The Best Foundation Brushes To Perfect Your Base

Summary: Rihanna created this medium density brush specifically for her Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, to ensure a seamless, air-touched finish.Brush details: the dense brush, full of bristles is great for getting a full coverage, even finish. It's best used with a liquid foundation.

Summary: Artis' brushes an investment. Think of them as your classic worn-in leather jacket that never lets you down. They distribute product evenly, blend in seamlessly and will last for years and years – always perfecting your base.Brush details: the oval brush is a sturdy, multi-tasker that can be used to apply foundation, bronzer, moisturizer and fake tan. Use in circular motions to really work the product into the skin.

Summary: Ideal for applying loose powder, Nars Kabuki Brush evenly distributes pigment for a natural finish.Brush details: you can identify a kabuki brush by its short, chunky handle and dense bristles. You might have previously used one to apply loose setting powder, blush or bronzer, but if you prefer a mineral or powder foundation formula over liquid, it also allows for easy - and flaw-free - application.

Summary: this brush can be used dry to apply powder products and also buffs out liquid and cream textures easily, creating a lightweight, airbrushed feel.Brush details: A close relation of the stippling brush, a buffing brush has denser, closely packed bristles - because of this, it is perhaps slightly easier to use for beginners.

Summary: 'The slimline angled brush head allows you to navigate the features of the face, blending easily as you go,' explains MAC Senior Artist, Debbie Finnegan. 'Start your application in the centre of the face and blend outwards as most people need more coverage in the t-zone area and less towards the hairline.'Brush details: the slightly slanted tip of this particular brush type allows for a more precise base application. Best used with liquid foundation.

Summary: After the Beautyblender became a cult product thanks to blogger recommendations and word of mouth, more and more beauty brands have decided to jump on the bandwagon and bring out their own version of the softly angled foundation sponge. However, we're inclined to believe that the original is still the best.Brush details: Unlike traditional sponges, the Beautyblender's smooth, egg-like shape means that product goes on streak-free. Simply wet the sponge so it fluffs up, squeeze out the excess water before bouncing on your favourite foundation.

Summary: with fine, light bristles, this brush helps to distribute liquid foundation evenly. Simply dot product lightly onto the face and blend outwards, swirling in circular motions for a finish that's free of tide marks.Description: a stippling brush will have fine, feathery fibres, usually in a lighter colour towards the top, with thicker, typically darker fibres at the base, and is often blunt ended. Keep your foundation on the lighter ends for a lightweight veil of coverage.

Summary: a multi-tasking brush that will expertly blend foundation as well as blusher. Brush details: Space NK's 102 Brush has been designed with a flat-top to blend and buff your chosen products in seamlessly. Use with liquid foundation, powder foundation and blusher.

Summary: When it comes to a fully-fledged make-up brush kit you can't go far wrong with Edy London's latest launch. Edy is best known as one of the top lash technicians in London and boasts a long list of loyal celebrity clients like Sadie Frost, Trinny Woodall and Ellie Goulding. She noticed a gap in the make-up market when it came to good quality, soft and affordable make-up brushes so decided to launch her own line.Brush details: You can buy the brushes individually from £10.99 or as a set for £85.99 (the set includes 11 brushes which makes that price a steal!). There are four colour options to choose from too, meaning if you want to have two sets on the go, especially if you're a pro, it's easy to differentiate between sets.