Foundation Brush Vs Sponge

Trying to optimize my work makeup routine and I can't decide between committing to a cream foundation with brush or sponge application or leaning into stick format for speed. I know the finish and coverage can vary by specific product but I'm curious about the format difference in terms of wearability. I'm in my early 30s, combination skin, mostly work from home but have in-person days and occasional events. I want something that looks intentional but not heavy. Cream in a pot vs stick seems to be where I keep landing but I'm not sure if one is actually better for longevity or if it's mostly just application preference. submitted by /u/Time_Beautiful2460 to r/over30skincare [link] [comments]

Which is the better way to apply foundation? I noticed the latter is more popular in Asia. Although I’m in interested in getting the BK 109 brush since the former seems to be the more convenient method. submitted by /u/SailorrrCosmos to r/AsianBeauty [link] [comments]

Moved from FL to VA Beach in December and having issues with dry skin which I understand with the weather change. I’ve noticed when applying my foundation with a makeup sponge like usual, my makeup looks crumbly. Again I attributed this to the drier air. So I decided to switch to makeup brushes to apply my foundation and my skin is breaking out. I’m fairly certain this is the change that is causing the breakouts. I’m originally from NJ so it’s not like I haven’t lived in cold weather. I’ve always had oily skin but overall my skin can handle different brands of face washes and I can switch products pretty easily without any issues. I thought at first it was the weather, and then maybe changing from an area in FL (lived there 7 years) with hard water to softer water in VA. But based on when it started, I think it could be the brush. I know brushes and sponges can both be dirty, but does it make sense at all that applying foundation with a brush instead of a sponge could be causing my breakouts? Like maybe the fact that I’m brushing and swirling this makeup into my face is worse than dabbing it on with a sponge? TIA! I’m used to having clear and pretty tolerant skin so really wanting ideas on what could be causing the breakouts. submitted by /u/EGRD26 to r/Makeup [link] [comments]

Here's how I apply my skin tint: spread it with fingers and then use a damp sponge. I heard that a brush gives more coverage (I'm also hoping it'll make application faster and prevent me from getting my fingers "dirty"), so I want to get my first foundation brush. I've been thinking about getting one of the sephora pro foundation brushes from the sephora 30% sale or a morphe foundation brush from the ulta sale. I'm overwhelmed by the options and idk why they have different shapes for the same product (ex. foundation: morphe's new brushes M104, M103, M102, M106), so any recommendations or explanation of the shapes would be helpful and appreciated. I also thought about these brushes: a brush for nyx highlighter (it's more glittery/blinding than glowy so I don't know if it would look crazy if I use it on the cheeks. I use it on my eyelids as an eyeshadow topper. Feel free to deinfluence me on using it on my cheeks) a brush for powder contour Feel free to share other brushes you like that are soft and hold up to washing. I don't like double ended brushes because I can't store them upright and prefer synthetic bristles. submitted by /u/JustConcern2730 to r/MakeupAddiction [link] [comments]

Has anyone noticed any quality differences in newer Japonesque brushes? Before I try to return them I figured I’d search and ask here. Not finding any posts so maybe I’m just crazy. Especially the powder and foundation brushes. All my old brushes are dirty so I can’t really tell until I do another round of cleaning… anyone have any thoughts? I bought 3 sets, one is a dual sided set I bought for travel and it seems the worst of all. A shame because we all know space is a premium when traveling. If it helps, I’ve attached pictures of the sets in question. submitted by /u/ReginaSeptemvittata to r/MakeupAddiction [link] [comments]

