helpful tips and techniques to get a seamless foundation look
When I first started doing my own makeup, my hands were my tools. I remember rubbing foundation on my face like it was sunscreen, and smearing eyeshadow on with only my fingertips. While this technique can be helpful at times, it definitely should not be your primary way of applying makeup products. I must have looked SO good in high school with my Maybelline foundation that stopped abruptly at my jaw line and was "blended" with my whole hand...
But besides the point... I have grown a lot over the last 15 or so years and have found that my favorite way to apply foundation is by using a beauty blender! A beauty blender is different from a cosmetic sponge, in that it is typically a spherical/tapered shape with a variety of sizes and colors. Cosmetic sponges are usually significantly smaller and are more flat in shape. These are more "disposable" and are sometimes used by makeup artists on their clients. The materials are often of less quality and tend to have a cheaper feel and performance quality.
Lets dive in on how to get the most out of your beauty blender!
Lets preface this blog by saying that I am no professional makeup artist or "MUA," just simply a mom who loves makeup and has a passion for helping other women.
Beauty blenders come in a TON of different styles. There are different sizes, different shapes and of course different colors. It doesn't necessarily matter which style you use, they all have their own perks and "pluses". It is more so up to you, your preferences and what you intend to use the blender for.
The smaller blenders are great for the "nooks and crannies" around your eyes and nose, but most large beauty blenders have a tapered end or conical shape anyway, so you don't really have to buy multiple unless you personally prefer it that way, or want to use a different blender for different products.
Some beauty blenders have a smooth egg shape, while others are like an hourglass with a dip in the center and a more flat bottom. There are also several versions with a "flat" side that is linear/angular.
The different styles all work the same, but it ultimately comes down to user preference. I have tried so many different beauty blenders by different brands over the years, but I personally prefer the typical egg shape with a tapered end.
I have been using the beauty blenders pictured, from Vic Beauty, and they are my FAVORITE that I have ever used. Seriously. The pointed end is so precise and works really well at getting into tight spaces. I like to use the rounded bottom for foundation application and then the "sides" for our liquid blush, bronzer, and highlighter. You can grab your own perfect blender by clicking the button below:
The first, and most critical step, in using your beauty blender is that you HAVE to get it damp. Once I discovered there were makeup tools, and I didn't have to use my hands to blend my foundation anymore, I thought I had it all figured out. Except I didn't. No one told me that you have to get the thing wet...
So please, make sure you run your beauty blender of choice under running warm water. Allow the blender to grow as it absorbs water; it should just about double in size. That is another thing I love about these Vic Beauty blenders is that they actually work! Many beauty blenders I used in the past barely changed in size and were obviously not as high quality.
Just look at how much bigger this thing gets! Once the size has doubled and you can physically feel the weight change in your hand, you're ready for the next step.
Gently wring out the excess water from your beauty blender. You don't want to squeeze too hard, because you can damage the material and cause tears overtime. Just gently squeeze until no more water is dripping out. You want the blender damp enough that it seamlessly spreads your foundation but not so wet that it ruins your makeup or drips water on your face.
The dampness of the sponge really helps with smoothing out the product to reduce the appearance of streaks or uneven application. This is how you achieve that flawless, photo finish look.
Once you have your blender damp and ready, grab your makeup to begin. I personally like to prime my face before I begin applying foundation. You can read about different primers here:
I like to use the bottom rounded end of the beauty blender to start my foundation application. You can either apply your cream or liquid foundation directly to the beauty blender, or use the back of your hand to "dip" the blender into the product. I go back and forth with these two different methods but find that it works just fine when directly applied to the blender.
Next you will want to start on the larger areas and blend out from there. I start with the centers of my cheeks, where I have the most discoloration, and blend out. I will put the next big dabs on my forehead and chin. Blend the product outward from the center of your face so that you get a nice gradient out toward the hair line and jaw line. Don't forget to use the "excess" makeup on the sponge to tap on your ears and to smooth down past your jaw line before you finish blending.
You will want to use a bouncing motion or "stippling" effect to get the smoothest look. Try not to press the beauty blender too hard as this can create a "ring" shape where you are pulling the product off, instead of blending it in. With this in mind, you do want to press the blender into your skin enough to allow the product to mesh with your skin, rather than slide around on top of it.
Play with the different angles and sides of the beauty blender to see what works best for you. Continue to dab and press the blender all over your face until you have a nice and even distribution of the product. Don't forget to flip the blender to the pointy side and blend under the eyes and around the nose.
If you have any areas that are not smoothing out as well as others, try re-wetting your sponge or using a setting spray on the sponge to get the moisture back. Sometimes I use the setting spray for underneath my eyes to help prevent any "missed spots" where my fine lines may not smooth out as easily, due to the texture of the skin. The spray will also help to keep the product in place, as it is a spray intended to help with longer wear.
You can grab the Vic Beauty All Day Setting Spray by clicking the link below:
In summary, my biggest tips for using a beauty blender are:
Make sure your beauty blender is damp before applying product(s)
Use bouncing and stippling motions to evenly blend the product, pressing into the skin
Use a setting spray to help set the product, keep the blender damp, and create a flawless, seamless appearance that will help with extended wear of the product(s)
Check out the quick video below to see this technique in action!
Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more beauty related videos.
I hope you found this blog helpful and will try some of these techniques out soon!
If you enjoy the content, make sure you let me know so that I can continue to create what you find most valuable. As always, thank you for keeping up with me on this journey!
Click the button below and subscribe to my email newsletters so that you never miss an issue.
All my love!
Leah 💖
Comments