How To Apply Foundation With a Foundation Brush
Investing in a high-quality foundation brush is key to achieving a professional, flawless finish. While you can apply foundation with your fingers or a complexion sponge, many argue that a brush offers one of the best application methods. A foundation brush is ideal for achieving full coverage and seamlessly blending makeup over larger areas. Follow this guide and discover how to apply foundation with a brush for an airbrushed finish and transform the look of your makeup.
Foundation is one of the most important steps in your makeup routine, and it can go one of two ways, it can give you a glowy, dewy finish or end up looking cakey and patchy. Applying foundation correctly will transform your entire makeup look, creating a flawless base for the rest of your makeup.
What shape brush is best for foundation?
Choosing the right foundation brush for your foundation depends on the type of formula that you are using.
Liquid – For a full coverage look with liquid foundation, the best foundation brush to use is a flat brush. You should opt for a brush with “densely packed synthetic bristles that can effectively buff and blend the product into the skin for a seamless finish.” The Brushworks No. 11 Flat Top Contour Brush is a great foundation brush to opt for, for both liquid and cream products. The shape of the brush makes it ideal for sculpting out the contours of your face.
Cream – When it comes to applying a cream based foundation, this usually requires a brush with slightly more dense bristles, allowing you to carefully pick up and distribute the product without creating any streaking. The No.11 Flat Top Contour Brush would also be the perfect foundation brush for applying cream products.
Powder – For powder foundations, opt for a light fluffy brush. The Brushworks No. 3 Multi-Tasking Brush is designed to seamlessly blend cream, liquid, and powder products, allowing for a lightweight and buildable coverage.

What shape foundation brush is best for coverage?
Light – If you want a light coverage then consider a fluffy, tapered brush. The No.6 Double Ended Powder and Buff Brush is the best foundation brush for this as it offers a fluffy application for foundation, giving a more natural finish.
Medium – For a medium coverage that can be built up, opt for a stippling brush. These brushes allow you to gradually build coverage without over-applying.
Full – If you’re looking for full coverage, it’s best to use a dense brush with a flat top, as these brushes provide the best coverage and allow for seamless blending.

How to apply foundation for beginners step by step
Step 1 – Start with a clean face
Using a cleanser, wash your face thoroughly before anything. Cleansing before applying makeup will help to prevent your skin from any breakouts.
Step 2 – Prep your skin
Prepping your skin with moisturiser is a crucial step for achieving smoother, more radiant, and long-lasting makeup. Hydrating products like serums, moisturisers, and face masks can help nourish your skin. Doing this before ensures that your foundation applies evenly for a natural looking finish.
Step 3 Apply a primer (optional)
This step is a personal preference. Using a primer can help your foundation last longer, making it a great option when you need your makeup to stay in place, however, this is not a crucial step so you can skip it if you don’t want to use as many products.
Step 4 – Apply foundation
Apply your foundation to the back of your hand, allowing it to warm up so that it blends better when applying to your face. This allows it to spread more easily.
Step 5 – Blend
Gently dot the foundation around your face, lightly blend into the skin with gentle motions, making sure to blend any harsh lines for a defined, flawless finish. Less is more when it comes to foundation. Start with a small amount and build up gradually to achieve your desired coverage. It’s easier to add more product than to remove excess.
What’s the best way to apply foundation with a foundation brush?
The best way to apply foundation with a brush is to start by placing a small amount on the back of your hand to warm up the product. Then pick up an even amount on the brush while dabbing away the excess. Make sure to start on the inside of your face as this is where you usually need most coverage, and then begin to blend outwards. Try not to apply too much foundation as you can always come back and add more if you’re wanting more coverage. Finally, use any remaining product on your foundation brush to blend down from your face to your neck, making sure the finish looks even.

Finding the right foundation brush really will help you achieve that flawless finish you’re looking for. Whether you’re looking for light, medium or full coverage, the right tool can make a difference. Shop now and find the perfect foundation brush for you!