A foundation brush is great if you’re going for full coverage or blending large areas, and it’s easy for applying precisely around the nose and under the eyes. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to learn how to apply liquid foundation using a face brush:

1. __Put some foundation on the back of your hand.__ Before applying a liquid foundation or a cream foundation to your face, pump a small amount onto the back of your hand.
2. __Dab the foundation onto your face.__ Using your fingers or the brush, dab the foundation all over your T-zone—your forehead, nose, and chin. Then, dab the foundation onto your cheeks. You can also apply foundation to other parts of your face that might need extra coverage, such as under your eyes or around your lips.
3. __Use a brush to spread the makeup.__ With a flat foundation brush or a flat-top stippling brush, spread the foundation in small, circular motions. Ensure the foundation is evenly coating your face, from your hairline to your jawline.
4. __Add more foundation.__ After blending, you can go back and add more foundation to any areas that need more coverage. You can use the sides of the brush to cover hard-to-reach places, like the corner of the eyes and above the lips.  It’s essential to only apply as much as you need; otherwise, the foundation can look cakey. 

You can apply powder foundation as the base layer of your makeup, or layer powder foundation on top of a liquid foundation for a flawless finish. Follow these steps for application:

1. __Gather your materials__. To apply powder foundation, you should use a powder brush or a kabuki brush. 
2. __Coat the brush with loose powder__. If you have loose powder, pour the powder onto the lid of the makeup container. Swirl your brush into the lid, making sure the powder fully coats the brush. Tap against the lid to remove excess foundation from the brush head. If you are working with a pressed powder, swirl your brush in the powder, then tap against the edge of the compact to remove any excess.
3. __Buff the powder onto your face__. Apply the foundation onto your face in a circular motion, adding more powder foundation as needed. Gentle buffing will yield a natural look.
When applying foundation, consider the following tips:

1. __Find your foundation shade.__ There are many foundation formulas on the market, for many different [skin types](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-identify-your-skin-type). The best foundation shade matches your skin and does not irritate it. To find the best foundation shade, apply it on the side of your face. If it disappears seamlessly into your skin, it’s the right color. Many foundation lines are organized by levels of undertones, so knowing your undertone (warm, golden, tan, olive, pink, neutral, etc.) will help you select the proper shade. (Your skin tone may differ quite a bit from winter to summer, so it’s not a bad idea to have a “summer shade” and a “winter shade”—which can be conveniently blended together to perfect your shade.)
2. __Start with skincare__. Before applying foundation, wash your face with a cleanser, apply moisturizer to hydrate your face (and an SPF if it’s daytime), and put on makeup primer. A primer will help the makeup adhere to your face and stay there. 
3. __Use concealer after foundation__. Apply concealer after you apply the foundation to under-eye circles or blemishes. You can use a concealer brush to apply the concealer or use your fingers.
4. __Finish with setting spray__. After applying your face makeup, set your face with a setting spray or a setting powder. This will keep the makeup from fading or running throughout the day. 
5. __Clean your brushes regularly__. [Clean your foundation brush](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-sanitize-makeup-explained) after every use. Rinse it in soap and water or a special makeup brush cleaner, then let it air dry. Cleaning the brush will prevent the growth of bacteria. Using a dirty brush can lead to breakouts or skin irritation on your face. 
There is no correct way to apply foundation. Makeup artists use their fingers, brushes, beauty blenders, and makeup sponges to apply foundation. Using your hands warms up the liquid foundation, making it spread evenly on your face. Blending brushes with wide bristles can help you to apply a full-coverage foundation more quickly. Choose the tool that works best for you and yields the makeup look you desire.

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Learn how to apply foundation with a brush for an airbrush finish.

Learn how to apply foundation with a brush for an airbrush finish.

