If you aren’t using the best foundation brush then you’re doing make-up wrong

Editor's pickAre you looking for that all-around good foundation brush? Then this make-up applicator has your name written all over it. Pros: Forget about unwanted streaks, marks and patches because this brush can be used to apply both liquid and stick foundations flawlessly.Cons: Unfortunately, this brush can be hard to clean - it'll need to be replaced more often than others in your make-up bag. Review: "I LOVE this brush. It's great for applying powder contour really smoothly and precisely. It blends so well and can create the perfect cheekbone. I've also used it for cream products such as cream contour and foundation. This is probably one of the best brushes I have ever bought including all my expensive ones."

Best handleless brushSuitable for use with liquid, cream or powder foundation, the Real Techniques blender brush is small, compact and fits into your hand perfectly. Oh, and did we mention it blends like a dream?Pros: The small size makes this brush ideal for travelling. The bristles are easy to clean, long-lasting and 100 per cent cruelty-free.Cons: The densely packed bristles mean this brush isn't suitable if you're looking for a super-soft feel.Review: "When it arrived I thought it was too small, but it wasn't. It's a perfect size and it's so easy to put foundation on. My skin looks flawless best foundation brush ever. Takes two minutes to put foundation, and it blends well. Need to order another one."

Best for hard-to-reach areasCall us basic, but we're obsessed with this game-changing foundation brush. And, it's not just because of the way it looks - although, that definitely helps.Pros: Not only will the star-shaped brush help you apply liquid, cream or powder foundation with ease, but its soft bristles are also cruelty-free and won't shed. We call that a triple threat!Cons: It's a little bit pricey, but when a brush is this cute and good then we can kind of forgive it.Review: "The best foundation brush that I've used ever! It makes your skin look like silk and it works with all my foundations!"

Best value This starter brush is fantastic for anyone looking to improve how they apply their foundation. Stop using your fingers and swap it for this pretty little brush. Pros: The super-soft bristles will help you apply your make-up incredibly well, even if you have sensitive skin. The trick is to dab or swirl to help get into all those nooks and crannies.Cons: If you drag this along your skin, then it won't work as well. You may even find it pulls some of the bristles out. Review: "Without a doubt, the best foundation brush I have ever used. The trick is to dab the foundation on with it, rather than swirl and drag the brush across the skin. It looks like the foundation has been airbrushed on. Squeeze the foundation onto a palette first, that is easier than using it directly from the tube. Would never use anything else now."

Best for an airbrushed finish Ideal for a medium-density liquid foundation, this Fenty brush with soft bristles will give you the airbrushed and full-coverage look you're after. For the ultimate coverage, be sure to use RiRi's go-to method: press brush into skin, roll-off, and repeat. Pros: This brush is made with 140,000 extra fine bristles that don't shed and have a rounded shape that ensures even application. Cons: Given how densely packed the bristles are, cleaning may be slightly challenging and will require extra effort. Review: "This is the softest brush I have ever owned. Spreads the foundation great and doesn't leave any streaks."

Best kabuki brush A budget buy doesn't mean that you should lose out on quality, and this foundation brush proves just that. The flat-top applicator is silky, easy to use and will leave your face looking immaculate. Pros: Finally, a brush that won't absorb too much product. Forget looking cakey, this will spread evenly and will leave you feeling amazing. Cons: Depending on what foundation you use, you may find that this is hard to blend with. Make sure to dab and buff to prevent any streaks.Review: "I have tried my Kabuki brush now for a few days and I love it. I am very old school and have always applied my foundation with my fingertips so using the brush is very new to me. I will never look back, it leaves my foundation looking very natural and gives a perfect finish."

Best for even applicationIf there's anything we need more in our life, it's more Morphe products. The best place to start is with this incredible buffer brush that will help you cover any blemishes and blend in your foundation.Pros: This make-up tool will be your best friend when it comes to creating a natural look. Lightly sweep and buff for the best results. And for the price, we'll take two. Cons: If you usually use a flat brush, then it might take some time to get used to this brush. However, practice makes perfect, and you'll love the final airbrush finish once you get the hang of it. Review: "This is the best brush I've ever used for my foundation. It blends so well and leaves an even coverage."

Best for mature skinDo you find it hard to apply your foundation easily? Because same. Swapping to a Clinique Buff Brush will help you apply and create an even look - even the first time you use it. Pros: Did you know that this foundation brush has anti-bacterial technology? Well now you do, it makes the fact that you can effortlessly blend powder, cream and liquid make-up even better. Cons: The densely packed bristles are what makes the application so easy, but you'll need to keep up with maintenance to ensure you don't experience any breakouts. Review: "I had my foundation done at a Clinique counter and the lady used this brush and it was just phenomenal. The foundation spreads evenly and smoothly. I will never use another brush again."

Best for a natural finish Whether you're going for the au naturel sheer look or a more full-coverage finish, the bareMinerals brush has got your back. The uniquely designed synthetic fibres deposit as much foundation as you need, saving both time and product. Pros: Perfectly sized, applies evenly and picks up product very easily. Cons: A little pricey for the size. Review: "Bought this to apply the bare minerals powder and it's one of the best brushes I've used. It buffs powder seamlessly. Soft bristles, but feels sturdy to hold. Definitely worth the price tag."

Best cruelty-free brush Do you want a foundation brush that doesn't waste product and is good for the environment? The EcoTools Classic will tick all the right boxes for sure. Pros: This cruelty-free brush is made from recycled aluminium and renewable bamboo, which means you're helping to save the planet one make-up look at a time. Cons: After prolonged use, you may find that some of the bristles begin to fall out. To prevent this from happening, you should use brush cleaner at least once a week. Review: "The best foundation brush I've ever used. Not too soft, and the brush keeps its shape when covering tricky areas like the side of the nose and around the mouth. Such a bargain and washes well. I am very happy with my purchase."

Best for versatility We're so thankful that Charlotte Tilbury has released this AMAZING 2-in-1 complexion brush. We can now achieve an effortless base without having to use three different brushes. Pros: Versatility is at the heart of this brush. It has soft bristles, blends product flawlessly and is a great size to pack away in your make-up bag. Cons: If you're looking for a big brush to help you blend and apply, then this isn't right for you. Review: "At first when I got this brush, I thought it was quite small especially for the price, but it's the perfect size for getting in the creases and crevices of the face. It blends like a dream."

Best for full-coverage foundationDon't blend in and opt for a brush that moves with the contours of your face. Yes, that's exactly what you'll get from this foundation brush from NYX Professional Makeup. Pros: Whether you're looking for natural or fuller coverage, this applicator will do the job and does the job well. P.S, this is good for all skin types. Cons: This works best when blending liquid foundations. It'll take a lot longer to buff in cream or powder options. Review: "My favourite foundation brush, distributes product evenly and flawlessly."