Hey beauties 💖 I put together this little guide and pictures, originally aimed at helping trans women (like myself!), who are new to makeup and want to feminize their features. But honestly, these techniques can help anyone create a softer, more traditionally feminine face, whether you're trans, cis, nonbinary, or just playing with gender expression. I’ve always been super into art, drawing, shading, lighting, all that nerdy stuff. So makeup came somewhat easy to me. It made sense fast: Contour is just painting shadows onto your face to change how it reads. Start Here: I made some drawings to break it down the way I wish someone had for me early on. Pic 1 Understanding Facial Shapes (Pic 1) This image shows typical male vs. female fat distribution and bone structure. Masculine faces often have a stronger jawline, broader forehead, and flatter cheeks. Feminine faces tend to have rounder cheeks, a narrower jaw, and more fullness under the eyes. No shame in any face type, of course, but if you’re aiming for a more femme look, this gives us a roadmap for where to play with shadows and light. 🗺️ The Contour Map (Pic 2) Pic 2 Here’s where the makeup magic begins! This drawing shows exactly where to place your contour (a cream or powder 1–2 shades darker than your skin) to mimic that softer, feminine structure. Let’s walk through it: 💁‍♀️ Jawline Notice the shading on the lower sides of the jaw near the ears. What to do: Dab your contour product there to soften a square jaw. Blend it down the neck to avoid harsh lines. 🧠 Forehead Look at the contour along the temples and outer forehead. What to do: Shade the sides of your forehead to make it look rounder and less broad—this helps create that “heart-shaped” vibe. 😗 Cheeks There’s a shadow just under the cheekbone. What to do: Suck in your cheeks (fish face 🐟), find the bone, and place contour just under it. Blend upward to lift and round out the face. 👃 Nose (Optional) See the slim lines along the nose sides and tip. What to do: Lightly draw those lines if you want a more delicate nose shape. Use a bit of highlighter on the bridge if you have it. Blend it like your life depends on it. ✨ See It In Action (Pic 3)This is the before-and-after using just contour, and it’s kinda crazy!! Pic 3 Exact same face, nothing touched except shadows! No brow shaping, no lashes, no lip overdrawing, etc. And yet the “after” face reads way more feminine! 🧰 What you need (Super Beginner-Friendly) A contour stick, cream, or powder a couple shades darker than your skin or foundation color. A sponge, fluffy brush, or just your fingers in a pinch (pun intended) A mirror and some good lighting. This is pretty important. Try to avoid overhead lighting that's going to create shadows on your face. Optional: a light concealer or highlighter for contrast 💬 Final Thoughts This was the first technique that really helped me! Contour doesn’t change your face, but it really helps others (and you!) see it in the way you want to present it. Even if you’re not trans, this is a game-changer for anyone trying to feminize or soften their face. And kinda fun once you get the hang of it. Hope this helps someone feel a little more confident and a little more themself 💕 Just for fun, I did the rest of her makeup and added hair https://preview.redd.it/j0tkycpv7pse1.png?width=546&format=png&auto=webp&s=a7debbd2acc2a425dd3d80a77e58862d37a2dcfd submitted by /u/Kiki_Donut to r/MakeupAddiction [link] [comments]

