Applying foundation is tricky for both beginners as well as experts. Not owning the right tools and not knowing the right techniques often lead to a blotchy, caked up face. Avoid those makeup disasters by learning how to ace your base using simple tools that will ensure you cover up every nook and cranny! A good foundation brush can do the job and the best part is you don’t need many. Each brush has multiple uses; pick what works best for you.
1. Makeup Sponges – Miracle Blenders
There’s a plethora of make up sponges available in the market; one for every budget. Not all of these may work out for you. You’d usually end up buying a few before finding one that actually delivers results. We recommend investing in the cult favorite – a beauty blender! This little makeup staple gives your skin an airbrushed finish almost instantly.
How to Use: Wet it until the sponge expands in size then squeeze to drain out the excess water. Mildly towel dry the sponge until it is about 80% dry. Dot some foundation directly onto your face (this ensures lesser product absorption into the sponge) and dab into your skin with a gentle rolling or patting motion until you have your most flawless fabulous face forward! You can use the sponge to apply cream foundations, cream blushes and even to blend concealers and powders.
POPxo Recommends: The Original Beauty Blender (Rs 2,128) Real Techniques 2 Pack Miracle Complexion Sponge (Rs 1,149).
2. The Masterclass Brush – For All-Round Flawlessness
These little players are the newest collection of makeup brushes to join the Ivy league! According to MAC, this brush is ideal for blending and contouring, applying blush, foundation or powder. The brush comes with a long handle much like a toothbrush. Indulge in one of these babies and you are sure to be at the top of your base game.
How to Use: Simply dot some foundation on your skin and buff using the M.A.C masterclass foundation brush. It feels a bit awkward at first, but once you see the finish that this brush provides it is going to turn into your best friend. The finished look is natural, airbrushed and flawless.
POPxo Recommends: Oval 6 Brush (Rs 2,761).
3. Buffing Brush – For Those Perfect Selfies
For a photo ready airbrushed finish, a buffing brush is your best friend. It is essentially a dense brush with a firm flat top. The flat top results in even, streak-free coverage. The buffing brush ensures effortless application of all loose powders, mousse, cream or liquid foundation. The end result is a perfectly natural looking base.
How To Use: You could dip it directly into your foundation, or dot it on your face and buff in small circular motions. Make sure to buff in the direction of your hair growth in areas where you may have facial hair.
POPxo Recommends: Real Techniques Core Collection Set (Rs 1,349), Ecotools Buffing Brush (Rs 1,223).
4. Stippling Brush – For The Natural Look
Stippling brushes have two-toned bristles: a black base with white bristles at the top. This brush can be used for foundations, cream blushes and bronzers.
How To Use: Dip it into some foundation ensuring you get product onto the white part of the bristles only. To stipple is to dot; basically pressing the bristles of the brush into your skin. Lightly pat the brush onto your skin as if you’re dotting the product on. Once you’ve dotted enough product, lightly swirl the brush in small circles to blend in the foundation. There you have it. A flawless finish that looks completely natural. The stippling brush gets the foundation into the skin leaving you with a very natural ‘skin like’ finish. To finish off, use a finishing brush in small circular motions to blend out any uneven patches.
POPxo Recommends: Real Techniques Stippling Brush (Rs 1,176.50)
5. Foundation Brush – For Pro Application
One of the oldest and most popular methods to apply foundation among makeup artists remains the flat foundation brush. Look for a foundation brush with soft synthetic bristles that won’t absorb too much product or leave streaks on the skin.
How To Use: Using this brush is much like painting, simply dip the brush into some foundation and begin your masterpiece! Make sure to apply your foundation in downward strokes (in the direction of the hair growth). Start applying from the center of the face so that you can blend outwards. Gently pat the brush onto your skin until the product is well absorbed. Make sure there are no streaks in your application by going over your face with your fingers.
POPxo Recommends: Real Techniques Foundation Brush (Rs 1,480)
6. Fan Brush – To Get That Glow
A fan brush is used to apply blush and highlighter. Exactly as the name suggests, the soft and flat bristles resemble a fan with bristles extending outwards.
How To Use: This brush is the ideal tool for gently sweeping on highlighter or bronzing powder for that soft-focus effect. You can even use it to dust away any excess product or redistribute powders without disrupting the rest of your makeup. It gives a sheer, natural finish.
POPxo Recommends: Ecotools Deluxe Fan Brush (Rs 1,317.50)
7. Kabuki Brush – For Those Finishing Touches
A Kabuki brush is much like a buffing brush, only larger and denser. It has a relatively short stem and dense bristles that ark into a dome shape. This brush is ideal for applying bronzers, powders, shimmers and blushers. It’s two main uses in your beauty kit are for applying finishing powder and for blending your entire makeup to create a softer, seamless airbrushed face.
How To Use: Lightly swirl into your pressed or loose powder and buff into your skin. Alternatively, to create a softer look, apply your foundation concealer, blusher and powder. Once you have your entire makeup on, use the kabuki brush with very little powder (pressed/loose) and buff into your skin until you see the entire makeup blending together. Contrary to popular belief, this method does NOT wipe off all your make up, but blends all of your products into a soft, natural looking base.
POPxo Recommends: Natio Kabuki Brush (Rs 775)
8. Powder Brush – To Prevent That Caked Effect
A powder brush is a big fluffy brush with domed soft bristles. Its main use is to apply pressed or loose powders into the skin.
How To Use: Simply tap into the product, dust off the excess and gently swirl over your skin.
POPxo Recommends: Real Techniques Powder Brush (Rs 1,506), Sigma Large Powder Brush (Rs 3,341)
Note: Don’t forget to cleanse and moisturize before you begin to apply your base. And remember, it is important to clean your makeup brushes at least once every week to keep zits away!
Images: Shutterstock
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