Here are my top tips on the coverage differences between using a brush vs blender when applying your foundation (coming from a 38-year-old who’s been wearing foundation for 20yrs)
I use both a brush and a blender “sponge” depending on how quickly I need to get ready, and how long I’ll need the foundation to last.
TL;DR (quick summary)
- Using a sponge takes longer but gives better coverage and makes the foundation last longer.
- Using a brush is very quick but doesn’t give a smooth finish. I only use a brush when I need light coverage.
Brush vs sponge – what are the differences in finish?
I use a beauty sponge when I want a medium to heavy finish. The sponge tends to soak up more of the foundation and tends to need cleaning more often. I throw it in the wash after every use, unlike a brush where I get a few uses out of it.
I always use a damp sponge, which allows the foundation to glide on my skin. If the blender is dry, it takes forever to use, and the coverage isn’t as good.
When using a brush, the foundation tends to sit on top of my skin instead of soaking in. I use a brush when I need a very quick, light application.
To get a smooth application using a brush, I’d have to brush it for quite a while into my skin – obviously something I don’t want!
Which should I use?
I’d recommend using both and finding out for yourself. It’s easy for me to say which I prefer, which is either depending on how I’m feeling and what coverage I want.
Beauty blenders are super cheap. I use these: you get 4 sponges from Amazon for £5 £3.99! But I’ve got a whole collection over the years from LookFantastic etc.
Brushes are more expensive, but they last years. I use Il Makiage’s 100 ‘blending brush’ which is the best foundation brush I’ve used. It’s dense but soft, allowing you to buff and pat the foundation into the skin for a glowy finish.
A benefit to using a sponge
Another benefit to a sponge is that you can use the same one for concealer as well as foundation and powder.
I don’t do this with brushes; I have one for each foundation, concealer and powder, which takes up more space if I’m travelling. Of course you can use the same brush for everything but I don’t like to.
Here I am applying Il Makiage foundation with a beauty blender:
Buy the 100 brush from Il Makiage here for £38 (use code ‘welcome10’ for 10% off) and here’s the Il Makiage foundation. I’ve been using both for years and I’d highly recommend them.
How do you clean the sponge and brush?
I use ISOclean to clean my brushes and I put the beauty blenders in my clothes washing using a mesh bag so they don’t get lost.
I have several brushes and sponges, so I always have others to use whilst the used ones are being cleaned.
After using either a brush or beauty blender for a max of 4 times or if it’s over a week, I then wash it. Bacterial build-up on your skin transfers to them, so you really don’t want to be using dirty tools on your face.
Some people don’t like putting beauty blenders in their clothes wash due to the fabric wash/conditioner, but I don’t mind it and haven’t noticed any skin problems.
I put the blenders in a mesh bag from Amazon in the washing machine, so they don’t go missing, then simply hang it up to allow them all to dry.
I use these mesh bags (30cm X 40cm) from Amazon for £4.99 for 2. They work for other things too, like socks or bras etc – anything you don’t want to lose in your washing!
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