India, June 9 -- When it comes to a flawless makeup base, choosing the right tool can be just as crucial as the product itself. Whether it's a pore-blurring primer, skin-perfecting foundation, or a bright pop of blush, application technique plays a pivotal role in how your makeup looks and lasts. To guide you through the ever-evolving world of makeup tools - brushes, sponges, and even your own fingers - we've curated expert tips from the best makeup artists, sourced from trusted beauty forums.
Best makeup tools, tips, types and their uses according to expert artists
Primer: Best applied with a brush (but fingers still have a place)
Brushes vs. fingers
Primer sets the stage for everything else. While many of us instinctively apply it with our fingers, professionals often prefer brushes for hygiene and even coverage.
Celebrity makeup artist Ojas Rajani had shared in an interview earlier that she prefers using a foundation brush for applying primer, noting that "hands may carry natural oils which can alter the primer's performance." She stresses that blending the primer thoroughly with a brush helps it absorb better into the skin.
Shop the best Primer brushes
e.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Primer Applicator
e.l.f. Cosmetics Putty Primer Applicator
INR 890
Pro Arte Mini Polishing Brush (PP16)
Pro Arte Mini Polishing Brush (PP16)
INR 575
London Prime HD Stippling Brush-LP331
London Prime HD Stippling Brush-LP331
INR 790
Foundation: Brush, sponge, or fingers?
Brushes - Ideal for full coverage and control
Synthetic-bristle foundation brushes remain a staple in many pro kits. In an interview with WebMD, makeup artist Grayson explained that a flat, tapered brush gives "precision around the eyes and nose" and prevents product wastage. This method works especially well for liquid or cream foundations needing full coverage.
Shop the best foundation brushes
Nykaa BlendPro Foundation Makeup Brush
Nykaa BlendPro Foundation Makeup Brush
INR 499
CHANEL PINCEAU TEINT 2 EN 1 - FLUIDE ET POUDRE NO101 FLUID AND POWDER FOUNDATION BRUSH
CHANEL PINCEAU TEINT 2 EN 1 - FLUIDE ET POUDRE NO101 FLUID AND POWDER FOUNDATION BRUSH
INR 4950
Swiss Beauty Foundation Blender Brush
Swiss Beauty Foundation Blender Brush
INR 349
Sponges - For a natural, seamless finish
Sponges like the Beautyblender are beloved for delivering a smooth, second-skin look. In a feature by InStyle, celebrity makeup artist Kelli J. Bartlett emphasised using a damp sponge: "A wet sponge helps dilute product and gives a dewy, airbrushed finish."
Similarly, Bollywood makeup artist Mitesh Rajani said that "a moist sponge works wonders for blending foundation into the skin," and he recommends dabbing instead of dragging to preserve texture and prevent cakiness.
Shop the best sponges
Praush Beauty Celestial Super Soft Makeup Sponge
Praush Beauty Celestial Super Soft Makeup Sponge
INR 550
PAC Beauty Blender Sponge
PAC Beauty Blender Sponge
INR 395
Daily Life Forever52 Ultrablend 2 In 1 Puff & Sponge - Pink
Daily Life Forever52 Ultrablend 2 In 1 Puff & Sponge - Pink
INR 629
Fingers - The original tool
Fingers can offer unmatched control, especially for light or medium coverage. Sandhya Shekar, makeup artist to Deepika Padukone, said: "Fingers are best for blending when you're working with dry skin or acne scars, as they help melt the product into the skin."
Blush: Application tools depend on the formula
Powder Blush = Brush
For powder blush, nothing beats a good blush brush. In a round-up by Allure, makeup artist Fiona Stiles recommended the MAC 159 Duo Fibre Brush: "Its light, feathery touch allows buildable pigment and a seamless blend."
Shop the best blush brushes
Nykaa BlendPro Blush Makeup Brush
Nykaa BlendPro Blush Makeup Brush
INR 599
PAC Blush Brush - 214
PAC Blush Brush - 214
INR 585
CHANEL PINCEAU BLUSH NO110 BLUSH BRUSH
CHANEL PINCEAU BLUSH NO110 BLUSH BRUSH
INR 4950
Cream Blush = Fingers (with a hint of artistry)
Fingers are often favoured for cream blushes, as the warmth helps melt the product into the skin. On beauty forums like Reddit, users echo this technique. One user wrote, "I love using my fingers to apply foundation, concealer, and cream blush! The warmth helps 'melt' the product into my skin, leaving a flawless finish."
The Verdict: Customise your tools to your routine
There's no universal rule - the best tool varies based on the product, skin type, and your desired finish. But here's a quick cheat sheet based on expert insights:
Product Best tool (Pro opinion) Why
Primer Brush Prevents oil transfer and ensures even coverage
Foundation Sponge (damp) or Brush Sponge for natural finish, brush for full coverage
Blush Brush (powder)/Fingers (cream) Depends on the formula and the desired intensity
Ultimately, it's all about experimenting. As Mitesh Rajani wisely said, "There are no rules - just find what feels right for your skin."