In makeup, there is a flurry of foundation options to choose from. But when it comes to applying said foundation on our skin, the perennial debate of which method of application suits us best still exists. Though it’s been a controversial issue that’s been circling amongst the beauty community, it’s safe to say that we still have our own preferred way dabbing our foundations on our skin — be it with a foundation brush, a beauty blender or even with just our fingers.

We know, we try to keep our skincare game aggressively on point but for some of us, we can’t help but reach out for our favourite foundations every now and then to save our dull complexion or even to conceal our flaws. Even as a beauty writer, I find myself switching in between all three — and only for the fact that these methods of applications actually do make a difference to your look.

So if you’re still unsure of what works best for your desired complexion, then fret not. Ahead, we’re delving in on the different types of makeup applications that you need to know, from an airbrushed look to a naturally undetectable finish.

BRUSHES 

Love an airbrushed look? Some love it, others hate it. Though at times we’re more likely to favour a natural base, we can’t help but switch up our options for a more polished complexion — especially when we’re going for a big night out where full coverage is our best friend. The most ideal option in this case: brushes. Foundation brushes have long been a part of (almost) everyone’s beauty routine and for good reason. It’s one of the fastest ways to apply foundation, giving it an even airbrushed finish while also ensuring great, even coverage!

But take note, when it comes to applying it with a brush, it’s key to make sure that you’re using a brush that’s made for the application of foundation. Reason being: not using the right brushes may result in little streaks and lines on your face — making it look less natural than blending and distributing it out with a beauty blender or even your fingers.

Some of the foundation brushes that you can try include:

Fenty Beauty Kabuki Buff Foundation Brush 115, $54

Too Faced Mr. Perfect Foundation Brush, $55

Shiseido Hasu Fude Foundation Brush, $55

Tarte Aquaflash Foundation Brush, $40

Samshbox Stippling Foundation Brush, $55

Natasha Denona No 19 Small Foundation Brush, $48

Cover FX Liquid Foundation Brush, $59

M.A.C Cosmetics 190 Foundation Brush, $71

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush, $76

Tarte Airbuki Bamboo Powder Foundation Brush, $43

1. Fenty Beauty Kabuki Buff Foundation Brush 115, $54. Available at Sephora.
2. Too Faced Mr. Perfect Foundation Brush, $55. Available at Sephora.
3. Tarte Aquaflash Foundation Brush, $40. Available at Sephora.
4. Shiseido Hasu Fude Foundation Brush, $55. Available at Sephora.
5. Smashbox Stippling Foundation Brush, $55. Available at Sephora.
6. Natasha Denona No 19 Small Foundation Brush, $48. Available at Sephora.
7. Cover FX Liquid Foundation Brush, $59. Available at Sephora.
8. M.A.C Cosmetics 190 Foundation Brush, $71. Available at Sephora.
9. Tarte Airbuki Bamboo Powder Foundation Brush, $43. Available at Sephora.
10. Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Brush, $76. Available at Sephora.

SPONGES

Haven’t got a beautyblender in your beauty arsenal just yet? We suggest you head out to the nearest Sephora and cop one stat! We can’t live without a beautyblender and if you already own one, then you’d understand our mild panic when it’s missing from our beauty pouch. We all have our own products in our regime that we can’t live without and a sponge, has got to be, not trying to be dramatic, one of the top products that we simply can’t live without.

One of the most common mistakes that we find amongst the beauty community is how people fail to dampen their sponges before use — without doing so, your foundation might just appear patchy and uneven. After dampening your sponge, follow through by adding a few drops of foundation over the main points of your face like your forehead, chin and cheeks, before stippling your sponge all over your face, blending it outwards for a finish that’s seamlessly flawless and natural.

Some of the beauty sponges that you can try include:

1. Beautyblender® Original, $32. Available at SEPHORA.
2. Huda Beauty The Basic B Straight Edge Sponge Applicator, $26. Available at SEPHORA.
3. brushworks HD Wonder Complexion Makeup Sponge (set of 2), $16.50. Available at LOOKFANTASTIC.
4. Fenty Beauty Precision Makeup Sponge 100, $26. Available at SEPHORA.
5. Tarte Foundcealer™ Sponge, $25. Available at SEPHORA.
6. Sigma Beauty 3DHD Blender, $25. Available at SEPHORA.
7. So Eco Complexion Sponge, $11. Available at LOOKFANTASTIC.
8. EcoTools Total Perfecting Blender, $11. Available at LOOKFANTASTIC.
9. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, $11. Available at LOOKFANTASTIC.

FINGERS

At times, we’re faced with a situation where we’re literally empty-handed — no brushes, no sponges, nothing. So what else do we apply our foundations with, you might ask? We’re bringing it back to the basics — our fingers. Though it is important to keep in mind that we wash our hands before touching our faces — because, duh, hygiene first — applying products with your fingers also gives you a natural skin-like finish. This is mainly because you’re using the warmth of your hands to melt everything, covering even the crevices of your face.

In summary, there are different ways of applying foundation but ultimately, it all lies in the type of finishes you’d much prefer. Besides, you can have a blend of all three if you’d like a more customised look!