What is the best way to apply foundation? I've seen blusher brushes used.

[HecatePropylaea]

I don't wear make up very often. I normally use my fingers or a little sponge, but I have seen some what look like blusher brushes. Can you really apply foundation with a brush? Does it give a good finish?

I always used to use my fingers but have just swopped to a foundation brush (it looks like a blusher brush!) and I'm amazed by how much foundation I'm saving - it goes loads further. I like the finish better too, it seems more precise I can pile loads more on the spots on my chin I recommend having a play about with the brushes, I'm converted now

I use a damp beauty blender sponge dupe from ebay. I use much less product this way and I love the finish.

I imagine a soft bristle brush would just get all gummed up?

Brushes all the way for me. The right brush gives your foundation a much better and more even finish.

I've tried them all and the best is the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. It's amazing.

You can buy on Amazon or in Boots or Superdrug.

Brush users, how do you actually apply it?

Kato

Small amount of product on the back of my hand. Dip the brush in and apply to face blending blending blending in small circular motions.

Thanks EQ Does the brush get all clogged up? I don't always have time to clean my beauty blender in the mornings after using so do it the next day before using again, but would this ruin the brush?

seriously tempted...

A foundation brush for wet foundation & a full round brush for dry powered foundation. Also cotton wool if I have a spot break out.

All brushes should be washed regularly with anti bac soap- you'd be amazed how much make up sits in them....

It doesn't need washing after every single use (I wash mine once a week). The brush picks up pretty much the right amount of product each time so it doesn't go gunky.

I tried the sponge but didn't know you had to wet it first . The bloody thing sucked up about half a bottle of foundation and was ruined before I realised . I really like the sponges for applying concealer.

I apply my foundation with a brush. However it is a mineral foundation which is a powder.

Clarification: I don't use the same brush every day for 7 days. I have a rotation of brushes.

coffee The first ime I washed my flat synthetic foundation brush, after about a month or so I was horrified at the rivers of beige water that just wouldn't stop flowing!

What's the best washing technique? DH was not impressed at the state of the sink afterwards, so I used an old measuring jug, but that got manky too!

I do too Eyeliner, I have got several brushes. My latest favourite is a lovely large soft Kabuki brush form Poundland, of all places. Although it is probably synthetic, so I will have to see how it washes. I put conditioner of my brushes after washing them with shampoo, like you would your own hair, and then rinse in cold water. I have found this makes them softer after washing.

Oh. My. GOD.

"seen some what look like..."

I am mortified.

I will invest in some brushes. Sounds like they might be a good tool.

I use a small stippling (?) brush from ELF and it's brilliant. I get very good coverage with a tiny amount of foundation.

Just reminded me that I really need to clean my brushes. I can't remember the last time I did it

Erm what are you supposed to clean your make up brushes with? I guess soap and water won't cut it...

I find very diluted Fairy liquid will do it if they're not too dirty but you can get specialist cleaning solutions. No.7 do a good one.

I use baby shampoo when I once in a blue moon clean my brushes.

Real techniques stippling brush or expert face brush are excellent

Fingers for a variety of reasons.

Easy to clean.
No need to hunt for them in make up bag.
Free.
Give me control of where and how much to use - I don't need foundation all over.
Body temperature helps to work the product in better and gives me a more natural finish. I have it when it just sits on top.

I use fingers as I don't think brushes are hygienic at all! I even use my fingers for cream eyeshadow and cream blusher application. I do have a big brush for my illuminating powder but that's dry so doesn't seem as germy. I have recently had bacterial conjunctivitis in both eyes complete with yellow ooze and eyes glued shut when I wake, had to take oral antibiotics as eye drops did nothing - so am being super careful about keeping my face and products hygienic.

There are IMO foundations that look better when applied with fingers and some that look better when applied with a brush.

I really like applying the Estee Lauder BB cream with my fingers - it just looks better.
Foundations like Laura Mercier oil free tinted moisturiser, Diorskin Nude, Estee Lauder Double Wear Light and Clarins Everlasting foundation look better (IMO) when applied with a brush.

I used to use the paddle brushes and they're good, but I currently prefer the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. The Buffing Brush and Stippling brush are good too.

I've been recommended to wash brushes with baby shampoo and to make sure that water doesn't get into the ferrule as that dissolves the glue and ruins the brushes. I tend to wash my brushes once a week, eye brushes more often.

I use fingers, my foundation brush is used for face masks now.
Recently colour matched at Christian Dior counter and a foundation brush was used with great results. I may start using a brush again.