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The Makeup Tool You Need To Start Using Again


The beauty community is constantly coming up with new, and sometimes even bizarre, ways of applying makeup. In the past year we've seen everything from the SiliSponge to chicken nuggets (thanks, YouTube) being hailed as the foundation application tools of choice. But there's one tool that has recaptured my imagination in the past couple of weeks. My hands.

I remember when I first started wearing makeup almost a decade ago. My highly limited repertoire of tools saw me using my fingers to apply tinted moisturiser every day. But as my adoration for cosmetics grew, so did my collection, and foundation brushes quickly replaced my inexperienced fingertips. From then on I would pine after MAC Duo Fibres, Real Techniques and Beauty Blenders, forever searching for the perfect base application tool to give me the flawless application I've forever been looking for.

It wasn't until I took on a new job at a cosmetic retail agency and found myself working on a Nars counter that everything changed. Using your hands is the standard application method for foundation products at Nars, so I had to get used to it pretty quickly. It feels almost primitive and childlike applying makeup in this way, particularly in a world where sponges and brushes are sold to us as the only tools available. But when you really think about it, using your hands makes perfect sense.

One of the first things I learnt as a makeup artist is that warming up your base product with your hands helps it to blend into the skin and give a more natural finish. It's a well known trick that most makeup artists use in one way or another. So as consumers, why aren't we?

During my shift at Nars, I was surprised to see how quick and easy it was to create a flawless base again and again with nothing but the long skinny witch fingers I was born with. In my personal makeup routine, brushes have now officially taken a back seat. My method of choice has been to squirt a blob of foundation into the back of my left hand, then dab splodges on my forehead, cheeks, chin and nose. From there, I start to blend out with smoothing and dabbing motions, replicating the same movements we use with brushes and sponges. Trust me when I say that since I started using my hands, my application time has been cut in half. I've also noticed that I use way less product because it's not getting soaked up by a sponge or brush. Honestly, I'm totally in love.

I'd like to take this opportunity to encourage you to experiment with the way you do makeup. Break the boundaries that cosmetic consumerism has bestowed upon us. (Okay, maybe that was way too philosophical for a post about using your hands to put on foundation...)

Let me know what you've changed recently in your everyday makeup routine in the comments below.



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20 comments:

  1. I use my fingers for my under-eye concealer but other than that I'm a brush kind of gal. It just works better for me that way but I guess that's optional.
    As for what I've changed recently, I started rocking the bold lip once again. It's not autumn for me when I wear a nude.
    xx Carade
    car-ade.blogspot.com

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  2. I sometimes just use my hands for applying foundation too! I've been loving silicone sponges too lately because they don't absorb any product!

    Have an amazing day!

    xx Kris | https://dreamingofpink.wordpress.com

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  3. I totally agree with you! I've always thought it's the best way

    www.evakapsta.com

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  4. I think this is an awesome idea but I don't know if I could do it! I am the type of person that would forget I was applying it and get it everywhere 'cause it's on my hands! :( I do think using it for concealer like someone mentioned above wouldn't be too bad!

    xo, Kimberly
    www.lifeofkimberly.com

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  5. I was told never to use my fingers ! I often do though , but I find some brushes are great ,mind you ,I've to remember to wash them more than I do !

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    1. It's interesting that you were told that - Someone else said they heard the same. I think so long as your hands are clean, it's totally fine. I should definitely wash my brushes more than I do too!
      Xx

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  6. I have always used my hands for putting on foundation I just never got on with brushes or sponges. Glad to hear that I am not doing something taboo lol

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    1. Definitely not! A lot of makeup artists say using your hands is the best way, so you must be doing something right!
      Xx

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  7. I've always used my hands, I find it easier and faster. I occasionally use a brush, and it does give a great finish, but on a day-to-day basis, the hands win!

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  8. I use my fingers/hands for everything other than eye shadow! I find it faster, easier and actually works better!

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  9. I can't remember the last time I used my hands to apply my foundation, I think tomorrow I might give it ago x

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  10. There's so many things about not using your fingers for applying make up, but as long as they're clean I don't see how it can be bad haha! It makes sense from what you've said, for sure!

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  11. Oh yes, my finger are still the best tool I have or makeup, even to correct minimal mistakes ;)

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  12. Long skinny witch fingers! 😂
    I do love using my make up sponge but I dread to think of the bacteria..

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    1. They really are like witch fingers!!
      I think the same about sponges - they're a great tool but it's genuinely impossible to properly sanitise them!
      Xx

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  13. This makes for really interesting reading - I've NEVER used my hands to apply my make up but I can totally see how it makes sense. I guess I've always had the "it's not very hygenic" kinda attitude. I do love my MAC Duo Fibre brush for foundation.

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  14. I've started using my fingers because I was afraid that my brushes were getting so germy despite how many times I washed them! It's funny how the simplest techniques are the most effective!

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  15. I used for hands all of the time until I discovered the beauty blender, the finish seems a lot more flawless for me (although I do lack skills hah) x

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  16. I always apply my foundation etc with my fingers. I'm such a slap and dash kind of person.

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  17. It sounds terrible but I never use brushes!!!! I only wear foundation or concealer and I always apply with my hands. Everything else I use is a pencil. Again, if it's eye shadow, I use my hands! I do need to invest in brushes though. x

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