Brush
PROS:- can be inexpensive
- there's a brush for every product and area of the face
- fast application
- full-coverage
- easy to clean
- can be pricey, depending on brand, and I recommend at least 2 face brushes
- need to clean more often
BONUS POSTS:
Beauty Blender
PROS:- shape is perfect for all areas of face
- applies multiple products, not just foundation
- natural, light coverage, "airbrushed" finish
- blends out too much product
- not full-coverage
- confusing on how to use
- $20 for sponge?
- longer to use
- not as easy to clean
BONUS POSTS:
- Beauty Blender 101--everything you need to know.
- Beauty Blender vs. Real Techniques
This or That?
- I prefer tools to apply foundation as opposed to my fingers. I feel like it is more hygienic, faster, and with better coverage this way. However, some products just work better with fingers!
- I use both, love both for different reasons, but I tend to use brushes more, since they are faster to use.
For details, brand suggestions, and more, please watch the video below.
Can't see the video? Click here.
PS: Got wrinkles? Got stretch marks? Wanna see 'em disappear? Enter to win a tube of Strivectin SD Advanced (it works, y'all).
I'm gonna look out for that Real Techniques sponge. Didn't know the line has this.
ReplyDeleteGreat comparison, Elle:)
Great post and video! Really comprehensive and I just want to say I appreciate all the work you put into your posts! Btw, that orange shirt looks lovely on you doll!
ReplyDeleteI always use my fingers because it's quicker and *ahem* I am lazy. :-P
ReplyDeleteI have never used and beauty blender before and don't own one. I just use my BE makeup brush's.
ReplyDeleteI also use my fingers to put my foundation on but will buy the Tom Ford foundation brush soon. I'm really interestend in the beauty blender though! Xx Alessia
ReplyDeletehttp://lashesandblushes.blogspot.com
"•$20 for sponge?" That's the main thing that holds me back from giving it a shot so far. If I don't like it, there's $20 down the drain. Plus, I'm more of a full coverage gal when it comes to foundation. Still though... I can't help but want to give it a shot anyway.
ReplyDeleteI love this review, I never tried beauty blender but always read about it!
ReplyDeleteGenerally I use fingers or brushes <3
Xxx doll
Carolina
www.theworldc.com
Love the comparison and +/-. I know the choice of these tools is so individual, even make-up artists say it... Personally on a daily basis I just use my fingers - I wear VERY little make-up, so it suits me. For a more special occasion it would have to be a brush, mostly because I am more comfortable with it and also for the hygienic purposes. :) Great post, Elle! x
ReplyDeletehmmm i have never used a beauty blender before! i usually just use a brush if i put anything on my face (which is rare) xo jillian - cornflake dreams
ReplyDeleteI tend opt for brushes as well...for
ReplyDeleteCourtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines pretty much the same reasons that you list!
Love love love your new look! And I have been wanting a foundation brush forever. I just use my hands, which I know isn't great!
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm a brush girl myself. Although, I've seen a ton of beauty vloggers swear by the makeup sponge, so I've been tempted to try it.
ReplyDeleteI use a brush because I have powder foundation and the beauty blender looks confusing! Thanks for all the information! The beauty blender doesn't seem as intimidating now! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for information . For me i prefer brush ♥ hehe
ReplyDeletexoxo
theanotherpartofme.blogspot.com
I pinned this because it is that good! I love all the tips you give!
ReplyDeleteI keep going back and forth between the blender and the brush! I swear I can never decide which I like better! I think lately I've been leaning more towards my brush though! Great post!!!
ReplyDelete<3, Pamela
sequinsandseabreezes.blogspot.com
Hmmm I got one of those blenders in my Lucky FABB swag bag. But I have yet to try it out.
ReplyDeleteAllie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com
I like using both to apply foundations! The first brushes I used were the elf stippling brush and the real techniques stippling brush. These are both really cheap! Then I got my BB and loved that more. And now I'm hooked on my sigma F80 lol!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this helpful comparison. I don't use foundation but I use BB cream and I tend to put it on with my fingers but I can see how using a brush would provide better coverage.
