What you might not realise is just how important it is to use the right applicator for you. Based on your skin and the foundation you're using, some methods of application are better than others. The type of foundation is a huge factor in your decision. Is it a liquid, cream or liquid to powder? Is it oil based or water based? These are the questions that will influence which foundation applicator you decide on because the ideal applicator varies from product to product.
With so many options on the market it can be hard to figure out which is best for you. Follow these tips to ensure a flawless base as well as additional information on caring for your applicators.
Fingers
It's the most basic method but can sometimes be the best option, primarily due to the heat from your fingers being able to blend in the product to your skin much more successfully than any other applicator.
The other benefit of using your fingers is that you will most likely be a lot more gentle especially when going over the eye area in a patting motion rather than tugging with a brush or sponge.
Not to mention it's completely free. The only downside is that it can get a bit messy and you will need to clean up afterwards but it comparison to cleaning brushes and sponges it's not that terrible.
Brushes
If you're working with a liquid or cream foundation then your best bet is a synthetic brush as it works much better with damp products than real animal hair does.
There are so many options when it comes to brushes but my personal favourites are flat topped kabuki and rounded buffing brushes. I'm not a huge fan of the standard flat straight haired foundation brush since it can often make foundation look streaky.
When it comes to taking care of your brushes; make sure to regularly clean them and dry them upside down to avoid corrosion of the brush handles. Keep in a dry, clean place to avoid bacteria especially in the case of keeping them in your bathroom when steam from the shower can affect them.
This can be as simple as a generic makeup sponge you get in packs of 100 or as advanced as a reusable beauty blender. Depending on how much money you want to invest into this applicator it can be incredibly affordable or you can look into some great quality and durable solutions.
Think about the effect you get when you use a sponge to dip it in paint then water and cover a surface, the same thing happens when you use it on your face with foundation. The aim is to mix a tiny big of water with the product to make it pat on smooth, evenly covering the surface. This technique works particularly well for water based products that apply much more evenly when a sponge is used. Also the sponge is also perfect for applying concealer with the tapered edge so it's a two-in-one applicator.
I hope that learning about each of these techniques in depth has helped you in your decision of the right applicator for you. It's just a matter of considering what foundation you're applying, finding it's base and using that as an indication of what applicator you should go for.
Thanks for reading!
