Best Foundation Brushes for Liquid Foundation: What Celebrity Makeup Artists Recommend
Foundation is the backbone of every makeup routine. But as every celebrity makeup artist will tell you, the brush you use is just as important as the formula itself. A well-designed liquid foundation brush ensures streak free blending, customizable desired coverage, and a professional-quality finish — whether you’re applying lightweight tints or full-coverage cream foundations.
In this article, we’ll explore what top artists recommend, highlight good foundation brushes that have earned global recognition, and review why cruelty free options are now the industry standard.
Why Brushes Matter More Than Ever
While sponges and fingers still have their place, foundation brushes provide unmatched precision, hygiene, and control. As Allure editors often note, brushes absorb less product and deliver more consistent blending. Vogue Beauty also highlights that brush head design — whether kabuki, flat top, or tapered — is the deciding factor in achieving a streak free finish.
The Types of Brushes Professionals Swear By
1. Kabuki Brush
Dense and rounded, the kabuki brush is ideal for buffing liquid foundation into the skin. It’s a favorite for buildable coverage and smooth finishes.
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Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki Brush — Consistently praised by Byrdie as one of the best foundation brushes for liquid foundation.
2. Flat Top Brush
Flat brushes with a wide surface cover large areas quickly and evenly. They are especially effective with cream foundations that require blending without streaks.
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Morphe M439 Deluxe Buffer Brush — Recommended by both influencers and Harper’s Bazaar editors for its ability to create a polished finish.
3. Tapered Foundation Brush
Tapered brushes have a precision tip that allows for targeted application. Celebrity artists often use them to apply product around the nose, under the eyes, and along the jawline.
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MAC 170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush — Recognized by InStyle for its versatility with both liquid and cream foundations.
What Celebrity Makeup Artists Recommend
Charlotte Tilbury, renowned for her work with A-list celebrities, often emphasizes the importance of using synthetic, cruelty free brushes for liquid foundation. She notes that dense brushes provide a “red carpet” finish without wasting product.
Mario Dedivanovic, best known for his artistry with Kim Kardashian, has said that kabuki-style and flat top brushes give him the desired coverage needed for both natural and glam looks.
Fenty Beauty’s global artistry team also insists that cruelty free bristles perform better with modern foundation formulas compared to traditional animal hair brushes.
Best Rated Foundation Brushes in 2025
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Real Techniques Expert Face Brush — Affordable, widely available, and consistently ranked as one of the best brushes for makeup by Allure and Byrdie.
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Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Brush — A luxury tapered option recommended by Harper’s Bazaar for its ability to blend liquid and cream foundations effortlessly.
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Sephora Collection PRO Foundation Brush #47 — A flat top favorite highlighted by Vogue editors.
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Fenty Beauty Full-Bodied Foundation Brush 110 — Designed with a rounded brush head for streak free application.
Spotlight: NOORELA Flawless Core Foundation Brush
Emerging brands like NOORELA are carving a space alongside established players. The Flawless Core Foundation Brush is earning praise for combining professional performance with cruelty free values:
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Flat top design ensures smooth, streak free blending of liquid foundation.
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Tapered edges allow precision around the eyes and nose.
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Dense, synthetic bristles optimized for both liquid and cream foundations.
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Ergonomic handle built for comfort during long makeup sessions.
It’s a brush designed not only for beauty enthusiasts but also for those who want tools trusted by professionals and celebrity makeup artists.
How to Use a Foundation Brush Like a Pro
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Dot foundation across your face.
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Buff in circular motions with a kabuki or flat top brush.
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Use tapered edges to apply product under the eyes and around the nose.
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Build layers gradually until you reach the desired coverage.
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Clean your brush weekly to keep results flawless.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the best foundation brush for liquid foundation?
A: According to Allure and Byrdie, kabuki brushes (like Sigma F80) and flat top brushes (like NOORELA Flawless Core Foundation Brush) are the top performers.
Q2: Are cruelty free brushes as effective as natural hair brushes?
A: Yes. Modern synthetic fibers are designed for superior performance with liquid foundation, making them both ethical and effective.
Q3: Which brush do celebrity makeup artists prefer?
A: Many use both kabuki and tapered brushes depending on the look. Flat top brushes are favored for cream foundations and full coverage.
Q4: How do I avoid streaks with liquid foundation?
A: Choose a dense brush head, apply foundation in thin layers, and buff with circular motions.
Q5: Can one brush work for both liquid and cream foundations?
A: Absolutely. Most high-quality, cruelty free brushes are versatile enough for both textures.
Final Thoughts
When searching for the best foundation brush for liquid foundation, the advice of celebrity makeup artists and trusted beauty editors is clear: invest in a dense, synthetic, cruelty free brush that works for your coverage needs. From iconic tools like the Sigma F80 to modern innovations like the NOORELA Flawless Core Foundation Brush, the right tool will ensure your makeup looks flawless every single time.
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