Stepping into the world of Sephora for a year has been nothing short of a beauty revelation. As someone who has worked with countless products and guided many customers through their skincare and makeup routines, I have honed in on the essentials that deliver that much-coveted airbrushed finish. Whether you’re a seasoned makeup aficionado or a beauty newbie, these tools are game-changers. Here’s a look at 18 products that have proven themselves time and again to be indispensable for a flawless complexion.
1. **Smashbox Blurring Foundation Brush**: The Smashbox Blurring Foundation Brush is a staple for anyone seeking that seamless, second-skin finish. With its flexible bristles and large, round brush head, this brush effortlessly blends light to full-coverage foundations, ensuring that your makeup never looks cakey. It’s perfect for achieving a natural makeup look without using too much product. Chelsea, an InStyle tester, swears by how the brush “blended the foundation perfectly” without any caked-on appearance.
Product on Amazon: Smashbox Blurring Foundation Brush for Liquid, Cream + Powder| Blender Brush + Coverage
Price: $32.30
Rating: 4.4 with 42 ratings
Brand: Smashbox
2. **e.l.f. Cosmetics Ultimate Blending Brush**: Don’t let the affordable price tag fool you; the e.l.f. Blending Brush packs a punch when it comes to sheer to light coverage. Its large, round head and thick handle make it ideal for buffing in small circles, creating a diffused finish. Tester Jill appreciated how it quickly covered large areas and noted the brush’s soft bristles, which glided nicely to evenly deposit product.
Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Ultimate Blending Brush, Dome-Shaped Makeup Tool For Applying & Blending Foundation, Bronzer & Blush, Made With Vegan, Cruelty-Free Bristles
Price: $6.82
Rating: 4.7 with 8,989 ratings
Brand: e.l.f.
3. **Danessa Myricks Kabuki Brush**: Combining the precision of a Beauty Blender and a standard foundation brush, the Danessa Myricks Kabuki Brush is a must-have for those who want to roll on liquid foundation with ease. Its short handle and compact bristles offer maneuverability, making application quick and flawless. Tester Chantia found the brush delivered “the smoothest feeling” she’d ever experienced from a foundation brush.
4. **Anastasia Beverly Hills A30 Pro Brush**: Perfect for stick foundations, this brush’s flat top provides excellent control for blending creamy formulas. Tester Ciara loved how it allowed her to pat foundation onto the skin, offering diffused, natural coverage without the streaks that sometimes accompany stick foundations. Its short bristles give users the precision needed for perfect application.
Product on Amazon: Anastasia Beverly Hills – Pro Brush (A30 – Domed Kabuki Brush)
Price: $24.00
Rating: 4.0 with 10 ratings
Brand: Anastasia Beverly Hills
5. **Patrick Ta Beauty Dual-Ended Complexion Brush**: Designed with dual-purpose in mind, this brush seamlessly applies both foundation and powder. Its golden, sleek design is visually stunning, and tester Julia found it packed on foundation while evenly distributing powder, making it a versatile tool for any beauty routine.
Product on Amazon: Patrick Ta Precision Dual Ended Sculpting Makeup Contour Brush
Price: $39.05
Brand: Patrick Ta
6. **Tarte Foundation Brush**: Ideal for tinted moisturizers, this brush boasts dense bristles that prevent streaky coverage. Its diamond-shaped head effortlessly covers facial contours, while tester Paige noted that, despite her usual apprehension about blending thicker formulas, this brush made the process simple and effective.
Product on Amazon: Tarte Cosmetics The Buffer Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush
Price: $35.99
Rating: 4.6 with 679 ratings
Brand: Tarte
7. **Saie The Base Brush**: Known for its lavender-hued logo, the Saie Base Brush’s chubby handle offers comfort and precision. With bristles that pick up ample foundation, it provides moderate coverage that expertly hides imperfections. Tester Stacey admired how the slightly rounded head moved with her skin, blending foundation across curves seamlessly.
Product on Amazon: Saie The Base Brush – Ultra-Soft Foundation Brush for Liquid Makeup – Dense Complexion + Blending Brush with Cruelty-Free, Synthetic Bristles
Price: 26.00
Rating: 4.7 with 206 ratings
Brand: Saie
8. **Charlotte Tilbury Magic Complexion Brush**: This aptly named Magic Complexion Brush lives up to its reputation, offering a light-handed application for a second-skin finish. Its looser, fluffy bristles require a buffing technique to achieve a natural, diffused base. Tester Jane appreciated the brush’s ability to glide foundation smoothly across her face.
