How to Use a Foundation Brush

The Importance of Makeup Brushes

Makeup artists understand the importance of owning a great set of makeup brushes. These don't necessarily run cheap. A decent set containing all of the essential brushes can often be quite an expensive investment. On the other hand, less costly kits boasting the same qualities as their high-end counterparts aren't impossible to find. Knowing exactly how much you want to spend can save you time in finding the right set for you.

Brushes are a necessity for flawless makeup application. They enable eye shadows to blend with each other, eyeliner to glide on smoothly, lipstick to fill every inch of the mouth and blush to hit just the right areas. They also make applying foundation a snap! Let's take a look at different types of foundation brushes and how to use them.

The Benefits of a Foundation Brush

Foundation application can be tricky for everyone from novices to seasoned makeup aficionados. Blending it into dry spots, sliding it over oily skin and trying to cover those nooks and crannies can be quite a difficult task. There are plenty of tools available on the market to help you get the job done, though. From sponges to wedges to brushes, the selection of makeup application tools can be confusing if you aren't familiar with their pros and cons.

Contrary to popular belief, there are several different types of sponges available for makeup application. Some are designed to stipple the makeup to give it a dramatic effect and are especially useful for actors. Some are silky and light, while others are hardier and promise not to soak up the foundation. Despite these great products, there is one application tool that is even more universal and versatile than the rest: the foundation brush.

Foundation brushes are advantageous for a number of reasons.

1. They work well with all types of foundation, including creams, liquids and even solids.
2. They create a more flawless finish by allowing the makeup to cover each area of the face equally.
3. They make spot application and total coverage easy because of their unique flat, tapered shape.
4. They are easy to maintain and will last a number of years if you take care of them.

How to Use a Foundation Brush Easily

If you haven't used a foundation brush before, it's important to know the basics so that your makeup applies easily and flawlessly. Even if you're a beginner, you'll be able to follow these simple tips and create a smooth, even canvas.

1. Pour a small amount of foundation (assuming you are using a liquid) onto the back of your hand.
2. Pick up some foundation with the brush. If you prefer light coverage, dip only one side of the brush in the makeup. If you want fuller coverage, use both sides of the brush to pick up the makeup.
3. Use broad, downward strokes to sweep and blend the makeup onto the nose, forehead, cheeks and chin.
4. Use the tapered edges of the brush to blend the makeup into those hard-to-reach areas, like the corners of the nose, hairline and around the eyes and mouth.

If you're using a cream or powder foundation, simply run the brush over the product in its container. Several companies now offer brushes designed specifically for use with cream foundation, such as this CoverFX version available at Sephora. Its soft texture and short bristles allow for perfect application without streaking.

Caring for Your Foundation Brush

Once you know how to use a foundation brush, you'll also want to take note of how to keep it clean. Cleaning all of your makeup brushes is imperative in order to keep them bacteria-free. Lingering bacteria not only poses the risk of causing acne breakouts, it also generally suggests that there is excess makeup building up on the brush.

Most high-end lines offer their own foundation brush cleaners, such as Trish McEvoy's Brush Bath and Bare Escentuals' Brush Conditioning Shampoo. If you're a frequent traveler, consider a handy spray, like ULTA's Brush Cleaner. A great low-cost alternative to these products is plain and simple baby shampoo. Simply swirl the brush's head through the shampoo and rinse. Pat dry.