Makeup Brushes vs. Sponges: This Is the Real Difference (2024)

Over the years, I’ve heard it all—this makeup artist loves to use her fingers, while that celebrity prefers a brush. Another expert will swear by Beautyblender. The advice is helpful, but often, it leaves me with even more questions. What is really the best way? And which products call for what tools?

To find definitive answers, I tapped Blushington’s makeup and beauty lounge expert, Samantha Freda, Kiko Milano makeup artist MariaI. Rincon Djuro, Senior Global Director of Marketing at Real Techniques Nicole Martino, and MUAs at mineral makeup brand, Alima Pure. Not only did they dispel my doubts, explaining when and how to apply foundation with a sponge versus other makeup application tools, but they also recommended a few of their favorite products to keep me (and now, you!) covered. Keep reading to learn how to apply foundation with a sponge and all the other tools at your disposal.

How to Apply Foundation With a Sponge

If a flawless finish is what you're after, look no further than a sponge. Freda says, "A sponge is ideal for a flawless natural foundation application"—and perhaps, everything else, too. Keep in mind, however, that the finish you get from applying foundation with a sponge can change depending on what type of foundation you're using.

"Use a sponge, (like KIKO Milano's Rectangular Foundation Sponge) when you’re using a medium to full coverage foundation, but wish to achieve a more natural, dewy, and skin-like finish. Remember: your damp sponge is not the best to use on silicone and oil-based foundations, since water might break up the product," Rincon Djuro advises.

Sponges work best with lightweight liquid formulas or stick foundations. Creamy, thick foundations would be better served with a brush (so you can buff out the edges for a more natural finish). But keep in mind that all makeup sponges are not the same and therefore, won't yield the same result. "Our iconic, orangeMiracle Complexion Sponge is designed to be used damp to provide a sheer, dewy, glass-skin glow. But ourMiracle Airblend Spongeis made of different sponge material that when used dry, will provide you with more coverage and a matte finish," Martino shares.

Wet Before Use

To get the most out of your sponge, always wet it before use, squeezing the moisture out so it's damp but not sopping wet. This will ensure that the foundation is applied and distributed evenly.

Build Coverage

Rather than slathering on lots of foundation, try a little at first and build, yielding a more natural look. Freda explains, "If I had to choose my favorite [makeup application] method, it would be using a sponge for everything. The coverage is buildable, the result is practically flawless, and the makeup will last you all day."

Coverage-building is also dependent on what type of foundation product you use. If you're using a stick foundation, you can apply the stick directly to the skin for thicker coverage or dot it directly onto the moist sponge for a more natural look.

Experiment

While we can't help but like what we like, sometimes a little trial-and-error can go a long way, meaning it's worth exploring other tool-product combos to determine what works best for you. The Alima Pure team agrees: "Using different application methods and mixing up your tools is a great way of experimenting and customizing your routine." Plus, if you change up your foundation frequently, what works for one application-wise may not work for the other.

How to Apply Foundation With Your Fingers

While personal preference certainly plays a role in what makeup application tool you use to apply foundation, the strategy should also be a deciding factor. Freda explains, "The difference between brushes, sponges, and using your fingers is all about the product being used at the time." For instance, "Fingers are great for products that need to be warmed up a bit to blend." (Think: cream eye shadows, makeup primer, tinted moisturizer, and concealer, to name a few). "My favorite product to apply with my fingers is Stila's Convertible Color because I have complete control over the amount of product and blendability," adds Freda.

Opt for Light Coverage

As for foundation, fingers are optimal when reaching for something with light coverage. "Use your fingerswhen using a light coverage foundation or skin tint. This technique is a great way to achieve a quick look while you run out the door. The warmth of your fingers will melt the product into the skin more easily," says Rincon Djuro.

Always Use Clean Hands

"There’s also a lot of control that comes with using your fingers because you can massage the makeup to reach all areas of your face down to your neck," Martino adds. But one important factor to note? Make sure your hands are clean. Fingers won't work for every type of foundation, "powder foundations—it just doesn’t work," she says.

How to Apply Foundation With Brushes

Similar to using your fingers, brushes allow for a concentrated application—but even more so. According to Rincon Djuro, "Use a brushsuch asKIKO Milano's Sponge Core Foundation Brush,when you want the most of your foundation. That is, a brush will provide you with the most coverage while also blending your foundation beautifully."

Choose a Brush Carefully

"Brush fiber, density, quality, shape: These are all factors that will make a big difference in how your makeup will turn out," Martino says. "To buff and blend a foundation, use a dense brush preferably with a flat top head or spatula-style edge. This will allow you to seamlessly and effortlessly apply and blend out your base flawlessly. The density of the fibers really matters for cream and liquid foundations. Density equals control, performance, [and] it’s going to make your blend so much easier."

For a perfect blend, she recommends Real Techniques' Glow Round Base Makeup Blending Brush.