A flawless base is the key to applying good makeup. While you can definitely get that smooth flawless foundation base with brushes or fingers. But makeup sponges are my new favorite for many reasons. You might have nailed the perfect eyeliner stroke, your lips look subtle and glossy, and you’ve got the perfect pout but if your makeup is patchy and cakey, it ruins everything. That’s why applying a foundation base with a makeup sponge can be a game-changer.
Applying foundation with brushes takes a lot of practice. You might end up with streaks and a lot of foundation waste. Also, while brush bristles might seem soft, in my opinion, they feel a bit harsher on my sensitive skin compared to a makeup sponge.
I have personally mastered doing flawless makeup after struggling through so many fails. I know firsthand how important it is to have a flawless base. A makeup foundation that stays on all day, not overdone in one area and barely there in another is a struggle.
What is a makeup sponge used for?
As many of you know, makeup sponges are used to apply cream and liquid foundation to the face. They’re soft and shaped like an egg with a pointed end. Sponges can be made from different materials, the most common being polyurethane foam. This type of foam is soft and bounces on the skin perfectly to create a smooth finish.
A bouncy makeup sponge helps you apply foundation using a dabbing motion, making sure there are no streaks left behind and giving an even finish.
There are also latex sponges available. If you have a latex allergy, make sure you know the type of your sponge. You might be blaming your good moisturizer for it when it could be due to the latex makeup sponge you’re using.
What are the benefits?
Besides giving you a good, flawless base, less waste of your foundation, and buildable coverage, a makeup sponge has other benefits as well. They’re so convenient and gentle on the skin.
There are days when my skin’s not doing so great, and I want to cover my blemishes, any active acne, or the redness showing on my face. Those are the times when I don’t want to touch my face with my fingers or irritate my skin with brush bristles. So a makeup sponge comes in handy and saves the day.
The pointed end of a makeup sponge is perfect for areas like your under eyes and the sides of your nose. These areas are often neglected or not done properly.
I used to apply my foundation with my fingers, and I wouldn’t perfectly or evenly cover my under eyes since they’re sensitive and I didn’t want to touch them too much to blend in the foundation. That’s no longer an issue when using a sponge.
Do you use a makeup sponge wet or dry?
A makeup sponge is used damp on the skin. If your sponge is damp, it’s less likely to absorb your pricey foundation and gives you a flawless blend of the makeup. On the other hand, if your sponge is dry, it’ll absorb more foundation and give you a cakey base.
I have tried using both, and trust me, the difference is so real. With a wet makeup sponge, the final base is way smoother. I run my sponge under water, squeeze out the excess water, and bounce it lightly on a cotton towel so it’s damp but not wet.
How to clean a makeup sponge?
I came across this video on TikTok, and, before that, I had been cleaning my sponges the same way most of us do, put some dishwashing gel on it and squeeze. But then I saw a creator who filled a bowl with boiling water, added a few drops of olive oil and some dishwashing liquid. Ever since, I’ve been using this method to clean my makeup sponges. The reason this works so well is that olive oil breaks down and dissolves oil-based makeup like concealer and foundation.
Do you put foundation directly on a makeup sponge?
The right way is to put foundation directly on a makeup sponge so you know how much foundation you’re using. I feel this way you have more control over the amount. Sure, you can put the same amount directly on your face, but the distribution across the face gets a bit messy for me.
So I always prefer putting foundation directly on my damp sponge and then dabbing it all over my face and neck.
Conclusion
If you want your makeup to be flawless, streak-free, and without a cakey finish, I recommend using a makeup sponge for your foundation. They are gentle on the skin and can be used on reactive, inflamed skin by using a dabbing motion.
Make sure to follow the right method: use a damp sponge, put just the right amount of foundation on it, and gently dab all over. Use the pointed tip of your makeup sponge for the under-eye area and around the nose.
The type of sponge you use makes a difference in the application. I suggest getting yourself a latex-free beauty sponge, and you’re on your way to achieving the perfect porcelain base makeup look.
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