Real talk: Using your fingers won’t give you the long-lasting makeup finish you’re looking for. Learning how to apply foundation with a sponge can really take your success to the next level. And when we say sponge, we’re not talking about those flimsy sponges you might find in makeup compacts. A well-structured, thickened makeup sponge or powder puff – these are true gamechangers.
“What I particularly like about sponges is that they let me work with very thin layers, soften the transitions between areas with more and less coverage, and gently lift off excess product without disturbing the rest of the makeup,” she says. Christian BrisenoA celebrity makeup artist based in New York City. It’s formulation of lightweight layers gives you a long-lasting finish that won’t fade or crack by the end of the day. Read on to learn more about how to apply foundation with a sponge. Spoiler alert: This could change the way you do makeup forever.
What is a makeup sponge?
This may not be a surprise to anyone, a makeup sponge is a sponge that is used to (gasp!) apply makeup. “A makeup sponge is one of those simple tools that can completely change the way foundation looks on the skin,” says tim quinnA celebrity makeup artist in New York City. They say it helps blend and soften makeup for a more natural, seamless finish. Word to the wise: A sponge will give you a more natural finish rather than full-coverage, which can look cakey over time. “I’ve always believed that the most beautiful foundation is the foundation you barely notice,” he says, “and a sponge can help you get there.”
Is it better to apply foundation with a wet or dry sponge?
A moist Makeup sponges are a good choice when using with foundation. “Not wet, just a little wet. I like to wet it, squeeze out the excess water, and then squeeze it out again in a clean towel,” says Quinn. All the artists we spoke to said to avoid dry sponges at all costs, as they can cause makeup to look smudged or flaky. “A dry sponge can be useful for more concentrated coverage, but it won’t give you the same soft, filtered finish as a damp sponge,” says Quinn.
Not sure how to actually use the squishy tool? We’ve got you covered: Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply foundation with a sponge.
Step 1: Apply foundation to the back of your hand.
To start, Quinn recommends putting a few drops of foundation on the back of your hand. “This allows you to control how much product you’re using instead of applying it directly to the face,” he says. As far as formula goes, you can’t go wrong with a long-wear option that contains good-for-your-skin ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide that hydrate and gently soothe redness and discoloration. We recommend choosing a liquid formula as it will match best with sponges (ie, stay away from sticks).