10 Best Foundation Brushes in 2022 (Makeup Artist-Reviewed)

The flat brush, or the 'paddle' brush, is the classic foundation brush. Until fairly recently, this was the main type available. This brush resembles a paintbrush and is literally used to 'paint' foundation on to the face. 

The densely packed bristles and relatively small head allow for these brushes to hold a lot of product and deposit it over a small, concentrated area of the skin. The narrow head also allows for coverage in small areas of the face, such as at the corners of the nose. 

These brushes are best suited to those looking for full coverage with liquid or cream foundations, as they are not very effective with powder.

Working with these brushes requires quite a bit of precision and technique, and one of the drawbacks of using a flat brush is that a streaky finish is common. For this reason, they have fallen out of favor a bit in recent years, and are used most often by makeup artists or those looking for an extreme full coverage finish.  

Buffing brushes have a wide, fluffy head, that is usually domed or flat-toped. This broad shape allows for foundation application over a wide area of skin in a short amount of time. 

Foundation is applied in a circular 'buffing' motion, whereby it is buffed into the skin to give a seamlessly blended effect with medium coverage. Flat topped brushes allow for faster coverage, whilst domed brushes are often better for buffing product into the skin.

These are great multipurpose brushes and can be used with both liquids and powders. They can also be used to apply other makeup products, such as bronzers or setting powders. Due to the foundation being buffed into the skin, some product tends to be lost during application. 

Therefore buffing brushes don't offer as full a coverage as the classic paddle brush, but the finish tends to be more blended and seamless. Their shape also allows for a quicker, easier application, and they're often considered to be a better brush for beginners. 

Stippling brushes, or duo-fiber brushes, have a very distinct two-toned appearance with two types of bristles layered together. Foundation is applied in a 'stippling' motion where the brush is pressed into the skin, depositing tiny foundation 'pixels' that are then blended in. Duo-fiber brushes often give the best results with his particular technique.    

These brushes offer a very light, sheer coverage with an airbrushed effect. They are used to achieve natural-looking, flawless skin, but it won't hide blemishes. 

Due to their bristle construction, stippling brushes don't hold a lot of product, and they deposit it in very small amounts on the skin. This makes them best suited to liquid and cream foundations. The layered bristles and stippling motion can also irritate dry and sensitive skin, so you may wish to choose a softer brush that offers fuller coverage.

It can take a lot of time to layer up your foundation if you're seeking medium or full coverage too. In spite of these potential drawbacks, stippling brushes are very popular for the beautiful, uniquely dewy results they offer.  

Kabuki brushes originated in Japan, where they were used by kabuki actors to apply a heavy coverage of powder makeup within a short period of time. These brushes consist of a very wide head with a flat or domed top, a shape that allows for a quick application. 

Their small, very densely packed bristles hold on to a lot of product and distribute it evenly. The classic kabuki brush has a short handle, but these days long-handled versions are also widely available. In spite of originally being developed for powder, kabuki brushes can also be used for liquids or creams. 

Due to the fact they hold on to a lot of products, they're great for mineral foundations. They're used in a similar way to buffing brushes, but the dense bristles hold more products and therefore can offer more coverage. When used correctly, they can offer a poreless airbrushed finish without streaks.

Like buffing brushes, they are a great all-purpose tool and can be used with multiple foundation types and other makeup products. The kabuki brush is praised by many as being an excellent all-round brush, and its ease of use makes it a great choice for beginners. 

Pointed and angled brushes are great for precise makeup application and reaching the various nooks and crannies of the face, such as the corners of the nose or mouth. 

They're sometimes used by those with very small and fine features to ensure coverage in smaller areas of the face that might be difficult to reach with more conventional brushes. 

Angled brushes come in many forms, and these days it's possible to get an angled paddle, buffing, or kabuki brush. They're popular with professionals, but the precision they offer is not always necessary for everyday looks. 

Natural brushes are usually made from goat, sable, or squirrel hair. Natural hair contains cuticles, which absorb product and skin oils. Because natural brushes can hold so much product, they are great for applying powder foundations. Their soft fibers are good for blending and move more freely across the skin when compared with synthetic brushes. 

There are several drawbacks to using natural bristles, however. Firstly, they can trap product over time, particularly liquids, resulting in them being less hygienic and more difficult to clean. They're also not vegan and/or cruelty-free, tend to shed, and can be expensive. 

Though there are many diehard natural brush fiber fans out there, many are turning to synthetic fibers in recent years due to their more hygienic and cruelty-free nature. 

Because they lack a cuticle, the hairs in synthetic brushes don't hold on to as much product. However, they don't trap it either, making them more hygienic than natural brushes. 

These brushes allow for more precision, as the bristles tend to be stiffer and gravitate towards each other rather than moving freely. Synthetic brushes are definitely the best option for liquids and creams. Furthermore, they're usually the safer brush for those with allergies.

Though natural brushes are usually softer, recently synthetic brushes have been developed to mimic natural hair and are often comparable in texture. Their cost-effectiveness and cruelty-free status make them the overwhelmingly popular choice amongst most consumers today.

The more densely packed bristles are, the more product a brush can hold on to. Densely packed bristles are the ideal type for powder foundations, which require brushes that hold as much product as possible. They're also great for obtaining full coverage results. 

Though more loosely packed bristles may be good for certain effects, as a general rule of thumb a foundation brush should be quite dense. 

Loosely packed brushes tend to give a more sheer, natural finish. They're a good option for thick cream foundations. Though the majority of foundation brushes will tend to be medium to high density, some stippling brushes have a more loosely packed construction. 

Common handle materials include wood, plastic, metal, and bamboo. Wooden handles are often considered to be a good option, as they tend to be weighted well and feel comfortable to hold. 

Bamboo handles are preferred by some as a more sustainable and eco-friendly option. Metal brushes are not always as comfortable to work with, but they tend to be very durable as the brush is one piece and the ferrule does not separate.

Handle length can have an important effect on application, but this is also a matter of personal preference. Some people find longer handles easier to grip and control, others find shorter handles easier to work with. A medium-length handle can be a good place to start. 

The ferrule is the metal part of the brush that holds the bristles and connects them to the handle. The most common materials for ferrules are copper, stainless steel, and aluminum. The metal should always be non-corrosive.

The quality of the ferrule is extremely important, as one of the biggest issues people face with makeup brushes is bristle shed. The ferrule should hold the bristles firmly in place; this can be tested by very lightly tugging on the bristles.   

If the handle is wood, the ferrule should be 'crimped' at the end. This means it should have two indents or grooves to hold it firmly in place and prevent it from separating from the handle. 

For those who are really into makeup and are looking for a professional application, owning various foundation brushes may be a great option. 

Two brushes might be used together. For example, a flat foundation brush might be used to obtain full coverage first, then a buffer brush might be used next to blend away streaks and give a more polished finish. 

It's also increasingly popular to own various foundation brushes for different products and effects. Some looks, such as stippling, might be too time-consuming to do every day but are great for going out and events.    

Thanks to the magic of YouTube tutorials and the ample availably of online makeup advice, it's now possible for even us mere mortals to use techniques once reserved for only the top makeup artists.  

Despite the current trend to apply makeup like a pro, many of us don't necessarily have the time or confidence to use multiple brushes and would rather stick to one solid tool for application.

The one brush you choose will depend on your foundation formula and desired effect too. Kabuki and buffing brushes are popular choices due to their versatility and ease of use. Think about what your typical makeup preferences are to help you choose. You'll want something useful for your everyday look and will complement your foundation.