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How To Choose A Foundation Brush

Foundation Brush: Different Types & How to Choose

Applying makeup on the face is an art that requires practice and the right tools. Some people prefer to dab on makeup with the help of their fingers or a sponge. Others prefer using a foundation brush or sponge to ensure that the makeup stays in place. When it comes to applying foundation, Shiseido believes that using a makeup foundation brush is the way to go.

Why Should You Apply Foundation with a Brush?

Applying foundation with a brush leaves a more professional finish. While some people prefer to use their fingers, it isn’t always advisable. Fingers tend to leave unwanted marks on the skin, especially if the fingertips are warm. They can also end up clogging the pores with oils and bacteria.

Using brushes to apply foundation, on the other hand, gives the complexion a more seamless finish. For skin to keep looking like skin, makeup needs to be buffed in—applied by making small circular motions onto the skin. Such a feat is almost impossible to achieve with fingertips as it tends to cause smearing. Using the right foundation brushes, makeup artists can create a skin-like, lightweight finish on the face.

How to Choose a Foundation Brush

Foundation brushes come in different shapes and sizes. Some brushes work better with liquid foundation, while others are better suited for powder foundation. There are also certain types of foundation brushes that work for both liquid and powder. For those wondering what brush to use for foundation, here are a few quick tips:

What is the Best Brush for Liquid Foundation?

The best brush for liquid foundation is a brush with densely packed bristles. Dense brushes help distribute the foundation evenly when buffed onto the face, so the foundation won’t cake or streak, achieving a natural, soft-focus, seamless finish.

Try Shiseido’s Hasu Fude Foundation Brush, which comes with a flat, angled design for precise application of liquid or cream foundation. It gives full coverage with a natural-looking finish. Use this brush with Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Liquid Foundation SPF 30, or Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation SPF 30.

For another option, try Shiseido’s Daiya Fude Face Duo, which features a makeup application tool on either end and works with either liquid or powder foundation. The gel tip mimics the effect of fingertips spreading foundation across the skin without leaving unwanted marks and streaks. It also adapts to the contours of the face to build optimal coverage. The red, diamond-cut brush on the other end blends the foundation onto the skin. Pair it with Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation SPF 30.

What is the Best Brush for Powder Foundation?

For those who prefer powder foundation over liquid foundation, it's best to use a rounded foundation brush or any brush that allows proper sculpting and contouring.

Try Shiseido’s Hanatsubaki Hake Polishing Face Brush. Inspired by the camellia flower, its unique design of four distinct petal sections contours the face when applying makeup. By maintaining optimal skin contact, the brush buffs the foundation into a smooth and polished finish. Use it to apply Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Custom Finish Powder Foundation, Synchro Skin Invisible Silk Loose Powder, or Synchro Skin Invisible Silk Pressed Powder.

Another brush for applying powder foundation is the Maru Fude Multi Face Brush, with its ultra-soft bristles to blend, highlight, and contour. Its uniquely tapered, round shape adapts to the contours of the face. Its bristles are a combination of densely packed, sturdy fibers surrounded by softer bristles to help blend foundation onto the skin. The brush works well with Future Solution LX Total Radiance Loose Powder.

What is the Best Way to Apply Foundation?

Foundation is best applied on the face through a stippling motion—gently tapping it onto the skin. Avoid wiping or rubbing as this only pushes the foundation around, causing streaks on the face. It’s also best to start with a clean canvas. Cleanse the skin to help remove dirt and prevent clogged pores. Apply some moisturizer to ensure a soft, smooth complexion. Add a bit of primer (check out Future Solution LX Infinite Treatment Primer SPF 30 or Synchro Skin Soft Blurring Primer) before the foundation to create a flawless canvas that will help the makeup last longer.

Should I Wet My Foundation Brush?

Ideally, a foundation brush mustn't be wet when used. A wet brush will dilute the foundation and its coverage will be watered-down. Water also changes the shape of the foundation brush, affecting its performance and preventing it from buffing and applying makeup properly, especially when applying powder foundation.

How to Use a Foundation Brush

Before applying foundation onto the face, it’s best to prime the skin so the foundation looks flawless (check out the Synchro Skin Soft Blurring Primer). Start by applying a little bit of foundation only where needed, and work from the inside out. Concentrate the foundation at the center of the face, which is prone to redness and blemishes. Dab a little bit onto the nose, forehead, and chin, and blend outward.

Step 1

For those using liquid foundation, apply some liquid foundation onto the back of the hand. Remember: squeeze or scoop out a small amount so as not to waste excess product. Dip the Hasu Fude Foundation Brush onto the back of the hand.

For those using powder foundation, lightly dip the Hanatsubaki Hake Polishing Face Brush or the Maru Fude Multi Face Brush into the powder.

Step 2

Apply some foundation onto either side of the nose and the center of the forehead and chin. Spread to other areas of the face using circular motions. Always start at the center, which is often prone to redness and blemishes, and work outward. With the help of the brush, gently tap the foundation onto the skin, rather than pushing it into the face to spread it.

The goal of applying foundation is placing it only where it's needed to achieve skin-like coverage. People often mistakenly think they have to spread foundation all over for the face to make it look even. If this is the case, it could be that the foundation shade and the skin tone don’t match.

Step 3

Pinpoint any other areas on the face where redness and blemishes are still visible. These might need an extra layer of foundation. If all else fails, using a concealer might do the trick. Try Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Concealer. Use Tsutsu Fude Concealer Brush to apply, pat, and blend concealer over imperfections.

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