ReplyDeleteRowena @ rolala loves
Thanks for the comparison! I'm interested in the beauty blended but the $20 price tag is off putting. Usually when I apply my base, I usually use my fingers to apply and blend the product. Then I use a damp cosmetic wedge to pick up excess product and blend my base even more. I tried foundation brushes before but I prefer using my fingers.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the helpful comparison! I've still yet to try a beauty blender, though I do use brushes all the time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info Elle but I still use brush.
ReplyDeleteKisses,
B
Lifestyle Blog
I don't wear that much makeup, but I think I would go with a brush because I am old fashioned :)
ReplyDeleteGreat comparisons...great post. I am guilty of using my fingers, but I don't wear a ton of foundation, so I never want to spend a ton of money!
ReplyDeleteI'm guilty of using my fingers to blend foundation. I can never seen to get it on right with a brush no matter how many times I try.
ReplyDeleteHi Elle Thanks For Stopping By My Blog =)
ReplyDeleteSimply Sutter
Great video and post! I rather to use brush than beauty blender! =)
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog!
http://whattostyle.blogspot.com/
xoxo,
Jess
This post is so well down and informative Elle, I am usually so lazy to use tools but I am convinced by your suggestions. It was great reading your comment...wishing you a wonderful and warm weekend!
ReplyDeleteI tend to use a brush. But now I might see about a beauty blender.
ReplyDeleteI agree blenders are harder to clean. I prefer brushes.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win the anti-wrinkle cream! Fingers crossed!
I just broke down and bought a beauty blender so I'm glad you made this so I know when I should use it and when I should use my brushes!
ReplyDeleteUhhhh I need an RT sponge in my life!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great comparison! I like using a brush, but I keep telling myself I need to try a beauty blender :)
ReplyDeleteI use a brush, but I have never tried a beauty blender before. I think there is a time to use both of them! But maybe I'm just saying that because I haven't tried the other one haha. Hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeletewww.amemoryofus.blogspot.com
I've been using my fingers. I think I would be more apt to use a brush though. I've tried sponges in the past and didn't really care for them.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.averysweetblog.com/
I felt very "$20 for a SPONGE!!!" until I finally tried a real Beauty Blender and then I got it. It does blend everything from foundation to cream shadows and blushes with the greatest of ease. I also love using brushes and even fingers sometimes since they help warm the product up first and it melts into the skin nicely. It really depends on what type of foundation or product I'm using. Unless I'm in a hurry and then it's always fingers!! Oddly enough, I've found applying powder eye shadow with fingers actually works pretty well! Great post, Elle!
ReplyDeleteI prefer the Beauty Blender myself but I rarely reach for it! LOL! It's more work and not as easy to clean as the brush. It really does give skin a more flawless finish, though! :)
ReplyDeleteI've never used a beauty blender. I prefer brushes. My daughter has tried it though, and she seems to like it.
ReplyDeleteI've always just used my fingers! I actually didn't realize that you could use brushes for liquid foundation, I've used them for powder before, but I guess it does make sense to use them with liquid foundation, too--after all, we use brushes with paint! Somehow I just hadn't made that connection before...
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Elle! I am like you--finger application just doesn't seem right to me, so I use disposable cosmetic wedges. T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI've never used a beauty blender, but I do like the idea that it would give you that airbrushed finish! I seem to apply too much foundation when I use a brush or just a cosmetic sponge.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, I always get comments from friends telling me to blend my make-up on the days i use a brush...I therefore almost always use my hands to melt the makeup a little before i put it on my face...I obviously need some practice!!
ReplyDeleteI have Beauty Blenders but I love to use Brushes.. old school I guess
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cindyslittleblackbook.com
I have both the original BB and the one by Real Techniques and I absolutely prefer the former. It really makes my concealer blend seamlessly into my skin. The Real Techniques one is in my purse for midday touch ups. It's not bad but it's just not as good as the original IMO. I love brushes too and mostly use them for foundation application. I have the F80 and recently acquired the Optical Blurring brush by Urban Decay. The right tools really do make a difference in how your makeup looks on your skin and very much worth the investment.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, this is SO helpful - there are so many times that I just do not know the difference between anything. Your tutorials are the absolute best.
ReplyDeleteI have always used a foundation brush but I am very interested in learning more about the beauty blender!
ReplyDeleteI use both but I tend to use the brush more.
ReplyDeleteI use both too! Depends on if I'm rushing or have time/occasion for full face. Trying to catch up on my blog reading! Glad your baby is doing better! xo
ReplyDelete