15 best foundation brushes, according to our beauty editors

You'd be surprised how much of a difference good foundation brushes can make to your look. Think of yourself as an artist and the foundation brush as your tool. It's all well and good owning the latest makeup and beauty products, but having the best makeup brush possible is invaluable since it'll ultimately determine what your finished result will look like.

There are tonnes of different makeup brush sets to browse through, though whichever one you go for will entirely depending whether you tend to use a foundation for dry skin, foundation for oily skin, foundation for combination skin or full coverage foundation.

Best foundation brushes at a glance – our top picks:

1. Best foundation brush overall: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Complexion Brush, £45, Charlotte Tilbury
2. Best liquid foundation brush: NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation Brush, £14.50, LookFantastic
3. Best compact foundation brush: Hourglass Retractable Kabuki Brush, £57, Cult Beauty
4. Best affordable foundation brush: Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, WAS £9 NOW £8, Boots

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Complexion Brush

£45 at Charlotte Tilbury

NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation Brush

£14.50 at LookFantastic

Hourglass Retractable Kabuki Brush

£57 at Cult Beauty

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

£9 £8 at Boots

After all, as good as your fingers and beauty blenders may be, having one of the best foundation brushes at hands is where it’s at. The perfect addition to your makeup bag and something to proudly display in your makeup storage, a foundation brush will quickly become your go-to for quick application and a flawless finish.

Despite their name, they’re not just for foundation either - they’re super versatile and can double as an eyeshadow brush, highlighter brush, primer brush, contour brush, blush brush and powder brush (phew). You can even use them with face masks, colour correctors, concealers and moisturisers. Sounds like a good investment to me.

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Is it better to use a brush for foundation?

Arguably yes it is better to use a brush for foundation, the reason being that they absorb less makeup on their bristles than a sponge does. Using a brush will save you money in the long run as you’ll be using less product, plus it allows you to apply your foundation more precisely and achieve a more full coverage finish. That’s not to say that you should only use a brush - consider going over your face with a clean, damp beauty sponge afterwards to ensure there are no brush strokes.

What type of brush is best for liquid foundation?

You’ll find it easier to apply your liquid foundations with a flat, paint-like brush. This is because it’ll give you more control over where you place the product, and it’ll provide a more full-coverage finish too. If you prefer a more natural look, go for a dense brush with a domed shape – like the Morphe M439 Deluxe Buffer Brush – and you’ll find you get a sheerer result.

What type of brush is best for powder foundation?

If powder foundations are more your vibe, consider kabuki brushes or ones with fluffier bristles. You’ll find these styles pick up the product easier and help to pack the powder onto your face and press it into your skin for a flawless result. The last thing you want is a brush that’s going to disperse all the pigment.

Feeling inspired to upgrade your makeup routine? Check out our guides on the best bronzers, best concealers, best highlighters, best eyeshadow palettes, best liquid eyeliners, best mascaras, best self-tanning products and the best makeup remover. We can also help you find the best makeup tools possible, from makeup sponges to eyelashes curlers.

For more shoppable makeup, skincare, haircare and wellbeing content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.

Ready to channel your inner makeup artist? Scroll down for our list of the best foundation brushes available now…