Foundation Brush VS Make Up Sponge

Foundation Brush VS Make Up Sponge

Now girlies, have you ever wondered if buying a foundation brush is better than a make up sponge?

Well, there are many pros and cons with using both, but the main reason for using different tools is to get the desired effect you are after!

You have to assess what you are trying to achieve, taking a look at your complexion and the final finish to your look. In my case, I have the awkward T-Zone issue whereby my forehead, nose and chin get oily in a matter of  4-5 hours after applying it.

I look for a product and the best method to get a matte look!

The main things you need to look out for, is setting up the routine, not so much the type of sponge you’re buying.

You will need to wet the sponge by running it under the water for about 10-15 seconds, whilst squeezing out the excess during and once after. And voila, you will have a damp sponge!

Apply your foundation to it, or to your face, whichever you prefer and begin to gently dot your face. Don’t insist on swiping it , because it will leave your foundation uneven, with some areas more covered than others.

Next step is to let it dry, before setting your powder on top of it. I tend to use a scrap of paper to just fan my face or get on with other housework in the morning. This helps with your powder to gently rest on top of your make up, instead of the powder having to dry your foundation before completing it’s final finish. The job of the powder is to set the makeup, not dry it.

So depending how damp the sponge is, and how much foundation you have applied, you will need to fan for longer until it is set!

You’ll have a matte and medium coverage look with this method. I prefer having a fuller coverage for more important events, or over the weekend. I don’t tend to play with my makeup so much throughout the weekdays.

Using a foundation brush is a bit simpler, because no damping is involved, and it’s more about the brush strokes you do. Both have a similar effect, but the key difference for me is using a brush doesn’t keep my makeup matte for the day. I find it gets oily quicker. I also feel that I use more foundation on my face with this technique because sometimes the foundation dries so quickly using a brush, leaving stroke marks on my face. This ends with me putting on more make up to cover it up, and in turn gets me more oiler! (Never ending battle).

So all in all, I think using a sponge is actually easier for beginners, because the foundation can be spread and added as required. It seems with a brush, it’s the end of and you will have to adjust and correct your mistakes with it. And as I said earlier, for me, it’s about keeping my face fresh and touch up free… So it’ll always be the sponge for me until the next method comes along that I need to test out!

– Jeanie xoxo

 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

For some people, their face type can be dry, sensitive or just oily all around. Well, I am the last category. I have the well known T-zone situation going on everyday so I need something that can last me all day, and not require me to powder my face every bathroom break.

I was introduced to this when my family took a trip to Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. They have a small cosmetic store (along with fab discounted prices) that included plenty of brand names, like MAC, Bobbi Brown and Smash Box. I was running low on my usual foundation MaxFactor, and wanted to try something new.

A lady was kind enough to tell me about their Estee Lauder range, describing the properties, appearance and consistency of the product and we did a colour match before I purchased my first bottle.

I haven’t looked back since.

My face appears to be smoother, giving me a full coverage without using too much of the foundation. The best thing is I don’t have to powder my face ONCE through the working day (the usual 9-5), and my face is still looking flawless and on point.

I only get slight oil on my nose, but my face is ready to go on to the evening. The foundation also works well as a primer for your eyeshadows. The colours glide on effortlessly and do not crease, another plus in my book.

Overall, this magical wonder beats the MAC foundation in my opinion, simply because it does not oil like the rest throughout the day. My main objectives was to find something that produced a oil free palette and gave me the coverage I wanted. This product delivered.

LITTLE NOTE: If you do not want the full glam look, you can use the foundation sparingly and it creates a natural finish to your everyday wear. Versatile indeed.

– Jeanie