9 Best Foundation Brushes in 2023

Besides makeup sponges, brushes are the main method of applying foundation.  But everyone seems to have differing opinions on what type of brush is best.  We tested various kinds with different types of foundation — liquid, cream, compact powder, loose powder.  We chose our favorite brush of each brush style, and here is what we decided as the best foundation brushes!

For cleaning your brushes, we recommend this cleanser. 

1. Lamora Flat Kabuki Brush – $9.95

Our #1 Choice!

This brush is EVERYTHING! Soft and durable bristles, an affordable price, 100% vegan and cruelty free, and over 10,000 5-star reviews.  You can use this brush to apply all types of foundation:  liquid, cream, and powder!  We could go on and on about this one.  Our staff was completely shocked by the low price after testing out this brush.  Trust us, you’ll be just as obsessed as we are!

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2. Matto Kabuki Brush – $7.99

Our Choice For:  Powder Foundation

This brush is SO soft!  It applies both pressed powder and loose powders beautifully, giving an airbrushed finish.  The bristles do not fall out, and the brush is easy to clean with soap and water.  The compact size also makes this brush great for travel!

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3.  Real Techniques Foundation Blender – $6.45

Our Choice For:  Liquid Foundation

Real Techniques kills it with makeup tools!  This brush in particular is perfect for blending liquid foundation.  The size is unique but easy to get used to after one use.  This brush can do it all for foundation – apply, blend, and buff.

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Amazon Ulta

4.  Yoseng Oval Foundation Brush – $5.99

This style of brush is still new to a lot of people, but we see it sticking around for a long time.  It’s durable, soft but firm, and feels incredible on the face.  You will be amazed by how well this brush will blend your foundation, and the unique handle is very easy to use!  If you are looking to try something new in applying your makeup, we highly recommend giving this one a shot.

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5. jane iredale Foundation Brush – $41.00

Our Choice For:  Best Quality

If you are willing to invest a little in your foundation brush, this is without a doubt the best choice.  This brush will last you a LONG time as long as you regularly clean it.  The bristles feel silky soft and applies foundation beautifully.  It is best used with liquid foundations, and blends so well that you can get away with using less product!

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6. OUO Kabuki Foundation Brush – $6.99

Not going to lie, this was a random Amazon purchase.  We did not recognize the brand name but thought the paint brush style looked cool.  But it turned out to be an amazing purchase!  It kept its shape after cleaning it, and the size is ideal for on-the-go.  It applied all types of foundation flawlessly.  We have tried expensive brushes over the years, and this one is just as good, if not better.

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7.  EcoTools Flat Foundation Brush – $5.10

Our Choice For:  Environmentally Friendly

Aside from being a high quality brush for a low price, we love the sustainability of this brush.   It’s cruelty free, vegan, made with recycled materials, comes in tree-free packaging (seriously no paper! Instead it’s 20% cotton and 80% bamboo fibers), and the handle of the brush is made with renewable bamboo.  Oh, and it also does a fantastic job at applying foundation!

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Amazon Ulta

8. PÜR Pillow Blend Collection – $39.00

We are not sure whether to classify this applicator as a brush or sponge, so we included it on both of our lists because it is truly amazing!  Unfortunately, we could not find these tools being sold individually, but the set is perfect for all your application and blending needs.  They are made of silicone, meaning they do not harbor bacteria, and they absorb less makeup.  To use, apply a drop of liquid or cream foundation onto the applicator and spread the product across your skin.  Then, use a tapping motion to press the foundation into the skin.  These applicators can be easily cleaned with soap and water or makeup wipes.

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Ulta PUR

9. Sigma Beauty F80 Air Flat Kabuki Brush – $25.00

Sigma Beauty is well known for making superior quality makeup brushes.  Their F80 Flat Kabuki Brush is one of our all-time favorites, but this spin-off version designed for that “no makeup” look is a stand-out as well!  This brush is lighter and actually delivers on its promise of an airbrush finish.  We love how smoothly it applies foundation.

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