After spending money on a nice foundation, the idea of paying extra for an accompanying brush can be a pain. There’s no doubt about it, makeup brushes are often the product we put on the back-burner, assuring ourselves that we will invest in a good set, however, just not today. And though we understand that purchasing beauty tools can be expensive, overwhelming and not overly exciting, the difference a good quality, soft-bristled brush can make when you’re applying something as important as foundation is remarkable.
Unsure what we mean? Allow us to elaborate. Incorporating a well-crafted makeup brush into your routine will be the difference between a flawless face and a streaky, patchy base. Plus, thanks to some incredibly clever drugstore brands, a decent brush doesn’t have to cost you a small fortune.
So if you’re in the market for your first foundation brush or perhaps you’re after an upgrade, keep reading as we breakdown the best foundation brushes available no matter your skin type, budget or coverage preference.
Revlon Buffing Foundation Brush
If you dabble between liquid and powder foundations, this brush will cater to both formulations. Revlon’s fluffy foundation brush works to evenly buff a light layer of product into the skin, leaving you looking dewy and fabulous.
“It perfectly cover my foundation without fail! The bristles are soft and easy to use. My skin is smooth and looks natural! Plus the foundation is not wasted or absorbed by the sponge like before. Great tool, Revlon!” – Beautyuser_410235
Want to know more? Read more Revlon Buffing Foundation Brush reviews…
$14.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
If you prefer your foundation brush to be on the firmer side, we recommend the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. The 100 per cent cruelty-free bristles will deliver all-over, flawless coverage for liquid and cream foundations.
“The bristles are soft but densely packed and so the brush is nice and firm for buffing. I dot foundation around my face with my finger beforehand just to get an even distribution, and then use the brush to blend it out.” – Isolda
Want to know more? Read more Real Techniques Expert Face Brush reviews here…
$24.99 at The Iconic
Nude by Nature Liquid Foundation Brush
Another example of why you don’t have to pay a truckload to get a decent brush. Built with ultra-soft bristles made from synthetic fibres, this cruelty-free makeup tool makes for a seamless and smooth application.
“The brush allowed me to efficiently apply and distribute the product evenly & thoroughly over the entire face, neck, hard to reach areas like crevices in nose and around the eyes.” – Beauty2018
Want to know more? Read Nude by Nature Liquid Foundation Brush reviews here…
$21.95 at Adore Beauty
HOURGLASS Vanish Seamless Foundation Brush
If you want a foundation brush that will also apply your concealer, blush, bronzer and highlighter, then do yourself a favour and add this multitasker to cart. Made with PETA-approved (and ultra-hygienic) taklon bristles, the HOURGLASS brush can be used to seamlessly buff, pat and contour on any skin type.
$71 at MECCA
NYX Professional Makeup Pro Dual Fibre Foundation Brush
The full, fluffy bristles on the NYX Professional brush allow for a streak-free foundation application every single time. Enjoy the freedom of switching between formulations as this multi-use brush works for both liquid and powder products.
“This brush has long and shorter bristles and is actually an amazing brush. I love using it on thicker foundations that don’t work so well with other brushes that I usually use, as it is dense enough but due to the fibres blends amazingly.” – Lianatriesmakeup
Want to know more? Read NYX Professional Makeup Pro Dual Fibre Foundation Brush reviews here…
$39.95 at Priceline
Clarins Multi-Use Foundation Brush
Fancy the bare-faced look? The Clarins flared brush has been built with soft synthetic fibres to naturally blend liquid, cream or powder foundations.
Want to know more? Read Clarins Multi-Use Foundation Brush reviews here…
$46 at Clarins
Main image credit: @hourglass
Have you tried any of these foundation brushes? If not, which brush do you use?
Nude by Nature make excellent brushes. Love them.
Yes they do! I have a set of their makeup brushes and the quality is so good
Awesome to hear, can’t wait to try them!
must try then… heard so much
I agree
I use a Dior 11 brush to apply my foundation but I also really love NBN and real techniques brushes.
I have plenty of brushes but good to know anyway
I prefer a sponge.
At the moment, same, especially since I only do a light face of makeup with minimal foundation and concealer
Woah! Thanks for this! I will be looking for some of these at discounted prices 🫣😳! X
I probably need a new kabuki brush, had mine for about 10 years, maybe even longer!
NBN has such a good brushes, plus look good too.
I use a Revlon kabuki brush to apply mineral powder, but if I wear a liquid foundation, I use my hands.
Yes I find liquid easier with fingers
If I had to choose I’d want to try the Hourglass brush!
The Nude by Nature brush sounds great and also matches my budget
I am more of a finger girl and have brushes on hand that I rarely use
Me too. I should try using the brushes more.
Just commented the same thing above! I use sponges as well but notice that they suck up quite a bit of product if you aren’t careful
The hourglass brush is so expensive. It sounds very good. I would have to wait until it was on special or choose a similar cheaper version.
I need some new brushes. I have one for foundation but it rally has seen better days.
I haven’t used any of these, however I do have some NbN brushes that are still going strong to this day (I bought them well over 10 years ago from memory). I don’t have a favourite foundation brush yet, although I do use a buffing brush from Ela Cosmetics that works really well with my tinted moisturiser (not so much with my current foundation, sadly).
Yes love my nude by nature brushes. 🥰
Hope to acquire Hourglass brushes in the future. I have a tonne of RT and they are really good.
Thanks so much for the information regarding Makeup Brushes, I use Model Co makeup brushes and also Nude by Nature. Making sure that they are Clean.
Solid advice but sometimes hard to follow through 😅
I’ve never been able to get into using a brush, I just prefer applying foundation with my fingers
I would add Elf which is also great quality and super affordable.
All my foundation brushes have been gift with purchases. I don’t think I’ve purchased any in the last five years. I tend to use sponges more though when it comes to liquid foundation.
I have the NBN and the Revlon but I prefer the NBN.
so many different shapes now
I was given a Nude by Nature brush kit. Now I just need to learn how to use them, makeup isn’t something I wear very often.
I’ve never used a foundation brush. Sounds like I should give it a try.
I’ll probably stick to my hands and beauty blender but interested in potentially trying the nude by nature ones someday
The Clarins one sounds special!
Need to find my brushes which are stashed away somewhere.
I think I have that nude by nature around here in my pots of brushes….must have a look for it!
The Revlon or Nude by Nature ones sounds good
All of them look good, some much more expensive than others.
Interesting. I don’t have any of these brushes
Nude by nature brush always winner for me.
I prefer to use a sponge, but I do also like the Real Techniques brushes
Real Techniques for the win!
These are some excellent brushes, great article
A thick brush is easiest to use, especially after powder application
Nude by Nature, Real Techniques and Morphe have wonderful brushes! Kmart also have beautiful brushes too for good price!
Good to know. Thanks Shali_Nialler.
Such an excellent article. I have always used a sponge for foundation but will try one of these brushes !
My daughter has asked for a foundation brush for one of her birthday presents and this article is very useful to me.
I was happy to read this article because my daughter has requested a foundation brush as one of her birthday gifts. Will check some out at Chemist Warehouse I think or maybe Priceline
Oh dear, I see now that I have done this twice!!! Silly me.
I need to get one of these
I’ve tried the NBN brush and (like all of their brushes) it is excellent.
I really need one of those, i dont own a good foundation brush