NOTE: I have oily, acne-prone skin with dark spots from past breakouts and skin picking. I am a beginner at makeup, so take my review with a grain of salt. I only use the best of the best makeup (aka, whatever brands my mom owns), and saw this at TJMaxx and thought “why not?” since I recognized the brand Price & Availability The Almay Clear Complexion Acne Foundation in 700 True Beige costs $7.54 on Amazon, while the MILK MAKEUP Flex Foundation Stick in Golden Tan retails for $26.59, though I found it at TJ Maxx for $12.99. Finding the MILK Flex Stick online was tricky. It’s not listed on the MILK MAKEUP website, and on Amazon, it doesn’t seem to be available through an official seller. Instead, there are multiple separate listings rather than one centralized product page with shade options, and it’s under different sellers. I got mine at TJ Maxx, but since their stock is random, there’s no guarantee you’ll find it there (I actually might go back and get the last one they had… I genuinely really like it so much and idk what I’ll do when I eventually run out!). Almay, on the other hand, is widely available in drugstores and online retailers. Only Sephora has it, but it’s only available in 4 shades, and 1 of them is out of stock atm. But it’s 36 USD at Sephora USA. Application & Formula I used the MILK Flex Foundation Stick with BareMinerals Pressed Setting Powder for testing. The Almay foundation is a liquid foundation, and very easy to apply with the squeeze nozzle, though I found that it’s easy to go overboard (but that could also be because I’m still learning about makeup and the techniques). When I applied even just the smallest amount too much, it looked and felt cakey, and the shade was slightly too light, and I looked ghostly (Boo! I’m a ghost!). I should have chosen 705 Toast instead of 700 True Beige. At a distance, it’s very obvious it’s not at all my correct skintone. (Now I have a bottle of it just waiting to be used… yay…) The MILK Flex Stick, on the other hand, was an almost exact match to my skin tone. At a distance, it’s not noticeable I’m wearing foundation (no makeup, blush, anything, just the foundation). It blends well, but it had a weird / new to me texture. It felt creamy when putting it on, but “dry” when blending, and I had to work quickly to blend it. I applied a few slides (???) of it on my face, and I found it to not feel cakey at all on my face (I HATE how certain textures feel on my face, so thats saying something). I also find its actually hard to add too much of it, but even if I added too much, I don’t think it would have made me felt uncomfortable. Though the amount you get, mixed with the original price… ehhhh… Really? 10 grams? The MILK Flex Foundation pilled when I tried to touch up certain areas after a few hours, but with the Almay, I don’t remember it pilling when touching up small hours after a few hours. It also emphasized texture on my nose and chin, making those areas look less smooth, but I feel the Almay also did the same. Can’t really do much in those areas. I tested both using a foundation brush and a teardrop-shaped sponge, and I personally preferred using the brush to blend. Wear Test & Performance * First test: I applied the MILK Flex Stick at 3 PM and wore it until 11 PM. My routine included the MILK Flex Foundation Stick, liquid blush, and matte lipstick, but no primer. By the end of the night, my face looked extremely oily, likely because I skipped primer. This is not the fault of the MILK Flex Foundation Stick in any way, shape, or form. * Second test: I applied my makeup at 9:50 AM and finished at 10:19 AM, this time using Live Tinted Sunscreen (which doubles as a primer), followed by the MILK Flex Stick, BM setting powder, eye primer, powder eyeshadow, liquid blush, and another layer of setting powder to finish it off. I removed my makeup at 11:30 PM, and this time, I did not look oily at all (yay!) throughout the entire day, even though it rained. This day was hot and humid, and I was at the beach (but I did not go in the water, only knee level), but my face did get wet from the unexpected harsh rain. After lightly dapping dry, my makeup was still intact. I thought to make a review of the MILK MAKEUP Flex Foundation Stick because I could barely find any information online, and want to help others if they see it at TJ Maxx like I did and were curious about it! submitted by /u/Dangerous_Soup5514 to r/MakeupAddiction [link] [comments]

I started my foundation journey using sponges. Then after a time moved to using my fingers as I'm prone to spots and wondered if the sponges weren't helping. Then I was inspired to start using a foundation brush (I use the one from Estee Lauder). I got compliments on my skin the minute I changed to the brush and I find it easy to clean so it's been like this for years. Recently my skin is changing and I'm finding my foundation isn't sinking in as well. I need to look at my products one by one etc but I was also wondering whether a change back to a sponge might be of help. Which do you use brush or sponge and why? submitted by /u/MissThingToday to r/MakeupAddiction [link] [comments]

I started my foundation journey using sponges. Then after a time moved to using my fingers as I'm prone to spots and wondered if the sponges weren't helping. Then I was inspired to start using a foundation brush (I use the one from Estee Lauder). I got compliments on my skin the minute I changed to the brush and I find it easy to clean so it's been like this for years. Recently my skin is changing and I'm finding my foundation isn't sinking in as well. I need to look at my products one by one etc but I was also wondering whether a change back to a sponge might be of help. Which do you use brush or sponge and why? submitted by /u/MissThingToday to r/MakeUpAddictionUK [link] [comments]

I use brushes for setting power and eyeshadow, but I love using my fingers to apply foundation, concealer, and cream blush! Beauty blenders waste so much product, cause me to break out, and leave me with a patchy finish. Brushes are better, but ultimately have the same issues and I’d have to go back with my fingers and smooth out some of the brush strokes. When I use my fingers, I don’t have to use as much product because it’s not being soaked up by a sponge/brush. My acne is better because I’m washing my hands right before and after I put on my makeup (I would wash my brush/sponges once a week). The warmth from my fingers also helps “melt” the product into my skin which leaves me with a flawless finish. The only downside is that it takes a little bit longer to apply with my fingers vs. a tool! submitted by /u/throwwawayy20223 to r/beauty [link] [comments]

