By BR Kellie
How did you first ever apply foundation? Was it with a sponge? Your fingers? Were you fearless and picked up a brush and applied your foundation that way? Heck, did us non-beauty industry folk even know we could use brushes for foundation back in the day? Personally I was of the fingery approach for years and years. I knew you could use a sponge but assumed that was more for a heavier foundation, and since I was an easy breezy beautiful CoverGirl foundation fan a sponge seemed deeply unnecessary. Now? I’ll Beauty Blender it up one day, use my fingers another day, and stipple until my heart’s content the next - sometimes even a mix all on the same day! So what does each foundation application technique bring to the table? Read on…
We’ll start with applying foundation with your fingers, because, well, they’re easily on hand. (Pun SO intended.) Fingers can be fab for creating a natural foundation look, but it pays to start with a little product, pop it on the areas that need the most coverage (usually this is around the centre of the face) then blend out, gently, letting the heat of your fingertips create that natural look. If you see any patchy bits or streaks gently pat them away… imagine your face is a trampoline on the moon and your fingers are bouncing moon-man styles upon it, but perhaps a touch more quickly. One tip. Wash your hands before applying your foundation, because tools should be clean before you use them, then wash your hands once your done – the last thing you want is to be getting foundation stains off of everything.
Beauty Blender
Next up… sponges. From wedges, to flattened shapes, to crazily shaped blenders, sponges are quite possibly bigger than ever. Sponges are great for creating a sheer but airbrushed finish on your face. They’re also great at sucking up product so it pays to dampen the sponge first to hinder that process, also dampening the sponge can help create a softer look. Once the sponge is dampened, use the sponge to pick up foundation then dab it onto your face, taking care not to use dragging motions on the skin. Once done remember to clean your sponge and let it dry – because germs are icky and we don’t want them on our face.
Paddle Brush
Never used a brush before? Don’t give them the brush off! The right brush can work wonders,and once you get the hang of it you can create a stunning finish in next to no time at all. Honestly, these days I can apply my foundation faster with a brush than the old fingers. There are a fair few brushes to choose from though. When you think of foundation brushes usually the first image that comes to mind is the classic paddle brush. This is probably the brush I initially had the most trouble using as it created lots of streaks, but then the fabulous Wayne Goss showed me how using the brush to pat in the foundation after applying it got rid of the streaks and left the skin looking lovely. Another fab foundation brush (and my favourite) is the stippling brush. It basically works by patting the product onto your skin, then buffing it in to blend, leaving a smooth and even finish. It’s also a versatile brush and can be used with liquid, cream and powder foundations. Other options? There’s also buffing brushes, flat top Kabuki brushes, buffing brushes - and Becca have this big One Perfecting brush, which purportedly can be used for foundation, as well as primer, bronzer, blush – and more.
Stippling Brush
The thing to remember is that it’s good (and fun) to experiment with different techniques and foundations. Within my collection I have certain products that work beautifully with my stippler, but not with a sponge. Some work with my fingers, not with a stippler. So that foundation that doesn’t work on you at the moment with your usual application may well work with the right tool. And if it doesn’t? It’s makeup, you can wash it off and start again.
So what tool do you prefer to use for your makeup application? Are you a finger fan? A brush babe? Do you salute the sponge? Or do you like to mix it up? Chat away…
I've always used a dampened sponge and I find it so easy. I have used a paddle brush before but find I use far less foundation using the dampened sponge and it looks more natural and even.