What a Difference an Applicator Makes

Lipstickdiva · ‎03-10-2010

I have been doing my best to use up the institutional size IT Cosmetics CC Cream Illumination I bought. I applied it with a foundation brush, also by IT.

All of a sudden one day I looked in the mirror and could see my foundation. I'm not sure if the tube is getting old but I was very dissatisfied with the way it looked on my skin. It looked heavy and cakey and I was noticing a sheen.

I decided to buy a Real Techniques sponge and apply with that instead and wow what a difference. No more of the cakey look, no more sheen.

I have tried the sponge with a few more foundations I have and am liking the results a lot more than with a brush.

Dinaki · ‎12-21-2010

I do like a lot Real Techniques brushes/sponges. Make certain to wash the sponge at least once per week.

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Alison Wonderland · ‎02-05-2018

You can get all kinds of different results from different applicators. I generally prefer sponges because it sheers the foundation out some.

You can also use a bush over the foundation after using a sponge to apply it for a more blended look.

Naturesbeauty · ‎03-19-2010

@Dinaki wrote:
I do like a lot Real Techniques brushes/sponges. Make certain to wash the sponge at least once per week.

I love my make up sponges. I have several brands. I wash them after each use. Using a bar of soap. No special brand of soap. I then sit in a window sill that gets lots of sunshine. I rotate with several......that way always have a clean one handy. I only purchase when I can use a coupon. (HSN, Ulta, Sephora)

wildcat fan · ‎03-23-2010

I so agree @Lipstickdiva. I have an IT foundation that came in a TSV with a brush, and I actually like it applied better with a sponge than I do with the brush.

I'm always so intrigued by the YouTube foundation tester videos where the person shows what the foundation looks like applied with a sponge and what it looks like applied with a brush. Funny how some look better with a brush while others look better with a sponge. Maybe it varies by person, but I think I like the sponge application method better, and that surprises me because for years I wanted to try this IT brush--love the feel of it but don't get the results like I had hoped. I guess the results vary by person or foundation, though. I'll hang onto the brush to try with another foundation to see how that goes, but for now, I'm sticking with the sponge.

I've seen lots of positve comments about Real Techniques. I'm going to try that. My last one was a Beauty Blender.

withaK · ‎01-28-2016

Great ideas !!! Thank you all........I bought an IT kit months back and was only half pleased with it---the brush was awful so I tossed it out...the foundation differed in actual color than was advertised..the mascara is ok as is the lipstick.....but with this good advice I may be able to finish up the remaining foundation I have....Thanks again !!!!

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

If using a sponge w/ cream products, I'd have two. Wash it when you're finished applying makeup and if not dry, you'll have an extra one for the next day. They harbor lots of bacteria that transfers from sponge to face especially w/ cream makeup on them. Just a suggestion.

monicakm · ‎03-16-2010

I don't know what I must be doing wrong. I've tried applying with a Beauty Blender and a RT foundation brush. My foundation is Revlon Colorstay for Dry/Combo skin. I use a primer. My fingers do a much better job than either one of the other options

Katcat1 · ‎07-21-2011

That is all I use the Real Technique sponge (orange color). It spreads your foundation evenly. I never liked a brush for applying foundation. I wash the sponge after EACH use.

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Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

@Katcat1 wrote:
That is all I use the Real Technique sponge (orange color). It spreads your foundation evenly. I never liked a brush for applying foundation. I wash the sponge after EACH use.

@Katcat1 It should be used wet, so just adding a little cleanser to the water afterwards gets it clean. If only want to keep one sponge and it's damp in the morning, add water. You'd have to wet it again anyway, right? For longer lasting foundation, you can mist the damp sponge w/ setting spray.