Fingers are best for a quick and natural application; sponges are good for achieving a flawless finish; and brushes are ideal for full coverage.
Sponges work best, for instance, with lightweight liquid formulas or stick foundations. Creamy, thick foundations would be better served with a brush (so you can buff out the edges for a more natural finish).
A makeup sponge gives the most skin-like finish and pushes the product into the complexion, the foundation doesn't sit on top so it appears more seamless and natural. You can really beautifully build-up and blend the product from sheer to full-coverage, but you have to use a clean sponge!
It makes all the difference. If you're still applying your foundation with your fingers, it's time to stop. Using makeup brushes not only gives your foundation a flawless finish, it also keeps all the oils and bacteria from your fingers from clogging up your pores — provided your brushes are clean, of course.
You don't need to dampen your brush before applying foundation, as makeup brushes can be used dry. However, many people with dry skin like to spray their makeup brushes with a face mist before applying foundation, which can help give the skin a dewy finish.
I like to use brushes for application when I want to focus on a detail area, or when I want to use a sheer finish and give a wash over the skin. If the skin is really dry, I only use damp brushes when applying. Generally speaking, sponges can give more coverage, while brushes can be more sheer.”
Wetting your sponge thoroughly and letting it fully expand has to be your first step. Then, when you apply foundation or other product to it, it'll already be full of water and won't soak up so much product, saving you tons of product and money. When your makeup sponge is damp, it makes product application way easier.
Easily the most common cause of a cakey foundation is using too much powder to set your face. Whether you are using pressed or loose powder, be mindful of how much you apply.
Yes, many professional makeup artists and beauty gurus swear by applying liquid foundation with their fingers. This tactile approach provides a skin-like, natural makeup result since you're massaging the makeup onto your skin. Using your fingers works on all skin types and with both cream and liquid foundation.
To avoid this as much as possible, choose a thin-bristled, synthetic brush. Thick bristles tend to streak, and natural bristles can be a bit porous, meaning they can absorb more of the product. "I never use flat foundation brushes, only stippling or blending brushes," says Lovello.
No matter what tool you're using—a foundation brush, a BeautyBlender, or your fingers—buff (or bounce, if you're using a sponge) the foundation into your skin as opposed to “painting” it on to build coverage smoothly and avoid streakiness, says Park.
Dish brushes are a more hygienic option for clearning dishes. No pathogenic bacteria (that causes disease) was found in the brushes or the sponges. However, overall bacteria levels were lower in used brushes than sponges. Similar types of non-pathogenic bacteria were found in the two cleaning utensils.
“Your Beautyblender should ideally be washed after every use—it needs a little more love than your regular brushes. For a quick rinse, run it under warm water until the water becomes clear,” says Hughes.
Do I apply concealer before or after foundation? Always apply your foundation first, unless you are using a powder foundation. Applying foundation first creates an even base to reduce overall redness, discoloration and minor blemishes.
Tapered foundation brushes are usually flat, less full in form, with a gentle taper. These brushes are best for liquid foundation and other liquid products.
"Sometimes, especially if you have a more oily complexion, a foundation can also oxidize in color when it reacts to your skin, making it look streaky and unnatural. Let your makeup set for a minute before moving onto other products to ensure it doesn't get darker."
So, how often should you be washing your makeup brushes? For brushes used frequently with liquid formulas like foundation and concealer, you might be surprised: These should really be cleaned once a week. For other brushes used for powder blush and eye shadow, once every two weeks is preferable.
Quinn emphasizes that the most important tip for applying foundation to mature skin is the prep step right before foundation. "The skin needs to be hydrated before any foundation is applied. Massage in your face and eye creams, use a roller for added penetration, and follow up with a brightening primer," he says.