How To Apply Liquid Foundation in the Best Way

Getting your liquid foundation just right is tougher than it seems.

From finding the best shade for your skin tone to applying the product evenly, achieving a flawless look takes skill. From powders to liquids to oil-free alternatives, identifying which kind of product works best for your skin type can be challenging.

Because foundation is a mainstay in many beauty regimens, it's important to know how to properly apply it to your skin. Well, it turns out the tools you use really matter. And depending on the type of tool you use to apply your foundation, you should follow different steps.

Curious to see how you can get your best complexion yet? Here's what you should know about how to apply liquid foundation with different tools, like a sponge, makeup brush, or your fingers.

Choosing the Right Liquid Foundation

Deciding what foundation is best for you and your skin can be frustrating, but it all depends on what type of your desired look: matte or dewy, smooth or shiny.

For instance, matte liquid foundations make your face look smooth, while dewy liquid foundations make your face look shiny. So, if you have oily skin, try a matte product to control oils on your skin. And if you have dry skin, opt for a dewy product to add moisture to your skin. There are also foundations for sensitive skin.

Also, remember that your liquid foundation should match your skin tone. At the store, swatch a line of liquid foundation below your jawline. Because liquid foundation oxidizes, allow some time for the swatch to sit on your skin. After a few minutes, take a look at the swatch and determine whether it matches your skin tone.

Before Applying Liquid Foundation

Once you have your perfect liquid foundation, it's time to apply the product. You should always make sure your face is cleansed, moisturized, and primed before applying liquid foundation (no matter what technique you use).

1. Cleanse: Make sure you remove any dirt from your face by cleansing your skin and using a gentle cleanser.
2. Moisturize: Hydrate your skin by applying a thin layer of moisturizer to your skin. If you have dry skin, try a heavy moisturizer. And if you have oily skin, try a light moisturizer.
3. Prime: Help your liquid foundation last throughout the day by applying a dime-sized amount of primer to your skin. You can use your fingers or a flat makeup brush to blend the primer across your face. You can apply additional primer to specific areas of your face that you want to focus on. If you have dry skin, try a dewy primer. And if you have oily skin, try a matte primer.

Once you complete those steps, wait 15 minutes before applying liquid foundation. That time will allow your skin to absorb the products.

How to Apply Liquid Foundation Using a Sponge

What's the secret to an effortlessly flawless look? A sponge. It turns out that a sponge is actually the best tool for applying liquid foundation that gives a blemish-free final product. Follow the steps below to apply liquid foundation using a sponge:

1. Use an egg-shaped sponge: Sponges help apply liquid foundation evenly so your face stays streak-free. For best results, first wet the sponge before dipping it into your makeup.
2. Move from the inside out: Begin by tapping the product from the middle of the face, by the nose, and then move outward and toward the hairline. In general, you want more makeup in the center of your face.
3. Next, move up: Apply the product between the eyebrows, then move upward and toward the forehead.
4. Don't forget down below: Next, tap the liquid foundation on the chin and along the jawline. For long-lasting color, apply the product to the lips, also.
5. Let it set: To keep the liquid foundation in place for hours, apply a setting powder using a small fluffy brush. Tap the powder onto any shiny spots on the face.
6. Complete the look: Use a large fluffy brush to stipple on more powder, then blend.

How to Apply Liquid Foundation Using a Makeup Brush

If you're looking for full coverage while applying liquid foundation, opt for a makeup brush. But remember that thick bristles on makeup brushes can leave behind streaks on your face. Therefore, try a makeup brush with thin bristles.

There are many makeup brushes you can test out, depending on the type of coverage you want. For instance, try a flat foundation brush if you desire that full-coverage look. Or, if you want a natural look, try a stippling brush.

If you're using a flat foundation brush, follow the same technique as using a sponge, finishing with a setting powder. But if you're using a stippling brush, test out the following steps:

1. Apply using your fingers: Dab tiny dots of liquid foundation across your face using your fingers.
2. Stipple: Use your stippling brush to blend the product across your face evenly.
3. Build it up: Depending on the kind of natural coverage you want, medium or light, you can continue building up the product until you're satisfied with the final result.
4. Don't forget to set: As mentioned above, make sure to set the product using a setting powder. You'll want to switch brushes for this step, so grab your fluffy makeup brushes.

How to Apply Liquid Foundation Using Your Fingers

If you don't have a sponge or makeup brush on hand, don't worry. It turns out that your fingers are a perfectly good makeup tool, giving your face a natural look. Your fingers are a convenient, quick way to apply liquid foundation. Try the following steps:

1. Wash your hands: Make sure that you're applying the product with clean fingers to get rid of any germs that can cause acne breakouts.
2. Warm it up: Dab the desired amount of liquid foundation onto the back of your non-dominant hand. Your skin will naturally warm up the product, which helps even it out and allows a natural look.
3. Blend it out: Use your ring finger on your dominant hand to collect some of the product and dab it onto your skin. Your ring finger will not apply too much pressure to your skin. Then, start near your T-zone and blend outward.
4. Don't rub: Avoid treating your liquid foundation like it's moisturizer. Rubbing the product on your face will create an uneven distribution of liquid foundation across your face.
5. Ready, set, go: Your fingers are a great makeup tool when you don't have a sponge or makeup brush, but they cannot finish the job. Use a fluffy makeup brush to apply a setting powder that gets rid of shiny spots and helps your makeup last throughout the day.

So, What Technique Is Best for You?

All in all, one technique for applying liquid foundation is not better than the other.

It depends on the look that you desire from your product. So, if you want a quick, "no makeup" look, try using your fingers. Or, if you want a full-coverage look, test out some makeup brushes. And lastly, use a sponge for that perfect flawless look.