It is just a brush. Or is it? If you have ever scrolled through TikTok during a Sephora sale or wandered into an Ulta on a Saturday morning, you've likely seen that distinctive, star-shaped silhouette sitting on the shelf. The IT Cosmetics star brush—officially known as the Heavenly Luxe Superstar Flawless Foundation Brush—is one of those rare beauty tools that actually lives up to the hype.
It looks like a gimmick. I get it. Who needs a brush shaped like a celestial body?
Actually, you do.
The design isn't just for the "aesthetic" or to look cute in a vanity tray, though it certainly does that. There is real geometry at play here. When IT Cosmetics founder Jamie Kern Lima launched the brand, the mission was always about "problem-solution" beauty. This brush is the physical embodiment of that philosophy. It tackles the annoying reality that human faces aren't flat surfaces. We have nooks. We have crannies. We have that weird little dip by the inner corner of the eye and the curve of the nostril where foundation loves to cake up and die.
The points of the star reach those spots effortlessly. It’s basically a cheat code for a streak-free finish.
The Engineering Behind the Points
Most foundation brushes are round, flat, or slanted. Those are fine for the forehead, but they struggle when they hit the bridge of your nose. The IT Cosmetics star brush uses a unique "star" cut that creates multiple points of contact.
Think about it.
When you use a standard round kabuki, you’re hitting the skin with a blunt force of bristles. With the star shape, the points act as precision tools for the under-eye area and the sides of the nose, while the flat center does the heavy lifting on your cheeks. It is surprisingly dense. We are talking about the brand's signature Heavenly Luxe hair—which is synthetic, 100% vegan, and incredibly soft. If you’ve ever used a cheap brush that felt like a tiny broom exfoliating your face in a bad way, this is the polar opposite. It feels like a cloud. A very firm, productive cloud.
It doesn’t soak up your product. That is the biggest win. Since the bristles are packed so tightly, the foundation sits on top of the brush rather than sinking into the ferrule. You end up using less product, which over time, pays for the brush itself.
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Why the Handle Matters More Than You Think
Usually, handle design is an afterthought. Manufacturers make them long, short, or sparkly and call it a day. But the IT Cosmetics star brush usually features a streamlined, ergonomic handle that gives you a lot of control. Whether it’s the limited edition "Wonderbrush" versions with the star-filled handles or the classic silver, the weight distribution is key.
It feels balanced. You aren't fighting the brush to get it to move where you want it to go.
Comparing the Star to the Flat Top Kabuki
Some people swear by the IT Cosmetics #7 Complexion Perfection brush. It’s a classic. But if we’re being honest, the star brush offers a level of versatility that a dual-ended brush sometimes lacks. While the #7 is great for concealer and foundation, the star brush is a "one and done" tool.
I’ve found that the star shape allows for a "stippling" motion that mimics an airbrushed finish. You tap, tap, tap, and then buff.
- Apply three small dots of foundation to your face.
- Use the points of the star to spread the product into the corners of the face.
- Buff in circular motions using the center of the brush.
- Use the "clean" points to blend the jawline so you don't have that dreaded "makeup mask" look.
It’s foolproof. Even if you're doing your makeup in the car (not recommended, but we’ve all been there), it’s hard to mess up.
Is It Just for Liquid Foundation?
People ask this constantly. The short answer is no.
While it was designed for liquids and creams—specifically the CC+ Cream that made IT Cosmetics famous—it works surprisingly well with powder. If you’re someone who likes a high-coverage powder foundation finish, the density of the IT Cosmetics star brush picks up pigment like a dream.
However, a word of caution: don't use it for blush. The shape is too specific and the bristles are too dense. You’ll end up with a star-shaped streak of pink on your cheek that’s a nightmare to blend out. Keep this tool for your base. It’s a specialist, not a generalist.
