I typically use liquid foundation and mix two shades and/or use it with a liquid luminizer, so I’ll get it on my fingertip, mix, and then dab it over my cheeks, forehead, and chin. I’ll use a synthetic brush–a variety of them–to apply in more stippling and dabbing motions from top to bottom.
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Masks are mandated in Ontario so I rarely bother with foundation (tinted sunscreen is about as much as I wear and I just rub that on) but if I were wearing foundation or CC cream, I’d use a wonderful, short handled Shiseido slightly angled kabuki brush (of course, they’ve since discontinued it and replaced it with a far inferior synthetic version). I love this brush!
I use a synthetic brush to apply my moisturizer and primer, then I put a half pump of foundation on that same brush and stipple foundation, starting on my cheeks where I need the most coverage and then doing chin and forehead last. Then I blend it all in with the same brush. My very dry skin needs the moisture in the brush to get a good blend.
Fingers and hands, lots of tapping. I just use dabs of concealer here and there so there’s not a lot of product to move around. Tapping or pressing in works better these days.
I stopped wearing foundation as it gets all over a mask. If I was wearing it, I like to use a sponge. I find it a lot less irritating to my skin than a brush. I currently have a cushion foundation so I use the puff that comes with it.
Pump out a pump and a half of my Fenty Profilt’r Hydrating foundation on the back of my hand, use a damp Real Techniques beauty sponge to take dabs of foundation from the back of my hand and gently pounce on my face after first swiping it on.
If I’m using a more liquid foundation, like Guerlain or Bobbi Brown, I’ll put a couple of pumps on the back of my hand then use a flat brush to apply. My heavier foundations like Becca or MAC, I’ll dab a bit on my face then blend with a buffing brush. In both cases, I work in a small area at a time. I still wear foundation even with masks and so on, since I’m at home the majority of the time and I don’t care too much if some of it wears off — I can just repair it when I’m back home. The best foundation I’ve found for no mask transfer is Estee Lauder Double Wear, but my skin can’t tolerate how drying it is.
I am using KGD Maifanshi Moisture Makeup right now, which comes in a tube. I squeeze out a pea size amount and dot most of that on my cheeks and the rest on my chin and forehead. I spread it around with an Artis oval brush and then buff it in lightly. I let it set for a few minutes and then pat it in with my fingers or buff it some more with the brush if needed. If I need more coverage on my nose, I will apply a tiny bit more by patting it on with my fingers.
I use a similar technique for my concealer; I noticed that if I let it sit at least a minute or so, than pat it down, I get less creasing and more coverage.
When I wear foundation, it’s mostly been powder foundation applied with the BH Cosmetics Studio Pro Total Coverage Powder Brush. The few times I wore liquid foundation, I’ve used a beauty blender type sponge.
I’m using IT CC cream, and press out a pump (or less) on the back of my hand and then pick it up with my fingers, starting w/ center of my face and under my eyes, which need the most evening out. Smear the rest to cover. The end. Reading other people’s descriptions I’m wondering if I’m missing something. It seems well blended to my eye, and have never found a need for buffing. When I have my contour and blush on I’ll do a very light blending with a large soft face brush to meld everything together.
For the past 2 years or so I have exclusively used my fingers. I like the finish better, and saves me a lot of time by not using and cleaning sponges or brushes. I also noticed less breakouts, although truth be told I was very diligent with cleaning my tools.
I only use liquid foundation, I just pump the amount needed on my index finger, apply dots on my forehead and checks, and start covering the rest of the face with patting and buffing motions (I avoid dragging the skin).
I apply my foundation by using my fingers – I do one squirt on my fingertips and gently massage it onto my face.
Iām all over the map. Some days I use my fingers, sometimes a sponge, sometimes a brush. It all depends on time and what formula I am using.
Stippling brush for foundation, fingers to tap in concealer and color corrector. I live in a humid climate and I hated how my sponges got mildewed and gross so quickly, so I gave brushes a shot and I am super happy.
I’ll put a couple of pumps on the back of my hand and use a brush, usually something like IT Cosmetics buffing foundation brush, to apply it. I once saw someone suggest working from the outside of the face inward for a more natural look instead of from the center of the face out and when I tried it I liked the results so that’s what I do. I’ll dab my brush then start around the jawline buffing and working the foundation toward the center of my face. I might use a sponge to get a good application in small spots like around the nostrils or under the eyes. Then I go back and soften under my jaw and down my neck. If I want to add a bit of luminosity or sheer out the coverage some I’ll add a couple of drops of a face oil to the foundation before I start. Sometimes I may use a sponge instead of a brush, or I may move from one to the other mid application. It really depends on which tool feels most comfortable in my hand and help me achieve what I want at the time.