I recently rekindled my love of makeup. I used to have a really simple 15-minute routine of drugstore foundation, concealer, setting powder, and eyeliner. I realized that, at 45, my face was starting to reflect my age, and I looked tired. So I wanted to amp things up a bit. I've started to invest in higher-quality products such as a good foundation, setting powder, blush, contour, etc. I've also invested in a set of BK Beauty brushes and was SO excited about them, especially the foundation and concealer brushes. I don't know what I'm doing wrong, but my basic damp beauty sponge applies my foundation, concealer, and even my setting powder far better than these new brushes! I've practiced and watched a ton of videos, and for whatever reason, the finish is just better and the application is easier with the sponge. Plus, using the brush takes me so much longer. I've tried stippling, swirling/buffing, and a combination of both, and it just takes me longer and flicks up any dry patches. However, it DOES give me more coverage than the sponge. And with my undereye concealer, the brush seems to pick up the product when I go in to smooth out creasing after the initial application. You can also see little brush...dots (for lack of a better word) when I pat the concealer in with the concealer brush. Maybe it's my formula? I'm using Haus Labs foundation and concealer. With the sponge, they apply like a dream and even my undereyes are relatively creaseless. Is it worth keeping these brushes at this point? They're not overly expensive, but if a drugstore brush will do the job, I can use that money for more makeup. 😬 Or am I doing something wrong? submitted by /u/egghanaboba to r/MakeupAddiction [link] [comments]

So I had some spare time after finishing work in the cbd and I'm searching for a new foundation so I figured lets get some shade matches and some samples from mecca and oh yeah sephora is in the cbd now. Edit: my shade is generally the lightest and pinkest and a lot of brands just don't make one that will fit me In mecca I asked about a specific foundation and the SA had me sit down, cleansed and prepped my skin and spoke a little on what my skincare and primer is like. She applied the foundation with a brush. It was very quickly obvious what my shade was so she offered to even out the face but I asked her to take everything off (so I could be ready for sephora) she gave me a sample of the foundation and the primer she had used and I was on my way. In sephora I asked an SA about a particular foundation and she had me sit down while another SA would come as soon as she could. It wasn't long. She asked me what foundation and when I said it she asked if I was interested in another from the line and told me a bit about it so I decided yeah let's try both as it also seemed up my alley even more than the one i had asked about originally. She did not cleanse or prep my skin and put the foundations directly on my skin with a sponge, when we figured out the shades she put them in sample pots and told me I could even up my face with what was left and that was it. Overall both were easy and pleasant experiences. In mecca I feel like the SA could've asked about other foundations I might not know about that are similar to the one I was sampling but the talk about skin preparation and the samples of the primer was very nice. In sephora I felt slightly rushed and that the SA while very nice, just wanted to find the shade and be done with it. When I've gone to mecca the SA has always offered to even up any samples that theyve done and so it was a surprise to me when i was expected to do it myself in sephora (i know its stupid but the foundations i was trying were both $120 i can be a little entitled about it) For me the experience in Mecca was more pleasant and mecca was the more crowded one of the two, sephora was alright and I wouldn't say it was Bad just. Less care put into the process. submitted by /u/Working_Way_420 to r/AustralianMakeup [link] [comments]

Okay I’m genuinely curious everyone’s opinion. I always was told that beauty blenders make your foundation look more natural but I always tried them and hated how foundation looked on me. Then I tried a flat brush - even worse. I then tried my fingers to apply….still bad so I went back to the sponge. But my problem was ALWAYS that my makeup looked cakey and thick no matter how little I put on, or which brand/product I used, with diff primers and without, it just sat on top of my face and looked super artificial. I even stopped wearing foundation because of this and only used concealer but I recently tried using a round dense brush with a flat top for buffing it in and my world has changed! It finally looks good and I can confidently wear foundation 🥳 what are your thoughts and experiences on brushes VS sponges VS other application methods? And why? submitted by /u/Natural-Sundae5844 to r/MakeupAddiction [link] [comments]

submitted by /u/Xia_marie to r/MakeupAddiction [link] [comments]

