19 best foundation brushes 2025, tried & tested
Investing in one of the best foundation brushes is paramount if you are to achieve that MUA-worthy finish with your favourite foundation. I'll never stop waxing lyrical about it. Sure, using a makeup sponge or your fingers are always options, but I always prefer applying my complexion products with a makeup brush. And the professional MUAs I spoke to would agree.
“Brushes certainly offer a few key advantages for makeup application,” says Amber Jones, Education Manager at Morphe. “Firstly, they provide a more hygienic application than fingers, which can transfer bacteria and oils to the skin. And whilst there is a time and a place for sponges, brushes tend to offer more control and precision, allowing for targeted application and blending.”
If you're wary of the potential streaky finish from the bristles, Naoko Scintu, Global Beauty Expert at Dolce & Gabbana, has blessed us with her technique for the best foundation application.
“Always apply the foundation on the back of your hand or on a palette, and pick up an even amount on the brush while dabbing away the excess,” she advises. “Start in the middle of the face (where you usually need a little bit more coverage) and blend outwards. A little goes a long way, so it’s easier to add more if need be - but I love to blend out the foundation and add more after.” The expert adds to blend down your neck with what’s left on the brush.
To help you choose the best foundation brush for you, I've curated an edit of the best editor-approved foundation brushes that I, alongside the GLAMOUR team, have tested personally. Here's everything you need to consider.
Meet the experts
- Naoko Scintu, Global Beauty Expert at Dolce & Gabbana.
- Amber Jones, Education Manager at Morphe.
- Hayley Walker, makeup artist at Justmylook.
How we tested foundation brushes:
Firework content
Over the years, the GLAMOUR beauty team has tested hundreds of foundation brushes – from premium and affordable buys to popular iterations and more niche options that are rated by celebrity makeup artists.
We've tested each brush while using various types of formulas, including the best lightweight foundations, medium and full coverage foundations. We've also tested the brushes while using stick foundations and powder foundations to assess their ability to work with different consistencies. When reviewing each of the brushes, we've kept in mind the following:
- Value: How does the brush compare to other options on the market and whether it's worth the splurge?
- Quality of the bristles: Does the brush feature vegan or natural bristles? Does it result in any shedding?
- Streaky/smooth finish: Does the brush leave any streaks post-application?
- The blend: How quickly and easily does the blush manage to blend out the foundation?
GLAMOUR’s top five foundation brushes, reviewed
Best foundation brush overall
- Brush type: Angled.
- Made from: Vegan fibres and bristles.
- Tested by: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Why we love it: There's no arguing that Hourglass exceeds in quality products. The Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush is definitely premium, but trust us when we tell you that it deserves all the hype it gets on #BeautyTok. Designed to mimic the precision of fingertip application, it makes the art of buffing and blending super simple. It also stars a laser-cut shape to help with application control, and is vegan and cruelty-free.
“When reviewing the Hourglass foundation brush, I was really impressed with the density and the quality of the bristles, as well as the angled shape. I loved how quickly it blended out my foundation without leaving any streaks whatsoever,” says Denise Primbet.
Best dual-ended foundation brush
- Brush type: Kabuki brush and a smaller concealer brush.
- Made from: Award-winning, synthetic fibres.
- Tested by: Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor.
Why we love it: If you're after a versatile foundation brush that can also double as a concealer brush, you'll love this option from IT Cosmetics. Featuring a fluffy kabuki-style brush on one end and a smaller brush on the other end, this tool makes the blending and application process an absolute breeze for both small and larger areas of the face.
Perfect for travelling or chucking in your makeup bag on the go, its ergonomic handle and award-winning synthetic fibres ensure for an even, streak-free finish. Our Senior Beauty Editor Elle Turner loved that it delivered a natural finish without any patchiness, or shedding.
Best affordable foundation brush
- Brush type: Buffing.
- Made from: Synthetic Taklon bristles.
- Tested by: Ali Pantony, GLAMOUR's Website Director.
Why we love it: This face brush by Real Techniques proves that quality makeup tools – or brushes, in this instance – don't have to come with a premium price tag. Plus, let's be real, if you're reading this, you're probably well aware of the fact that Real Techniques brushes are where it's at. This wide and firm foundation brush is the brand's number one bestselling brush for a reason, as it's perfect for buffing foundation and delivering an airbrushed finish.
