Choosing the best foundation brush for your makeup needs is largely dependent on what kind of texture and finish you are going for. Fortunately, the makeup space is filled with a variety of brushes, all built differently and serving a special kind of purpose. Which is why you will have seen your favourite beauty influencer play around with these tools to achieve diverse makeup looks. This also makes it exciting for makeup enthusiasts, since working with trendy new foundation tools is such a treat - they ease the application process and deliver amazing results. To make your decision process easier, here are seven types of foundation brushes or tools to choose from.
- Different types of foundation brushes or tools
- 1. Sponges and cushions
- 2. Kabuki brushes
- 3. Oval brushes
- 4. Tapered brushes
- 5. Stippling brush
- 6. Buffing brushes
- 7. Angled brushes
- FAQs about foundation brush
Different types of foundation brushes or tools
As seen above, with so many options at your disposal, picking the right brush or tool can be a task. But an important one at that, because in order to get flawless-looking makeup, it’s necessary to get your base right. And, to make sure your base is right, you need to pick the right foundation brush.
1. Sponges and cushions
Not technically a ‘brush’ but given that beauty blenders and sponges are the most popular choice for liquid foundation application, we had to give them a spot on this list. Their appeal might seem to lie in the fact that beauty influencers have endorsed them highly and they look adorable, but they do deliver on results fairly properly.
If your makeup base goal is a natural-looking, skin-like texture then a damp beauty sponge is your best bet. Use them in a fast, but gentle tapping motion, applying pressure uniformly and firmly. This technique helps blend the foundation into your skin for a natural finish.
2. Kabuki brushes
Kabuki brushes are distinctive in their look - meaning they have a short (adorable!) handle with dense bristles. They are best used for the application of powder foundation for a seamless finish. The density of the bristles helps minimize product wastage, as these brushes are able to trap good amounts of powder and lightly dust your face with it. If your biggest challenge with powder foundations is cakiness, this will help solve the problem.
3. Oval brushes
An Insta-famous makeup tool, oval brushes are definitely chic and stylish to look at. Also referred to as ‘toothbrush’ makeup brushes, these oval-shaped styling tools are uber soft, come in a variety of sizes and can be used for blush and highlighter as well. The long handle is supposed to help with better grip, giving you more control in how the brush moves. Also, they come with smooth and compact bristles in order to give your foundation an airbrushed finish. Best used for creamy foundations, they result in medium coverage and give you a satisfying and relaxing makeup experience.
4. Tapered brushes
Tapered brushes are usually flat and low in density when compared to other brushes on this list. Their look is distinctive because of the pointed, dense, precise and multi-angle design. Tapered brushes come in handy when you are applying a base focused on filling in fine lines, pores, and blurring other imperfections. They can fit the contours of your face perfectly, especially around the nose and dip of the chin. Because of their small bristle size, they work best when used in precise strokes across your face, making the application of liquid foundations more controlled and precise.
5. Stippling brush
As the name suggests, stippling brushes are used to ‘stipple’ makeup products into your skin. They have a blunt, flat edge, with fibers of two distinctive lengths. The top layer helps pick up the product, and the denser, shorter layer helps push this product into your skin. Liquid and cream foundations that need seamless blending are a good match for this type of brush.
FYI, stippling is a technique used in art where small dots are used to create a bigger picture. Which is why stippling brushes are called so, since they are used in a sort of dabbing motion first, then followed by pressed on swirling technique to really get the foundation in there. It is a really good technique for people looking to hide their blemishes seamlessly, with an airbrushed finish all over.
6. Buffing brushes
The easiest brush to use of the lot, buffing brushes are perfect for women who are always in a hurry and maybe have just a couple of minutes to put on a base before stepping out of the house! Buffing brushes are used to apply powder foundations, they are equipped with really dense bristles to catch a lot of product and quickly cover up your whole face. They are also sometimes used in combination with other brushes, to buff out any harsh foundation lines left behind. When used in a swift, swirling motion, you will be able to achieve a smooth complexion with light to medium coverage (since powder foundations are buildable and can have multiple layers stacked on each other).
7. Angled brushes
Angled foundation brushes are multipurpose brushes that can be used for both powder and liquid foundations. They are made with tightly packed soft fibers and are excellent at providing coverage to hard to reach places. The uniqueness of this brush type comes from the fact that their bristles are much stiffer than the rest. They allow a smooth, sweeping and controlled motion; ideal for contouring as well.
FAQs about foundation brush
Q. What is the best way to apply liquid foundation with a brush?
A. While applying a liquid foundation with a brush, start by applying the product from the center of your face and go outwards and upwards, towards your hairline. This gives your makeup a more ‘lifted’ effect. Use the brush in soft strokes in order to get proper coverage and a smooth finish. Once you have applied the first layer, start blending it to get rid of any harsh lines or dense patches, evening out your base as best as you can.
Q. What is the best way to apply powder foundation with a bush?
A. When applying powder foundations, use a pressing or ‘stippling’ motion in order to get the product into the contours of your face. Make sure to dust off the excess powder before applying the brush to your face, this is done to avoid the cakey feel you can get from excessive product application. Once you are done dabbing the powder, use soft swirling motions to blend the product with your skin.
Q. What is the best way to clean a foundation brush?
A. Foundation brushes can be easily cleaned with a mild cleanser or soap. With liquid cleansers, take some in the palm of your hands, wet the brush and gently swirl into the cleanser to break down and wash off all the products. With soap, you can rub the brush directly on the bar to clean it. Make sure to be gentle with them and lay them out at the end to let them air dry completely.
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Written by Sumona Bose on 23rd Nov 2020
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!