STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

luckylily · Gucci

foundation application ?

laken1 · Hermes

I use liquid sometimes - I usually put it on my fingertips, dot it all over my face, then spread it on with a sponge. I think the sponge gives you thinner / more even coverage. If I want it to look thicker i just use my fingers. But personally i don't like all that makeup on my fingers - yuck.

I've never tried a brush, but i'd love to hear about it from someone who does.

And really i don't find it's that much quicker the way i do it to use just fingers vs. a sponge if you are worried about time. I also hate the idea of dumping my costly foundation into a sponge, it seems like a waste!

Dizzy · Marc Jacobs

I dont' usually use foundation, but hen I do, a friend showed me that using a sponge and really patting it in gives a much better look. The makeup is more part of your skin, instead of just on your skin. Also, sometimes you ahve to pat on a couple layers. It sounds like a lot, but it actually looks more natural.

jj · Kate Spade

I use a brush, but I think it only works with solid, not liquid, foundation. I have the Trish McEvoy foundation brush and use it with a MAC foundation. It really does help you blend the foundation better.

Also, I learned to dampen a sponge first before using it with liquid foundation, because it prevents the sponge from absorbing the liquid and more goes on your face (instead of into the sponge).

hotcocoa · Kate Spade

i just started using a brush. when i had my makeup done a month or so ago the girl used a brush to apply tinted moisturizer (which is what i use instead of true foundation) and i asked her about the difference between using a brush, sponge or fingers. she said that it was mostly personal preference but that she thought the foundation stays put better with either a brush or sponge. i used to use my fingers but after that i bought a brush to try and i really like the results i am getting. i think the coverage is a little more polished with the brush and lighter when i use my fingers.

on another note, i don't think that using a brush takes that much longer than when i use my fingers. plus you either have to wash your hands or your brush afterwards so either option takes the same amount of time.

atlgirl · Gucci

I used to use a sponge - my skin is too oily for me to want to put my fingers on my face every time I apply foundation - and then I was introduced to the brush concept at Nordies...I love it (and I use liquid foundation).

Deuce · Dooney & Bourke

I usually use a sponge. I have used a brush on occasion and I think the results are about the same as a sponge, it just took me longer.Oh and I didn't like figuring out where to put the foundation to dip my brush in without wasting. I do wear foundation on most days to even out my skin tone but I like to use very little. I use a tint and apply it with a damp sponge. I have done this for years and love the result. I clean my sponges and throw them out regularly. I have found this gives me the lightest even coverage. I cannot use my fingers it just does not apply evenly and thinly enough for me. (could be my lack of patience and coordination)

luckylily · Gucci

Thanks everybody. I'm really intrigued by the brush idea, but I think I'm going to try a sponge first.