This week’s Bionic Asks… How do you apply your foundation?
Personally I still use my Beauty Blender sponge daily for my mineral makeup base. I make sure my Blender is a bit damp, then tap some minerals into my saucer and bounce the sponge into that.
If I’m doing a finish coat (like Purely Cosmetics’ Diamond Finish Powder or PRIIA’s Skin Enhancer), then I’ll use a dual layer “fiber optic” brush. It helps keep things light and airy for the top coat.
Do you use a brush, your fingers, a sponge, or other tool to apply your face makeup?
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{ 34 comments… read them below or add one }
I use my fingers if it is liquid and a small face brush for minerals. As I have said before though, I don’t use very much foundation bc I can’t find the “ONE” for me.
Stacy, I’m SO sending you a sample of my Purely Cosmetics mineral foundation when I ship your charity auction package. I can’t wait to hear what you think of it. I think you’re similar in skin tone to me (judging from your picture). It probably won’t be a perfect match, but you’ll be able to see if you like the formula.
Jami
Fingers for liquid… mainly because I keep forgetting to get more sponges. But it’s no big because I use tinted moisturizer.
Kabuki brush for minerals… I just LOVE the feel of that kabuki brush.
Which Kabuki do you use Nen? And which Tinted Moisturizer are you using these days? I’m still on the Sonia Kashuk one at Target, but I’m open to suggestions as always.
I use a brush to apply most any makeup. However, sometimes fingers just work better. I don’t wear alot of makeup on my face though, I would say once a month or so. I would like to, but finding the right mineral makeup that isn’t cruddy has been hard.
Jessica, It’s a long hard search, isn’t it? I looked for years before I started Bionic Beauty for the right mineral makeup. Heck, I would’ve settled for the “right” of any makeup. So many are packed full of unneccessary products, perfumes, and breakout-causing ingredients that it’s scary. I finally found my favorite after I gave up my search and was just wearing tinted moisturizer and a dot or 2 of concealer.
I hope you find your favorite soon! Have you looked at PRIIA Cosmetics and Purely Cosmetics? Those are my favorites after having tried over 50 mineral brands.
I will try those brand out for sure! I have tried several others who claim to be mineral makeup, but somehow they never live up to my expectations.
Hmm, I never knew that a makeup sponge would work with mineral makeup. I’ve always used brushes for my mineral powders. I’ll have to try that out. Thanks for the idea!
No problem Tashi! I’d love to hear how it works for you! You can also apply minerals using a damp brush. Similar to using a damp brush for your eyeshadows. I have a small spritzer bottle with spring water- 1 mist to the brush and then a swirl of minerals, and you’re good to go.
Hey, thanks! Now, tell us, are you *really* my favorite makeup artist, Mally Roncal? LOL You sure know a lot, sister.
I’ll let you know how those tips work for me.
That’s me. I’m undercover. Shh… don’t tell anyone. Ha ha! I wish I was Mally! She’s a talented makeup artist, has a great income, and has superb skin!
I use my mineral make up brush. I dont use foundation or concealer. I love brushes! I use MAC ones.
You lucky girl! MAC brushes are verrrrrry nice! I have some artist brushes that I adore, and others from random brands. I weed out the non-performers, wash them and donate them to charities or friends. Only the best make my little “daily use” jar. ha ha!
I swear by my flat top foundation brush. I know a lot of others use kabukis for powdered foundation, and yes, the Beauty Blender is popular as well. Here’s another one that works well that can be used for loose powder OR liquid (and no worries about remembering to get more sponges): Puff Jar. I really should stop calling it a travel jar; I brought in a different one than the one I started with that has not only a higher quality sponge, but the jar is waaaay bigger!
I use my fingers to apply my Real Purity Health Glo foundation (my favorite!) Fingers blend it so well….but I also have a foundation brush to use when I don’t want to use fingers. When I use mineral powder, I use my Urban Decay large brush that I have had for ages.
Like Robyn, I swear by my Flat Top foundation brush for loose mineral application. I feel it gives a more precise application and there’s less fly away product as compared to when using a bigger, fluffier brush.
Kelly, EXACTLY! That’s why I don’t use the Kabuki’s much anymore either. Plus the bristles are so long, I feel you waste quite a bit of product too. Excellent points, thank you for sharing!
I use a brush for minerals, and use my fingers for liquid foundations.
Does the mineral have better coverage if you apply it with a damp sponge? That is the first time I have heard that but I need all the coverage I can get!
