Brushes vs fingers makeup application. There seems to be a great debate (constantly and forever now) going on, is it better to apply makeup with your fingers or with brushes? I myself use both; it really just depends on my mood or on how much time I have. There are definitely days when I only want a little bit of a colour wash and then my fingers are the ideal tool.

BRUSHES VS FINGERS MAKEUP APPLICATION

ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST BRUSHES

More precision. This is probably the most convincing argument for brushes. Using your fingers tends to give you a softer look but if you are concealing blemishes or looking for a very specific application like contouring or highlighting then you’ll want to reach for a brush. Not only that but brushes are very effective in getting into the angles (think next to your nose) on our faces.

Better for some skin types. Brushes might be a wiser alternative for those with more mature skin, as fingers can drag and won’t give you as even an application.

Best for powders. A big fluffy powder brush is the one brush we should all own for finishing our makeup. The same goes for a blush brush. This is where you want to have a more precise application.

More luxurious. Let’s face it, there’s something so decadent about buying new makeup brushes. Those soft new bristles that are filled with all sorts of possibilities….. Whenever I use a new brush, I always feel like a pro.

Technique required. Although makeup artists make it look easy there is some technique required to get a flawless airbrushed look. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve watched a makeup tutorial only to see (what feels like) hundreds of brushes being used for a supposedly simple look.

ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST FINGERS

More natural finish. The beauty of using your finger to apply makeup is that it warms up in your hands, giving you a thinner, more veil like finish which just looks more natural on your skin. Using your fingers to apply eye makeup will give it a softer, more blended look. A lipstick applied with your fingers will appear to be more of a stain, so this is a great choice for those who are only looking for subtle colour. Using your fingers will give you a more raw and “undone” look.

Best for cream formulations. Your body warms up cream and gel formulations as you apply them and this will give you a sheerer application. I simply use the tip of my middle finger to gently press foundation (or a cream blush) into my face. This gives me the blended natural look I prefer for day.  I also find that it makes it easier to layer my makeup this way.

Less technique required. Using your fingers is pretty easy and kind of resembles finger painting.

Less tools. Let’s face it, good quality brushes can get expensive especially if you are replacing them or buying new ones on a regular basis. Fingers are free.

Can make a mess. If you are not careful, using your fingers can get a little messy if you wind up touching your hair or clothes before washing your hands. Although, honestly, I’ve never had this happen and I think it’s all about just paying attention to what you are doing.

Hard to control. With your fingers it can be harder to control how much makeup you are putting on, so the results can be uneven, especially for foundation.

There’s no real right or wrong answer here, some people prefer using their fingers and others a brush or even a sponge. The key is to know and understand the differences because that’s where the real technique comes in. I personally like to apply foundation with my fingers and then use a brush to stipple it where I need more coverage. My current foundation is Armani Face Fabric and the texture is somewhere in between a liquid and a solid, so it lends itself perfectly to a finger application and I only need to use a tiny bit. For eyes and cheeks, it really depends. When I want to wear a bright eye shadow (like green) then I almost always use my fingers. I find that it goes on more sheer and because I will use a single colour, it blends better with my skin. A red lipstick for day, is always applied with my fingers. I like that “just bitten” look.

Whichever way you choose to apply your makeup, think of your face as a canvas. It should be well moisturized and primed and most of all, make sure that your fingers or your brushes are clean!

How do you like to apply your makeup?

Makeup brushes!

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