Foundation- do you use a sponge?A brush? Fingertips?

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I just bought some No7 but though I have a foundation brush (it's a sythentic bristle one, I suppose so it doesn't absorb it all) I used my fingertips which isn't ideal.

Is a sponge better? Which one?
I saw a rounded one (didn't have a good look, it was like an egg) or the wedges?

Cheapie disposable or invest a bit of money and look after?

Or should I use the brush (I got it in a set of brushes, it wasn't one I went out looking for)

TIA

I use the real techniques expert face brush and also their miracle complexion sponge which I love. Both available from boots

I use my fingers, I use fairly light formulations that blend easily. Brushes and sponges seem a bit icky to me, they harbour bacteria. But if you use a full coverage type foundation, you probably do need to use a brush.

I am currently using the beauty blender sponge - I wash it every time I have used it.

I usually use brushes such as the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush and it is very good too. I wash it once or twice a week.

I use one of the egg shaped sponge, it's a similar shape to the beauty blender but was £1. I find it easier to blend my foundation with it, I'm a bit cack handed!

I use a real techniques brush. Wash them once a week and in between use a cheapie makeup brush spray and wipe with a tissue.

I love the Beauty Blender - it came free in my Birchbox. Need to replace it as its torn, but don't really want to spend £16 so am going to look for an egg shaped replacement. It's brilliant, it really is.

I use a Clinique brush, I think it cost about £18. Not particularly cheap but it's lasted me 5 years, so not bad value really! It goes on really smoothly; I wouldn't go back to using fingers or a sponge.

Real techniques sponge thingy I wash it every time I use it once in a blue moon

I use a brush which I wash
And my fingers around eye area

I've just started using a real techniques brush after it was recommended on here - and my makeup looks lots better.

Really can't get the hang of brushes, the foundation just seems to sit on my face when I use them. Find fingers make the foundation blend into my skin better. I must be doing it wrong! Any tips...?

Never use my fingers, I have a brush but never use it anymore since I discovered the beauty blender sponge.
They are brilliant for blending and smoothing out.

It's a very light cover (Stay Perfect Superlight) , I'll look at the RT brush, my DD is looking for some brushes and as they;re on special offer in Boots, I might treat her too.

I use a sponge and should probably wash it more, except it works better when it's already got a bit of product in it IYSWIM

I use a liquid foundation (Benefit) which I put on with my fingers, as if I were putting on moisturiser, pretty much. Would using a brush make a difference? I am totally crap at putting on make up. So, a second request for tips, please! Sorry to hijack thread but will be interesting to see the responses.

I use powder foundation so I don't really 'get' how you use liquids etc. however, my powders are now looking too powdery so I want to try a liquid.
I know in the past that when I've used them I've never been able to put foundation on my face properly. Any attempt to use a brush (and I bought a really expensive Mac brush!) just left me with brush marks & a sponge just soaked up all the foundation.
Can anyone help me find a) a foundation for my 40+ slightly dehydrated, very pale skin and b) a method to put it on nicely?

I use the real techniques miracle sponge and can't recommend it enough. Makes you look airbrushed.

How do you use a sponge? Dab? Pat? Swipe? I really am clueless.
Do you put dots of foundation on your face & then join them all up with a sponge or put it on the sponge & wipe it onto your face? How do you stop your eyebrows getting clogged up with foundation?

Also, how do you choose the right shade? Is the Boots shade match thingy any good? I'm a bit scared to go in case the Boots lady laughs at me.

Closer-I know exactly what you mean!

I squeeze a bit of foundation on the back of my hand and dip the sponge in and pat into my face-if I swipe I end up with marks. Sometimes I apply with a brush and finish off by patting with a sponge.

Some people like a damp sponge for more sheer look.

Wrt choosing a shade, ask the assistant for help and they will go through the coverage you want to achieve, then they'll colour match you. You can return it if you don't get on with it, they're very good about this ime.

I apply with fingertips then use egg shaped sponge (beauty blender) to blend in. I was applying with sponge initially but it absorbs too much product so I find this works best for me. I've never got a good result with a brush. I find it always looks streaky.

I went into Boots this afternoon. The lovely lady held her little gizmo up to my face & announced I was a 'Cool Beige' she squinted at me & decided to try the next shade lighter, that was too dark so I ended up with 'Cool Vanilla' which matches my weird toned skin pretty well.
I asked about brushes & sponges & she recommended a Real Techniques Expert face brush.
I'm still wearing the foundation she put on & it looks good. I'm impressed. The real test will be when I try to apply it myself. I've been looking at this YouTube videos.
It can't be that hard can it?!
I've just remembered that I bought some 'miracle' egg shape sponge thing when I was in America last year together with a Sephora CC cream so I will dig those out & have a play too.
:)