What applicator for foundation

[CisCucumber]

I am currently using a little sponge. I think its latex or similar
It gets full of foundation and takes a lot of cleaning. It has split with washing
I don't think I have time before work to mess about with a brush and I can't get it even using fingers

I find a brush much quicker than a sponge. Are you wetting the sponge before you use it, I find that loads less product sinks in that way, making it easier to clean?

I used to use a stippling brush but couldn't find it one morning so used a flat foundation brush. It give a much better finish and I really notice the difference when I take my make up off - the brush seemed to use so much more foundation.

Would you recommend a flat brush used damp then?

I used to use a brush, now use a beauty blender type sponge. Often use fingers actually. Want to try a silicone 'sponge' as they don't absorb product.

Apply a bit haphazardly with fingers then blend using a dampened blender sponge in a bouncing motion to even everything out. I have a whole bunch of sponges and just throw them in the wash in a net bag once a week.

I used to swear by a kabuki brush but washing those out takes forever and also even the good ones shed some hairs from the brush during washing,

I now use an egg shaped pink sponge and I’m really happy with it. I bought 3 so I have one on the go, one clean and one drying at any time. I don’t use them damp as I find it waters down the foundation too much but they do have to be soft and squashy, not hard sponges. Hard ones just push the foundation around your face not buff it in

I find a beauty blender sponge too... I’ve got brushes but just find you have to put it on s bit thick.. the sponge is more natural I find x

Fingers! I've tried sponges (just seem to end up with all the foundation on the sponge) and brushes (just end up looking streaky). So clean hands every time.

I prefer brushes but if you’re tight for time a beauty blender is best. I do think the Beauty Blender brand is best and they’re about 2 for a tenner in boots etc. Not a fan of the silicone sponge things; I find they slide foundation all over your face and leave an awful finish.

Beauty blenders, that’s the one! But best after a few goes/a wash so they are softer. And they do eventually split with age, they don’t last forever and a day, no sponges do. The beauty blenders are dense so they buff better than others.
The brushes use a lot more foundation and if you use a long lasting formula they need washing more as the oil clumps the bristles together so it leaves streaks. So they then need washing more regularly which wears them out.

The actual Beauty Blender is fantastic. I've tried dupes but they haven't come close. They don't sell them in Boots. Cult Beauty and Space NK sell them. Unfortunately they are £16 each but I buy them and look after them because they are excellent.

I really don't get on with the beauty blender and I had such high hopes! OP I dampen my brush very slightly (use kitchen roll to almost dry it) and it works for me.

I use a brush shaped like a toothbrush iyswim, can't remember their name. Then I blend with a silicone sponge.

I never get good results with brushes and I've tried loads. So patchy.

Try a cheap fake beauty blender, no need to spend on the 'real' one there's no difference. Get one for £3 from boyes or tk maxx. W7 do a good one, its pink. Soak it in water before using it then squeeze excess water out, keeps it plump and the moisture helps the foundation to move around easily. And the water in it prevents too much foundation being eaten by the sponge.

I take mine in the shower every day, squeeze it under the running water while rubbing it on a bar of soap (any soap will do) and it cleans it beautifully, then it's ready to be used once I step out of the shower and do my makeup.

I apply with fingers or straight from the bottle if I need more coverage. Use a Real Techniques damp sponge or stippling brush to blend. I don’t like flat foundation brushes as I find I use too much product and I can’t get it even.

beauty blender sponge, you are meant to wash them regularly and dispose of/replace them quite regularly too

toothbrush brush game changer for me and acceptable cheap ones in amazon and primary to give it a go. i use medium for buffing in foundation after whacking it on with fingers then smaller one for applying LM Secret Camouflage on top.

Switch between a beauty blender and Artis brushes (the ones shaped like toothbrushes).
Love the beauty blender but didn't get on with them for ages, the Artis brushes give a really airbrushed finish which I like.

Depends on the foundation, I either use my fingers or a dense makeup brush.

I confess I have never used a brush or blender to apply foundation, I just use my hands ! Do they make that much difference?

Trigger - I never used a brush or blender until a couple of years ago, I think younger skin doesn’t need it but as you get older (35-40 +) it helps to buff the foundation and smooth over the very fine lines. I have L’Oréal infallible primer, (blurs without bobbling or feeling silicon-y on the skin, hasn’t blocked my pores or caused spots either), Clinique everlasting foundation, benefit boi-ing airbrush concealer for undereye (lighter than the normal version but not as slippery as the third version), loose powder to set and a soft beauty blender and couldn’t be happier

I use my hands ,no gentle tapping it on for me ! it looks like I'm washing my face

If sponge, brush and fingers are all problematic then I would try a different foundation....

I use my fingers.

Thank you Sparkly, I might give a blender a try then. The only place I really notice ageing with foundation is under my eyes and I try to avoid powder there if I can.

I use a Lancome small stippling brush which is excellent, doesn't take too much product and my foundation sits really well on my skin. Tried a beauty blender and hated it!