Review + Comparison: Battle of the Flat Paddle Foundation Brushes

Flat paddle synthetic brushes are meant to be used for applying liquid foundation all over the face in a painting motion. I personally prefer to use a buffing brush for applying liquid foundation because it's quicker and buffs the product into my skin easier. When I want an airbrush effect and more coverage without the bristles absorbing lots of product, I opt for a stippling brush. In general, I only use flat paddle synthetic brushes for applying concealer under my eye area and liquid foundation around the small crevices of my nose.

Dior Backstage Fluid Foundation ~ Chanel #6 ~ Sigma F60 ~ EcoTools Bamboo Foundation

Real Techniques Essential Foundation ~ Royal & Langnickel BX-45

Dior Backstage Fluid Foundation ~ Chanel #6 ~ Sigma F60 ~ EcoTools Bamboo Foundation
Real Techniques Essential Foundation ~ Royal & Langnickel BX-45

Dior Backstage Fluid Foundation ~ Chanel #6 ~ Sigma F60

Dior Backstage Fluid Foundation Light Coverage Brush ($45) - This is the thickest of the bunch. I love that the bristles are dense and firm. The size of the head is excellent for face application, but it still fits nicely under the eye area. I just tap the product lightly and it immediately sinks into my skin, providing great coverage without streaking. (It measures 7 inches in total length.)

Chanel #6 Foundation Brush ($45) - The base of the head is thick and firm, while the tip is thin and tapered. I like using it for applying under eye concealer because it doesn't streak and it fits really well under my eye area. As for face application, I prefer the Dior one because it's thicker and slightly bigger. (It measures 6.20 inches in total length.)

Sigma F60 Foundation Brush ($16) - The head is narrower and the tip is thicker compared to the Chanel one. I do notice that if I apply too much product, it's difficult to blend out without streaking, using the Sigma one. (It measures 7.5 inches in total length.)

EcoTools Bamboo Foundation ~ Real Techniques Essential Foundation

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Foundation (Old Version) ~ Royal & Langnickel BX-45

EcoTools Bamboo Foundation ~ Real Techniques Essential Foundation

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Foundation (Old Version) ~ Royal & Langnickel BX-45

Royal & Langnickel BX-45 ~ Real Techniques Essential Foundation ~ EcoTools Bamboo Foundation

EcoTools Bamboo Foundation Brush ($5.99) - The head is slightly thicker, denser and narrower than the Chanel one. I have no issues with it streaking and it blends product into the skin effortlessly. This is a total bargain! (It measures 6.30 inches in total length.)

Real Techniques Essential Foundation Brush (comes in the Travel Essentials set $17.99) - The head is slightly smaller and denser than the EcoTools one. Out of all of them, the RT one is the one that I reach for the most because it provides excellent coverage without streaking when I apply the product in a tapping motion. (It measures 6.25 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-45 Brush ($15.99) - This is another one that I reach for the most because it offers excellent coverage and it blends the concealer seamlessly with my foundation with barely any effort. The head is the shortest of the bunch and fits perfectly under the eye area. Also, I love how dense and firm it is. I have no complaints about this brush, which is very rare. (It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel BX-40 ~ Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro C201 ~ Sigma F60 (Mr. Bunny Kit) ~ Sigma F60

Royal & Langnickel BX-40 ~ Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro C201 ~ Sigma F60 (Mr. Bunny Kit) ~ Sigma F60

Royal & Langnickel BX-40 Brush ($28.99) - The head is the biggest of the bunch and ideal for face application. It doesn't streak when I apply liquid foundation, but the bristles are not as firm as the Dior brush. I prefer the Dior one for face application because it gives me better control. (It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Royal & Langnickel Silk Pro C201 Brush (comes in the SILK Synthetic Hair 12 pc Set $119.99) - The bristles are not flimsy and it doesn't streak when I apply liquid products, but it's not as firm as the Sigma F60. When it comes to flat paddle synthetic brushes, I'm all about firmness because I want maximum control. (It measures 7 inches in total length.)

Sigma F60 Foundation Brush (comes in the Mr. Bunny Essential Kit $120) - The bristles are not as firm and the tip is not as pointed as the regular Sigma F60. Also, I have to be careful to not over apply product or else it'll be difficult to blend out without streaking. (It measures 7.5 inches in total length.)

Real Techniques Essential Foundation
Sonia Kashuk No. 05 Synthetic Foundation (New Version) ~ Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Foundation (Old Version)


Real Techniques Essential Foundation
Sonia Kashuk No. 05 Synthetic Foundation (New Version) ~ Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Foundation (Old Version)

Sonia Kashuk No. 05 Synthetic Foundation Brush (New Version $14.29) - The head is slightly thicker and firmer than the RT one. Also, it has a thin tip. The SK one is another one of my favorites. (It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Foundation Brush (Old Version $14.29) - The head is thinner than the new version and it's the flimsiest of the bunch. Also, it's difficult to blend product into my skin without it streaking. The new version is far superior and I'm so glad that Sonia Kashuk revamped it. (It measures 6.75 inches in total length.)

Bottom Line: In terms of only application and disregarding physical appearance & price, my favorites are the Sonia Kashuk (new version), Real Techniques, and Royal & Langnickel BX-45. Coming in 2nd place is the EcoTools one. 3rd place goes to the Dior one and 4th place goes to the Chanel one. I love how dense and firm they all are and they blend product into my skin so easily, when used in a tapping motion!

Note: The Dior brush is available at Sephora and Nordstrom. The Chanel and Sigma brushes are available at Nordstrom. The EcoTools brush is available at Ulta, drugstore.com and Target. The Real Techniques brush is available at Ulta, drugstore.com and Target. The Royal & Langnickel brushes are available at their online store. The Sonia Kashuk brushes are available only at Target. The brush holder is sold separately and can be purchased here for $22.

What flat paddle foundation brush do you love and would recommend?

*This post contains affiliate links. The Sigma, Real Techniques & EcoTools brushes were given to me by one of my lovely friends. The Royal & Langnickel BX-45 & BX-40 brushes were won during one of their sweepstakes. The Royal & Langnickel C201 was given to me for review consideration. All of the other brushes that are mentioned above were purchased by me using my own funds,