Using your hands to apply makeup

leahyl

I was just wondering does everyone use brushes to apply their makeup? I have always used my hands to apply my foundation and then a bronzer brush and blusher brush. From what i'm reading on the net it seems to be the done thing to apply foundation with a foundation brush.

Larianne

You definitely get a better finish with a brush. The only bit of make-up I apply with my hands/fingers is cream blush.

But I've seen make-up artists apply eye shadow, lipstick, concealer with their hands. Whichever works best for you - but you should give the brush a go!!

Jemmy

I always used my hands for everything I could foundation/eyeshadow etc, but I bought a foundation brush a few months back and I have to say it's great!

Still use the fingers for the eyeshadow and all though! lol

I usually apply liquid foundation with my fingers. I find it easier to control. But I always use applicators for mineral foundation, and use a tissue to take off any excess

leahyl

Larianne wrote: »

You definitely get a better finish with a brush. The only bit of make-up I apply with my hands/fingers is cream blush.

But I've seen make-up artists apply eye shadow, lipstick, concealer with their hands. Whichever works best for you - but you should give the brush a go!!

Ya i mean the reason i use my hands is because my mum always did and she's a beautician so i just go by that!! I don't know do brushes soak up a lot of foundation and they're not exactly hygenic either - i mean you can wash your hands beforehand but if you had to be washing your brushes all the time you'd go mad - i would anyway!;)

Like i use blusher brush and bronzer brush and eyeshadow brush - haven't washed them in AGES though
Amazed i haven't broken out in something!

Larianne

I don't like wearing a lot of foundation, I'm not really into the caked look so I find using a brush means I can control how much goes on my face. I use the MAC stipple brush for my foundation.

I guess the downside to that is you have to constantly wash your brushes. Edit: You should definitely wash them for hygiene reasons!!! But to me, it's worth it. I believe you get a better finish with brushes.

leahyl

Larianne wrote: »

I don't like wearing a lot of foundation, I'm not really into the caked look so I find using a brush means I can control how much goes on my face. I use the MAC stipple brush for my foundation.

I guess the downside to that is you have to constantly wash your brushes. Edit: You should definitely wash them for hygiene reasons!!! But to me, it's worth it. I believe you get a better finish with brushes.

But it's the same with your hands is it not? You can control how much goes onto your hands;)! Ya i really should wash them...... but they take so long to dry!!

Jemmy

Larianne wrote: »

I don't like wearing a lot of foundation, I'm not really into the caked look so I find using a brush means I can control how much goes on my face.

I have to agree with Larianne here, I'm not one for caking on the foundation actually only ever wear it on a night out not day to day and it is much easier to get and even light layer on your fave with a brush compared to your hands

leahyl wrote: »

But it's the same with your hands is it not? You can control how much goes onto your hands;)! Ya i really should wash them...... but they take so long to dry!!

Wash them before going to bed and they should be dry by the morning, I've used the hairdryer lightly on mine when it was still damp. I know it's probably a bad idea but no harm was done!

Larianne

No, definitely not. Using your hands will give you a different amount of coverage than if you use a brush. With your hands, you tend to pull your skin and foundation cakes around the edges of your face.

I've seen friends who've used their hands putting on foundation, it's always thicker on.

leahyl

Jemmy wrote: »

I have to agree with Larianne here, I'm not one for caking on the foundation actually only ever wear it on a night out not day to day and it is much easier to get and even light layer on your fave with a brush compared to your hands



Wash them before going to bed and they should be dry by the morning, I've used the hairdryer lightly on mine when it was still damp. I know it's probably a bad idea but no harm was done!

Oh i don't cake it on either believe me! At least i think it looks pretty natural! Having said that i couldn't go without makeup - and this is from someone who thought she would NEVER wear makeup when she was younger - now i can't live without the stuff!

leahyl

Larianne wrote: »

No, definitely not. Using your hands will give you a different amount of coverage than if you use a brush. With your hands, you tend to pull your skin and foundation cakes around the edges of your face.

I've seen friends who've used their hands putting on foundation, it's always thicker on.

