Apply Foundation Better with These Tools

By Lorelei Orfeo, Birchbox
Foundation application tools
From sponges to brushes, fingertips to puffs, there's a world of foundation tools out there. When it comes to choosing the right one, makeup artists agree on one thing: there's no right or wrong way. We asked Emma Willis, Director of Artistry for Blushington, and Neil Scibelli, National Makeup Artist for Jouer, to break things down for us. Read on and start experimenting!

Hands
HANDS (Coverage Level 1)
For when you're rushing to get to work in the morning or just want a tiny bit of coverage. Use your fingertips to blend foundation, starting near the center of your face and working out.

Powder Brush
POWDER BRUSH (Coverage Level 1-2)
Use it when you need to mattify and set makeup. Willis' method: "Apply a very light dusting of loose powder or pressed powder with a large powder brush onto the T-Zone area only!"


SpongeSPONGE (Coverage Level 2)
Use it when you want an airbrushed, natural finish. "Wet the sponge, squeeze out the excess water, and then apply the foundation with it," says Willis. "If someone has really problematic skin, I use a large foundation brush to apply, then blend and buff with a sponge."

Foundation BrushFOUNDATION BRUSH (Coverage Level 3)
Use it when you need extra coverage and a seamless finish. Scibelli says, "I always use a foundation brush to ensure a more even finish. When women apply product with their fingers, they tend to smudge it around in a way that moves the product too much, which can cause streaking."


Powder PuffPOWDER PUFF (Coverage Level 4)
Use it when you're making your TV debut and need to look camera-ready. This is generally only needed for a photo or video shoot. Willis says, "If you really want that set look, a powder puff with a little powder, pressed into the foundation, will give maximum coverage."

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