My Favorite Foundation Brush // Clarisonic Sonic Foundation Brush Photos + Review

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If you follow along with my Instagram stories (you should be!) you’ll know that I’ve been putting the Clarisonic Sonic Foundation Brush Head ($35.00 // ULTA Beauty) to the test for several days now and used it with several different foundations. Below I’m sharing my detailed thoughts, review and tips on using what is now my go-to foundation brush!

what is it

The Clarisonic Sonic Foundation Brush Head is said to “gently provide a flawless, full foundation coverage look in 60 seconds or less. Equipped with anti-microbial and non-porous bristles, it is easy to clean and ensures minimal absorption so you use less foundation. The patented oscillation technology generates more than 18,000 micro-blends per minute, gently buffing the skin to crease a smooth, full-coverage, airbrushed look.”.

This brush head will work for ALL skin types but is not recommended for use with powder products.

how to use

This brush head is compatible with all current Clarisonic cleansing devices and has multiple speeds. They recommend starting at the lowest speed and playing around to find your preference. I prefer the lowest speed. Starting at the cheeks gently blend your foundation in with circular motions (like how you’d use the cleansing brush head) starting at the cheeks (20 seconds), then to your forehead (10 seconds), finishing at the nose and chin area (10 seconds). A beeping noise will tell you when it’s time to move on to the next area. If you’re going to use the brush head for contour or darker products make sure you start with the lightest product and work your way to the darkest.

The brush head was easy to use and I think you’ll find it easy too, particularly if you’re already used to cleansing with the Clarisonic. Getting around the nose area is a little difficult and weird feeling, but possible and it becomes easier each time you do it. The beeps are helpful to let you know when to move on but you’re not bound by them. Go at your own pace, especially as you’re starting. It’s not hard, but the beeps can make you feel a little anxious if you don’t feel like you’re done blending.

foundations that worked 

I tried the Clarisonic Sonic Foundation Brush Head with 4 of my most-used foundations – Urban Decay Naked Skin, Estee Lauder Double Wear, L’Oreal Infallible Total Cover and Wet n Wild Photo Focus. The only one it didn’t work with was the L’Oreal and I think that’s because the texture was much more dense and less of a creamy liquid. I had to go in with my beautyblender to smooth that one out.

I was also able to use this with the three concealers I tried it with which were the Tarte Shape Tape, Maybelline Instant Age Rewind and Urban Decay Naked Skin. Basically the Clarisonic Sonic Foundation Brush Head can work with most liquid/cream face products whether it be foundation, bb cream, color correctors, concealer, blush, bronzer… you name it. Because it didn’t work well with the L’Oreal I would steer clear of that more dense, mousse texture.

ETA! OMG. I just tried it with the Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation and it’s AMAZING. I thought Urban Decay Naked Skin was the best but, no. I hardly had to use any foundation to achieve full coverage. It blended really quickly and looked fabulous all day. KVD is the soulmate of the Clarisonic.

tips

(1) Obviously wash the brush head before you use it but note that you still may get a few hairs as fall out. After the next wash this didn’t happen at all for me. Two washes = no shedding.

(2) Place a bit of foundation on the back of your hand and dip the brush head into the foundation to apply a section at a time. I personally use matte foundations that set quickly so this helps to make sure everything is blended in evenly before it begins to set. Products are buildable so if you need to add more coverage your can always go back in with more foundation and your brush.

final thoughts

One of the biggest things I like about the Clarisonic Sonic Foundation Brush Head is that it applies my makeup lighter than a regular brush would, but still provides me with the coverage that I need. My makeup looks less heavy to my eye and I think this will suit me well in the Summertime.

The brush feels soft on the skin and isn’t harsh or abrasive at all. I have a few zits that popped up (last week was stress of volcanic proportions) and was able to maneuver the brush head over them without irritation or breakage. I did have to dab a bit of concealer over-top of the larger breakouts to hide them completely.

I’ve also found as I’ve been going about my day that my makeup wears better, almost as if my products provide a higher performance because of the brush I’m using to put on my foundation. In the days that I’ve been using the Clarisonic Sonic Foundation Brush Head, regardless of what foundation I used (even the L’Oreal that needed fixed with the beautyblender), my makeup looked 10 times better throughout the day.

I think the one thing that most people will find annoying is that they have to switch out the brush head to cleanse and apply foundation. A good habit to get into to help with this is to remove the Foundation Brush Head immediately after you’re done with applying your makeup and wash it. When you take it to the bathroom to wash it pop on your Cleansing Brush Head so it’s ready to go when you’re exhausted in the evening. Once you’re done cleansing pop the Foundation Brush Head back on and carry it to your room with you so it’s ready to go for your morning rush. It’s a simple routine, and TBH so worth it.

If you don’t like the switch game I recommend using the Mia 1 with the Clarisonic Sonic Foundation Brush Head and the Mia Fit in the shower/to cleanse. I like that the Mia Fit is compact, doesn’t take up space and is easy to hold – which is perfect for my tiny bathroom! Plus, if you travel, the Mia Fit is perfect to stow in your bag and the switching of the brush heads will help pare down items that you’ll need to pack – your cleansing and makeup brushes in one!

where to buy

The Clarisonic Sonic Cleansing Brush Head is available now, currently exclusive to ULTA Beauty and clarisonic.com.

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