What To Do If You Don't Have A Makeup Sponge

Over the years, I've heard it all—this makeup creative person loves to utilize her fingers while that glory prefers a brush. Another expert will swear by Beautyblender. Kylie Jenner even applies her moisturizer with a brush. The advice is helpful, but frequently it leaves me with fifty-fifty more questions. What is the best way? And which products phone call for what tools? I've been applying my foundation with a sponge, my eye shadow with a castor, and blending on my concealer with my fingers. Merely I'one thousand curious if I've got it all incorrect and often wonder: Is in that location a "right" way to apply makeup? Could information technology not but be to each their own?

To notice definitive answers, I tapped Blushington's makeup and beauty lounge good, Samantha Freda, and MUAs at Alima Pure. Not but did they dispel my doubts, explaining when and how to use each makeup application tool, but they too recommended a few of their favorite products to continue me (and now, you!) covered.

Keep reading to notice out the truth behind the castor vs. sponge vs. finger debate once and for all.

Byrdie / Emily Roberts

Fingers

While personal preference certainly plays a role in what makeup application tool you reach for, the strategy should also be a deciding cistron. Freda explains, "The difference between brushes, sponges, and using your fingers is all about the product being used at the time." For instance, "Fingers are cracking for products that need to exist warmed upwards a flake to blend." (Think: cream eye shadows, makeup primer, and concealer, to name a few). "My favorite product to utilize with my fingers is Stila's Convertible Color ($25) because I have complete control over the amount of production and blendability," adds Freda.

If you opt to utilise your fingers, it's best to use your ring finger to apply the product since it uses the least amount of pressure. Also, always tap and never rub.

For pressed middle shadow, the Alima Pure team suggests using your fingers, every bit it gives the greatest colour payoff and most controlled application. Alima Pure's Pressed Eyeshadow ($26) is formulated with avocado oil (read: they're super silky), and so the texture blends well without a brush. "Information technology's besides a great highlighter," they dish. "Apply a lighter, pearlescent shade like Isla with your ring finger along the brow os, cheekbones, and Cupid's bow. It instantly brightens your whole complexion in seconds." But go on in listen that before applying whatever makeup with your fingers, you wash your hands outset. The last thing you desire is an instant breakout courtesy of dirt-, bacteria-, and oil-ridden fingers.

Brushes

Similar to using your fingers, brushes permit for a concentrated application—merely fifty-fifty more than then. This makes them ideal for applying shadows and pulverization, notes Freda. However, when using a brush, she warns: "Don't be too heavy-handed—you want everything to blend. Build up to the amount of product you'd like to apply instead of brushing it on all at once. The Large Tapered Castor ($12) past Bdellium Tools yields the perfect contour."

And if you're unsure of which brush to use for what, you're non alone. There are then many brushes out at that place that finding the right one(s) can be overwhelming. However, after talking to experts and testing out brushes of our own, we've narrowed down our picks to just 5 essentials: powder, blush, foundation, flat centre castor, and eyeshadow crease brush. Our complete brush guide will let you in on when or how to use each i—plus a few bonus options for all of your other makeup awarding needs.

Sponges

If a flawless finish is what you're after, wait no further than a sponge. Freda says, "A sponge is platonic for a flawless natural foundation application"—and perhaps, everything else, as well. She admits, "If I had to choose my favorite [makeup application] method, it would be using a sponge for everything. The coverage is buildable, the result is practically flawless, and the makeup will final y'all all day."

To go the most out of your sponge, always wet it before use. This will ensure that the product is applied and distributed evenly.

And while we can't help only like what we like, sometimes a piddling trial-and-error can get a long style; significant, it's worth exploring other tool-product combos to decide what works best for you. The Alima Pure team agrees: "Using different methods of awarding and mixing up your tools is a great style of experimenting and customizing your routine."

How to Utilize Foundation With a Sponge

Store Products

Stila Convertible Color $25.00

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This sheer lip tint doubles as a creamy chroma to add together simply a touch of color on the become. As such, it's great to use with your fingers because it practically melts into the pare.

Alima Pure Pressed Eyeshadow $26.00

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Utilize this dusty pink compact for an eye shadow or blush, or highlight with a slightly more nude-y shade.

Bdellium Tools Studio Line DF Large Tapered Blending Brush $12.00

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This handcrafted antibacterial blending brush from Bdellium's studio line is eco-friendly and slap-up for blending and sculpting contouring products.

Beautyblender Original Beautyblender Makeup Sponge $20.00

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Nosotros can't talk sponges without mentioning Beautyblender. This simple nevertheless miraculous egg-shaped sponge seamlessly blends makeup into the skin to give you an airbrush result.