MY go-to foundation brush is IT Cosmetics’ Heavenly Luxe complexion perfection brush, £40.
But recently I’ve been experimenting with other ones and these three have been unexpected hits.
Budget
Real Techniques mini expert face brush, £6, boots.com: I ordered this online intending to use it for on-the-go make-up application.
I expected the handle to be smaller than a regular brush, but was surprised to see the head was also about half the size of what I was used to using.
This means it takes slightly longer to buff out my base, but because of the smaller size I can really concentrate product where I need the most coverage.
I primarily use it for applying liquid or cream products, but the fluffy bristles mean it would work well with powders too.
A really good “Swiss army” knife style brush that can do it all.
Mid-range
Morphe M109 Spatula Foundation Brush, £14, uk.morphe.com: I love full coverage foundation, so when the trend of using a tiny metal spatula to apply base products came around I wasn’t even tempted to give it a go, as it gave barely-there coverage that was never going to suit my needs.
This brush is based on the same principle, but given the bristles (rather than a flat metal surface) you can create a slightly fuller coverage by ensuring the product is evenly worked into them before gliding it over the face.
It’s a completely different way of applying foundation, but if you like a sheer coverage finish or have dry skin that tends to flake with excess buffing, it’s one you should try.
Luxury
Clarins Gua Sha-Inspired Foundation Brush, £39, clarins.co.uk: As the name suggests, this brush is shaped similar to gua-sha stones used to aid lymphatic drainage and sculpt the face and, to be honest, I couldn’t understand why I’d need it in my stash.
The first time I used it, I ate my words. The almost heart-shaped structure hugs your facial contours, while the densely packed bristles seamlessly blend out the product in one swipe – delivering medium coverage and cutting my application time in half.
I’ve found it works best if you apply foundation to the back of your hand and dip the brush into that, rather than applying it directly to your brush.
Either way the result is flawless – the latter may take more work.
Pick of the week
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