Beauty Q&A: Am I Using the Right Foundation Brush?

With so many different foundation brushes on the market, how are you supposed to choose the right one?

There’s the struggle of having to choose between a billion different types of foundations that line the shelves of our favorite beauty stores, and then there’s the struggle of having to choose a foundation brush (or sponge) to go with it. We get it — it’s not easy to choose just one, especially when they’re all going to help you achieve a different look. To help point you in the right direction and make life a little easier, we reached out to a L'Oréal makeup expert (and one of our dear friends) Gabriel Almodovar for his valuable insight.  

“I switch between tools depending on the foundation, the foundation's level of coverage and how much coverage I personally need/want.” explains Almodovar. Ahead, discover a breakdown of different foundation tools and the benefits of each.

Dual Fiber brushes like NYX Professional Makeup Pro Dual Fiber Foundation Brush for buildable coverage...

“There are dual fiber brushes that usually have white longer bristles along with shorter black bristles toward the base. The shape of the brush head can usually vary from round to oval, and they apply the lowest level of coverage so that you can build. Since cream foundations tend to be a fuller coverage I like to use the dual-fiber brush to help sheer out the foundation then apply more to build coverage.”

Flat top brushes like the IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush #6 for full coverage...

“There are brushes that are flat across the top with all the bristles the same length. The brush head shape can vary. The flat topped brushes give the fullest amount of coverage. Use this brush to apply liquid product.”

Flat, paint-like brushes like the Urban Decay Pro Flat Optical Blurring Brush for full coverage...

“The paint brush-like brush also applies fuller coverage.” Use a flat brush to apply a creamy foundation using outward strokes. Use it to your benefit to get full coverage in harder to reach areas like under your eyes or around your nose.

Sponges like the L'Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender apply sheer coverage...

Used with liquid foundation, sponges apply the sheerest coverage. Almodovar also recommends using a foundation blender with a cushion compact — even if it comes with its own applicator — for more control.

A full-bodied brush for powder application like the IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Jumbo Powder Brush #3

“I like to use a compact, hard bristled brush with powder foundation as this brush picks up the most product.”