“It’s buttery soft and great for blending, but has dense bristles that deposit products beautifully and create a smooth finish,” says celebrity makeup artist Gita Bass. “It’s also smaller than many foundation brushes, with a unique angled brush shape. The slightly slanted edge makes it ideal for buffing in hard-to-reach corners and along the jawline.”

Reviewers online agree. “Love how it applies and how it looks so natural on the skin,” writes one fan. “So easy to use, supersoft and does not leave behind weird brush strokes or marks. Definitely a bit more on the pricier side but worth the investment. Been using for a while now and still my go-to foundation brush!”

Glamour assistant fashion editor Tascha Berkowitz loves Merit’s multiuse brush for its “small size that fits in any purse.” The handle measures just 3½ inches, making it perfect for slipping into a cosmetics bag.

Reviewers online also praise the compact size, while others find it conveniently versatile. “You can literally use it for everything. Contour, blush, foundation, everything,” writers one user, while another echoes, “It’s the perfect size for travel and I use it to blend the Merit Sheer Bronzer and also my cream blush.”

Two makeup artists and a Glamour editor are all fans of Makeup by Mario’s two-in-one brush. “This dual-ended brush applies foundation two ways,” says Luna. “The domed end is great for a natural coverage, while the tapered, angled end helps add foundation coverage.”

Celebrity makeup artist Rachel Goodwin recommends the tapered end for body makeup. “I can use it on larger areas and blend really well,” she adds. Meanwhile, Glamour’s Yaptangco likes using the angled end for contouring. “It perfectly hugs the cheekbone, making it ideal for sculpting and blending out contour.” Simply put: It has the range!

Laura Mercier’s foundation brush turned Glamour contributor Holly Carter into a convert. “I’ll admit it: Even though I’ve been a beauty editor for years with access to a bunch of amazing tools, I use my fingers to apply foundation—until I met this brush,” she says. “The first time I used it, I was surprised to see how much my skin glowed with just the right amount of coverage. I got compliments that night not for my foundation but for my healthy complexion because it looked so perfectly natural!”

“The Anisa Beauty Pinnacle Foundation Brush is a game-changer for more even, blended foundation coverage,” says Krista Bennett DeMaio, founder of Pretty Local, a website that links to local beauty experts. “Its triangle shape lets you get into tricky spots like the inner corners of the eyes and around the nose. And the domed, densely packed bristles are great for stippling the foundation into my skin, creating a seamless look.” Murdick agrees, adding that she loves the smooth finish.

If you’re looking for flawless full coverage, Carter recommends this super-dense round brush. “It glides across my skin, and the ultrasoft fibers produce an airbrushed effect. It really is amazing—makes such a difference,” she says. “And as you can see, it’s large and in charge, so the 200,000 fibers ensure an efficient and effective (not to mention fast) application, whether you’re using it for foundation, blush, or body makeup.”

Extra soft and gentle on skin, the Haus Labs Foundation Brush goes perfectly with its inclusive range of foundation shades. “This brush does a gorgeous job at blending and blurring with its perfectly angled bristles,” says Luna. “It was made to hug the contours of the face and leave a streak-free finish. The soft bristles make this a stand-out foundation brush.

“If foundation brushes had a It girl, this brush would be it,” says Luna. “It’s an angled, domed, densely packed brush that buffs foundation into the skin, instantaneously. This brush will make you feel like a pro makeup artist the first time you use it.”

No matter your age or skin type, you’ll be able to use this brush. “I have tried so many foundation brushes, from high-end to drugstore brands, and this one is by far the best brush available,” says an online reviewer. “I have mature skin and most brushes just don’t work on my skin; however, this one is the exception! It is so soft on my face and blends makeup with minimal effort and leaves an airbrushed finish.”

Made with hypoallergenic fibers, Jones Road’s foundation brush is ideal for sensitive and mature skin types. “When I want light to medium coverage, I’ll pick up this Jones Road brush which gives me that diffused no-makeup makeup look,” says Glamour’s Yaptangco. The head is big and fluffy, which helps cover large areas quickly. It’s a great option for everyday, or if you just want a smooth and easy base that lets your natural skin peek through.”