OR
After working in beauty retail for many years this question plagued most customers: "Should I use my hands or a makeup brush for applying my makeup?." So here are some pros and cons:
Makeup Brush Pros:
- Applying foundation with a makeup brush means a more feathered and even finish.
- If the brushes are clean there is less transferal of bacteria to your face (less break-outs).
- There are many different types of brushes so you can always find one small enough/big enough/fluffy enough for each job.
- Makeup brushes, if cared for, can last for years and years!
- Once you are used to them your foundation application seems to take seconds.
Makeup Brush Cons:
- They need to be cleaned.
- They take a little getting used to at the start.
- Storing them in your makeup bag without a brush cover can be messy if they have not been cleaned first.
- There are so many different types to choose from.
Hands pros:
- Some people find that using their hands to apply foundation is quicker and less hassle.
- There is less of a clean up after applying foundation.
Hands Cons:
- If you don't wash your hands before applying foundation to your skin the oils and bacteria from your hand will be transferred to your face (break-outs).
- It's harder to make sure that foundation is blended properly especially around your jaw line and near your ears. (Mask effect).
- Fingers are in no way suitable for applying powders such as eyeshadow. The oils from your fingers seep into the power and form a layer on top. Over time the powder will form a crust and you wont be able to use it anymore!
What about sponges?
In my experience I have found that if the sponges aren't regularly replaced they harvest A LOT of bacteria. So in the long run sponges are more costly than an investment in a good quality makeup brush (if washed and cared for). Sponges also have a habit of absorbing a lot of foundation, not only meaning that you lose a percentage of the bottle before you even get in to your face, but the application may not be as smooth as intended (heavy and caked).
ONE MORE TIP: Next time you put your powder sponge back into your powder, put the sponge upside-down i.e the part that touched your skin facing upwards. WHY?: The sponge will absorb oils from your skin and replacing it on top of the powder face down will transfer those oils into the powder. This tip will make your powders last longer and with less bacteria!
To find a professional Mobile Make-up Artist in
Dublin | Galway | Cork | Limerick
