Let's talk makeup tips, shall we? I'm going to dish out one every Tuesday, so hang onto your hats!
Today, we're gong to start with a tool that's completely underrated. In fact, it's often maligned!
Makeup Sponges. Cosmetics wedges. Whatever you call them, they're familiar to most of us and used by few.
Here's my opinion: don't write these off! I give them an "C+"for foundation application, which is why many people grab them. On the other hand, I give them an "A+" for clean-up and creating edges.
The Nitty Gritty:
- When it comes to smoothing on foundation, many people use these wrong. Pat or press or dab or stipple --- they're all the same idea and that's the way you want to use the makeup sponge. This technique will allow the foundation to settle into the skin just-so.
- Use the narrow edge for applying around the nose and undereye area, the broader side for cheeks, chin, forehead.
- All cosmetic wedges are not the same. Some are denser than others, and this is good, generally speaking. The less dense, the more makeup is absorbed into the sponge (and therefore wasted!).
- Using these on a day-to-day basis can be wasteful, even though they're cheap. Better to spend $ on the Beauty Blender or quality makeup brushes; the former gets replaced every 3 months, the latter last for years and years if cared for properly.
- This is the sanitary way to apply makeup to other people if you don't know how to clean your brushes in between "clients". Simply use one per person and ditch it when you're done. No germ transference.
- After applying eye makeup, use this to swipe away fall-out.
- Great for cleaning up around eye liner, making crisp lines.
- You can also use it to mask an area - hold it up to stop pigments from landing on the undereye while you brush shadow on the lower eyeline.
- Perfect for cleaning up around the lipline or pushing foundation/concealer up against lipstick to make the look "crisp".
- Hygienic! Use to apply foundation, concealer, cream blush when you're having a massive acne breakoiut - just toss when done.
- Definitely consider these a "must" for your kit if you plan on doing makeup on others!
Please toss your makeup sponge when it starts to erode. Wash between uses with a facial cleanser or brush cleanser (not handsoap, like some people recommend - ZOIKS! Hello harshness!).
How do YOU use makeup sponges?