The Best Foundation Brushes That Apply Makeup Seamlessly (2025)

Table of Contents

Best Foundation Brush Overall A Super Soft, Dense Brush Hourglass Vanish Foundation Brush Best Luxury Foundation Brush A Unique Design That Delivers A Soft Finish Artis Elite Mirror Oval 7 Best Liquid Foundation Brush A Super-Dense Brush That Gives You Full Coverage Fenty Beauty Full-Bodied Foundation Brush 110 Best Powder Foundation Brush A Flat-Top Kabuki Brush With Silky Bristles Koh Gen Do Perfect Foundation Brush Best Cream Foundation Brush A Classic Flat Shape That's A Breeze To Maneuver MAC Cosmetics 190 Synthetic Foundation Brush Best Budget Foundation Brush A Three-In-One Option That Won’t Break The Bank Real Techniques Custom Complexion Foundation 3-In-1 Makeup Brush Best Multipurpose Foundation Brush An All-In-One Synthetic Brush Sigma Beauty F47 Multitasker Makeup Brush Best Vegan Foundation Brush A Fluffy Brush That Works With Liquid And Powder Tarte The Buffer Airbrush Finish Foundation Brush

April 5, 2023

FORBES VETTED

Stephanie Montes

Contributor

Forbes Vetted

Contributor Group

Apr 5, 2023,07:25pm EDT

If you reach for a brush every time you apply your favoritebronzer,blushor highlighter, you may want to use one for your base, too. While your fingertips are fine for getting the job done, the best foundation brushes are ideal for a pro-level, seamless application. The right one creates an even, natural finish and streak-free coverage, whether you’re using a liquid, powder or cream product (including lighter formulas likeCC creamsortinted moisturizers).

The Best Foundation Brushes That Apply Makeup Seamlessly (2)

You’re likely familiar with the most popular version—the classic flat paddle shape—but there are plenty of other options too. Each shape, size and density level offers something different depending on the formula you’re using and your desired level of coverage and application style. Here, we’re uncovering the top options for what’s arguably the most important part of your makeup routine. Ahead are the best foundation brushes for every budget, makeup look and preference. (For the rest of your face, check out these greatmakeup brushesrecommended by pros.)

Best Foundation Brush Overall:HourglassVanish Foundation Brush
Best Luxury Foundation Brush:Artis Elite Mirror Oval 7
Best Liquid Foundation Brush:Fenty Beauty Full-Bodied Foundation Brush
Best Powder Foundation Brush:Koh Gen Do Perfect Foundation Brush
Best Cream Foundation Brush:MAC 190 Synthetic Foundation Brush
Best Budget Foundation Brush:Real Techniques Custom Complexion Foundation 3-in-1 Makeup Brush
Best Multipurpose Foundation Brush:Sigma F47 Multitasker Brush
Best Vegan Foundation Brush:Tarte The Buffer

Best Foundation Brush Overall

A Super Soft, Dense Brush

The Best Foundation Brushes That Apply Makeup Seamlessly (3)

Hourglass Vanish Foundation Brush

$47

If you consider yourself makeup obsessed, chances are you already have this brush on your wish list. Hourglass’s fan favorite has bristles that are not only some of the softest on the market but are also unique in that they’re crimped—yes, like the ’90s hairstyle. According to the brand, this unique design gives you better control during application. It sweeps up stick foundations brilliantly and also works well with a variety of other formulations. We also love that the shape and size make it easy to buff product into smaller, harder-to-reach areas, such as the corners of your nose and around the eyes.

Best Luxury Foundation Brush

A Unique Design That Delivers A Soft Finish

The Best Foundation Brushes That Apply Makeup Seamlessly (4)

Artis Elite Mirror Oval 7

$75

This one may not look like a traditional makeup brush, but with its spoon-like shape this tool with densely packed fibers serves up an airbrushed finish on a silver platter. Its proprietary synthetic fibers work equally well with liquids, creams and powders, making it a breeze to buff and blend foundation into your skin. The long handle and horizontal base make it ideal for applying body makeup, too.

Best Liquid Foundation Brush

A Super-Dense Brush That Gives You Full Coverage

The Best Foundation Brushes That Apply Makeup Seamlessly (5)

Fenty Beauty Full-Bodied Foundation Brush 110

$34

This dome-shaped foundation brush consists of more than 140,000 extra-fine synthetic bristles, all tightly packed into a stylish handle. That density gives it two major advantages. You get the same full-coverage application as you would with a paddle brush but with a light, airbrushed finish. And because your foundation can’t seep between the bristles, more of it makes it onto your face instead of going to waste in your brush.

Best Powder Foundation Brush

A Flat-Top Kabuki Brush With Silky Bristles

The Best Foundation Brushes That Apply Makeup Seamlessly (6)

Koh Gen Do Perfect Foundation Brush

$58

A kabuki brush is designed with a flat top that makes it ideal for buffing on powder and mineral foundations. While the density varies from brush to brush, the one you choose helps determine the finish; the fluffier the bristles, the sheerer the coverage. This particular flat-topped brush has silky, synthetic bristles that lay powder and mineral foundation evenly over pores and fine lines to create a smooth finish.

Best Cream Foundation Brush

A Classic Flat Shape That's A Breeze To Maneuver

The Best Foundation Brushes That Apply Makeup Seamlessly (7)

MAC Cosmetics 190 Synthetic Foundation Brush

$39

Once a classic, always a classic. This OG flat brush is beloved by makeup fans and professionals alike. It makes it easy to, quite literally, paint on product for a full-coverage look, while the tapered end makes it ideal for cleaning up fine details (like around your lips and brows). For a streak-free finish, swipe a cream foundation on in a sweeping motion and use the sides of the brush to pat and blend, as you would do with your fingertips.

Best Budget Foundation Brush

A Three-In-One Option That Won’t Break The Bank

The Best Foundation Brushes That Apply Makeup Seamlessly (8)

Real Techniques Custom Complexion Foundation 3-In-1 Makeup Brush

$12

If a deal is what you’re after, a deal is what you get with this affordable foundation brush that retracts and transforms itself with the click of a button. This three-in-one tool alternates densities to offer full, medium and sheer coverage without requiring you to switch brushes. Use the fluffiest setting for a more natural finish and the densest one to buff on a full coverage look or apply concealer. Real Techniques tools are some of the softest and most durable on the market—and at prices like this, they can be a steal.

Best Multipurpose Foundation Brush

An All-In-One Synthetic Brush

The Best Foundation Brushes That Apply Makeup Seamlessly (9)

Sigma Beauty F47 Multitasker Makeup Brush

$26

If ever there were one brush to do it all, this dense, rounded-top foundation brush is it. You can use it to buff on buildable, medium-to-full coverage. The synthetic antimicrobial fibers work well with liquid, cream and powder formulas, while the wide, angled brush head makes it an ideal shape to apply blush, contouring products and concealer. It even fits comfortably under the eyes and around the nose, making it ideal for baking your look with setting powder.

Best Vegan Foundation Brush

A Fluffy Brush That Works With Liquid And Powder

The Best Foundation Brushes That Apply Makeup Seamlessly (10)

Tarte The Buffer Airbrush Finish Foundation Brush

$34

The thick bamboo handle of this brush provides a comfortable grip and nice weight as the fluffy bristles get to work, blurring your foundation into an airbrushed finish. Apply product in circular motions for a super seamless, flawless effect, and use the rounded edges to work it into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. The best part is this vegan and cruelty-free brush can also be used to blend out powder formulas.

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