I disagree completely - it's all about blending it right - your friends musn't be doing that - you have to make sure you blend it enough by your ears and onto your neck etc so it doesn't look clumpy there. Mine never looks like that - i'm a perfectionist so if i thought it did i wouldn't be going anywhere:D

Jemmy

leahyl wrote: »

Oh i don't cake it on either believe me! At least i think it looks pretty natural! Having said that i couldn't go without makeup - and this is from someone who thought she would NEVER wear makeup when she was younger - now i can't live without the stuff!

lol yea same here! I've only started using it since living in a house full of girls in college, 24 now and it was just before my 21st I started with foundation, barely managed mascara and a light shadow before that aswell! I'm getting more into it as the weeks go on too, but it will only ever be light layers, ugh hate the heavy layered feeling over my skin, having said that I need a few lessons in application!

lmao I'm a slow learner at this makeup stuff

Larianne

leahyl wrote: »

I disagree completely - it's all about blending it right - your friends musn't be doing that - you have to make sure you blend it enough by your ears and onto your neck etc so it doesn't look clumpy there. Mine never looks like that - i'm a perfectionist so if i thought it did i wouldn't be going anywhere:D

Far enough but you definitely get a different finish with a brush to using your hands. With a brush you shouldn't have to blend it down onto your neck. But then that could be to do with colour so that's another story with ladies and their foundation colour.

If it works for you, it works for you. Using a brush is easier and less time consuming.

leahyl

Jemmy wrote: »

lol yea same here! I've only started using it since living in a house full of girls in college, 24 now and it was just before my 21st I started with foundation, barely managed mascara and a light shadow before that aswell! I'm getting more into it as the weeks go on too, but it will only ever be light layers, ugh hate the heavy layered feeling over my skin, having said that I need a few lessons in application!

lmao I'm a slow learner at this makeup stuff

I'm 24 too:)! Ya i started wearing it at about 19 nearly 20. I think the reason i didn't want to wear it was because i felt pressure with my mum being a beautician and i was like oh i couldn't be bothered - i could never do that! Now my mum says i do as good a job as her! I LOVE makeup now though but i'm stuck in a rut with what i use at the moment. It's alway the same eyeshadow, put on the same way etc. I'd love to be able to do smoky eyes that kind of thing but i'm too nervous it'll turn out wrong!:D

Larianne

leahyl wrote: »

I'm 24 too:)! Ya i started wearing it at about 19 nearly 20. I think the reason i didn't want to wear it was because i felt pressure with my mum being a beautician and i was like oh i couldn't be bothered - i could never do that! Now my mum says i do as good a job as her! I LOVE makeup now though but i'm stuck in a rut with what i use at the moment. It's alway the same eyeshadow, put on the same way etc. I'd love to be able to do smoky eyes that kind of thing but i'm too nervous it'll turn out wrong!:D

There's lots of tutorials on Youtube for that kinda of thing. Practise when you've a day off and nothing else to do. Practise makes perfect. Eyeliner was the bane of my life for a while. Now, I'm a whizz at it.

leahyl

Larianne wrote: »

There's lots of tutorials on Youtube for that kinda of thing. Practise when you've a day off and nothing else to do. Practise makes perfect. Eyeliner was the bane of my life for a while. Now, I'm a whizz at it.

Thanks ya i was looking at this girl on youtube earlier - that's why i asked the question cos she was like "have you ever wondered what you'd do if you went away and forgot to bring your makeup brush - how would you put on your makeup?" and i was like - eh i don't use a makeup brush....haha

But she did a lovely job with her eyes - ya i need the time to actually sit down and practise with different looks! But i'm well used to putting on makeup and stuff at this stage and everything just need to get out of rut!

Oh and i will try foundation brush at some stage and let you know what i think;)

Novella

I use a brush to apply my foundation, always have. Wouldn't dream of using my hands, seems a bit too messy for me. More like you'd be rubbing make up into your skin as opposed to applying a thin layer.

Jemmy

Larianne wrote: »

There's lots of tutorials on Youtube for that kinda of thing. Practise when you've a day off and nothing else to do. Practise makes perfect. Eyeliner was the bane of my life for a while. Now, I'm a whizz at it.

ARGH I hate trying to use eyeliner! I've pretty much given up and accepted the fact that I just can't! lol

The tutorials are so handy though here is a site I used before... Make up Geek

leahyl

Jemmy wrote: »

ARGH I hate trying to use eyeliner! I've pretty much given up and accepted the fact that I just can't! lol

The tutorials are so handy though here is a site I used before... Make up Geek

I don't use eyeliner either - i use the eyeshadow i'm wearing as an eyeliner also - you know the little brush you get with your shadow - there are two sides normally to the brush and one is narrow so i just put a little shadow on that and use it like you would eyeliner - and only go halfway in the eye not all the way - otherwise you look like a panda! LOL:D

Larianne

Jemmy wrote: »

ARGH I hate trying to use eyeliner! I've pretty much given up and accepted the fact that I just can't! lol

The tutorials are so handy though here is a site I used before... Make up Geek

Use a slanted brush and if you want, you can line your eye first with dark eye-shadow to give you a base and it's easier to rub off if you make a mistake. Then apply liner over your guide.

Also, if you're hand is a bit unsteady (dunno if I can explain this proper) instead of dragging the brush along your eye, dab it so it creates a small line, then move along a bit more to create another line, and again and again. Then just join up the lines.

