Fingers are best for a quick and natural application; sponges are good for achieving a flawless finish; and brushes are ideal for full coverage.
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.
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!
Dab, don't rub.
Whether you're using a foundation brush (synthetic bristles are best) or your fingertips, apply foundation in a stippling motion, which means gently tapping it into your skin. Avoid any wiping or rubbing motions because that will only push the foundation around and cause streaks.
The first step is wetting your sponge. You should never use a makeup sponge dry to apply foundation, especially if it's a beautyblender, says Bartlett. She recommends squishing it under water about eight times until it's fully saturated. Then, wring out the excess water.
“But, the brush bristles can be harsh on the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin, very dry skin, or brushes are old and not clean,” the expert said. On the other hand, sponges are better on the skin as they cause less friction, Dr Panth said. “It is a better option for sensitive and dry skin,” she added.
Don't Paint, Buff. 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.
Why wet your sponge? A dry sponge is super absorbent, so wetting the sponge ensures the product won't get all soaked up by the tool before it reaches your face. “Dampening a sponge will add a bit of moisture to the application, preventing the product from being too heavily absorbed into the sponge.
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.”
Applying foundation first creates an even base to reduce overall redness, discoloration and minor blemishes. If you apply your concealer first, you may end up wiping some off when you apply foundation or using a lot more product than necessary, which can create a heavy, cakey look.
“Start with a test on the back of your hand and look for a color that feels like you—you'll know it when you see it. Once you're down to one or two shades, try them on your whole face,” Yaitanes says.
“Foundation should only be applied where needed. It should be used to even out the skin tone and applied directly to the areas of concern (redness, pigmentation, shadows and blemishes), then blended out across the good skin. It should also be thoroughly buffed in so that the texture of the skin can be seen.”
Sponges: Best for buildable coverage
The makeup is long-lasting, has an almost flawless finish, and is buildable. To get the most out of your beauty sponge, always moisten it before using it. This will ensure that the product is applied and distributed evenly.
This usually means your skincare products underneath are clashing. Always leave enough time for your serums and moisturisers to dry between layers. Applying hydrating serums to damp skin can also help. If foundation separation is your issue, try to use products with similar textures.
You're Using Too Much Product. Another possibility is that you're simply applying too much foundation. “This seems to be the most common reason for cakey foundation,” Lujan says. “Applying too much product can lead to an uneven application—especially if you are using a powder-finish product.
You can combat this with a bit of moisturizer overtop the foundation. Gerstein recommends using a cotton swab or a small buffing brush and dabbing a bit of the moisturizer onto the dry areas to smooth out the makeup. 4. Opt for liquid foundations, which generally create a more natural look.
Over time, dead skin cells and impurities build up on your skin. If exfoliation isn't part of your regular skin care routine, this build-up can cause your foundation to apply unevenly and separate throughout the day. Prevention Solution: Start to exfoliate regularly.
Lines deepen on dehydrated skin, increasing the chance that foundation will settle in them. Find a hydrating serum and moisturiser to help counteract this. Additionally, a smoothing primer is your BFF! The primer will fill in lines and prevent your foundation from doing the same.
Use a sponge for best results
"I apply foundation on the larger areas of the face first, like the cheeks and forehead, then I go in and tweak around the nose and the chin area," says Linter. "Then lastly, I'll apply concealer, plus maybe a touch of foundation under the eye area."
“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. You toss it in your makeup bag.