My skin type: combination, leaning towards oily; large pores especially on my nose; a few discolored spots but nothing major. I don't have sensitive skin and I'm not acne prone. My morning routine: facial wash, toner, moisturizer, sunscreen. I don't use primer. So the sunscreen is the base for the powder foundation. I usually use lightweight sunscreens with minimal white cast, like Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel, Biore UV Watery Essence, or Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Milk. So, on to the foundations... ​ https://preview.redd.it/hn1h9gwz76k61.jpg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8fb61bf29015a18d30e060ca0543eaff15921c3a PRICE. Make Up For Ever (MUFE) and MAC are both quite costly brands. On Lazada, the Matte Velvet powder sells for a staggering P2,700 (11gm) while the MAC Studio Fix powder costs P1,950 (15gm). There are more expensive luxury brands out there but these are already a splurge for the average person. Still, MAC's version is clearly more affordable and cost-effective. Winner: MAC ​ PACKAGING. For me, there's no contest. I prefer something sleek and convenient, something I can pop into my bag without it taking up too much space. The flat rectangular case of the Matte Velvet powder is black and minimalist, with a relatively large mirror and a divider separating the powder from the dual-sided sponge applicator. On the other hand, the Studio Fix powder comes in a chunky round compact that takes up more space. The minimalist aesthetic of the white text + black background is similar to MUFE, but has a smaller mirror and a flimsier sponge for application. You have to flip up the powder to get the sponge. Winner: MUFE ​ INGREDIENTS. The Matte Velvet powder contains: Talc, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica, Dimethicone, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Petrolatum, Diisostearyl Malate, Boron Nitride, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Triethylhexanoin, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Alumina, Methicone. The Studio Fix powder contains: Talc, Silica, Isostearyl Palmitate, Methicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, [+/- Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499), Chromium Oxide Greens (Ci 77288), Ultramarines (Ci 77007)]. As you can see, both of them are talc and silica-based, so you may want to avoid if you're sensitive to these ingredients. Their ratings on SkinCarisma are also virtually the same (77% low risk for MAC, and 74% low risk for MUFE). Winner: Tie ​ SHADE MATCH. I'm a perfect match for NC25 on MAC. For the Matte Velvet powder, Y225 is a pretty good match for me, but I've seen reviews online claiming that Y235 or even Y305 still works as a match. (Personally, I tried Y305 and it was too dark for me.) I have light-medium skin with warm/nude undertones, and NC25 is a better match. Overall, though, both brands have broad shade ranges, so YMMV. It just so happens that NC25 fits me better than anything from the MUFE line. Neither powder oxidizes on my skin, thankfully. (I tried the Physician's Formula foundation powder and it basically turned orange before lunch time :( ) Winner: MAC ​ COVERAGE. Both have decent coverage on first application. Both powders are very smooth, silky, and lightweight, so you can apply a light layer using a soft brush or go for heavier coverage with a sponge or a denser brush. But I'd say the Matte Velvet has better coverage. I have a persistent dark spot on my chin from a pimple I couldn't resist pricking. With a single layer, the Matte Velvet definitely covers it up more smoothly and opaquely than the Studio Fix powder. If I apply multiple layers, though, the coverage evens out, and the Studio Fix powder also manages to cover it up. Winner: MUFE ​ USER-FRIENDLINESS. As I said, my skin is not dry, so I prefer powders to liquid foundations. Both powders have a gorgeous texture, but I find that the MUFE powder tends to cling more to dry patches and texture than the MAC powder. It's not a very significant difference on my oily skin, but it might be more pronounced on other skin types. Both of them wear very well under other powder products, though you have to be careful when applying cream products over this kind of foundation. Winner: MAC ​ OIL CONTROL. The Matte Velvet powder is absolutely more mattifying. Honestly, it does not hold off shine for longer than a few hours, so you still have to blot and reapply, but it definitely controls oil better than the Studio Fix powder. With the MAC powder, I can see the shine start to form on my face within an hour or so after application. Winner: MUFE ​ STAYING POWER. The Matte Velvet powder actually looks better after a couple of hours than it does on first application. Whereas, the Studio Fix powder tends to start wearing off more quickly. The color and coverage stays for 6-8 hours for both brands, but it's like the MAC powder starts wearing off as soon as you put it on, while the MUFE powder looks really good for around four hours before it starts rapidly vanishing on my face. Winner: MUFE ​ OVERALL WINNER: MUFE Matte Velvet Powder Foundation It's more expensive, and I would avoid it my skin were more dry, but for my skin type I think it's worth the splurge. (Especially if you do as I do and wait for sales and promos hahaha.) I like how long it stays on, how it controls oil for at least a few hours, and how it provides buildable coverage that fades away very evenly throughout the day. It's a soft, smooth formula that's easy to reapply with either a sponge or a brush, and it layers beautifully over skincare and under other makeup products. Will repurchase over the MAC Studio Fix powder unless I find something even better. submitted by /u/leithriel to r/beautytalkph [link] [comments]

i just saw a really helpful post about using beauty blenders vs foundation brushes to apply foundation and i'm looking for recommendations for foundation brushes y'all love! i currently use the real techniques beauty blender but i want to try out some brushes too - any affordable options are always welcome, but i'm also open to more expensive ones if they're really amazing. thanks so much in advance (: submitted by /u/poolofhoney to r/Makeup [link] [comments]

