Foundation is the first step to achieving a flawless makeup look, and having the right tools makes as much of a difference as the formula itself. Between using a brush or a sponge, is there a better choice for different looks, or is one always better than the other?
For this application comparison, we’re using bareMinrals’ Smoothing Face Brush, which works well with liquid and powder foundations, and The Original Beautyblender, which works best with liquid formulas (and finishing powders).
Before foundation, we start with color correction. Peach and orange cancel out blue hues to minimize dark under-eye circles, green and yellow cancel redness, pink cancels browns, and purple cancels sallow yellowness. To blend, the sponge helps easily reach small spaces—like the inner corners of the eyes—with its stippling effect, while the brush blends out the color for an even and natural finish.
Moving onto foundation, this is where the difference between these two tools shows more clearly.
Some people don’t like using brushes because they find the result too “streaky.” However, a good makeup brush designed for liquid formulas—like the Smoothing Face Brush—will have densely packed bristles that spread the formula easily, then minimizes any streaks by using the same stippling motion as a sponge applicator. It easily blends out the foundation with maximum coverage.
On the other hand, the sponge absorbs some of the product as it’s applied, creating a natural finish with light coverage. The foundation is applied using just the stippling technique until all the color seamlessly blends into the skin.
When it comes to concealer, these tools are evenly matched. They both give a natural finish, but again, the brush provides more coverage than the sponge.
Overall, the brush gives heavier, thicker coverage without looking cakey, perfect for fall and winter or a full-glam look. The sponge gives the skin light coverage a more natural, lightweight finish, making it ideal for fresh spring and summer styles.
If you want more coverage while saving more of your products each application, a makeup brush is the way to go. However, if coverage isn’t your concern and you’re all about that no-makeup makeup look, going with a sponge is the best decision. At the end of the day, it’s all up to preference.
No matter if you go with a brush or sponge, always remember to wash it all away at the end of the day (with a makeup remover followed by a face wash) to keep your skin looking its best. To learn about better makeup removal, check out our guide, then discover why cleaning your brushes and sponges routinely is just as important as your skincare routine.
For questions, concerns, or article ideas, feel free to reach out to our eCosmetics Beauty Editor directly at beauty@ecosmetics.com