Ickle Magoo

I use mineral foundation which has to be applied with a brush - I use a wedge sponge for any concealer or liquid make-up. I use a brush for eye-shadow and I can't do eye-liner for love nor money.

leahyl

Ickle Magoo wrote: »

and I can't do eye-liner for love nor money.

hehe don't worry! I don't like the look of eyeliner so that's why i don't use it - just use the shadow like i said:)

Larianne

Ah, a bit of Fluidline can look amazing. It can help elongate your eyes, give you sexy cat eyes, classic 40's look. I love eye liner.

Trick is to come in at it from the side, not straight on.

Jemmy

Thanks for the advice ladies, lol hijacking your thread Leahyl opps sorwi!

I think I'll have to invest in more make up and play around try some more tutorials. I've always bought the cheaper brands but after buying 2/3 bits that little bit more expensive you really see the difference in quality so I think I'm going to become slowly more addicted.

Jemmy

Larianne wrote: »

Ah, a bit of Fluidline can look amazing. It can help elongate your eyes, give you sexy cat eyes, classic 40's look. I love eye liner.

Trick is to come in at it from the side, not straight on.

I need to try to create this by next friday, it's just not working for me at all! :eek: It's quite funny, but I know as the week goes on I won't find it so funny! :mad:

Larianne

Just ask for a bit of advice in F&A before buying something. Sometimes the more expensive items aren't the best either - some eye liners and mascaras = pants!

Larianne

Jemmy wrote: »

I need to try to create this by next friday, it's just not working for me at all! :eek: It's quite funny, but I know as the week goes on I won't find it so funny! :mad:

Oh you're going to the Burlesque night thingamabob. Well are any of your friends good at make-up? Ask them. Otherwise, practise!! I know it's hard, but just do it!! Do the line very thinly/lightly so if you make a mistake you can rub it out.Try and follow the curve of your eye around when doing the flick.

shellyboo

I don't use a brush for foundation unless it's solid - liquid/mousse I use my hands. I have a good foundation brush, but I find I have more control and can apply it more lightly with my fingers.

Concealer, I also use my fingers, but blusher, eyeshadow, powder bronzed etc it's brushes all the way

taram

I've started to use my fingers for putting powder blush on, seem to get a even colour and nice smooth edges, ie. I don't look like a doll And I'm always adjusting mad eyeshadow looks with my fingers for smudging. Fingers can be make up tools also

Jemmy

Jemmy wrote: »

ARGH I hate trying to use eyeliner! I've pretty much given up and accepted the fact that I just can't! lol

The tutorials are so handy though here is a site I used before... Make up Geek

Keep at it! Took me forever but I finally got there!

I hate trying to put on eyeshadow with my fingers.

Anna Molly

I put my foundation on with my fingers but then smooth it out with a brush.
I used to always use a brush, I just don't think it works with my current make up as well, as it's really thick

Lucyx

surely its more hygenic to use your fingers applying foundation than a brush........

Nervous Wreck

The title of this thread sounds like a facebook group..... As you were.

eviltwin

I've always used my hands to put on makeup..I find it easier to apply and that I have a much better finish with my fingers than I would ever have with a brush

A few years back a mate of mine gave me a set of very expensive brushes for Christmas. I think I must have used them once and then shoved them into the back of the wardrobe. They felt gorgeous but were really hard to use and I ended up with stray hairs all over my face. In the end I just got fed up and went back to my hands and its been that way ever since

McChubbin

I mainly use my hands to apply foundation but stick with either brushes or cotton buds for applying eyeshadow or blusher. One neat trick I've found that's good for getting smokey eyes is to apply the shadow using a small clump of cotton wool.
Perfect smugy affect.
As for brushes, you can get decent quality ones in Boots without paying a fortune.

Toots

I'd use a Mac 187 to put on foundation, but I use my fingers to blend it in around my nose and that bit where my nose meets my forehead. I use brushes for everything else, I just find it gives me more control. I'd clean the brushes every other day with a brush cleanser. I got a present of the Mac one for Christmas and it's great. It's a good sized bottle though, I've barely made a dent in it so far, so depending on how it lasts I might repurchase. Had bought it before but it was ages ago and I can't remember how much it was

Lia_lia

I use my fingers to apply foundation. Brushes irritate me. Too strokey. And time-consuming.

Thought Bubble

Make up is such an each to their own thing. If you find working with your fingers (sounds a bit rude really ) works for you, brilliant! But personally, I much, much, much prefer to use brushes for make up application. For foundation in particular, using the right brush, with the right type of foundation gives me that lovely sort of 'airbrushed' look.

