Whenever you apply foundation, the blending tool you use is just as important as the foundation itself. Even if you have adequately primed skin by using a primer and moisturizer. Your foundation may seem off if your blending tool isn’t quite right. Similarly, even if you use the most expensive foundation, you won’t get flawless results unless you use a useful applicator, like a foundation brush. I’m going to cover what brushes work best with different types of foundations and how to choose the best foundation brush for your needs. After all, different foundation formulas work best with specific foundation brushes. Let’s dive into how to choose the best foundation brush for your needs.
There are different types of foundation brush types, and all of them provide you with a different finish and coverage. To make things simpler for you, I’m going to round up all the different types of applicators so you can find the perfect match for your foundation and the look you are going for.
Kabuki Foundation Brush
A Kabuki brush is a short, dense brush with tightly packed bristles, and it is equally effective in applying powder and liquid foundation. The bristles can be flat, angled, rounded, or tapered. Basically, a kabuki brush is best for buffing foundation, layering powder, and lightly dusting on blushes on bronzers for a perfectly blended finish.
Foundation Application Using A Kabuki Brush
To use a Kabuki brush with liquid, begin by dotting the foundation all over your face. Or, you can use the back of your non-dominant hand to add product and pick it up with a brush. Honestly, using your hand is recommended because it warms the foundation, helps to bend in with your skin’s natural oils, and gives the bristles resistance. Then use the brush in a stippling motion to blend the foundation evenly on your skin. Stippling, which is a type of technique, uses quick dabbing motions across the face. This technique will be the best way to apply your liquid foundation with this type of brush.
For powder foundation, this kabuki brush is also amazing to apply a powder foundation as it spreads the powder evenly for medium to full coverage, without giving a cakey finish. If you’re using it with a powder foundation, start by swirling it in a circular motion in the product. Or, I suggest just picking up the powder from the lid of the container. You will not pick up too much powder. Then tap off the excess and swirl it onto the skin for a beautiful finish.
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Cream Foundation Brush
Just as the name implies, this brush is to be used with cream and solid foundation formulas (foundation sticks). Cream foundation brushes are synthetic-bristles, full-face brushes with a short, flat head that will provide buildable coverage. The density is ideal to give an airbrushed look to your foundation.
Foundation Application Using A Cream Foundation Brush
Not all cream foundations are the same, some are very soft and pliable while others are dense and drier. You’re going to take the brush and in a downward soft, gentle motion blend the foundation into your skin. This is a great way for you to get seamless coverage quickly and evenly with a cream foundation brush.
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How To Clean Makeup Brushes
It’s best to clean your brushes at least once a week to maintain them. I have used this product and love it! My friend swears by her deep clean and spin dry machine. I’m curious about it but haven’t purchased it yet. Just be sure to use some sort of brush-cleaning shampoo or mild soap. You can gently massage the bristles with your hands or use a silicone mat like this from Target.
When washing your makeup brushes, make sure to only get the bristles wet, too much water exposure down into the base of the brush will loosen then the glue, therefore, causing the bristles to fall out prematurely. Furthermore, allow your bristles to lay flat over the sink or on a towel to dry before the next use. Allowing them to fully dry will help prevent them from harboring bacteria.
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I feel I must also mention two application techniques that are not foundation brushes, fingers, and sponges deserve a little mention.
Brush VS Fingers
While there are multiple types of brushes and applicators available in the market, some experts argue that the best applicators are, in fact, your fingers! When you apply foundation with your fingers, you are warming up the product as your massage it into your skin, which results in a totally natural, well-blended foundation. Fingers are best used with Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 as the warmth of the hands melts the product and distributes it evenly on the face.
Brush VS Sponge
Since the introduction of Beauty Blender, the use of sponges to apply foundation has increased manifold. A makeup sponge is perfect to use with liquid foundations, and they give a natural finish and light to medium coverage. Make sure that your sponge is slightly dampened before application. For best results, bounce the sponge on the face rather than swiping it across. By using a sponge, you will get a flawless, dewy finish that almost looks airbrushed! Make sure you are properly washing your sponge to avoid bacteria, or worse, mold growth.
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