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When reporting at the Stella McCartney runway show in 2010, Glamour magazine blogger Susan Cernek was fascinated by the flawless looks achieved by makeup pro Pat McGrath and her CoverGirl team using liquid foundation brushes. These “black and white, porcupine-looking” tools distributed just the right amount of foundation for light, yet effective coverage. McGrath explained that using a brush will smooth the skin as it drops a subtle hint of color with a delicate upper layer of bristles that create an airbrushed effect.
MAC
Glamour magazine online beauty reporter Petra Guglielmetti called the MAC No. 190 brush her “new best friend” and said the tool was a life-changer she planned to use on her wedding day. New York pro makeup artist Heather Adessa agrees the brush is the best, “The brush is my favorite for applying liquid foundation.” After applying foundation with the No. 190, Adessa uses the MAC No. 187 brush, without any product on it, to buff in a circular motion around the face to create a flawless effect. The No. 130 Short Duo Fibre Brush is comparable to those used by McGrath and the Cover Girl makeup team.
Kabuki
Beauty product researcher Sophia Alexander of Andover, Massachusetts, uses kabuki-style brushes for applying foundation. For heavier coverage, she prefers a flat-top style kabuki, such as the F80 by Sigma. For lighter coverage, she uses a dome-shaped kabuki, like the Retractable Kabuki Brush from Too Faced. For best results, start applying foundation at the forehead on one side of the face before moving to the other side. Blend well at your hairline and neckline for an effect that’s light and natural without cakiness.
Royal & Langnickel
“Practical Glamour” author Constance Dunn says her favorite is Royal & Langnickel's SILK Foundation Brush for its time-saving benefits. “The bristle mass lets you cover a lot of face in a short amount of time – great in the morning – while still leaving you with a polished-looking face,” Dunn says. The easy-grip handle gives secure, easy control.
Caring for Liquid Foundation Brushes
Liquid foundation brushes typically aren't cheap, so some TLC will go a long way in protecting your investment for the long haul. Dunn suggests washing brushes regularly with a super-mild soap. Handle brushes with care: Keep the hair of the brush in the same direction while cleansing it, and keep water out of the ferrule (the metal part of the upper handle that separates the brush hair from the handle). If water gets trapped in there, it can cause mold to grow, a nightmare for something you plan to use every day on your eyes and face! Lay the washed brushes flat on a clean towel, rotating them onto a dry portion of the towel every few hours until they are dry.