Providing a more hygienic and cruelty-free alternative to animal hair, the bristles are crafted from Taklon, a material that’s also less likely to irritate skin than animal hair. Our Website Director Ali Pantony rated the streak-free finish, sleek design and the fact that it delivers everything you'd want from a foundation brush for under £10. A win.
Best foundation brush for a natural finish
- Brush type: Stippling and buffing.
- Made from: Synthetic vegan fibres.
- Tested by: Robyn Eugene, GLAMOUR's Social Media Manager.
Why we love it: REFY breathes minimalism, and this foundation brush is known to offer undetectable coverage without the dreaded cakey finish. Thanks to its ability to create a thin and natural-looking layer of foundation, we'd recommend this number for anyone who's after that ‘your skin but better’ look. The larger, white stippling brush has been designed to pick up the perfect amount of product, while ensuring simple application and a natural finish, and the smaller buffing brush is slightly curved for easy control.
Best compact foundation brush
- Brush type:
- Made from: Synthetic bristles.
- Tested by: Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Associate Beauty Director.
Why we love it: Looking for a foundation brush to take with you when travelling or applying makeup on the tube or train? Meet the Glossier Stretch Blending and Buffing Face Brush, AKA the best compact brush for on-the-go blending. Vegan and cruelty-free, it stars densely packed, short bristles that buff and blend, using a targeted tip for precise application in hard-to-reach areas like around the nose and eyes. Effortlessly blending foundation and concealer alike, we love the swivel cover for easy storage.
Our Associate Beauty Director Fiona Embleton also rated its angled shape, which hugged the face at a perfect angle, resulting in smooth application and an airbrushed finish.
Ahead, shop more of the best foundation brushes, according to GLAMOUR.
Dolce&Gabbana Foundation Beauty Brush
- Brush type: Angled.
- Made from: Vegan bristles.
Why we love it: Versatile and opulent, this foundation brush has only been on the market since January 2025, and we couldn't be more excited about it. Its sumptuous (and completely vegan) brush head with ultra-soft bristles ensures optimum pigment pay-off, plus effortless blending and buildable coverage. Ideal for adorning your complexion with a whole manner of foundation formulations, this sleek tool ensures flawless makeup application. Plus, the gold aluminum handles (inspired by Dolce&Gabbana’s signature designs) will look seriously beautiful on your vanity.
Morphe M104 Domed Foundation Brush
- Brush type: Buffing.
- Made from: Silver, ion-infused bristles.
Why we love it: Recommended by Amber Jones, Morphe Education Manager, for a “natural, airbrushed look with either liquid or cream foundations”, this plush brush is a one-and-done tool for all of your base needs. Seriously, it applies, builds, blends, presses and buffs, with ion-infused bristles that help to reduce bacteria. Never fraying, shedding, or streaking, it fans out upon contact with the skin to support a soft-focus application, while the rounded edges make light work around your eyes and nose.
Lisa Eldridge Artisan Made Makeup Brush
- Brush type: Blending.
- Made from: 100% synthetic hairs.
Why we love it: Designed by Lisa Eldridge herself, this luxe tool features a flat, pointed shape for flawless application of all foundation formulas. Hand crafted by artisans in Japan, it stars an ergonomic wooden handle cut from a Japanese cherry tree no less, and then coated with a matt black lacquer. Effortlessly delivering full coverage, this vegan and cruelty-free brush is the ultimate high-performance tool every makeup beginner or professional needs.
- Brush type: Buffing.
- Made from: Synthetic bristles.
Why we love it: *Saie* hello to your new travel companion (alongside headphones, snacks and lip balm, natch). Small and lightweight enough to travel wherever you go, this cruelty-free and vegan brush is sure to be a staple for those on the move. The bestie to Saie's complexion essentials, this slim tool just takes a few swipes to create a second-skin finish. With silky-soft synthetic bristles that are a complete pro at buffing liquid foundation formulas, this is seamless application at its best.
- Brush type: Buffing and blending.
- Made from: Vegan bristles.
