Don’t Know How to Apply YourFoundation With a Brush? We’ll Teach You!

Choosing the Best Foundation Brush for Your Makeup Look

It’s not enough just to use a foundation brush; you need to know which brush is right for you. Beauty creator Michelle Monroy tells us “there’s flat top, stippling, kabuki, and buffing” foundation brushes as your options. Siard runs us through how and when some of these brushes are used. She says, “Flat foundation brushes (paintbrush style) are great for applying product in thin, even layers, especially with very liquidy foundations. But they can sometimes leave streaks if you're not blending correctly.” The F.A.R.A.H Flat Foundation Brush 615F is one of our faves because it provides smooth, even coverage and is easy enough for beginners to use.

As for rounded or domed brushes, Siard says that “these are amazing for really working the foundation into the skin and building coverage without it looking heavy. It gives a skin-like finish and blends effortlessly, especially when you use stippling and pressing motions.” We love using the rounded brush in the BEAUTY FOR REAL Perfect Precision Complexion Brushes duo. The soft bristles help deliver an airbrushed look with ease.

The last brush Siard covers is the stippling (or diffused) brush. “[They] are slightly more airy in structure but still dense enough to apply foundation evenly. I love these for sheer-to-medium coverage looks, especially when I’m working with tinted moisturizers or skin tints.” The REAL PERFECTION Kabuki Brush Foundation Brush Sponge 3-piece Set contains a stippling brush that delivers full coverage and has a dual end that works with concealer.

Siard tells us that determining the right brush for you ultimately comes down to the type of product you’re using. “An easy way to think about it is the heavier the product, the denser you want your brush. If you’re applying lighter formulas, look for a brush head that is more diffused.” Monroy says to also keep in mind the makeup look you’re going for when deciding on a brush. “If I want a more natural look, I go for a brush that has looser compact bristles. If I want a full beat, I’m going for a densely packed brush, like a kabuki or angled buffing brush.” She also reveals she generally prefers to use a rounded or angled buffing brush and “avoids stippling brushes at all costs.” However, if you prefer a stippling brush, don’t let that stop you. Siard loves them, raving about the ROSE AND BEN BEAUTY C41 Blush Brush for light coverage, C42 Foundation Brush for full coverage, and C43 Cream Sculpting Brush for “less malleable products.”

Australian makeup artist and beauty creator Claire Bridgett shares that she prefers a buffer brush. “It gives a flawless, even finish without streaks, and it’s really user-friendly.” She’s also a fan of an angled brush for its versatility. “If you get one with an angled edge, you can even use it for cream bronzer and blush.”

How to Apply Foundation With a Brush, Step by Step

The pros share their seven-step tutorial on applying foundation to achieve a flawless finish—yes, even for beginners.

Step 1: Prep the Skin

Before you even think about your makeup application, you need to prep your skin. Monroy tells us that starting with “clean, moisturized skin” is essential to ensuring your foundation lasts. Bridgett agrees, saying, “If your foundation looks cakey or doesn’t last, nine times out of 10 it’s because you didn’t prep properly.” The order you should follow, according to Siard, is cleanser, serums, moisturizer, SPF, and finish with primer. "Apply a thin layer [of primer] and let it sit for about 30 seconds before going in with foundation,” she recommends.

We like to start with the GLO24K 24k Exfoliating Facial Cleanser to buff away dullness and dry skin, and to brighten our complexion before going in with a moisturizer. The moisturizer you use will depend on your skin type, though we’re partial to the FEEL BEAUTY Probiotic Moisturizer because it provides expert hydration and helps protect against environmental aggressors. Then we use the HELLO SUNDAY The Invisible One SPF50 Invisible Sunscreen + Makeup Primer to complete the skincare routine.

Step 2: Choose the Right Makeup Brush

We talked about this above, but we want to reiterate the importance of picking the right makeup brush. “Choose a brush based on your finish goals,” Siard says. “For me, it’s almost always [something that] has that perfect balance of density and softness that gives you control and a seamless blend.” We find the foundation brush in the LARUCE BEAUTY Ultimate Coverage Brush Duo - Midnight works great with cream and liquid foundation, whether we want something full coverage or a subtle skin tint.

Step 3: Dispense Foundation to the Back of Your Hand

The experts agree: You shouldn’t dispense your foundation directly onto your face. Instead, you can add some to the back of your hand so you have better control when picking up the product. While Bridgett says it is personal preference, she does recommend this technique for beginners. “I’d say start with the back of your hand. It helps you see how much product you really need.” Monroy says the same, sharing she’ll sometimes put her foundation on a metal palette first, rather than her hand.

