Applying foundation with your fingers can be effective and all, but have you ever seen what a difference using a right foundation brush can make? Investigating all the types of foundation brushes is a daunting challenge alone. So, we’ve made a simple foundation brush guide for beginners, plus the best products to shop. Follow along so you’re never left wondering the difference between stippling and buffing again.
Types of Foundation Brushes
1. Kabuki Brush
The traditional kabuki brushes have a short handle and dense bristles with a rounded shape, and are great for powder foundation or any sort of powder makeup, say, blush, bronzer, loose powder. However, the flat top kabuki brush is a multifunctional tool that can be used to stipple and buff liquid foundation onto the skin.
For light and sheer coverage, swipe your kabuki brush across the skin in large strokes. For heavier coverage, use the brush to apply product in smaller, tight circles.
Product Recommendations:
• Sigma Beauty F80 Flat Kabuki Brush. Shop on beautybay.com ($22).
• Real Techniques Angled Kabuki Brush. Shop on ulta.com ($10).
• EcoTools Retractable Kabuki Brush. Shop on ulta.com ($10).
2. Stipple Brush
Stippling brushes typically feature two layers of bristles and a blunt edge. The top bristles (usually white) pick up the product you’re going to apply, while the bottom, more densely-packed bristles (usually black) help push the product into the skin rather than having your bristles absorb the formula.
The stippling brush is great for applying cream or liquid foundations, blushes, tinted moisturizers, or even bronzers. A tip: If you have a heavy hand, hold the brush by the very end, giving you virtually no control over the brush. Then make soft swirling motions to gently blend the product into the skin.
Product Recommendations:
• Zoeva 125 Stippling Brush. Shop now on beautybay.com ($18).
• Elf Cosmetics Small Stipple Brush. Shop on elfcosmetics.com ($4).
• NYX Pro Dual Fiber Foundation Brush. Shop on ulta.com ($19).
3. Flat Brush
For full coverage, you’ll want to opt for a flat, slightly tapered foundation brush that allows you to use a paint-like technique for streak-free precision. You can use such brushes for smooth application of primer, tinted moisturizer and cream/liquid foundation.
Product Recommendations:
• Urban Decay Pro Flat Optical Blurring Brush. Shop on urbandecay.com ($32).
• NYX Pro Flat Foundation Brush. Shop on ulta.com ($15).
• EcoTools Classic Foundation Brush. Shop on ulta.com ($7).
4. Buffing Brush
A buffing brush is made from either synthetic or natural bristles that are densely packed together which enables you to evenly buff the product into the skin. Its flat, even shape makes it the perfect makeup brush for applying, blending and buffing liquids, creams or powders.
Product Recommendations:
• Morphe M439 Deluxe Buffer Brush. Shop on ulta.com ($18).
• Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush. Shop on sephora.com ($46).
• IT Cosmetics Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush #6. Shop on ulta.com ($48).
5. Oval Brush
Densely packed oval head makeup brushes are perfect for blending liquid and cream foundation. The design of an oval brush is supposed to make it more comfortable to hold, while the compact bristles help create an airbrushed finish. The dense fibers of oval brushes have less fallout than traditional makeup brushes, so your product only goes where you want it.
Product Recommendations:
• Real Techniques Blend + Blur Foundation Brush. Shop on ulta.com ($20).
• Laromni 10-Piece Oval-Shaped Makeup Brush Set. Shop on walmart.com ($16).
6. Angled Brush
The angled brush head hugs the planes and curves of your face for even, smoother application every single time. Such brushes can be used to apply a liquid or cream foundation, blush, or bronzer.
Product Recommendations:
• Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Foundation Brush. Shop on sephora.com ($28).
• NYX Total Control Pro Drop Foundation Brush. Shop on ulta.com ($14).
• Bare Minerals Core Coverage Foundation Brush. Shop on ulta.com ($32).
You may also like
For more on fashion & beauty, follow Major Mag on Instagram and Pinterest.