My other reason is hygiene. No matter how clean YOU are, think of all the hands you shake and things you touch during the day and then slather all those germs over you *is not an OCD germaphobe I SWEAR*.

The Big Red Button

Thought Bubble wrote: »

My other reason is hygiene. No matter how clean YOU are, think of all the hands you shake and things you touch during the day and then slather all those germs over you *is not an OCD germaphobe I SWEAR*.

But just wash your hands right before putting on your makeup! FAR more hygenic than using a brush again and again several times without washing it!

(Not that I can talk, I hardly ever wash my bronzer/eyeshadow brushes!)

I always apply my foundation with my hands, I've tried different sponges and brushes before but they just don't work for me! It's like the makeup just sits on my skin instead of blending in, it doesn't look natural at all. Also most of the makeup just seems to remain on the brush or sponge so it seems really wasteful or something. Also I allow myself maybe 2.5 minutes max for putting on makeup each day - no time for faffing about with brushes!

It's different for everybody though.

misswex

I've never used brushes to put on my foundation!! It just seemed like too much work and I think I get a fantastic coverage just using my fingers to blend it in.

Twee.

I use a brush first and then use my fingers to fix it around the nooks and crannies. Brushes for everything else.

barleybooley

Yeah, I always use my fingers, I think it just looks better and if you wash your hands before putting it on then it's so much more hygienic.

thesweeney

Another upside to using the brush is less waste on the foundation.

stripysocks85

thesweeney wrote: »

Another upside to using the brush is less waste on the foundation.

Would have thought it would be more!!

Larianne

Shrieks in horror to everyone using their fingers!!

(Don't mind me, I'm a retired make-up artist and I was brainwashed. )

I think I'm so used to using brushes at this stage I'd defo balls it up using my fingers.

panda100

I find foundation looks cakey when I put it on with a brush. Im definately a fingers girl.

Asphyxia

I find using a foundation brush to be better I use MAC brushes and sometimes coastal scents, I find it gives more of a flawless look to your over all apperence. MAC brushes tend to be exspensive but they are worth it trust me.

smileysurfer

panda100 wrote: »

I find foundation looks cakey when I put it on with a brush. Im definately a fingers girl.

I thought this too, .... until I learned how to do it properly! Now it goes on so much more evenly, you just have to be careful with how much you use.

little red

I use brushes for all my makeup. I just find that for me it gives me a better finish and a better coverage. I don't find it a hassle to clean them, I use the clinique brush cleanser after every use and once a week give them a deep clean with baby shampoo.

I also used to have real bother with eyeliner, always turned out a disaster but then I got MACs fluidline and the benefit get bent brush and its so easy for me now, I wear it everyday

debbie123

im just finishing my first year of a beauty theapy course we're currently doing make up now in exam situation obviously for hygiene reasons they ask to use brushes or sponges before the course i used to always use my hands but ive got used to using triangular sponges i know people say they absorb your make up but they dont as much if they're lightly dampened in my experiences i find that the brushes creates line like a paint brush so i dont use them but each to their another tip i learned in the course was if your using loose powder to reduce shine or help your make up stay on tap loose powder into a tissue and dip your brush into it your less likely to use too much!!! if you've high colour on your cheeks green concealer is the way to go to cover for sallow skins to brighten them try lilac purple concealer and white to widen up small eyes angled brushes are good for applying eye liners as they get into the curves etc sorry post is so long hope some of it helps!!!:)

banshee_bones

Jemmy wrote: »

lol yea same here! I've only started using it since living in a house full of girls in college, 24 now and it was just before my 21st I started with foundation, barely managed mascara and a light shadow before that aswell! I'm getting more into it as the weeks go on too, but it will only ever be light layers, ugh hate the heavy layered feeling over my skin, having said that I need a few lessons in application!

lmao I'm a slow learner at this makeup stuff

I am the exact same! Only got into makeup recently like yourself due to a bunch of women living with me! Girls eh! :rolleyes: and i too am only getting a bit better as the weeks go on and eyeliner is still the bane of my life!

Pocketfizz wrote: »

I find using a foundation brush to be better I use MAC brushes and sometimes coastal scents, I find it gives more of a flawless look to your over all apperence. MAC brushes tend to be exspensive but they are worth it trust me.

debbie123 wrote: »

find that the brushes creates line like a paint brush so i dont use them

I bought a foundation brush, just a generic one in a pharmacy, still cost me about 16e though! and got that lines result so stopped using it, heard the more expensive the brush the better result but i think im doing ok with my fingers.

Currently have stopped using liquid foundation and am just using clinique tinted moisturiser, mixed in with benefit high beam and finish with bronzer, being so damn pale and irish looking i think its enough for me since i don't wear tan either so need to look polished and natural without trying!