I now have a bonafide foundation collection, and each foundation has been tested to determine my preferred method of application. Funnily enough, most of my foundations work best with different application methods, which makes me glad I have such a selection! I'm also including (what I hope is) a bonus for you guys; a comparison between the Real Techniques Stippling Brush and Core Collection Buffing Brush. But that's not until the end. Please stick around and let me know if you like the same application methods as I do!
EcoTools Bamboo Bronzer Brush $10
I like this with loose or pressed powder foundations (or whenever you want more coverage from a powder - this packs it on pretty densely) i.e. Bare Escentuals in Light $28 (not pictured) or e.l.f. Mineral Foundation in Light $5 Please note: Some won't like the super-thick base of this brush as it can't fit in a brush cup.
Combo = $15 to $38
e.l.f. Studio Flat-Top Powder Brush $3
I prefer this with sheer, watery liquid foundations, like my Jemma Kidd Light as Air, $38 on Beauty.com
Combo = $41
Sephora Pro Foundation Airbrush #55 $34
I prefer this with my Chanel Perfection Lumiere $55 (light-weight, medium coverage)... both are priciest in my collection! This is my go-to when it's a special occasion but I won't be photographed. This just doesn't photograph well on me (full review here).
Combo = $89
Beauty Blender Sponge $20 (but I always buy it in value-packs)
I like this best with medium-weight, full-coverage liquid foundations like my Bourjois Healthy Mix, $12 from ASOS.com when I bought it - this is my go-to for special occasions at which I can expect to be photographed because it covers well and doesn't cause much flashback. I also love the beauty blender with my Boscia BB Cream, $38, which isn't the usual BB Cream texture (it's more light and gel-like).
Combo = $32 to $58
Real Techniques Stippling Brush $10
I adore this with my L'oreal Magic Smooth Souffle Foundation $15 (an airy mousse). This is my HG, everyday combo and by far my favorite. It blends the easiest and quickest of all these combos! I must admit, though, that the stippling brush takes a bit longer to blend liquid foundations because they'll go on streaky at first. Not a problem with this mousse foundation at all :)
Combo = $25
Fingers -
BB Creams (i.e. Missha M Perfect BB Cream No. 23 $12.99 for 20mL from iMomoko.com, not pictured), Tinted Moisturizers (Origins Vitazing $35, Stila Sheer Color Tinted in Medium SPF 20 $34, not pictured), L'oreal True Match Foundation $10 (light coverage with a heavier, lotion-like consistency)
Now, the moment of truth - because I TOTALLY lied. I claimed earlier I was going to compare the Real Techniques Stippling Brush with the Core Collection Buffing Brush, but the honest truth is that they don't compare at all. The Core Collection Buffing Brush is more densely packed than the Stippling Brush, and I noticed a similar finish to the E.L.F. Flat-top Powder Brush when I tried it out with all my foundations.
Obviously, they don't look alike, but they offer the same finish and work best with sheerer liquid foundations. They don't leave streaks as much as the Real Techniqes Stippling Brush so if buffing in a sheer liquid foundation is your thing, either of these will be great for you! Seeing as the Core Collection Buffing Brush is smaller than the E.L.F. Powder Brush, it might be better for people who want to feel as though they have a bit more control over where the foundation goes (but the E.L.F. brush is $15 cheaper than the Core Collection kit and buffs in your foundation more quickly. Things to consider).
I hope you found this interesting and helpful!
<3
Sarah S.
I've never had luck with stippling brushes, but I've been dying to try Real Techniques brushes! I think I might try some eye ones or something.
ReplyDeleteI also need to try the l'oreal smooth mousse foundation because I remember seeing it in one of your posts before and it looked AWESOME on you!
That Chanel foundation and brush make such a pretty, fancy picture :) x
I'm pretty happy with their eye brushes so far :) I love that L'oreal MSS foundation <3 majorly heart it. It does the imperfection-blurring thing while still being matte-finish. Definitely needs primer and powder, though.
DeleteWhat a great informative post! I absolutely love that EcoTools Bamboo Bronzer brush. I've never taken a close look at that Sephora Professional brush, but it looks really nice/different from other foundation brushes I've used in the past. Thanks for the comparison! :)
ReplyDeleteThe #55 is relatively pricey but sooo soft :) Blends nicely, too
DeleteLove this post. I've never reallt thought about the different things I use to apply foundation. I usually blend it in with my fingers or use a stippling brush.
ReplyDeletex
Thanks, Nazia :) I don't test foundations often but when I do I really run them through the gamut. When I spend more than $15 on a new base and find it disappointing, I just want to find a way to make it work and the application method can make all the difference!
ReplyDeleteI do the same thing with my foundations, I always apply them differently. My friend, who likes makeup but doesn't wear foundation, thinks it is so odd to apply them differently. I find that BB creams apply better with my fingers or a small brush (like the 109)and thicker foundation with my beauty blender. I also love the ELF powder brush for my BB creams or powder :D
ReplyDeleteAgree! BB creams are thick so it would feel like trowelling with a traditional (flat) brush. The warmth of your hands helps thicker makeups set into the skin, I guess, while the waterier ones just seem to get into my fingerprints if I use my hands, heh.
DeleteSuch a great post!! I really want to try the Bourjois Healthy Mix, but I can't find it anywhere :'(
ReplyDeleteHi Amy, and thanks :D ASOS often has sales if you don't mind ordering online. I have 52 Vanille and I'm NC25 in MAC, if that helps.
DeleteOh, wow, great post dear :)
ReplyDeleteDef insightful- Id never thought about applying foundation with a brush.
ReplyDeleteTalking on foundations, this weekend I tried the one by Tom Ford and I think it will be my next one!!
Hi Paola, what foundation do you currently use? Do let us know when you've got it on in a photo :)
DeleteI don't wear foundation on a daily basis but I always apply liquid, mousse and cream foundation with a stippling brush but when I was at Make Up For Ever HD seminar, the MUA demonstrated how to use a kabuki and it looked awesome!
ReplyDeleteHey Gaby, I definitely skip it whenever I can get away with just a tinted moisturizer! But unfortunately that's not all that often ;) I'd love to have a MUA do my makeup in front of a mirror so I can really feel "trained" - when I've had my makeup done at counters they either use their hands or a sponge or just plain suck at applying it. Videos are only okay because I can't tell the level of pressure on the brush.
DeleteI don't use foundations but I do find it interesting how different applications achieve different applications. I only use BB creams these days and I find the bet tool are my fingers lol. I have never used stippling brushes for foundation - just for blush actually.
ReplyDeleteI would stick to BB creams, too, if more decent ones were easily available to try here and I had lovely skin like you :) I also prefer to apply real BB creams with my fingers, but the Boscia is sort of something else.
DeleteThat was very informative, thanks! =)
ReplyDeletehttp://lipstickloveaffair.blogspot.com/