How to Apply Foundation With a Brush

A foundation brush is great if you’re going for full coverage or blending large areas, and it’s easy for applying precisely around the nose and under the eyes. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to learn how to apply liquid foundation using a face brush:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Put some foundation on the back of your hand. Before applying a liquid foundation or a cream foundation to your face, pump a small amount onto the back of your hand. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Dab the foundation onto your face. Using your fingers or the brush, dab the foundation all over your T-zone—your forehead, nose, and chin. Then, dab the foundation onto your cheeks. You can also apply foundation to other parts of your face that might need extra coverage, such as under your eyes or around your lips. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Use a brush to spread the makeup. With a flat foundation brush or a flat-top stippling brush, spread the foundation in small, circular motions. Ensure the foundation is evenly coating your face, from your hairline to your jawline. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Add more foundation. After blending, you can go back and add more foundation to any areas that need more coverage. You can use the sides of the brush to cover hard-to-reach places, like the corner of the eyes and above the lips. It’s essential to only apply as much as you need; otherwise, the foundation can look cakey. </li></ol>

How to Apply Liquid Foundation With a Brush 

You can apply powder foundation as the base layer of your makeup, or layer powder foundation on top of a liquid foundation for a flawless finish. Follow these steps for application:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Gather your materials. To apply powder foundation, you should use a powder brush or a kabuki brush. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Coat the brush with loose powder. If you have loose powder, pour the powder onto the lid of the makeup container. Swirl your brush into the lid, making sure the powder fully coats the brush. Tap against the lid to remove excess foundation from the brush head. If you are working with a pressed powder, swirl your brush in the powder, then tap against the edge of the compact to remove any excess. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Buff the powder onto your face. Apply the foundation onto your face in a circular motion, adding more powder foundation as needed. Gentle buffing will yield a natural look. </li></ol>

How to Apply Powder Foundation With a Brush 

When applying foundation, consider the following tips:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Find your foundation shade. There are many foundation formulas on the market, for many different <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-identify-your-skin-type' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-identify-your-skin-type","linkCopy":"skin types","category":null}'>skin types</a>. The best foundation shade matches your skin and does not irritate it. To find the best foundation shade, apply it on the side of your face. If it disappears seamlessly into your skin, it’s the right color. Many foundation lines are organized by levels of undertones, so knowing your undertone (warm, golden, tan, olive, pink, neutral, etc.) will help you select the proper shade. (Your skin tone may differ quite a bit from winter to summer, so it’s not a bad idea to have a “summer shade” and a “winter shade”—which can be conveniently blended together to perfect your shade.) </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Start with skincare. Before applying foundation, wash your face with a cleanser, apply moisturizer to hydrate your face (and an SPF if it’s daytime), and put on makeup primer. A primer will help the makeup adhere to your face and stay there. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Use concealer after foundation. Apply concealer after you apply the foundation to under-eye circles or blemishes. You can use a concealer brush to apply the concealer or use your fingers. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Finish with setting spray. After applying your face makeup, set your face with a setting spray or a setting powder. This will keep the makeup from fading or running throughout the day. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Clean your brushes regularly. <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-sanitize-makeup-explained' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-sanitize-makeup-explained","linkCopy":"Clean your foundation brush","category":null}'>Clean your foundation brush</a> after every use. Rinse it in soap and water or a special makeup brush cleaner, then let it air dry. Cleaning the brush will prevent the growth of bacteria. Using a dirty brush can lead to breakouts or skin irritation on your face. </li></ol>

5 Tips for Flawless Foundation Application

There is no correct way to apply foundation. Makeup artists use their fingers, brushes, beauty blenders, and makeup sponges to apply foundation. Using your hands warms up the liquid foundation, making it spread evenly on your face. Blending brushes with wide bristles can help you to apply a full-coverage foundation more quickly. Choose the tool that works best for you and yields the makeup look you desire.

Is It Better to Apply Foundation With a Brush or Hands?

Get the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> for exclusive access to video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Bobbi Brown, RuPaul, Anna Wintour, Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, and more.

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Learn how to apply foundation with a brush for an airbrush finish.