Best Overall

Artis Elite Mirror Palm Brush

4.5

Amazon

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We know this may not look like a traditionally-shaped brush, but trust us, just go with it. As you may gather from the name, it’s specially made to fit into the palm of your hand with both a grip pad and finger indent for ultimate control. The proprietary synthetic fibers work equally well with liquids, creams, or powders, applying the product and seamlessly blending it all in.

Many folks love Artis brushes because they blend products really seamlessly and create the look of “second skin.” Because of the high-quality and lasting longevity of this pick, it comes at a higher price point of $65 per brush.

Price at time of publish: $65

Size:‎ 5.59 x 4.45 x 3.23 inches | Material: CosmeFibre (synthetic)

Best Budget

EcoTools Wonder Cover Complexion Brush

Amazon

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If you have a hard time shelling out big bucks on brushes, consider this pick. It’s a super good deal for the price, with over 100,000 bristles for smooth application, and it's made of renewable and recyclable materials, too. Because of its short bristles, you can also use this pick to apply cream contour to the face. 

Because the bristles are on the shorter side, we wouldn't recommend using this pick to apply powder foundation—you’ll end up applying too much powder, and it probably won’t blend very well. This brush is really ideal for liquid or cream formulas that require a stiffer application brush.

Price at time of publish: $9

Size: 2.81 x 1.13 x 8.5 inches | Material: Synthetic

Best Drugstore

NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation Brush

Amazon

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The bristles on this brush are soft yet dense, which makes it a good choice for more pigmented liquid bases. An angled top glides seamlessly along the contour of your face, smoothly applying and blending in every last bit of product.

We recommend using this brush with liquid and cream foundations over powder foundations, as the bristles are on the denser side. It doesn’t blend powder foundations as seamlessly.

Price at time of publish: $15

Size: 6.94 x 0.89 x 0.89 inches | Material: Synthetic

Best for Liquid Foundation

Fenty Beauty Full-Bodied Foundation Brush 110

Sephora

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There are more than 140,000 extra-fine, synthetic bristles in this brush, which boasts a unique rounded shape. The shape ensures the same type of even application as you’d get with a traditional flat-headed foundation brush, along with an airbrush-esque finish. For the best results, use it following Ri-Ri’s go-to method: press the brush into the skin, roll, then repeat.

While we love the density of this brush, it’s on the pricier side at $34. Also, it’s important to note that this is a pretty dense brush—if you don’t like a full-coverage foundation look, opt for another pick on this list. 

Price at time of publish: $44

Size: 0.87 x 7.4 x 1.65 inches | Material: Synthetic

Best for Liquid Foundation, Runner-Up

Anisa Beauty Pinnacle Foundation Brush

Anisa

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The synthetic fibers on this brush are not only densely packed, but they’re also very flexible. Translation: They’re great at imparting medium-to-full coverage without ever leaving behind any tell-tale streaks. The patented triangular brush head makes it easy to get into hard-to-reach areas like around your nose. Plus, the bristles are also domed to help seamlessly blend along the curves of your face. FYI: While it does work best with creams and liquids, it can be used for powders, too.

This is another foundation brush that costs on the higher side at $38 per brush. We love that it’s vegan and 100% cruelty-free and offers an innovative shape, unlike others on this list.

Price at time of publish: $38

Material: Synthetic

Best for Powder Foundation

Alima Pure Foundation Brush

Amazon

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For those who prefer mineral or powder foundation formulas, this brush is a good choice. The vegan bristles are dual-colored (the white tips make it easy to see exactly how much powder you’re picking up) and dust on the ideal amount of product for light to medium coverage. Bonus points for an extra comfortable grip, thanks to the tapered handle.

Although this pick does have relatively dense bristles, it might create streaks if you use it for liquid foundation. Additionally, it costs $48, so it’s not an affordable option.

Price at time of publish: $48

Size: 7.32 x 1.81 x 1.46 inches | Material: Taklon (synthetic)

Best Small Shape

Artis Elite Oval 6 Brush

Amazon

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For those who like their foundation to also act as a concealer, this brush is ideal. The smaller shaped head makes it easier than ever to target smaller, hard-to-reach spots where you’d dab on concealer—think under your eyes or around your nose. And, like the other Artis brush on the list, it works just as well with powders, creams, and liquids.

You can also use this brush for blush and bronzer, too. One of the downsides is that it’s so expensive. At $60 per brush, this is definitely an investment brush that should last you a long time. 

