By Hannah Powling
So I went on a mission to find the perfect foundation brush… I tried many, and loved many! There are plenty of different brushes that all have individual features of their own..so which one do you pick? Well, it depends on a few things, which ultimately means there isn’t just one best brush, but so many to choose from, and here are a few reasons why:
-What it is made out of. Real or synthetic, both work well with different products and for different uses.
-How long or short the hairs are, and how densely packed the brush is. If a brush is super packed and dense, and stiff, it will have a different affect to a brush that is super soft and finer in the amount of hair on the brush.
-The texture of the brush. A flat brush will give more coverage than a big fluffy soft brush.
-What kind of product you are using. Whether you use cream, liquid or powder, certain brushes will work better with certain products. Some foundations even work best when used with fingers or a sponge.
So although there definitely isn’t just ONE perfect brush out there, rest assured, there will be a perfect one (or few!) just for you.. I tried out some fantastic brushes, and all that have different features to show how they vary to give different results. I tested them with a standard liquid foundation and filmed it to show you the brushes themselves in use..! So here are a shortlist of the ones that I really liked and would definitely recommend…
1. TOM FORD Cream Foundation Brush
So this is the most expensive brush I tried, but gosh, it’s worth it. This brush is ever so soft, it is made up of real, natural hair and blends out liquids to perfection. Really gorgeous. It is effortless and blends out product evenly, without soaking up any of the product too. Because it is so densely packed out, and super soft, it doesn’t leave any streaks or brush lines.
This one could be used for powders, great for cream blushers too. Certainly a brush for multiple use.
Can be purchased at Tom Ford counters or at beauty online stockists including Selfridges.
Watch me demo this Tom Ford brush on our Beauty & the Dirt Youtube.
2. Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush
This super-thick synthetic brush stands out with its cut straight-edge design, this works really well around the face shape to blend out foundations really evenly. I particularly liked using it around my eyes and jawline! It takes a little more blending as it is more precise in terms of product deposition, but it is worth it. The uniformity is flawless, and allows for you to build up coverage. Can be a great cream blush blender too as it is quite small and would fit nicely in the hollows/apples of your cheeks.
Buy yours now from your nearest Shiseido Stockist or order online from House of Fraser.
Watch me demo this Shiseido brush on our Beauty & the Dirt Youtube.
3. Illamasqua Flat Foundation Brush
I don’t tend to use flat foundation brushes often; I kind of like the circular motion when blending in my base, but this was a pleasure to use. The soft synthetic bristles ensures a real perfectly applied base, and allows more precisely placed coverage. Can be used with thicker creams as the brush will pick up thicker product well and blend it out.
Get this brush from Illamasqua stores across the UK or order online.
Watch me demo this Illamasqua brush on our Beauty & the Dirt Youtube.
4. Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Foundation Brush
This synthetic brush is super soft and quite large so application is easy and fast, too. It gives an ultra-polished look, and delivers the right amount of foundation, evenly. It spread out the liquid so I could either have a more sheer coverage, but can be built up. This brush was actually created for Bobbi Brown’s powder but works really well with liquid too.
Grab this brush from Bobbi Brown online/concessions across the UK or online from a range of beauty stockists, including John Lewis.
Watch me demo this Bobbi Brown brush on our Beauty & the Dirt Youtube.
5. MAC #187 Duo Fibre Brush
This is the big brush! It’s nice and chunky, and this blend of synthetic and natural hair makes it give a really smooth and fluffy finish. The bottom black fibres add air in between the white longer ones, and buffs product into the skin delicately. Literally dip the tips into your liquid foundation and you can’t go wrong, it’ll quickly get your foundation evenly spread out over your face. Perfect with powders too. This one also comes in a short handled version, so great for on the go, or in your bag for travelling about.
Can be purchased from all MAC stores/concessions or ordered from MAC Online.
Watch me demo this MAC brush on our Beauty & the Dirt Youtube.
6. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
Such an affordable price, and such a great brush! Before trying them I was almost hesistant about how good these Real Technique brushes were going to be – as they are such great prices, but wow, they are great. This one is the Expert face brush, it is super-densely packed, and rounded in shape. It’s slightly tapered edge makes it easy to buff and blend out any streaks, and give an easy and flawless blend. Its synthetic hairs work better with liquid and cream products and its easy to clean. If you’re on a budget, go for this, you wont be disappointed.
Watch me demo this Real Techniques brush on our Beauty & the Dirt Youtube.
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