Why we love it: There's been plenty of hype surrounding MERIT ever since the brand launched in the UK in 2023, and for good reason. With ultra-chic, minimalist products that are clean, vegan, cruelty-free and sustainability focused, it delivers on hardworking formulas that you'll turn to for years to come.
As for its No.1 Blending Brush? It's said to blend so well that you can't tell where your skin and your foundation meet, which is the dream, right? Made with a 100% aluminum handle, its densely packed bristles make blending a breeze, and it's small enough to pop in your makeup bag for on the go touch ups.
- Brush type: Buffing.
- Made from: Vegan synthetic bristles.
Why we love it: We stan a VIEVE product, and this uber-chic foundation brush is just the ticket for adding a Jamie Genevieve-worthy glow to your look. Expertly designed for effortless makeup application by the entrepreneur herself, this super soft brush was crafted for a comfortable experience for all skin types - because nobody wants to be allergic to their foundation brush. Starring densely packed bristles in a dome shape for seamless blending and buffing, it collects and disperses the perfect amount of product, gliding across the skin for an MUA-worthy finish.
NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation Brush
- Brush type: Angled.
- Made from: Synthetic bristles.
Why we love it: Suitable to apply, buff and blend everything from full coverage foundations to skin tints and medium coverage formulas, this synthetic brush is crafted from soft, dense bristles to flawlessly buff your foundation for an even, patch-free and line-free finish (there's no product settling into expression lines here). Its angled brush head makes for easy and comfortable use, and also hugs the contours of your face like your cheekbones and jaw line, so you never miss a single spot.
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Fenty Beauty Full-Bodied Foundation Brush 110
- Brush type: Flat.
- Made from: Synthetic bristles.
Why we love it: A medium-density liquid foundation brush designed by Rihanna to give seamless, air-touched, full coverage? We'll take it! Delivering the full coverage of a flat paddle brush with the effortless blending of an airbrush, this is your base covered in seconds. Crafted from over 140,000 ultra-fine synthetic hairs in a cute paw shape to give it the perfect density, this is the ideal tool for a professional, MUA-worthy finish.
For best results, follow RiRi's method of pressing the brush into your skin, rolling it off, and repeating. And of course, it scores some extra points for the adorable pink colour.
Looking to save ££? Check out our Sephora discount codes when shopping for the best foundation brushes.
- Brush type: Buffing.
- Made from: Synthetic bristles.
Why we love it: This buffing brush from Clinique has densely-packed bristles that effortlessly distribute and blend liquid, cream and stick foundations (although it can be used for a all makeup artistry). Creating a smooth, even base in minutes (or seconds, tbh), it seamlessly blends without hogging all of the product or shedding bristles - our foundation brush pet peeve. The best part is that it's made using anti-bacterial technology to help ensure the highest level of hygiene.
Il Makiage Foundation Blending Brush #100
- Brush type: Blending and buffing.
- Made from: High-grade synthetic bristles.
Why we love it: This bestseller totally deserves a spot in your makeup bag. It's perfectly weighted and fully ergonomic, making it very comfortable to use. Designed to work with all formulas, it's expertly crafted to pick up and buff your foundation for a flawless, polished finish. The dermatologically tested dense brush allows you to work with precise balance and control, gliding across the skin with no tugging or pulling. Plus, the high quality synthetic bristles will see you through daily use and countless washes, and still maintain their softness and shape.
e.l.f. Buffing Foundation Brush
- Brush type: Buffing.
- Made from: 100% synthetic bristles.
Why we love it: This buffing foundation brush from everyone's favourite high street brand e.l.f. has us hooked. Designed to apply, buff, and blend your favourite formulas (whether that's liquids, creams or powders), it will always ensure a streak-free finish and zero bristle fall out, thanks to its vegan, 100% synthetic bristles. Its slightly tapered head was also created to mimic that of your fingers, leading to seamless blending around the natural contours of the face.
- Brush type: Flat.
- Made from: Vegan, hypoallergenic fibres.
