What's the Best Way to Blend Foundation?

Foundation forms the canvas for all your other cosmetics. If foundation isn’t properly blended, it can derail your whole look.

Here's how to get the job done right—but there's more than one way to do so.

But don’t let that put you off. With all the amazing foundations and tools out there, just about anyone can create a flawless finish. We’ll give you the keys to blending like a boss with any applicator.

The idea of using brushes to apply makeup might make you want to paint your face in broad strokes and wide circles like Michelangelo. But blending foundation with a brush, whilst generally the most common method, takes a steady hand and determination.

Start by applying your foundation in single pea-sized amounts to each area of the face you’re covering: generally the forehead, nose, chin, and each cheek. To blend your makeup, use gentle dabbing motions and upward strokes that match the natural contours of your face to create the most even look.

Use a light hand with your brush. Although you may be used to rubbing foundation into your skin, light blending is more effective and looks more natural than heavy brush strokes.

It seems everyone is using that famous egg-shaped beauty blender these days to apply their makeup, and with good reason. Sponges are more similar to the surface of your skin than brush bristles, and the former can deposit product more evenly.

You can apply foundation directly to your skin, or add the product to the sponge. Bear in mind that you’ll lose more product to the inside of the sponge with the second method.

The same rule about a light-handed approach applies here. Gently press and buff foundation into the skin in an upward motion. This will help the product lay beautifully on the skin. Using the same sweeping/dabbing motions you would use with a brush will only smear the makeup on the skin.

A sponge can also be used after brush application to buff out any obvious edges or hard lines left by your brush. The Adore Beauty Tools of the Trade Beauty of Blending Sponge Set is a great option for flawless application.

Sometimes, the only available makeup tools are the tools you were born with: your hands. No worries!

Fingers can't achieve the ultra-smooth blending that a sponge or brush creates. But if you use the same upward-sweeping strokes and light pressing motions, your foundation will look just fine. Resist the urge to rub the product into the skin, as your foundation will smear and appear unnatural.

Once you’ve got these application tips down, you’re all set for a flawless face! Got any application tips for us? Let us know. Everyone loves a good tried-and-true pro tip.