Face and Foundation Brushes

FACE AND FOUNDATION BRUSH FAQS:

e.l.f. is proud our face and foundation brushes offer professional quality makeup brushes at affordable prices. Whether you are looking for a foundation brush or highlighting brush, we have it and everything in between. All makeup brushes are always vegan and cruelty free!

WHAT FACE MAKEUP BRUSH IS USED FOR EACH PRODUCT?

With so many different face makeup tools to choose from, it can be a daunting task to figure out what brushes you actually need, and which products each one is used for in your makeup application. We break down the five essential cruelty-free face brushes you need in your makeup bag, and how to use each one to your advantage:

• Foundation Brush: Tapered brush helps achieve an ultra smooth, poreless finish when you apply foundation, tinted moisturizer and other creamy face makeup.

• Buffing Brush: Large dome-shaped blending brush has dense bristles helping you apply and build coverage with liquid foundation, tinted moisturizer, and even concealer especially around your face’s tight corners.

• Buffing Foundation Brush: Dome-shaped brush with fluffy bristles is used for applying and blending liquid and cream products into an airbrushed finish.

• Blush Brush: Tapered brush easily applies and blends cream blush formulas for an airbrushed effect.  Great for both blush and bronzers.

• Kabuki Brush: Unique compact makeup brush with dense, absorbent bristles and rounded shape works by buffing and blending powder, liquid, or cream foundations over large areas of the face (and is great to travel with).

• Concealer Brush: Small brush with flat bristles, helps mask small imperfections and blur out undereye circles with an expert touch using concealer.

WHAT IS A BUFFING BRUSH USED FOR?

A buffing foundation brush is a must-have tool for your makeup arsenal, helping you to seamlessly apply, buff, and blend your foundation or concealer into a soft-focus finish. Designed with a fluffy, slightly tapered brush head, it allows for even product distribution every time and helps you effortlessly blend your makeup around the natural contours of the face for a blurred, selfie-ready look.

To use, dip your buffing brush into your favorite foundation and apply it using circular, buffing motions (start from the center of the face and work outward to maintain even coverage). To get the most mileage out of your vegan brushes, don’t forget to clean your bristles regularly with makeup brush shampoo.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO APPLY LIQUID FOUNDATION?

Apply your liquid foundation like an expert so it looks streak-free every time in four easy steps. Choose your brush based on the type of coverage you are looking for depending on if you want full coverage Start with a small amount and gradually build coverage as needed. By following these easy steps, you'll achieve a natural and flawless look that lasts all day.

1. Choose your makeup brush based on what kind of coverage you’re looking for. A foundation brush or blending brush is key if you want full coverage and to seamlessly apply liquid foundation around the hard-to-reach corners of your face. If you’re looking for a more sheer, natural finish, you can use a  makeup sponge.

2. Cleans, Moisturize, Prime: Always start with clean, moisturized and primed skin.

3. Dot and Blend: Apply a small amount of liquid foundation onto the back of your hand and then dip your brush into the foundation. Focus on the center of your face (forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin).

4. Blend with Makeup Brush or Sponge: Use a damp makeup sponge or a foundation brush to blend the foundation evenly. Begin by dabbing and pressing the sponge or brush onto the dots, then gently blend outwards. Use a stippling or bouncing motion for a seamless finish.

5. Build Coverage and Conceal: If necessary, apply an additional layer of foundation to areas that need extra coverage. For blemishes or under-eye circles, use a concealer with a similar texture and shade to cover them.

6. Set: If you are looking for your makeup to last all day, finish your look with a setting spray or setting powder

SHOULD I WET MY FOUNDATION BRUSH?

No, we don’t recommend that you wet the bristles of your foundation brush prior to your makeup application. There are a few good reasons for this:

• Water alters the shape of your bristles, which means they can’t do their job. For instance, a fluffy, round foundation brush will become dense and cone-shaped when wet, affecting its ability to smoothly buff out your look.

• Water causes bristles to absorb more product, which will leave you with a blotchy and uneven makeup application.

• Water on your brush dilutes your makeup, which can affect how you build your coverage.

• Water especially should not mix with powder foundation—it will become clumpy!

The only foundation application tool you need to wet prior to use is a beauty sponge. A damp makeup sponge allows you to blend out your look with sheer, dewy coverage.