Why we love it: Not too stiff, not too fluffy, this flat foundation brush from Bobbi Brown's brand Jones Road provides effortless application without leaving any unwanted brush lines. Blending everything seamlessly from liquid foundations to creams, balms and pencils, it makes for an ideal addition to your makeup bag. It's made in Italy with vegan and hypoallergenic fibres, which are perfectly balanced to be firm and fluffy. Plus, a little product will go a long way, due to how evenly the brush glides across your skin.
- Brush type: Stippling brush.
- Made from: 100% synthetic bristles.
Why we love it: Specifically designed to provide even coverage, this MAC makeup application brush is hand-made using the finest quality materials. From applying primer, to foundation, to powder, this brush can do it all, making it the ultimate multi-tasking wonder (just remember to clean it regularly).
Its large, circular head allows for lightweight, natural-looking results, allowing you to build up your coverage to achieve your desired look. Plus, its bristles use the latest innovations in fibre technology for longer-lasting makeup and a superior blending experience.
- Brush type: Flat kabuki.
- Made from: Synthetic bristles.
Why we love it: Rated by editors and makeup artists alike, this cruelty-free brush is perfect for stick foundations, as its flat top and densely packed bristles will help pick up a thicker consistency with ease, plus transfer it to your face without looking cake-y. It's also fantastic for blending liquid and cream products too, ensuring an even, non-streaky finish that lasts all day.
A bestseller for a reason, it stars softer-than-soft synthetic Sigmax bristles (uniquely designed to apply powder, cream and liquid products without absorption into the bristles) to effortlessly buff and blend to your heart's desire.
What type of brush is best for foundation?
“I love a spherical rounded foundation brush with densely packed hairs, which allows you to get an immaculate buffed-out blend,” says Naoko Scintu, Dolce & Gabbana Global Beauty Expert. “I want skin to look as natural as possible, so with this type of brush you can keep blending to get the skin glowing."
Amber Jones, Education Manager at Morphe, says that the best brush depends on your preferred foundation formula and desired finish. “We designed our new range at Morphe to cover all bases," she says. “For example, our M104 Domed Foundation Brush is fantastic for achieving a natural, airbrushed look with liquid or cream foundations, as the dome shape design buffs product seamlessly into the skin.”
But if you prefer a more full-coverage finish, Amber recommends the M107 Paddle Cream & Liquid Foundation Brush as your go-to. "This classic design allows precision and control when laying product in areas where you wish to achieve fuller coverage.”
And there's further options too…
- Kabuki brushes: Due to their high density, kabuki brushes are great if you want an airbrushed and streak-free finish.
- Fluffy brushes: Fluffier foundation brushes are perfect for those who enjoy a thin layer of foundation that will result in a natural finish.
- Flat brushes: If you tend to opt for a full coverage foundation and love a “full glam” moment, then a flat foundation brush could be your best bet.
- Duo brushes: Dual-ended brushes are fitting for those of us who want a multi-purpose brush. You can use the other end for concealer, blush, bronzer or any other complexion products, saving you even more space in your makeup bag or inside your drawer.
What brush is best for stick foundation?
“I recommend using a flat, dense brush, such as the kabuki brush," says Hayley Walker, makeup artist at Justmylook. "Its design is ideal for applying stick foundation, blending with light and stippling motions for precision. An angled foundation brush also works well for applying product into hard-to-reach areas for even coverage.”
“The Morphe M106 Flat-Topped Foundation Brush is excellent for stick foundations,” says Amber. “Its dense bristles pick up and blend the product evenly without dragging or pulling on the skin.”
What is the best foundation brush for full coverage?
Naoko reveals that she likes to use a flat brush to apply a full coverage foundation, before buffing it into the skin with the new Dolce & Gabbana Foundation Beauty Brush. “I love this brush to finish off the edges and to give the skin a once over before completing the makeup look.”
Hayley reveals that a flat-top kabuki brush or a dense buffing brush is best for flawless full coverage. “A flat-top brush works well for full, even coverage and helps liquid or cream foundation apply flawlessly on the skin for an airbrushed finish,” she says. "A dense buffing brush provides seamless application and helps blend the foundation smoothly while achieving high coverage. For best results and maximum coverage, avoid dragging the brush across the skin and instead opt for light, stippling or buffing motions.”
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For more makeup, skincare, haircare and wellbeing content from GLAMOUR UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Instagram @deniseprimbet.
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