Make up brushes, can we go back to using our fingers?

[JoJuniorShabadoo]

Bored of make-up brushes that, despite me washing them and caring for them, end up losing bristles and I have to replace them annually.

there wasn't this fuss over brushes in the 80s/90s. Can we just used fingers again?

I used my fingers by DD15 is horrified! I also have just been won over by Trinny products which are supposed to be applied by your fingers if that makes sense, they took a bit of practice but are really easy and made my make up bag much lighter!

I never stopped using my fingers.

Yes, why not? I've always used my fingers, I only use tinted moisturiser though so not sure if that makes a difference. I want to look like I have skin, not a thick layer of something skin-coloured, and I think fingers help with that. Brushes are a faff to clean anyway.

I also use my fingers, I can’t believe how much wastage there is using brushes and sponges.

The kids have been sucked into Instagram people

I much prefer brushes but it’s fine to use your fingers.

If brushes are losing bristles, though, that would typically be either because they’re very cheap brushes, or because they’re being washed in water that’s too hot (or dried them with a hairdryer). Heat will melt the glue inside. Could that be the issue?

I have lots of Real Techniques brushes - which are pretty inexpensive - that are still going strong after well over a decade. I do wash them pretty often, and they haven’t lost any bristles.

But it really is completely fine to use your fingers though, and you probably do waste far less product that way, so if you can get good results with fingers that’ll be a double win. I’m awful at applying makeup with my fingers but some people seem to have a real knack for it!

Lots of finger users on SM. I think it’s fine.

I absolutely love brushes. And I have about 30. I even like cleaning them. Mine never lose any bristles.

I love my brushes but do what you like, plenty of MUAs use fingers.

I've recently bought a Clarins shaped brush. It's a revelation! I've always used figners - or a sponge back in the day 😀

Never stopped using my fingers.

I use a combination of fingers and brushes. Do whatever works for you.
It depends what kinds of products you’re using more than anything.
I apply a cream blusher with my fingers, blend it out with a brush.
I use eyeshadow on my brows, apply and blend with a smoky eye brush.
Blend lip tint with my fingers, ditto pan stick.
I blend eyeliner with a cotton bud.
Powder my nose with a big brush.

I don't use any brushes or sponges. I use Mac paint pots for eyeshadow with my fingers, or eyeshadow crayons. Eye liners are crayons/sticks/gel liners. Mascara obviously comes with a brush, but that's it. No need for brushes and sponges, just draw on your face like I do 🤣

I will use brushes for powders but not for liquids or creams as they just absorb so much I’m basically chucking half a tube of makeup down the sink .

I tried sponges and brushes, it all seemed too faffy. I once cane across a famous name up artist for the big shows, who described applying foundation like moisturiser. That's what I do, however I'm going for the barely there natural look. The popular heavy makeup look couldn't be achieved that way.

Are you buying cheap brushes? Are you washing them and drying them correctly? Anything cheaper than Real Techniques is going to fall apart within a year.

Some brushes made with real hair will shed naturally.

Also, got to love everyone falling over themselves to prove how cool they are by never using brushes. Your makeup looks sloppy applied with fingers

Me neither - but my 21 year old daughter is a brush user!

Mary Greenwell always applies makeup using her fingers so you're in good company.