Fingers, makeup brushes, sponges—over the last few years, everyone has given their two bits on the best way to apply their makeup. While some choose to trust the warmth of their fingers to blend, others rely on tools for that seamless finish–especially when it comes to their foundation.
Among the tools too, the choices are endless—do you pick a soft and sturdy foundation brush or do you use a blender? It can get confusing. We asked two makeup artists to set the record straight and tell us…are makeup blenders better than makeup brushes? Read on to find out more about which tool you need in your makeup kit.
Makeup brushes vs makeup blenders
Makeup Brushes: The Pros
“Makeup brushes are far more useful in building coverage and yet blending beautifully, when it comes to your foundation,” says celebrity makeup artist, Ojas Rajani. “They can buff your foundation into the skin or can be used to layer it in so that you’re left with that natural effect.”
A preferred option for many makeup artists, makeup brushes are great for when you’re using a liquid foundation—it helps provide better coverage, especially if you’re looking for an airbrushed finish. “The coverage is thicker using a brush, but can be evened out using a buffer brush or buffing technique,” adds celebrity makeup artist, Bianca Louzado.
Makeup Brushes: The Cons
According to Rajani, one of the cons of using a brush to blend your foundation is that it could cause streaking, especially if not used correctly or cleaned properly. Secondly, depending on the quality of the brush, the bristles can prove to be a little harsh on the skin, which may not work for sensitive skin types.
Makeup Blenders: The Pros
Makeup blenders, too, offer a similar effect. They work beautifully to blend your foundation into the skin. They are soft and create that sheer, seamless and natural effect people gravitate towards these days. “I wouldn’t knock the blender as I am a daily user of the same,” Louzado says. “If used correctly, it blends the makeup really well and provides even coverage.”
Adding to this, Rajani says, “Blenders are great for acne-prone skin. They tend to hold the foundation better for that skin type, as a foundation brush may cause streaking.”
Makeup Blenders: The Cons
Rajani, however, warns that the downside to using a blender is that you can end up using more product as the sponge tends to absorb more instantly. There can be more wastage of your foundation—less is on the face and more within the sponge.
Another downside to using a blender is that it could develop mould far more easily than brushes. “This can be rather harmful for the skin and can result in infections,” adds Louzado. “Hence, blenders have to be changed more often than a makeup brush.”
Tips on using your foundation brushes effectively
Tip #1: Those with oily skin should use a round fluffy face brush to set the foundation and powder. This way, no form of oiliness will show.
Tip #2: For an even texture, use a soft bristle brush in a stippling technique. Use your brush gently with a soft motion and remember not to apply pressure or harsh or rigorous movements—this can flare up sensitive skin.
Tip #3: Those with open pores or problematic skin should use a soft, flat, stippling makeup brush in a patting technique when blending the foundation. Avoid going in circular motions, as you will not get buildable coverage.
Tips on using your makeup blender effectively
Tip #1: Always use a blender after soaking it in water and squeezing the water out. Dab a tissue to soak out the excess water, before blending your foundation.
Tip #2: A damp blender helps with techniques like stippling or baking, as the sponginess targets fine lines and open pores.
Tip #3: Remember to always use a tapping technique when blending with a sponge, for best effects.
Which one is better?
“It’s important to note that choosing face tools or makeup tools has nothing to do with skin type or texture or finish; it's the technique that matters when applying your foundation,” explains Rajani. The same makeup tools can be used across textured, problematic skin, as well as oily or dry skin.
According to Rajani, a foundation brush is way easier to use for the average consumer, as it makes blending easier. A makeup blender, on the other hand, if not used correctly, can make your makeup look patchy and uneven. It’s also important to note that while makeup brushes do need to be cleansed very often to prevent cross-contamination, the shelf life of a brush is definitely longer and its use is more hygienic than that of its sponge counterpart.
If you’re still confused between the two, Louzado recommends using a blender to bake the under eyes and your makeup brushes for blending the entire face—it’s a win-win.