The amount you dispense matters, too. “Pump or dot a small amount of foundation on the back of your hand or a mixing palette,” says Siard. “Less is more, and you can always build.”

Step 4: Dab the Foundation on Your Skin

Next, it’s time to apply your foundation to your complexion. Bridgett says to start from the center and work your way out. “Start by dotting foundation in the center of your face, nose, forehead, chin. Then use a patting motion with slight sweeps to blend it outwards.”

Siard does the opposite, blending out to in. “I start at my jawline and the parameter of my face, and then blend towards the center. For me, the thinner skin that you find towards the center of the face needs less product and coverage.”

Step 5: Use a Pressing Motion

The best way to apply the foundation is to do a dabbing motion, not sweeping. “Press the product into the skin using short, stippling motions. This helps keep the coverage even and prevents brush marks,” says Siard. Monroy says she never drags the brush, otherwise she won’t achieve a “flawless application.”

Step 6: Build Up the Makeup Product Where Needed

After going in with a layer of foundation, if you feel like you need more, add more. “If you need more coverage in certain areas, go back in with a tiny bit more product and apply in thin layers. The brush will help keep everything even without caking,” Siard suggests.

Step 7: Finish With a Setting Powder

Once you’ve achieved the foundation coverage you’re looking for, it’s time to set it. “Once everything is blended, I love using a light press of finishing powder (depending on your skin type) to lock it all in,” says Siard. Bridgett knows that dry skin types may not fare well with a powder, which is why she suggests finishing your look with a setting spray. “If you really want your makeup to last, do both. But it depends on your skin type—if you’re dry and hate powder, just using a setting spray can work, too.”

6 Simple Tips for Achieving a Flawless Finish

1. Skin Prep Is No. 1

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Makeup application starts with skincare. Your routine doesn’t start when you apply foundation to your face, but rather when you apply skincare. Siard does stress that you don’t need to necessarily go in with a complete routine, just something that will get the job done. “I start every application with clean, hydrated skin. That doesn’t mean layering five serums and three creams (you can absolutely overdo it), but your skin needs to be balanced, hydrated, smooth, and ready for product. If the skin is too dry, foundation can cling and look patchy. If it’s too slick, it can slide around or break apart. For me, skin prep is about creating the best possible canvas. I usually go in with a lightweight serum and, if needed, a primer that fits my skin’s needs that day. Then, I give it all about 30 seconds to settle before applying foundation.”

2. Less Is More

You need less product than you think. “You can always build, but too much product right out of the gate is what causes texture, creasing, and caking,” Siard tells us. Start with a pea-size amount of liquid or cream foundation, then build up from there.

3. Work in Layers

Keeping in mind the above point, you don’t need to only use a small amount of product. If after blending the product onto your face you realize you need more, go in with more. Working in layers helps you control the outcome so that you achieve a flawless application every single time.

4. Press, Never Swipe

Because you’re using a brush, you may think the best method is to swipe the product across your face or work it in circular motions. Not to call you out, but that would be wrong. Instead, you want to press or dab the product onto your face. “Always use pressing or stippling motions to blend foundation,” recommends Siard. “It keeps coverage even and helps the product sit beautifully on the skin.”

5. Finish With Intention

Don’t forget to finish your foundation makeup routine with setting powder, setting spray, or both. “Use a setting mist to bring life back into the skin, and powder only where you need it. Strategic setting means longer wear without looking overdone,” says Siard.

6. Clean Your Face Brushes

To increase the longevity of your makeup products, be sure to take good care of them. This looks like cleaning them at least once a week to get any of your full-coverage foundation off of them. Monroy says, “You should deep clean your brushes at least once a week to avoid bacteria and getting acne.” Siard recommends a “daily wipe with a brush cleaner or micellar water to keep things fresh and extend the time between washes.”

Recap: Make the Makeup Tutorial Work for You

Applying foundation with a brush may seem a little more taxing than you would’ve thought, but it really isn’t—especially if you want a flawless finish. Starting with skin prep is essential, followed by working a little product in at a time. Once your base is set, you’re good to finish the rest of your makeup. The key is to remember that the time you put into it determines the result you achieve. So if you work through the process quickly and haphazardly, you may receive a result you’re unhappy with. But, if you go through the process as the experts intended, your base will be seamless, setting the perfect stage for the rest of your makeup.

IPSY has everything you need if you’re still looking for the right foundation brush. From the best brushes for liquid and cream to the best powder brushes, we have it all. And if you need a new foundation, we’ve got you covered with liquid, cream, and powder foundations galore. Shop IPSY now.