These Are The Best Foundation Brushes
All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush, £45
Best For: Versatility
Why We Rate It: This was designed to work with your foundation, but many use it for highlighter and bronzer too, thanks to its angled head. Vegan and cruelty free, the bristles are incredibly soft and gentle, while the brush itself reaches every single contour of your face for even coverage. A weighted handle allows for optimum control and effortless application. A-list make-up artist Nikki Wolff swears by it: “A staple for applying base make-up, this offers seamless application and uses synthetic bristles for an even finish.”
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush, £36
Best For: Concealer & Foundation
Why We Rate It: Several members of the SheerLuxe team swear by this dual-ended brush. The bristles are flexible, but stiff enough to help push your foundation into your skin for seamless, all-over coverage. The small end is handy as it allows you to apply concealer to areas of concern –around and under the eyes, and on top of small spots that are beginning to form. You’ll love the soft and weightless finish it gives your skin, while the fluffy head doesn’t deposit too much of your go-to base in one solid area.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
KVD Beauty Lock It Edge Foundation Brush, £20
Best For: Control
Why We Rate It: With a long, slim handle, this is one of the best brushes for controlled application. The cruelty-free, vegan bristles are high quality, never tugging or pulling at the skin as you apply your foundation. You can use it to buff on both primers and foundations, while the grooves in the brush reach every area of your face for an even finish. Popular Instagram make-up artist Vivi says it’s always in her kit: “If I want to achieve a smooth, creamy look, I’ll always use this brush. It’s great for blending both primers and foundations, and it’s easy to clean. The dense bristles mean you get a seamless, even blend that’s natural and fresh.”
Available at Boots.com
My Kit Co My Flawless Foundation Angled Brush, £18.50
Best For: Sturdy Bristles
Why We Rate It: We’re constantly spotting this beloved brush in expert’s kits. Created by make-up master James Molloy, it blends creams, liquids and powders with a high-definition finish, while the sturdy quality of the bristles ensure they never cause streaking. It’s angled too, which means every nook and cranny of your face gets seamless coverage. Zoe Taylor, make-up artist and SL contributor, is a fan: “This is always in my kit. It’s brilliant for buffing in foundation, and in return giving that flawless ‘skin-like’ finish we all crave. Plus it’s affordable – unlike some with similar quality bristles – and it really goes the distance.”
Available at LookFantastic.com
Shiseido Hanatsubaki Hake Make-Up Brush, £59
Best For: Powder Foundation
Why We Rate It: This may not look like a foundation brush, but trust us, it delivers brilliant, dewy coverage like no other. It works with all textures, but particularly powders for smooth, even coverage. Japanese made, its four petal brushes hug each area of your face for a polished, even finish –expect professional-looking results. A-list make-up artist and beauty expert Mary Greenwell is with us: “This is the brush when it comes to applying foundation. It doesn’t matter what product you use, it will make any formulation glide onto the skin, leaving behind a flawless, creamy finish. The 100% animal-friendly synthetic bristles are a bonus.”
Available at Boots.com
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, £8 (was £9)
Best For: Affordability
Why We Rate It: If you want an affordable foundation brush, Real Techniques is a good first port of call. With reliable bristles, its tools are second to none, giving some of the best coverage at budget price points. This one stipples, blends and evens out your foundation for a creamy, well-buffed finish. It also washes well and you can use it to highlight and contour the skin. A great all-rounder.
Available at Boots.com
Clinique Buff Brush, £29
Best For: Hygiene
Why We Rate It: Designed with anti-bacterial technology, this brush has hygiene in mind, repelling microbes that can latch onto the skin. Its bristles are soft and glide over the skin snag-free for great, even coverage. Use it to blend liquids, powders, creams or even stick foundations – it works with everything. Make-up artist and beauty influencer Cher Webb always keeps one nearby: “One of the most versatile and handy tools out there, this is sturdy and effective. The densely packed brush hairs create the perfect canvas and it works so well with every foundation formula.”
Available at Boots.com
Clé de Peau Beauté High Coverage Foundation Brush, £60
Best For: Professional Results
Why We Rate It: Professional-grade make-up brushes don’t get much better than this. Designed for use with liquid or cream foundations, it gives a smooth, seamless blend that looks airbrushed. You’re guaranteed to love the angled head, as well as the dense fibres which push foundation down into your skin. It’s expensive, but a worthy investment if you’re serious about the results. The brush itself will last you years with no bristle fallout. Celebrity make-up artist Caroline Barnes is a big fan and always uses it on her clients.
Available at Harrods.com
NYX Professional Makeup Pro Brush Dual Fibre Foundation, £16
Best For: Softness
Why We Rate It: Every brush we’ve listed here is soft, but this one from NYX has a real smooth feel to it, so it’s perfect for sensitive skin. Made with dual fibres, it works well to pick up and buff liquid foundations into the skin – you’ll find it’s great for finishing powders too. Easy to look after, a good shampoo will keep this brush in great condition and, so long as you maintain cleanliness, the bristles will last you for years on end. A must-try for those who don’t want frills and are seeking a hard-working brush that always delivers on smooth, creamy skin.
Available at Boots.com
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@sheerluxe.com.