodo is one of Japan's biggest makeup brush manufacturers based in the makeup brush capital of Kumano in Hiroshima Prefecture and is widely considered to be one of the best brands.
What type of brushes are the best? ›Boar bristle brushes are popular because of their ability to redistribute the natural, healthy oils in the scalp, which enhances hair health and creates smooth, shiny locks.
How do I choose the best brush? ›It is important that you choose your brush based on the length and texture of your hair. If you have long and thin hair, a paddle brush or flat brush with boar bristles can work smoothly. For straight hair styles, a paddle brush is an ideal choice. For curly hair, most hair experts suggest using a brush sparsely.
Do you need a special brush for foundation? ›Thick bristles can create a streaky finish to your foundation, while thin bristles will help you get an even coat. For this, you can use any makeup brush you have. It doesn't even have to be a foundation brush as long as its bristles are small.
Should I use a flat brush for foundation? ›Flat brushes are ideal for mineral foundation, blush, and contouring. They are best for applying evenly pigmented cream-to-powder products. Flat brushes are also great for using loose or pressed powder on the face. Most flat foundation brushes have short, synthetic bristles and a contoured shape.
What is best brush or sponge for liquid foundation? ›Sprinkle recommends working with synthetic brushes if you're applying liquid foundations, as they're easier to sanitize, and create a smooth, even finish. "A sponge is great for sheering out creams and liquids," he adds. "However, keep in mind that it can absorb a lot of product."
Do you wash foundation brush every time? ›To protect your skin and kill any harmful bacteria that lingers in your makeup brushes, it's a good idea to wash your brushes every 7 to 10 days. To clean your makeup brushes, dermatologists recommend the following tips: Rinse the tips of your brushes under lukewarm, running water to remove residual makeup.
What should I put on my face before liquid foundation? ›No matter what application method you choose, you should start with a primer to even-out the texture of your skin (your forehead, for example, is typically more oily than the cheeks, so foundation will look different on different areas of the face if you don't use a primer).
Do you put concealer on before or after foundation? ›The proper way to apply the two products is to first smooth on a foundation and then apply your concealer. Foundation will create that even canvas we talked about earlier, and then concealer can be used to spot correct any outstanding areas that need extra coverage.
Is it better to apply foundation with fingers or sponge? ›
Fingers are best for a quick and natural application; sponges are good for achieving a flawless finish; and brushes are ideal for full coverage. And sometimes, a little mixing and matching can go a long way.
How do you apply foundation to mature skin? ›Quinn emphasizes that the most important tip for applying foundation to mature skin is the prep step right before foundation. "The skin needs to be hydrated before any foundation is applied. Massage in your face and eye creams, use a roller for added penetration, and follow up with a brightening primer," he says.
Should I get a flat or curved foundation brush? ›At the end of the day, foundation brushes are meant to give you the best possible makeup application. If you like the thicker coverage that a more dense, rounded brush can provide and prefer to use lighter foundations or tinted moisturizers, a flat foundation brush will be what you need.
Is it better to blend foundation with a brush or blender? ›This is because the bristles of the brush can irritate your skin and make it look flaky. The smooth, soft surface of a beauty blender is much gentler on the skin, and can help you flawlessly apply makeup without leaving you with a cake face.