Just out of curiosity, what is the difference in the result from using hands, a brush, or a sponge to apply foundation? Is there any difference? Thanks! submitted by /u/KrissyM94 to r/Makeup [link] [comments]

Hello all, I was hoping to get your take and experiences with the different NARS foundations. I've searched on Reddit/google a lot for different reviews but I wanted to get another thread going for more opinions. I haven't personally tried the tinted moisturizer, velvet matte tint, or velvet matte stick but feel free to chime in on those. My skin type is normal/slightly combo with some dryness around my mouth/chin and some oiliness after 5-7 hours. I applied these using a damp beauty sponge and did not set with powder. I applied after toner and moisturizer, alternating between Glam Glow matte volcasmic and Neutrogena hydroboost water gel spf 30 (trying it out). Radiant Longwear: Coverage: I thought this had the greatest coverage and smoothest look after blending. A little went a long way and my Sephora sample lasted 2+ weeks. I noticed a few times some unblended spots even after I felt I blended enough. Working with others: Looked great with Maybelline babyskin primer. Occasionally pilled but I haven't been able to ID the cause (moisturizer, RCC concealer, etc.) I think it could have been the Estee Lauder Perfectionist(?) Sunscreen. Wear time: I didn't use that much product but it definitely wore away within hours. Around my nose it completely faded within four hours in moderate 50s-60s weather. Like many others say, it transfers easily and all the time but I did not try it with powder. Other: I saw many reviews saying it looked cakey but I did not experience that. The only time it came close to cakey was when I used a dense foundation brush, but I feel that all foundations look cakier on me when using the brush. Sheer Glow Coverage: Full coverage and definitely matte, use even less of this than RLW. I'm on my third week using the Sephora sample and I can definitely finish the week with it and maybe get into the fourth week.... I think I've never seen any unblended spots. Working with others: I tried it with both the Maybelline babyskin primer and FAB coconut smoothie primer- haven't noticed much of a difference in application but the babyskin primer made it look more matte for longer and the coconut smoothie primer made it look dewier/oilier after several hours. Also tried with RCC in Ginger which looked nicer than just RCC on the plain skin. Wear time: I don't notice any fading after eight hours. I judged this against the RLW especially around my nose and was impressed that it lasted twice+ as long, especially when I'm sweating with the sudden change to summer weather. I don't notice any transfer. Other: I agree with other reviews that say this doesn't look very glowy on me, but I thoroughly enjoy it as a matte foundation. All Day Luminous Weightless Coverage: Frightening. It seemed full coverage to me but it dried in 0.5 seconds after dabbing it on my face..... extremely difficult to blend... but I noticed the foundation bottle looked separated at Sephora and I may not have shaken it enough to mix before asking the employee for a sample. Working with others: This is likely my fault for not using the right base under this. The first time I tried it, I used it over the mattifying moisturizer and the foundation dried immediately!! I tried to persevere but it didn't want me to. I tried it over a bare face too but it dried way too fast to blend. Wear time: Felt like I scrubbed harder than normal to get this off but I didn't wear it long enough to judge full wear time. Other: Why was this so hard to blend??? It dried faster than Fenty and for that reason I'm out. If you've read this far, thank you. My questions are: have you noticed a different wear time between them? Has one lasted broken up faster? What primer do you use? Do you recommend applying this using a brush over a beauty sponge or vice versa? Please share your experiences, thanks! PS I'm really sleepy by the end of writing this so please forgive typos. :) submitted by /u/softclam to r/MakeupAddiction [link] [comments]

I’m curious if people prefer using a brush or a beauty blender for their foundation. I’m getting back into daily make up slowly and am finding that my foundation sometimes looks a little streaky with my brush. Do I need a new one or would a beauty blender be a better investment? submitted by /u/emcnickkers to r/MakeupAddiction [link] [comments]

