Foundation Brush

The Clinique Foundation Brush is flat and tapered, which is a shape chosen for geometry rather than looks. The broad face covers cheeks and forehead in long strokes; the narrow edge gets into the corners a wider brush skips.

What it actually does

• Reaches the awkward parts of the face. Clinique specifically names the sides of the nose, around the mouth and eyes, and the hairline — the places foundation usually gets missed or over-applied.
• Works with liquid or powder. The brand describes it as suitable for both, with the technique changing rather than the brush.
• Blends from the centre out. Clinique's recommended direction is outward from the middle of the face, which is what keeps coverage heaviest where you usually want it and lightest at the edges.
• Antibacterial bristles. Clinique builds its antibacterial technology into the head to help keep bristles protected.

How to use

1. Liquid foundation: put a small amount on the back of your hand, dab the brush into it, and smooth it over the face.
2. Cream or powder: sweep the brush over the surface of the compact and take it straight to the face.
3. Use broad strokes across cheeks, chin and forehead, then turn the brush onto its edge for the nose, mouth, eyes and hairline.
4. Pat and blend until nothing reads as a separate stroke.

Upkeep: Clinique recommends cleaning face brushes daily or weekly depending on use, and makes a spray Makeup Brush Cleanser for residue build-up.

Questions

How does this compare to the Foundation Buff Brush?

Clinique makes both and they do different jobs. The flat, tapered shape here is for applying and reaching angles. The Buff Brush has densely packed bristles and is for buffing what is already on the skin. Some people apply with one and finish with the other.

Will I see brush strokes?

Not if you finish with patting rather than sweeping. Clinique's instruction ends on pat and blend for exactly this reason — the last motion is what decides the texture.

Should I dispense foundation onto my hand first?

For liquid, yes — that is Clinique's own method. It warms slightly and lets you control how much the brush picks up, rather than committing a full pump directly to your face.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery takes 3 to 21 working days, depending on availability. Stocked items arrive at the short end of that range.

Payment and returns?

Credit card, debit card, Instapay and mobile wallets — no cash on delivery. We accept returns for defective, damaged or expired items only, reported within 1 day of delivery, refunded to the original payment method within 15–30 days.