Maintenance and the "Longevity" Factor
Let’s talk about the "shedding" issue. Cheaper brushes lose hair like a golden retriever in the summer. I have had a star brush in my kit for three years, and it hasn't lost its shape or its bristles.
The trick is how you wash it.
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Because the bristles are so dense, you cannot just rinse it and hope for the best. You need a solid brush cleanser—the IT Cosmetics "Brush Love" is great, but honestly, a gentle baby shampoo or a solid bar soap like the one from Cinema Secrets works just fine.
Always dry it upside down or at a downward angle. If water seeps into the base (the ferrule), it dissolves the glue. That is how brushes die. If you take care of the IT Cosmetics star brush, it will genuinely last you a decade.
The Collector’s Aspect: Limited Editions
One thing IT Cosmetics does brilliantly is the "limited edition" cycle. Every year, usually around the holidays or for special anniversaries, they release a new version of the star brush.
Sometimes the handle is filled with loose, holographic stars that swirl around when you move it. Other times, it’s a specific colorway for a charity. For instance, they’ve done versions for the "Look Good Feel Better" program, which helps women dealing with the side effects of cancer treatment.
It’s a smart move. It turns a utility tool into a collector’s item.
But does the "shaker" handle version work differently than the standard one? No. It’s the same head. If you find the glitter distracting, stick to the classic. If you want your vanity to look like a fairy tale, go for the limited edition. The performance remains identical.
What Most People Get Wrong About Using It
The most common mistake? Using too much pressure.
Because the brush is so soft, people tend to smash it against their face. Don't do that. You’re bending the bristles and losing the benefit of those precision points. Let the tips of the hair do the work. Use a light hand.
Another mistake is "dragging." If you drag the brush in long strokes, you’re going to get streaks, regardless of how good the brush is. Use small, circular "buffing" motions. This works the product into the skin rather than just laying it on top. It’s the difference between looking like you’re wearing makeup and looking like you just have great skin.
Real-World Performance: The CC+ Cream Test
If you use the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream (the original, the Illumination, or the Matte version), this brush is essentially its soulmate. The CC+ Cream is thick. It’s more of a physical sunscreen and treatment than a traditional liquid foundation. Using your fingers can result in a patchy mess. Using a sponge soaks up way too much of that expensive product.
The IT Cosmetics star brush was literally engineered to move that specific formula. It thins out the thickness of the CC cream without sacrificing the coverage.
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A Quick Comparison
- Beauty Blender: Gives a sheerer, dewy finish but wastes product.
- Flat Foundation Brush: Good for "painting" but leaves streaks.
- Star Brush: Maximum coverage, zero streaks, saves product.
It’s the clear winner for anyone who wants their skin to look "done" but natural.
Actionable Steps for Your Routine
If you’re ready to pull the trigger on the IT Cosmetics star brush, here is how to maximize your investment immediately.
First, check the authenticity. Because these are popular, there are a lot of fakes on third-party marketplaces. Buy directly from IT Cosmetics, Ulta, or Sephora. A fake brush will have stiff, scratchy bristles and will shed within a week. It isn't worth the $10 savings.
Second, prep your canvas. No brush can fix flaky skin. Make sure you’ve exfoliated and moisturized before you start buffing. The star brush works best on a hydrated surface.
Third, change your "dotting" strategy. Instead of putting foundation on the brush, put it on the back of your hand. Dip the points of the star into the product and then map out your face. This prevents the "clumping" that happens when you put a giant glob of makeup directly into the center of the bristles.
Finally, commit to a weekly cleaning. Because this brush is so dense, it can trap bacteria deep near the ferrule. A quick 60-second wash once a week keeps your skin clear and the bristles performing like they’re brand new.
This isn't just a "pretty" tool. It is a workhorse. Once you get used to how the points navigate the curves of your face, going back to a standard round brush feels like trying to paint a miniature model with a house-painting brush. It’s an upgrade that pays off every single morning when you look in the mirror and realize your foundation actually looks like skin.