The foundation brush may just be the unsung hero of your brush kit. Sure, you could use a makeup sponge or, well, your fingers, but a brush offers coverage that both of those can’t—and it’s easier to clean.

“A foundation brush provides an even application with no streaks,” celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg, who works with the likes of Rashida Jones and Kaley Cuoco, says. Although you’ve likely seen the traditional paddle-shaped foundation brush most often, there are more options than ever to choose from. And each offers something different, depending on your formula type, desired coverage, et cetera. “Smaller brushes help with details, like if you want to apply product under your eyes or around the nose,” Greenberg explains. “A flat brush is great if you like layering and you like the technique of patting your foundation on.”

As Greenberg says, when shopping for a foundation brush, “It all comes down to preference.” Not sure where to start? Keep scrolling for our top 10 foundation brushes, for every type of formula.

BEST FOR REACHING EVERY CORNER

ANISA Beauty Pinnacle Foundation Brush

Now 75% Off

Greenberg names this angled brush her favorite, saying, “It gives the most realistic coverage and always leaves the foundation looking the most flawless on the skin.”

BEST MINERAL FOUNDATION BRUSH

Koh Gen Do Perfect Foundation Brush

This flat-topped brush has silky, synthetic bristles that lay powder and mineral foundation evenly over pores and fine lines for a super-smooth canvas.

MOST VERSATILE FOUNDATION BRUSH
Rare Beauty 

No worries if you’re not dexterous with a makeup brush: This one has a unique angled shape that is designed to mimic fingertips for ease of use, and it works with liquid, cream, and powder formulas alike.

BEST LARGE FOUNDATION BRUSH
MAKE UP FOR EVER 

All of Make Up For Ever’s foundation brushes are among the best of the best, but this one in particular has a wider surface area, which comes in handy when you need to get your makeup done in a hurry.

BEST MATTE FOUNDATION BRUSH
Fenty Beauty 

This dense yet soft brush features a whopping 140,000 bristles that give matte formulas an airbrush-like—never cakey—finish.

BEST CREAM FOUNDATION BRUSH
MAC Cosmetics MAC 

Makeup artists love this classic brush. You can use it with liquid foundations, too, but the flat paddle shape is especially great for creating a smooth, even canvas with cream formulas.

BEST POWDER FOUNDATION BRUSH

NYX Professional Makeup Pro Powder Brush

Powder foundations require a fluffy brush with enough density to hold and distribute the product seamlessly. This one does both with ease, all at a price that’s hard to beat.

BEST LIQUID FOUNDATION BRUSH

KVD Beauty Lock-It Edge Foundation Brush #10

Another supersoft option, this brush is a true ASMR moment in your day. Plus, you can always count on KVD Beauty products—including this brush—to be vegan and cruelty free.

BEST BUFFING FOUNDATION BRUSH
tarte 

Use this fluffy, dome-shaped brush to "buff" out liquid foundation—a.k.a. blend out in circular motions to achieve a super-seamless, flawless finish. Bonus: It can also be used to blend out powder formulas.

BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY BRUSH
EcoTools 

EcoTools is our go-to for affordable, high-quality brushes, and its foundation brush is no exception. It has the classic, flat shape and provides even coverage with both cream and liquid formulas.