Do I need a foundation brush? Currently using hands!

[helpnameaweddingvenue]

42 years old...been there done that with the sponges, thick foundation, baking etc (years ago now)
I have quite good skin but large pores which I've stopped worrying about so much these days (used to layer on Benefit primer but don't bother anymore)

These days I moisturise and use sunscreen then add blobs of tinted moisturiser with a little foundation mixed in and rub in vigorously with my hands all over my face, it's pretty haphazard but as it's mainly tinted moisturiser it seems to cover nicely and blend in everywhere (I think)
Followed by a tiny dot of concealer under my eyes.

But I've been watching makeup tutorials and everyone uses a foundation brush these days.
I thought this would tend to drag the product out of my pores and make them more obvious?

I'm heading to the shops today and am tempted to buy a brush...convince me I need one / don't need one please?

You do need one! Look at Real Techniques to start with - Boots sell them but also often in TK Maxx. They come individually or in sets with clear directions about what brush is for what!

I used to use a brush, then noticed that all the beauty writers I follow don't. Went back to fingers. Job done.

I use a brush religiously now. Have done for a few years. Coverage is better and I seem to use less foundation. I use buildable foundation so using a brush seems to help when putting on a second layer when I want full coverage.

I stopped using a brush - I found it dragged the foundation and gave me brush lines (I bought expensive, much recommended brushes - made not a jot of a difference). I find my fingers gives me just as good coverage.

Yes you do.
I've always used my fingers but now in my 50's I'm not getting as good a finish.
This real techniques brush pictured is brilliant. I also have a Clinique foundation brush which actually doesn't give quite as good a result as this one.

Yes after not wearing makeup for a while I treated myself to some new makeup and got a brush aswell you can definitely notice the difference with a brush I have used hands for years but just thought I would see what the fuss is about and will only use brush now.

No. I'm like you OP. Large pores and usually just apply foundation/tinted moisturiser with fingers. I bought a Real Techniques foundation brush recently and honestly, I prefer the finish I get from applying with fingers. I get brush marks and the brush isn't as good at blending over my open pores.
Maybe it depends what skin type you have.

@Cantonet

How does this brush work? Do you put some foundation on your hand then use the brush? Or apply the foundation & use the brush to buff?

I always use a brush but I find the bristles clump, and when I clean it, it doesn't get the makeup out & bristles also tend to come out so I am having to replace a lot. This seems to be the case with cheap or expensive brushes.

I liked the look (and price!) of the RT brush.

Yes - only started using one last year aged 59 - makes a massive difference 😅

I use a damp beauty sponge!! It's fab.

I did for ages too & still do at the end to ensure blended perfectly BUT they swallow foundation. I couldn't believe how much less I used when I switched back to a brush.

Actually I'm recently applying a plumping tinted serum (L'Oreal) and had used a brush before but read the instructions recently which said to apply by patting with palms & actually it's much better.

I think using my fingers as a starting point if often best & then following up with brush / sponge

I'm 55, never worn foundation until about 2y ago, I put it in with a brush, it is a much nicer and lighter coverage.

I have a flat topped brush and I love it. I use it to blend everything now!

48 and rarely wear foundation but have started more in the past 6 months and tried it with a brush, never looked back

Have tried a sponge but agree with others that it eats the foundation up

I personally don't like foundation brushes but I use a damp Ramer sponge. Uses far less product and spreads beautifully. Used them for years.

Fingers, for a variety of reasons.

Easy to clean, easy to find, more control. lighter coverage, less waste of foundation. Also, the warmth of the fingers makes the foundation easier to work into the skin.

I use very little coverage though. I hate feeling plastered on.

I bought the RT foundation brush yesterday and nice seeing it recommended. I also have a boots foundation brush but it’s flat. I have good skin but applying foundation with both these brushes made it look less cakey.

May I ask, how often and how do you clean your brushes?
I have a spray on brush cleaner but I don't find it particularly effective. Even after rinsing thoroughly, squeezing and giving a bit of a blast with the hair dryer to dry, the brush is left quite fragrant.
Do you have cleaning techniques that don't involve a commercial product?

I find a beauty blender so much easier than a brush. If you do want to use a brush though try morphe for good quality but not too expensive.

No.7 buffing foundation brush - this one is brilliant!

I've just started using a Beauty blender and it's a game changer. You have to dampen it and then take a tiny bit of the foundation and dab it on.

I find it looks so much better than when I used a brush (but that's probably down to my crap technique!)

@SueblueNZ i squeeze a blob of washing up liquid into my palm, skoosh it about and massage under the hot tap. Gets it properly clean.

you don’t get brush lines if you stipple. Think Monet. 😉

I use the Beauty Pie foundation buffing brush. Squirt foundation onto the brush, spread it over the face and then sort of dapple it across my face to make sure there's coverage everywhere and I can build it up on my cheeks where I need it most. I've never seen a loose bristle and I've been using it over a year.

Depends on the product and depends on your skin. I have oily skin / large pores and generally use Erborian. It's much better applied with fingers and 'warmed in' to pores. Also - more hygienic and less faff.

I use a flat topped brush. Dot the foundation over my face then stipple it in. To clean my bushes I use baby shampoo, wet the brus, apply some shampoo and give them a good agitate against my hand, vigorously flick the water off into the bath and leave to dry on the side in the bathroom!