Product on Amazon: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Complexion Brush
Price: $59.99
Rating: 4.3 with 78 ratings
Brand: Charlotte Tilbury
9. **Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation Brush**: For liquid foundations, this brush ensures a streak-free, smooth appearance. Despite its smaller size, tester Mandy found it effective for achieving a uniform complexion, leaving no streaks to blend out. The silky-smooth bristles enhance the overall application experience.
Product on Amazon: Laura Mercier Face Brushes
Price: $46.00
Rating: 4.8 with 12 ratings
Brand: Laura Mercier
10. **Real Techniques Expert Face Makeup Brush**: Sometimes, all you need is the right tool to transform your makeup routine from “just OK” to “absolutely fabulous.” Those of us with large pores know the struggle of achieving a smooth look. Fortunately, the Real Techniques Expert Face Makeup Brush is here to save the day. Its large, fluffy head is tailored specifically for uneven textures, offering a light buff that evens out the skin perfectly. The bristles are spaced just right to deposit the optimal amount of foundation, ensuring your skin looks flawless and not too caked up. Moreover, InStyle tester Michelle praises its practicality, saying, “it held onto a very small amount of the foundation and transferred the rest nicely onto the skin,” proving its efficacy for anyone battling with large pores.
And here’s the best part: you don’t have to empty your wallet to get this gem! Affordable and effective, this brush doesn’t skimp on quality—giving you that professionally airbrushed finish without the hefty price tag. Perfect for those looking to give their makeup routine an upgrade without breaking the bank, the Real Techniques brush stands as a testament to the fact that beauty doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective.
Product on Amazon: Real Techniques Expert Face Professional Foundation Makeup Brush for Even Streak Free Application, Dense Bristles For Buffing, Orange, 1 Count
Price: $8.73
Rating: 4.7 with 16,521 ratings
Brand: Real Techniques
11. **Clé de Peau Beauté Foundation Brush**: Elevate your beauty game with the luxurious Clé de Peau Beauté Foundation Brush. This isn’t just a tool; it’s an experience! With a gold-accented handle and an old-school tapered brush head, you’ll feel like an artist painting a masterpiece every time you use it. Designed with mature skin in mind, this brush glides over fine lines and textured areas, making it ideal for creating an even, streak-free application.
According to InStyle tester Nikki, “the bristles distributed foundation in an even, streak-free layer,” showcasing its ability to effortlessly apply product even around tricky areas like the eyes and nose. Its densely packed yet flexible bristles ensure that the foundation goes precisely where you want it, without feeling harsh against the skin. For those with mature skin, this brush is more than just a tool—it’s a gentle companion that enhances your natural beauty.
Product on Amazon: Clé de Peau Beauté
Price: $70.00
Brand: Clé de Peau Beauté
12. **Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush**: Sensitive skin needs a delicate touch, and the Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush delivers just that. Forget harsh, scratchy bristles; this brush boasts impossibly soft, cruelty-free bristles that provide gentle coverage without irritating your skin. InStyle tester Amy can’t help but rave about its softness, likening it to “animal fur,” and noting its ability to leave “minimal to no streaking” on her face.
The brush’s thick handle allows for a secure grip, giving you the same control you’d have with your fingertips—but without the mess. Even though the bristles are loosely packed, making them prone to soaking up more product, the final result is never too heavy. For those with sensitive skin, this brush provides a polished and even application, maintaining the integrity of your foundation without aggravating your skin.
Product on Amazon: Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush
Price: $47.00
Rating: 4.6 with 52 ratings
Brand: Hourglass
13. **It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Buffing Foundation Brush #6**: If you’re dreaming of a cake-free finish, the It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Buffing Foundation Brush #6 is your new best friend. Its flat-top design might look intimidating, but trust us, it’s a breeze to use, especially for beginners. InStyle tester Stacey was thrilled by how quickly and evenly it covered her entire face, eliminating the need for touch-ups.
The brush’s lightweight, flexible bristles make maneuvering around facial contours a snap, while its hourglass shape offers a comfortable grip. Whether you’re looking to seamlessly apply moisturizer or foundation, this brush makes achieving a natural finish easier than ever. For anyone looking to perfect their makeup technique, the It Cosmetics brush is a must-have addition to your beauty arsenal.
Product on Amazon: IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Flat Top Buffing Foundation Brush #6 – Foundation Brush for Liquid Makeup & Foundation Powder – Makeup Brush With Award-Winning Heavenly Luxe Hair
Price: $50.00
Rating: 4.7 with 839 ratings
Brand: IT Cosmetics
14. **Morphe Oval Foundation Brush**: In the world of makeup brushes, sometimes simplicity reigns supreme, and the Morphe Oval Foundation Brush is a perfect example of that philosophy. With its long, lightweight bristles and flat, firm head, it’s designed for effortless full-coverage application that looks natural and polished. InStyle tester Cristina found it to be intuitive and easy to use, likening the experience to “painting on a canvas.”
