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?

I have used a brush for the last 6 years or so and like the real techniques face expert brush. I put the foundation on my skin then stipple/buff it in and no brush marks.
@SueblueNZ I use baby shampoo once a week to wash my brush.

I also use baby shampoo to clean. Works great with everything bar the foundation brush - doesn't get the makeup out & then they lose hairs, probably as I'm being too rough cleaning them.

Flat top brush then dab over with a damp beauty blender to get rid of any streaks (if there are any) Beauty blender is good for a sheer finish, brush for more coverage. I clean my brushes after every couple of days with a normal bar of soap, very effective and quick.

I'm 49 and have just started using a sponge over fingers for the first time. I find my makeup lasts a lot longer now and even my work colleagues commented on how nice my skin was looking the other day

Work some veg oil into your foundation brush before you wash it as normal.
The oil breaks down the product.

I was coming on to say you don't use the brush like a paint brush but you should tap the product on with the brush. As a pp said think Monet ☺️ what's it's called stipple?

I put a blob on the back of my hand ,then dab all over my face. Then blend downwards. I manage to achieve pretty sheer natural coverage from this & then I use this brush to blend/ stipple dabs of concealer in places if needed, plus Clinique Chubby Sticks blush & bronzer.
I do find i need an oil cleanser to clean it, plus baby shampoo & one of those mini scrubbing mats.
I've read that you need a synthetic brush for applying foundation but real hair brushes for powders.

Thanks @Cantonet

That's what I do, too.

I might try application with fingers plus the RT you recommend.

I think using the brush solely is contributing to makeup being absorbed into it, which cleaning (exactly the same as you do) isn't shifting, so it's then not being effective.

If I start with fingers, and use the brush to finish perhaps ...

(I will say I'm happy with my finish overall at the moment. I have pale skin, and need to make sure my makeup is blended & sheer, and and brush + sponge does do this.)

I use a brush or fingers depending on the product I'm using and the coverage I want. I've got many favourite foundation brushes but basically I like a dense domed brush like the Bobbi Brown full coverage face brush (it says full coverage but it does all sorts of coverage depending on your product!).

I apply where needed using the smallest amount of foundation possible - less in areas that don't need it, more over pigmentation I have, never any on forehead just apply what's left on the brush at the end (learned that from a pro!). Then buff it into the skin for a lovely finish.

Instead of buying tinted moisturiser you can add your usual moisturiser to your foundation to make a tinted moisturiser with a little coverage rather than buying the two products.

Brush or sponge offer a more polished finish

I use my simple face wash. I do have a cleansing oil too but I don't think it's necessary. Then I just leave to dry on on a window sill in the sun or near a radiator

Thank you all!
I am now the proud owner of a full synthetic bristle makeup brush set!
Will be trialling it out tomorrow to see how it compares with my usual slap it on application

I don’t like the feel of a wet brush and also do not have time to wash it every day, and the idea of having old make up on the brush from the previous day isn’t nice. The bacteria would spark spots, How do others manage this? I only use light make up and occasionally use a damp blender just around the nose and eyebrows.

Definitely! This foundation brush from Superdrug is good value for money. It gives me a really airbrushed look. I’d also recommend using a primer beneath your foundation if you don’t already.

Rather than ‘painting’ the foundation on, dab it on with the brush

www.superdrug.com/make-up/makeup-tools/make-up-brushes/foundation-makeup-brush/b-foundation-brush/p/785507?gbraid=0AAAAADp4mz973Ya2fMnEF3QzM4MsQGZR_&gbraid=0AAAAADp4mz973Ya2fMnEF3QzM4MsQGZR_&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0LXinOGe_QIVgrrtCh2KrQhAEAQYAyABEgKfy_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

How are you getting on with your new brushes OP? Which ones did you buy in the end?