Putting on makeup can be a lot of fun. But sometimes, no matter how hard you try it just does not seem to go on right. You can have good makeup days and bad makeup days. Have you ever spent what feels like ages on your foundation to find that it looks cakey, blotted or cracked when you’re done?
Putting foundation on can be a real task. It can be difficult to get that smooth, flawless finish that everyone is always talking about. The trick with makeup is having the right tools and products. Trust us on this one, without good makeup brushes, primers and moisturizers, your foundation will never look ‘perfect’.
But, with so many tools to choose from, which do you use to apply your foundation? Is it better to use a brush or a sponge, or can you just use your fingers? That’s what we are here to find out!
Is it better to put foundation on with a brush or sponge?
Whether you use a brush or sponge for your foundation really depends on the look that you want to achieve and the foundation that you are using.
For instance, if you use a makeup sponge you are sure to get a natural skin-like finish. With a makeup sponge, you will have a more seamless look because you use the sponge to push the product into the skin, blending it in completely.
In addition, you can use a makeup sponge for a light, flawless finish, or build up a lot of coverage and layers to hide any imperfections, discoloration or acne scars.
The only problem with a makeup sponge is that it has to be damp before being used, and it can sometimes be rather unhygienic. However, as long as you keep on top of regular cleaning and cleanse it every time you use it, you should be fine!
The other thing to keep in mind about makeup sponges is that they only really work well with lightweight liquid foundations, and they can absorb a lot of product, which is a little wasteful. But, they are much simpler to use, giving you a lot of control and creating a natural, seamless and stunning complexion.
On the other hand, you can use a foundation brush. The foundation brush is perfect if you want full coverage, and you can use it for liquid foundations and powder foundations!
You can also use a ‘fluffier’ brush for good coverage, yet a natural finish and this would double up as a bronzer, powder and blusher brush.
The trick with using a brush for your foundation is that you have to get the motion down. Some people prefer using a sponge because it is effortless, whereas with a brush you have to perfect those circular motions to create a seamless look.
This is because brushes can sometimes leave streaks from the bristles, leaving your skin with a stripy finish. However, this can be avoided with a little bit of practice, and as long as you keep on top of cleaning your brushes every week.
We would recommend that you have a foundation brush and a makeup sponge, as the sponge is sometimes better for blending away parts that you missed with the brush. You can build up your coverage with a foundation brush and then blend away at the edges with your sponge for a natural, flawless look.
Is it OK to apply foundation with fingers?
You can use your fingers to apply your foundation as the warmth of your hand’s works to help you blend the product in better. However, you will have to ensure that your fingers are properly cleaned and sanitized before touching your face.
In addition, you can have streaky marks with your fingers that you may need to blend out. For a professional look, we would recommend using a brush.
The bottom line is that you should use whatever works best for you. If you find that using your fingertips to apply your foundation looks great, then do it!
What is the best tool to apply liquid foundation?
The best tool to apply liquid foundation is going to be a flat top foundation brush. This will give you a lot of control and precision, but will also blend out all of the liquid across the face evenly.
You will also benefit from using a foundation brush with synthetic fibers and bristles, as this will create a seamless finish, whereas natural bristles can be too porous, absorbing the product and creating lines on your face.
What is the best tool to apply powder foundation?
A good powder will be a great way to apply powder foundation as it will give you a non-cakey, sheer and natural finish.
If you prefer a fuller, more airbrushed look, then you can use a soft round sponge dabbing it into the powder compact and swiping it seamlessly across the face.
When it comes to makeup, you probably have more products in your bag than you can count, so it is a good idea to have a few different tools handy for whatever look you need to create!