Price at time of publish: $60

Size: 6.5 x 1 x 1.5 inches | Material: CosmeFibre (synthetic)

Best Multi-Tasker

Jenny Patinkin All Over Face Brush

Amazon

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This makeup artist-turned-product creator wrote a book called "Lazy Perfection: The Art of Looking Great Without Really Trying," so you know that her eponymous line of brushes will be all about ease and convenience. Case in point: You can easily use this one brush for all of your complexion products, from foundation to blush to bronzer to powder to highlighter. Made of high-quality synthetic fibers (that are even finer than natural hair), this brush also has two and a half times more bristles than most other brushes, making it feel velvety and ensuring seamless application every single time.

While we love all the bristles and the construction of this pick, we think the brush head could be a bit bigger to cover a larger area on the face.

Price at time of publish: $30

Size: 1.25 x 0.75 x 6.5 inches | Material: Synthetic

Best Dual-Ended

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7

Sephora

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This brand makes some of our favorite makeup brushes of all time, and this two-sided pick is no exception. The 100 percent synthetic bristles are some of the highest quality we’ve ever seen, with a silky-soft feel and the ability to constantly pick up exactly the right amount of product. Use the oversized, fluffier end to blend foundation onto larger areas of your complexion (it makes for an airbrushed effect), then use the micro-end to precisely dab the product onto smaller spots.

Unfortunately, this pick is on the pricier side. However, we think it’s worth shelling out for it because it’s a 2-in-1 brush that can be used multiple ways.

Price at time of publish: $49

Size: 7.09 x 1.18 x 7.09 inches | Material: Synthetic

Best Splurge

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation Brush

Pat McGrath

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Ready to invest in a high-quality foundation brush? Make it this one. The synthetic fibers have an ever-so-subtle wave to them, which makes for both the ideal product pick-up and payoff as you glide it across your skin. Sephora fans also rave about how said bristles don’t soak up too much product. Also nice: The handle is made of sustainably-sourced wood. This brush costs $39 but can be used for foundation, blush, bronzer, and highlighter, too.

Price at time of publish: $39

Material: Synthetic

Best Splurge, Runner-Up

Hourglass Vanish Foundation Brush

Amazon

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The bristles on this brush are not only some of the softest we’ve ever felt, but they’re also unique because they’re crimped. Why does that matter? It helps to control the placement and application of the product as you run the brush along your face, making for a completely effortless result. While it was made to work with the brand’s cream foundation stick (another product we adore), we’ve found that it works equally well with a variety of different cream and liquid bases.

This brush not only comes at a hefty price tag ($47 per brush), but it also comes with very dense bristles, too. If you like a less-heavy foundation application, don’t choose this one.

Price at time of publish: $47

Material: Talkon (synthetic)

Best Sponge

Jenny Patinkin Pure Luxury Makeup Sponge Duo

Credo

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Okay, so yes, this (obviously) isn’t a brush, but sponges are a great pick for liquid or cream products, particularly if you’re looking to score lighter, more skin-like coverage. This particular one earns our vote for a few major reasons. For starters, it’s made of a pure, untreated, chemical-free foam. That means it’s not only better for your skin, but it can also be recycled once you’re done with it (although it can be used and washed repeatedly). The velvety texture also absorbs very little product and feels lovely on the skin, and we also like the ergonomic shape that’s easy to hold and use. Plus, you get two in this set.

Makeup sponges, in general, are not ideal for powders—and this pick is no exception. If you use a powder foundation regularly, opt for a foundation brush with loose fibers instead.

Price at time of publish: $32

Material: Untreated polyurethane foam

Best for Full Coverage

Real Techniques Foundation Blender

Amazon

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FYI, short, dense, domed bristles—like what you’d see in a kabuki brush—are best if you want to pack on your foundation and score extra full coverage. This offers the same effect but with what we think is much easier to use and maneuver handle. It’s great for controlled application, as well as buffing and blending so that everything looks seamless. Not to mention that it works equally well with creams, powders, and liquids. We love how dense this brush is, but because of its density, it’s a bit difficult to clean. 

Price at time of publish: $13

Size: 2.78 x 1.65 x 3.7 inches | Material: Synthetic

Best Angled

MODA Angle Foundation Brush

MODA

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Slanted or angled brushes are ideal for blending your base into smaller spots that are harder to reach—think around your nose, near your hairline, or around your ears. This one—which also boasts a super wallet-friendly price tag—does exactly that. The handle is also super durable and water-resistant, and that hot pink hue makes it easy to find, even in a super crowded makeup bag.

Because of the angle on this brush, it might not be a great option for powder application. We suggest using a liquid or cream foundation with this pick.

Price at time of publish: $9

Material: Synthetic