Despite its longer handle, which might require a bit of adjustment, this brush delivers impressive results with minimal effort. Perfect for those who enjoy working in layers and building up coverage, it’s a valuable tool for creating a flawless, airbrushed look with ease.
Product on Amazon: Morphe Face The Beat Makeup Brushes – 5 Piece Makeup Brush Set with Foundation, Blush, Contour & Blending Brushes – Made with Synthetic Bristles & Includes Makeup Brush Case
Price: $30.00
Rating: 4.5 with 79 ratings
Brand: Morphe
15. **e.l.f. Cosmetics Concealer & Foundation Brush**: Meet the dual-ended wonder that’s taking the beauty world by storm. e.l.f. Cosmetics Concealer & Foundation Brush combines practicality and performance, making it a standout in any beauty routine. With one end designed for sweeping foundation and the other for precise concealer application, this brush truly does it all.
InStyle tester Stephanie loved the convenience of quickly switching between ends to perfect her look, noting that “using the smaller brush head on my brow bone and under eyes made the application process even faster.” Ideal for those who favor a buildable, sheer foundation approach, this dual-purpose brush is a game-changer for achieving a polished, defined look on a budget.
Product on Amazon: e.l.f. Cosmetics Concealer Brush, Flat Synthetic Brush is Ideal for Concealing Small Imperfections
Price: $5.00
Rating: 4.5 with 1,284 ratings
Brand: e.l.f.
16. **Laura Mercier Ultra Blur Translucent Loose Setting Powder**: Your flawless foundation deserves to be set with the best, and that’s where the Laura Mercier Ultra Blur Translucent Loose Setting Powder comes into play. Known for its finely milled formula, this powder locks in your look, absorbs excess oil, and ensures longevity, making it a staple for those aiming for an airbrushed finish.
Whether you have oily skin or just want to ensure your makeup doesn’t budge throughout the day, this powder is your go-to. Celebrity makeup artist and beauty educator Jaleesa Jaikaran emphasizes its role in “preventing creasing, smudging, and fading,” showcasing its importance in any beauty routine. Say goodbye to touch-ups and hello to a flawless finish that lasts all day.
Product on Amazon: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Talc-Free Setting Powder Ultra-Blur: Natural & Blurring Finish, Long Lasting, For Normal to Dry + Mature Skin, 4 Shades for All Skin Tones, Hyaluronic Acid Infused
Price: $48.00
Rating: 4.6 with 103 ratings
Brand: Laura Mercier
17. **Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking Setting Powder**: Want that airbrushed appearance to last from morning to night? The Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Baking Setting Powder is your secret weapon. It’s specially formulated to blur imperfections and lock your foundation in place, ensuring a soft, matte finish that’s perfect for photo-ready moments.
If you’re struggling with midday shine, this setting powder will keep your skin looking fresh and flawless. Its buildable formula suits all skin types, making it a versatile addition to any makeup collection. With the power to transform your look, this setting powder is a must-have for achieving a long-lasting, airbrushed effect.
Product on Amazon: HUDA BEAUTY Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder Cherry Blossom
Price: $49.99
Rating: 4.1 with 31 ratings
Brand: HUDA
18. **BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation**: Sometimes, a classic is all you need to achieve the perfect look. The BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation offers buildable coverage, ensuring that your complexion remains smooth and shine-free throughout the day. Ideal for those with oily skin, this powder foundation provides a matte finish without feeling heavy.
Its natural, breathable formula is a favorite among beauty enthusiasts who want to let their skin breathe while still achieving full coverage. With its ability to control oil and provide a flawless, even base, it’s a timeless choice for anyone seeking a classic, airbrushed finish.
Product on Amazon: bareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15, Lightweight Mineral Loose Powder Foundation Makeup, Buildable Coverage, Talc Free, Vegan
Price: $39.00
Rating: 4.7 with 20,568 ratings
Brand: bareMinerals
And there you have it—a curated selection of brushes and powders to help you achieve that perfect airbrushed look, straight from the aisle of Sephora. Armed with these tools, your skin will not only look flawless but feel incredible too. Makeup is an art, and with the right tools in hand, you’re the artist ready to create a masterpiece. Let your beauty shine through, and remember, with the right products, anything is possible!
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