If you’re like us, you’ve found a way to apply makeup that works for you and stick with it for life. Maybe it’s laziness, or perhaps it’s a fear of trying something new that might not work. Whatever the reason, it can hinder any opportunity for innovation in our makeup routine. Over the years of wearing makeup, our skin texture changes, trends shift, and new and exciting products hit the market. So, if this is how you’ve been applying your foundation since high school, it’s time for a refresh. Let’s start with something simple and look at four different ways to use the foundation.
Fingers
This is one of the most popular ways to apply foundation, especially among those new to makeup. If you have little experience with foundation, applying the product with your fingers can be a great way to ensure it’s evenly distributed on your skin. It’s also ideal for those who are short on time and looking for a quick and easy look. Additionally, if your foundation is thicker, the warmth of your hands will help the product blend better.
However, this method isn’t our favorite for applying foundation. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts, it’s best to keep your hands away from your face as much as possible. This is due to the transfer of oil that occurs between your face and hands. Furthermore, you’ll be spreading any dirt or oil from your hands onto the product. This encourages unnecessary bacterial growth, which can cause more breakouts or shorten the lifespan of your foundation. If you don’t break out easily and prefer using your fingers, be sure to apply the product with freshly washed hands to keep them clean.
Makeup Sponge
The Beauty Blender sponge is a favourite among many foundation users. It’s praised for its ability to create a natural finish and its ease of use. Its pointed, egg shape makes it perfect for reaching hard-to-reach areas like under the eyes, around the nose, and the hairline. The key is to dampen the sponge slightly before use. This helps achieve the flawless look that Beauty Blender sponges are known for.
One significant drawback of the Beauty Blender sponge is the amount of product waste it generates. Sponges tend to be very absorbent, so when using them to apply makeup, it’s normal for some of the product to be absorbed and therefore wasted. This amount of product isn’t enough to make your foundation run out faster, but it’s worth keeping in mind.
Traditional Foundation Brush
The traditional foundation brush has been about for a long time. It’s flat on the sides and rounded at the top, similar to a paintbrush. It works just like a paintbrush. It’s best to apply foundation with this brush using a straight downward motion. You’ll feel like you’re painting your face. This tool is ideal for those looking for more even coverage than a makeup sponge provides.
Due to the brush’s structure, this option isn’t the best for blending. Its use is limited to downward strokes, which increases the likelihood that the foundation will look streaky or cakey. Other foundation brushes on the market offer a wider range of motion to facilitate makeup application.
Flat Foundation Brush
Our favourite way to apply foundation is with a flat brush. Similar to a traditional brush, this brush helps you achieve denser coverage. Even with denser coverage, the foundation, applied with a flat brush, looks and feels natural and lightweight. Use it by applying a small amount of foundation to the skin and then blending it with gentle circular motions.
Does our preferred method have any drawbacks? Unfortunately, it’s not ideal for those with dry skin. The brush’s design causes slight micro-exfoliation of the skin when blending the foundation. This can cause additional dryness in people with dry skin.
Try something new!
Changing your routine doesn’t have to be sophisticated or revolutionary. You don’t have to throw away all your makeup, tools, and brushes just because you’re getting newer products. Sometimes you need to change how you apply things. Try one of these different ways to apply foundation today!