Hey guys, A few days ago there was a question on the Simple Question thread about using food color as a foundation color adjuster and I decided that I probably should do this review. I have been using food color as an adjuster for the past 9 months since they don’t sell my foundation shade for Double Wear here. I made an Imgur album with pictures: http://imgur.com/a/i2EUO and am writing my thoughts out here. I mix my foundation by putting some (± an eating spoon) in an old primer tub and add a few drops of color, swatching in-between, till I get my desired yellowness. I had to use a lot more drops of the Temptu shade adjuster (+15) to get some yellowness, while I got better shade adjusting power using the food color (about 5 drops). However, I think the batch of the yellow food coloring is also a bit oxidized since I mixed it 1.5 months ago and used it every day. But speaking out of 8 months mixing experience, the food coloring gives a better result compared to the Temptu shade adjuster. The bad part of the food color is that since it is water-based and my foundation silicone based, it does separate in the tub which resulted in me having to stir it a bit every time before use. I have not seen separation of the Temptu color (I don’t expect it either since it is silicone based) but I have not been using it long enough. On my face I haven’t noticed any difference in staying power of the foundation. It stayed on just as long and stayed beautiful for 12+ hours. For the staining test, I let both drops sit on my hand for 20 minutes and wiped it off with Hema Hydrating Cleansing milk. I think the staining is very minimal to none. I have not experienced any staining of my face for the past months (using food coloring). On the other hand, my foundation brush and sponge are a different story :/ Even though I have very sensitive skin with a lot of makeup/skin care allergies, I have not had any allergic reactions to the food color. I did make sure to buy a natural based food color instead of a synthetic based one. I still need out to test the Temptu out but that is a job for the next months :) Price and availability wise, food color is a lot easier to purchase than the Temptu shade adjuster, or any shade adjuster for that matter. Shade adjuster also tend to be a lot more expensive, thus making it less accessible for someone on a budget. The verdict: I doubt I would be repurchasing the Temptu shade adjuster. It might be silicone based and thus better compatible with my foundation AND considered skin safe, however I don’t think the €30 price tag gives me the shade adjusting power that I hoped for. Food color is not considered skin safe and it does cause separation with the foundation, but the results are worth it. I think that this is very opinion based and I am not saying that food color is THE way to go, especially if you have sensitive skin. However, it is an option that could be considered in desperate times. If you do want to use food color (or any adjuster) do a patch test before use and only mix small batches of foundation. Edit: I forgot to add this part (sorry :/ ). Because you dilute the food coloring quite a bit, even though the color does change, possible side effects of the ingredients are reduced. I'd really recommend to stick to food color based on organic rather than synthesized/chemical components unless you're 100% certain what the chemical is. As u/todaystartsnow mentioned, there are skin safe dyes available (such as soap dyes), so you could try that as a skin safe option and do a review ;) (hint hint) submitted by /u/RiAnOunE to r/MakeupAddiction [link] [comments]

I've had a beauty blender since about March now, and I really dislike it now compared to when I first purchased it. I used to use it all the time with MUFE Mat Velvet + foundation, but ever since I ran out of that foundation I've been using it with Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation. I HATE the way it applies it! It looks awful :( so, now I'm on the hunt for a new sponge. I've heard lots about the Real Techniques one but I don't know anyone who has it so I can test it. Anyone have any opinions on which is better? submitted by /u/Owlpowaa to r/MakeupAddiction [link] [comments]

