Tips To Apply Different Types of Foundation

Applying foundation is one of those aspects of makeup that seem to intimidate even the most seasoned makeup fanatics. When applied correctly, foundation gives the impression of flawless and soft skin and it never looks like you are wearing any foundation at all. However, apply too much and you will look like you are wearing a cakey mask, apply too little and it can appear patchy and show skin blemishes.

Applying foundation is not easy, and foundations are not a one-size-fits-all makeup product. Your skin type, color, and complexion will influence which type will work best for you. That is why we want to walk you through the most common types of foundations, how to apply them, and give you some tips and tricks so you can master the art of applying foundation well, and in no time.

# How To Apply Liquid Foundation With A Brush

There are at least five different types of brushes just for applying foundation, all of different shapes and sizes that are meant to be used depending on the type of foundation and finish you are looking for.

Because owning five different brushes just for applying foundation can be a little overwhelming we have broken down each one of them, explaining what they are for, when to use them, and most importantly, how to use them.

* Kabuki Brush

Named after traditional Japanese theaters where the actors wore heavy makeup applied with special brushes, a kabuki brush is a rounded brush used for applying foundation and setting powder. These brushes tend to be very short and chunky with a full set of soft bristles that helps you apply a smooth and even foundation layer. Kabuki brushes are sold almost everywhere cosmetics are sold, and it is very likely that you already own one even if you didn’t know it by name.

* Duo Fiber Brush

A duo fiber brush, also called a stippling brush, is a long, slightly narrow brush with two sets of bristles; natural black fibers near the bottom of the brush, and fine white synthetic fibers at the top. The purpose of a stippling brush is to give you a soft, “airbrushed” look by creating tiny dots of foundation on your face similarly to what happens when you spray airbrush foundation (this is called stippling).

* Flat Top Brush

If you want maximum coverage in a pinch, a flat top brush may be for you. Flat top brushes, as the name suggest, have a flat or squared top made from dense bristles and help you achieve high coverage very fast.

Contrary to stippling brushes, blending is essential when it comes to a flat top brush; because the bristles are so densely packed, these brushes tend to hold in much more product than other brushes, and your finished look can end up looking cakey and streaky if you don’t blend it.

* Angled Brush

Angled brushes are one of the most sought-after brushes for applying foundation because they allow you to do your face with more precision, particularly on hard to reach places such as the creases on the nose and under your eyes.

Apply your foundation from your nose outwards (the T zone is the area on your face that tends to need a little more coverage than the rest), using soft sweeping movements and continue blending as you go. Since the bristles on angled brushes tend to be a little stiffer than other brushes such as the kabuki, circular motions will not work.

* Concealer Brush

While not technically a foundation brush, a concealer brush is an important part of the foundation routine. Sometimes, applying just foundation is not enough; there is always that annoying blemish that decides to show up the day of an important event, or perhaps you tossed and turned all night and woke up with bags under your eyes that make you look tired.

# How To Apply Liquid Foundation With A Sponge

Makeup sponges are today’s tool of choice for many beauty gurus and makeup aficionados and you can find them in many different shapes, sizes, and colors, all with different purposes. A makeup sponge is, as the name suggests, a sponge that is used for applying, blending, and correcting everything from foundation to eyeshadow.

Makeup sponges have been around forever; you probably remember those white and pointy sponges that were meant to be used only once and thrown away and some people used them for quickly touching up or blending concealer.

* Using A Dry Sponge

If you have never used a makeup sponge before, damping it before applying foundation might sound a little weird; why would you want to thin out the product before applying it to your face? But the truth is that dabbing a dry sponge directly in the liquid foundation will do more harm than good.

* Not Washing Your Sponge

It sounds like a no-brainer, but it is actually very easy to forget that makeup tools need to be washed and cleaned not only to make them last longer, but also to avoid any mold or bacteria from growing. A dirty sponge can also leave residues on your foundation, making your makeup look less than perfect.

* Sweeping Instead Of Blotting

It is not necessary to drag your sponge across your face when you are applying foundation; when you sweep the sponge instead of pressing it lightly on your skin, you end up needing to do much more blending and you will probably have to use much more foundation.

* Only Wetting Your Sponge Once

Now that we have covered the importance of dampening your sponge before applying foundation, it is also important to mention that you should keep it damp throughout the whole application process.

# How To Apply Powder Foundation

Powder foundation is one of those polarizing makeup products that people either love or hate. Those who love it claim that pressed powder allows for an easier and quicker application and that it doesn’t require the amount of patience or skill that liquid or airbrush foundation does.

Those who are not fans of powder foundation feel like no matter how well you blend it, that you always end up with a cakey look that never really settles into your skin. But as with anything else regarding makeup, to use or not to use powder foundation depends on the type of look you are going for and your skin type.

Powder foundations are great for achieving a completely shine-free matte look that can look great for a formal event or if you are planning to have your picture taken (sometimes flashes can make us look too shiny and professional lights can make us sweaty and oily).