Stroke of Genius: What Makeup Brush to Use for Foundations

Nailing that no-makeup makeup look is up to the tools just as much as the product itself. So it’s important to use the best tool for a particular type of foundation. This will ensure that your makeup will be distributed in the best manner, and will really help mimic second skin, and not a face with, well, just loads of foundation on it.

When choosing the perfect sponge or brush to apply your foundation, one size certainly doesn’t fit all.  Different foundations have different needs, and often times, it’s the tools that you use to apply them that make them work extra well.

Since this type of foundation blends seamlessly into the skin, opt for a powder brush if you prefer light coverage, or a denser buffing brush like a Kabuki brush for medium coverage. These dust the product all over your face, so you barely have to worry about blending.

Our pick: Hakuhodo’s Kokutan Powder Brush M, P16,950

Even though your fave makeup sponge seems to be able to do a lot, it isn’t necessarily the best tool for thinner, runnier foundations. So instead of a sponge, which will absorb more of these water-based foundations, simply use your fingers to blend a serum foundation a so as to not waste excess product. If you don’t like to use your fingers, try a less-dense brush like a stippling brush, as these also won’t absorb as much of the foundation.

Our pick: Colourpop’s #4 Stippling Brush, P590

These are typically on the sheer side. Use the puff that they come with to easily bump the product into the skin, or try an angled buffing or Kabuki brush to blend around edges or hard-to-reach areas.

Our pick: Hakuhodo’s 5554 Brush, P8,050

Traditional liquid foundations are probably the easiest to deal with, and will handle well with a variety of tools. Perhaps the easiest, however, are damp makeup sponges and buffing brushes like a flat-top Kabuki. These will give that flawless, blended look quicker than blending with your fingers or a less-dense brush.

Our pick: Real Techniques’ Dual Ended Expert Sponge, P450

This type of foundation can make it a little more troublesome to deal with. To keep it from caking up, try using a damp makeup sponge, or even lightly dampen a buffing brush with a facial spray before blending into the skin.

Our pick: Real Techniques’ Miracle Complexion Sponge 2-Pack, P800

Because of how thick and creamy stick foundations tend to be, these are usually harder to blend in with the fingers. Instead, try a damp makeup sponge or an angled buffing or Kabuki brush to help blend this type of foundation easily around edges and harder-to-reach areas.

Our pick: Colourpop #3 Angled Face Brush, P690

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