Why the Humble Makeup Sponge Could Be Key to Your Dewiest Base Ever
Main image – Juanmoyano/Stocksy
Ok, you’ve found your perfect liquid foundation in your perfect shade that leaves the perfect finish. *Looks on admiringly*
You’ve nailed the first bit. Now all you need to do is figure out what to apply it with.
Perhaps you want to dig out the foundation brush that’s been kicking around your makeup stash. Or there’s always the apply-with-your-fingers trick. For the love of lipstick, which method is best?
The subject of what to apply liquid foundation with can be a bit of a minefield, as there are a few techniques to choose from. But there is no right or wrong – different techniques work for different people and it usually comes down to personal preference.
If you’re a liquid or cream foundation user though, there is one method that pro MUAs seem to prefer over the others for beautifully dewy skin.
So, allow me to throw a spanner in the works, just for a second. Have you ever considered using a makeup sponge?
If you’re intrigued, keep scrolling for expert tips from celebrity makeup artist Amy Galloway, on why you might want to make the swap.
What are the advantages of using a makeup sponge?
Many feel that a makeup sponge makes for a more even finish. Others enjoy the fact that they are squishy so can easily bounce off the skin as you apply.
If liquid foundation is your jam, a sponge also doesn’t leave the brush strokes on your skin that a foundation brush might.
Image – Hindbouqartacha/Stocksy
Beyond that, the fact that makeup sponges are generally used damp can also add a dewiness to your base that a brush often just can’t match.
And finally, while using your fingers to apply foundation can sometimes feel like you have more control, the heat from your body temperature can make liquid and cream formulas more runny, which can make them harder to work with. A sponge can therefore provide the perfect compromise between fingers and a brush.
How do you use a makeup sponge to apply liquid foundation?
First, make sure you’re using the right shaped sponge. For liquid and cream formulas, you’ll want to opt for a rounded sponge, since these tend to be created with more fluid formulas in mind.
Next, Galloway says to wet the sponge as then it is less likely to absorb your foundation, meaning you wouldn’t be wasting any product. “Dampen the sponge slightly then apply foundation onto the sponge,” she says.
“Dab and bounce the sponge across your face for even coverage, blend well and check for any unevenness. If desired, set the foundation with translucent powder.”
How to clean your makeup sponges
Just as I’ve persuaded you on the benefits of switching to a makeup sponge for foundation though, let me introduce the one downside in my opinion; cleaning them.
I can honestly say this is the only part I don’t like about these tools, since they absorb product and stain in a way that brushes often don’t.
Happily though, Galloway has provided her tips for keeping them in pristine condition.
“Ideally after each use, or at least once a week,” she says. Once a week sounds doable, right? Or you could buy yours in bulk and wash one daily.
“Rinse them under warm water then apply a gentle liquid soap or a specialised cleanser, creating a lather.” MAC Brush Cleanser (£15 from Look Fantastic UK /$20 from MAC US) works brilliantly for sponges as well as brushes.
“Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear, gently squeeze out any excess water and allow them to air dry. For a more thorough cleaning, you can also opt to soak them in soapy water.”
The takeaway
Using a foundation brush or your fingers to apply liquid foundation are both totally brilliant methods. But for those who don’t like the mess, who haven’t found a smear-free foundation brush or who just want to try something new, give makeup sponges a try.
They won’t absorb your beloved foundation as much as a brush would and as long as you remember to clean them regularly, they will create an even, smooth finish.
Meet the expert
Amy Galloway is an LA-based makeup artist whose work has been featured in the like of Harper’s Bazar. She shares her stunning work with her more than 40,000 Instagram followers
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