The Beauty Blender is quite possibly the most talked about, raved about, makeup sponge of its kind. It’s famous for changing the game of makeup sponges worldwide, it’s famous for it’s blending (making its name appropriate), it’s pervasive on youtube and instagram and it’s used by world class makeup artists everywhere. The Beauty Blender brought about numerous dupes. A lot of companies have been trying to sell makeup sponges that look similar. Personally, I’ve tried quite a few makeup sponges over the past couple of years and a lot of them don’t blend as well as the beauty blender. A sponge that deserves a comparison to the Beauty Blender is the Real Techniques Miracle Sponge. So here are our stars of this post! http://www.zezasthings.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/RTvsBB_NEW-1024x1024.jpg The Price The Beauty Blender costs £13.14 on Amazon.co.uk The Real Techniques Miracle Sponge costs £4.99 on Amazon.co.uk The Beauty Blender is more than double the price of the Real Techniques Miracle sponge BUT … It does come with a small bar of Beauty Blender Solid Cleanser. I love the Beauty Blender Cleanser for washing makeup brushes but it doesn’t do great with removing stains from the Beauty Blender itself. The touch Both of these sponges should be used damp. You put these under running water and you squeeze out the water until the sponge expands. When it’s expanded, you squeeze the sponge to get rid of excess water then you can start using it. Both sponges expand in similar proportions. The Beauty Blender certainly starts to feel softer than the Real Techniques Miracle Sponge while damp. Does this mean that it blends better? Will it blend? So I guess the real test between these two sponges is how well they blend. I will outright say that they both blend makeup beautifully but they are certainly NOT dupes in this regard. Both sponges have a pointy end and an end with a wider surface. The Beauty Blender is an egg shape but the Real Techniques sponge has a flat surface. The pointy end of the Beauty Blender is thinner that the one of the Real Techniques sponge and this makes it easier to get into the inner corners of my eyes, around my nose etc. For the wider surface of both sponges, I prefer the flat surface of the Real Techniques sponge, simply because it’s a wider surface and covers more area. With regards to the actual blending ability of the sponges, I found that although I end up with similar results by using either of these sponges, it takes a lot more time to blend my makeup using the Beauty Blender. Comparing how both sponges blend the stripes of concealer I paint on my face to contour, the Real Techniques sponge certainly wins because of the shorter time that it takes. It seems to do a great job at picking up and dispensing the product with each pat. Both these sponges retain some product but I couldn’t tell whether one retains more than the other. I use one pump of foundation and one pump of concealer with either sponge and I get the same coverage with both. Both sponges work similarly for picking up any excess product on my face. I just roll a clean side over where I tend to crease to pick up the excess product. After using setting powder, both these sponges are also great for rolling on your face to blend the setting powder with the layers of makeup underneath and to look less powdery. They almost behave like a setting spray in this regard (but of course, they don’t make your makeup last longer in the same way that setting sprays do). Durability & Longevity I have two dead sponges and this is what triggered this post. Here are pictures of the tombstones and the corpses. (everyone makes tombstones for their dead makeup things, right?) http://www.zezasthings.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/RTvsBB_OLD-2-1024x1024.jpg Yes, the Beauty Blender is wrecked and in a much much shorter time. 1.5 months. I used the Real Techniques sponge for 6 months and it remains in a usable condition. I changed it up because I wanted to try the Beauty Blender and it’s probably not advisable to use a makeup sponge for so long. So what the hell happened? And why on earth is the Beauty Blender so beat up? I don’t know whether this is advisable or not, but before each use, I spray on some surgical spirit (rubbing alcohol in the US) then wash them both with a liquid Beauty Blender cleaner that I’ve owned for ages and rinse them out. They get into they puffed up and damp state and I can use them. Every once in a while, I soak the sponge in oil, then place it in a bowl with warm soapy water (I used dish washing soap for this). This is a deep clean that breaks down and really gets rid of any product that’s inside the sponge. As you can see, the Real Techniques Miracle Sponge still looks good shape-wise after 6 months of use and has little signs of wear and tears in the material. Some of the sponge holes (pores?) look wider but the sponge behaved the same. I’ve used several Real Techniques Sponges and never had a problem cleaning them etc. although I do find it quite hard to remove stains even with the deep clean. After about a month of using the Beauty Blender I was noticing a hard lump on the end with the bigger surface. I thought that it felt like some foundation wasn’t rinsing out of it and it hardened. I gave it a deep clean (this was its second deep clean) and while I was rinsing it, the bit that felt hard popped off. http://www.zezasthings.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/trrfd.gif Yep, I was horrified, terrified. My Beauty Blender was dead. Needless to say, in my experience, the Real Techniques Sponge can withstand a beating (from me) much better than the Beauty Blender and I’m very disappointed in the Beauty Blender’s longevity and durability. For this reason alone, I’m very put off and won’t be repurchasing another Beauty Blender and I’ll be sticking to Real Techniques Miracle Sponges from now on. Final Verdict In summary, I put these two sponges up against each other in a table. This has of course been my own and personal experience with the two sponges. Personally, I’ll be sticking to the Real Techniques Miracle sponge and will continue to purchase the Beauty Blender Cleanser (both solid and liquid) to clean my Real Techniques Miracles Sponge and my other makeup brushes. http://www.zezasthings.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/RT-vs-BB-Table.jpg submitted by /u/xemx_wisq_sabiha to r/MakeupAddiction [link] [comments]