The Foundation Brush That Got Me to Stop Using My Fingers

By,a beauty writer at the Strategist.
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Photo: Krista Bennett DeMaio

For most of my makeup-wearing life, I’ve used my fingers to apply liquid foundation. Plenty of makeup artists have told me that I’d get a better result with abrush, but I always found my fingertips did a superior job blending and helping the product melt into my skin. I don’t wear muchfoundation— I just apply a little at the center of my face to coverrednessaround my nose and chin and then blend outward. Whenever I tried a brush, I’d end up with streaks from the bristles or a thicker, cakey finish. Plus, it seemed like most brushes (and sponges) soak up a lot of product, which feels wasteful.

So when a publicist insisted I try thePinnacle Foundation Brushfrom Anisa, calling it a game-changer, I was willing but skeptical. My first impression: It’s different. The head is triangular and slightly domed with soft but densely packed bristles, and the handle is thick enough to give you a really controlled grip.

I put a couple of pumps of foundation on the back of my hand, dipped the brush in, and applied it the same way I always do, starting at the center of my face. The triangular shape turned out to be more useful than I expected: The flat sides cover larger areas, while the tapered tip makes it easy to get into tighter spots, like around the corners of my eyes and around my nose, without overapplying product. I used to avoid bringing foundation too close to my under eyes when using a brush because it would look heavy, but this lets me be more precise.

Over time, I’ve also gotten better at using it. Instead of dragging the brush across my skin (which caused streaks for me in the past), I use light pressure and short buffing motions, almost bouncing it in areas where I want more coverage. It gives me a thinner, more even layer than I ever got with my fingers, which tend to deposit too much product at once.

Another difference I’ve noticed is how the finish holds up throughout the day. When I use my hands, I think the warmth and oils from my fingers can break down the foundation faster. With the brush, the application feels more controlled and stays smoother looking for longer. And because the synthetic bristles don’t absorb much product, I’m not wasting foundation with each use.

It’s been over a year since I first tried it, and now the only time I use my fingers to apply foundation is when I forget to pack this brush. (I hear Anisa makes atravel-size one, too.)

Anisa Beauty Pinnacle Foundation Brush
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The flexible bristles are cruelty-free and vegan and pair well with cream or liquid foundation and tinted moisturizer.

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