The 8 Best Foundation Brushes for Flawless Coverage
Iantha Yu is an experienced beauty editor with over ten years of experience in the publishing industry. Her words can be found on Marie Claire, Beauty Crew, Women's Health, Virgin Voyeur, SHOP Til You Drop, Broadsheet, and more.
Flawless skin that boasts luminosity and an even tone is at the top of everyone’s wish list. But sometimes we all need a little help from an old friend—you know, that wonderful product called foundation.
The right foundation can instantly make your complexion look its best. Now, there’s nothing wrong with using your fingers to put on your foundation.
After all, the warmth of your skin can help move and melt the foundation into your complexion. But a lot of us entrust a handy liquid foundation brush to do the job.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the best foundation brushes we’ve come across and the different types of foundation brushes out there.
Trust us: there’s so much more out there than a flat top buffer foundation brush!
When it comes to achieving a flawless base, one of the best foundation brushes to use is a flat foundation brush, also known as a flat top buffer foundation brush.
This type of makeup brush features lots of tightly packed, similar-length brush hairs with their tips aligned to create a flat top.
A flat foundation brush is also one of the best blending brushes for liquid foundation as it helps you easily buff in your foundation for a seamless finish.
Yep, it really is a fail-safe option to use.
Here Are Our 8 Best Foundation Brushes for Flawless Coverage
The IT Cosmetics Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush #6 is a fine example of a great-quality flat top buffer foundation brush. This foundation brush in particular is cruelty-free. It features Heavenly Luxe hairs that feel soft and gentle against your skin. We also love the soft-touch foundation brush handle, which makes your application that much more enjoyable.
2. A dense, short brush ideal for buffing in foundation.
Looking for a foundation brush like the one above but with a shorter handle? Try the vegan MAKE UP FOR EVER Buffing Foundation Brush N112. This dense buffing brush is ideal for buildable coverage and works great with any foundation to create a flawless finish.
Uniquely designed to fit in the palm of your hand for precise application
If you’re looking for a brush that offers you a flat top buffer foundation brush finish but a more unique experience, you’ve come to the right place. The ICONIC London PRO-EVO Buffer Brush is exactly like the IT Cosmetics version, but the ergonomic handle is held just like a computer mouse! This foundation buffing brush is also cruelty-free and vegan, so it’s perfect for those that prefer non-animal products.
4. A large size brush for quick and easy foundation application
Another option is the Real Techniques Blend & Blur Foundation Brush; its longer handle feels lightweight and comfortable in the hand.
An ultra-smooth slanted top brush every contour of the face
Another liquid foundation brush that’s worth trying is the M.A.C Cosmetics 196 Slanted Flat Top Foundation Brush. Its design features lots of bristles packed tightly on an angle. It’s perfect for moving creamy liquid bases across the face. We suggest holding this one more like a pen than a paintbrush for best results.
A flared design and soft synthetic fibres for a translucent and seamless finish
The Clarins Multi-Use Foundation Brush is nothing like we’ve ever seen. This quirky little brush definitely does a good job in applying foundation. Two layers of synthetic brush hairs are held together in a sustainably sourced Birch handle. This foundation brush is more like a flat foundation brush and can prevent the dreaded mask-like finish of too much foundation. Gently sweep this brush across your face in a criss-cross manner to avoid missing any spots. This brush is more suited to applying bases that have a little more slip (read: not your trusty long-wear foundation).
7. An old school flat brush perfect for liquid or cream foundation
Spectrum brushes modernises a make up bag classic with their Spectrum A03 Oval Foundation Brush. Foundation, skincare and primer apply easily with this vegan brush that layers and blends seamlessly.
Blend mineral products out perfectly
The Aspect Minerals Kabuki Brush is an ideal brush designed for blending out mireal powder and liquid formulas. Triple-milled synthetic fibres offer a soft focus effects, for a seamless and buildable finish. This vegan brush is perfect for creating a natural result.
After reading this guide, we hope you’ll never have to question what brush to use for foundation. There really is something for every want or need!
Want more of the best makeup brushes? Check out the guides below...
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