Devon, As for the damp sponge technique- I use it because it seems to cover my under-eye circles and bit of melasma better. Plus it’s much easier (for me) to layer without getting the powdery look. I’d say try it. Pick up some of the cheapy cosmetic wedges at your local drugstore- dampen them, squeeze well, then dot into your minerals. I tap mine into a plant saucer for easier application (most lids are too small for me to efficiently work from). There’s a full video on my Beauty Blender article (link is above) on how to apply with a sponge- just follow those same principles. Let me know how it works for you!
I use my free baby buki brush and sephora bare minerals matte 10-day samples currently. My brush is soooo soft! Every time I pass a sephora or ulta store I pick up another sample, I have about 7 samples now which means 7 baby buki brushes! Every time one gets old I will have plenty of back-ups! I love the bare minerals but I can’t see myself spending $28 or so on it, so the samples should last me a couple months if I’m conservative!
Victoria, How are the BE minerals working for you? I tried them for about a month during their last free sample run and ended up breaking out, redness and the itchies from all the bismuth they add. It didn’t go well for me. But I have very picky skin. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
And you’re right- for $28 you could get a much better quality (with true minerals in it) product and probably get at least 2 jars and an eyeshadow.
They’ve been working great! I don’t really have anything to cover-up with it, so it just makes my face a little smoother/cleaner looking. I haven’t had any reactions from it, so I guess I’ll continue to use it. The main reason I got the freebie was for the kabuki brushes, they are sooooo soft and I love them!
I’m so happy for you Victoria! I wish my skin wasn’t so darn sensitive. Grrr… You’re lucky!
P.s.. Any idea when there are going to be more aucttions I LOVE THEM
Devon, I *may* be holding some in October to raise money for a cure for Breast Cancer. If not, then I’ll definitely have quite a few more by the end of the year.
Stay tuned! And I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed them. Did you get your package yet?
Yes I got my package and I have to say I love the little extra touches that you took with the note and cute colored paper. Also love the products and I agree with you totally, the Split end Spa is awesome! I will for sure be bidding on more auctions!
Also thank you sooo much for the wet sponge idea it worked like a dream and it did help me to layer without caking! Love all the advice you give and thanks so much for the Twilight mag info. I got it and of course love it!
Glad you liked the note and stuff! I tried to make it fun for you.
I’m SO happy to hear you liked Split End Spa as well. I had a friend try mine the other day and I had to wrestle it back from her. HA!
That’s exactly why I use the damp sponge to apply. It’s so much more even, better coverage without sinking into the pores and building up into a cakey mess. It’s perfect!
Oh…. and of course, I’m glad you got the Twilight mag. isn’t it fun?!?
I only use liquid foundation and use my fingers to apply it.
Hi Amanda, I still do that too. Especially for a quick go-to if I’m hurrying out the door and just need to hit my “cover” spots. If I have the time, I whip out my Sonia Kashuk sponges, the regular cosmetic wedge sponges or my Beauty Blender. I use all those damp though. I seem to get better coverage that way, and less noticeable coverage. Meaning it doesn’t look as makeupy (with mineral makeup anyhow) if I apply them damp, rather than dry. But that’s why I love hearing from ALL you ladies! There’s so much to explore in the beauty world… and one solution certainly isn’t right for everyone!
Cheers,
Jami
I’m so excited to try the Beauty Blender with my Everyday Minerals–which I love, btw…I used Jane Iredale for FIVE years, but it’s too expensive and I found out it has bismuth in it, which supposedly causes cystic acne. Yucky. Everyday Minerals, I’m finding, have really nice coverage and layer nicely, don’t have bismuth, and are so inexpensive…over three times cheaper than Jane Iredale. But I digress…
I never even thought of using the BB with powdered minerals. Thanks for posting this!
Hi Joey, Glad you are liking Everyday Minerals. I used them for about a year as well. They certainly are much better than the “bigger” brands. Other brands you could check out are Purely Cosmetics & PRIIA Cosmetics. I love both of them (and don’t get any money off recommending them… i honestly just use them both daily!).
Please write back with your results on the BB with your Everyday Minerals. I can’t wait to hear your personal results!! And by the way, Welcome to Bionic Beauty.
All the best,
Jami (aka Bionic Beauty)
does the beauty blender sponge work well with a cream foundation? thanks any info. Shirley
Hi Shirley, First off- welcome to Bionic Beauty!
The Beauty Blender is FABULOUS for cream & liquid foundations, blushes, concealers and even eyeshadow. I use it with my Tinted Moisturizer, pan makeups, mineral powder makeups…. just about any formula. The key is to dampen your sponge before dipping into any kind of makeup. It makes the sponge swell up, become softer, and helps it not absorb (and hence, waste) your makeup and place more of it onto your face.
Let me know if you have any questions. I’m happy to help!
All the best,
Jami (aka ‘Bionic Beauty’)