The Best Foundation Brushes for a Seamless Finish, According to a Beauty Editor

I am the proud owner of an extensive collection of makeup brushes. How many do I actually have? I honestly couldn't tell you. My obsession began on my first day of training for a year-long, extensive professional makeup artistry certificate at Delamar Academy. We were all given a hefty kit of products and tools, and upon unravelling my pristine new brush set, it was love at first sight. The next year really showed me just how pivotal brushes are to execute looks, whether they be for beauty, fashion, theatre, TV, or film.

My most-used brush during that time—and to this day—is the humble foundation brush. It really is the quickest and easiest way to achieve the desired finish on either yourself or someone else, as foundation brushes allow for more control and concentrated application of product.

So what exactly do you need to look for in a foundation brush? I caught up with top British makeup artist Hannah Martin, who knows a thing or two about what makes a brush brilliant, having launched her own collection with Ciaté London a few years ago.

What to Look for in a Foundation Brush

"I always go for synthetic hair, as not only are they cruelty-free, but they work best with both powder and liquid foundations," Martin explains. "This replicates the texture of hair and allows the product to be well dispersed as each hair is expertly designed to blend and stipple.

"A flatter foundation brush is best for a sheer liquid base application, whilst a denser brush will give a more full-coverage effect. You also want to find a sturdy brush. Your foundation brush goes through a lot, and for longevity, it's best to find [the best] quality and price point that works for you."

How to Use a Foundation Brush

Martin says the very first step is to ensure you’re not applying too much foundation. "I tend to place a small amount on my hand and lightly dip the brush in to coat the bristles rather than to soak them through," she says.

"I first start by placing [foundation] in the centre of the face, and I use little strokes starting around the nose and then blending out towards the hairline. Focus on blending from the centre [of the face] to the hairline, ears and neck—this will allow for the coverage to target where it’s most needed in the centre of the face and prevents those harsh neck lines we all dread."

Keep scrolling for my edit of synthetic foundation brushes that excel on application, coverage and finish, whether you favour a natural-looking foundation, a dewy foundation, a glowing foundation or more.

We've tested lots of foundation brushes over the years.

The Best Foundation Brushes to Shop

• Best affordable foundation brush: Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
• Best luxury foundation brush: Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush
• Best angled foundation brush: NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation Brush
• Best dual-sided foundation brush: It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Brush

1. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

2. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Complexion Brush

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

4. Haus Labs Foundation Brush

5. Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Foundation Brush

6. Fenty Beauty Full-Bodied Foundation Brush

7. It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Brush

8. Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush

9. Vieve 117 Foundation Brush

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.