How to Blend Makeup with a Sponge, Brush, or Your Hands

Makeup is an art — that we can all agree on. Whether you stick to no-makeup makeup, go for a full beat with contour, or focus on one area — such as the eyes or cheeks — color cosmetics can help enhance your features and give you an outlet to be creative. However, as with all types of art, some techniques are learned over time — and blending is one of the most important skills to master.

"You want your complexion products to be undetectable and seamlessly blend into your skin," said Beautyblender founder and CEO Rea Ann Silva.

She added that good blending doesn't create harsh lines — unless done deliberately. A well-blended smoky eye can take a look from zero to 100, and even if you're going for a natural look, a badly blended bronzer can give you the opposite effect. To find out more, we tapped Silva and MUA Ciara Glionna to share their best tips and tricks for blending makeup like a pro.

Meet the expert

Keep reading for our expert-approved guide to getting that perfect blended style of facial makeup.

What Are the Biggest Blending Mistakes?

If you take the time to do your makeup, you want it to look good. However, mistakes happen. Silva said the biggest blending mistake she notices is after someone forgets to look at their makeup from a side profile. 

"We often look straight ahead and may miss lines of demarcation when blending," the Beautyblender creator explained.

Additionally, Glionna said that a big faux pas is neglecting the neck when blending out your makeup. 

"Your skin doesn't stop at your jaw — blend your complexion down your neck so your foundation looks seamless and more natural," Glionna suggested.

How to Blend with a Sponge

Makeup sponges are a popular tool for blending foundation. 

"Makeup sponges are meant to be used damp, so remember to run it under your faucet and squeeze all the excess water out," said Glionna. "A damp sponge softens the application process when the product goes onto the skin, allowing it to blend easily."

Silva added that for a flawless makeup application, bounce your Beautyblender — never drag it. 

"With an easy bouncing motion, you can create a streak-free finish and cut your makeup routine in half," the entrepreneur said, adding that makeup sponges can be used with primers, concealers, foundations, powders, creams, and even sunscreen.

When blending makeup, remember to check it from a side profile. "We often look straight ahead and may miss lines of demarcation when blending," said Silva.

Choosing a Makeup Sponge

Not all makeup sponges are created equal. Some use cheap material that absorbs all the product into the sponge, where it remains damp and harbors bacteria, so spending a little extra cash on a high-quality one, such as the original Beautyblender, is a wise investment. 

"Our exclusive aqua-activated material provides an airbrushed application and absorbs minimal product, so your favorite formula lands on your complexion, not in your sponge," explained Silva.

How to Blend with a Brush

Whether you're looking to blend eyeshadow, bronzer, or blush, there's a makeup brush to get the job done. 

"Brushes function like little brooms and sweep product on or off of the skin, so you want to be applying deliberately where you want the product to be detected and then blend until you have the desired look," Silva told us.

If using a makeup brush for complexion products, Glionna recommended taking a less-is-more approach since it's easier to add more product than remove it once it's on your face. 

"I apply the product to the back of my hand first and then onto the skin from the brush. This warms up the formula so it blends even smoother on the face," explained Glionna. 

For best results, use your brushes in small circular motions for a seamless finish, the Tarte MUA added.

Choosing a Makeup Brush

When selecting makeup brushes, using ones that are created for your specific needs will help you reach your makeup goals. The denser the brush, the more full-coverage the result. (Tarte has a great line of vegan brushes for the complexion and eye area, BTW.)

How to Blend with Your Fingers

In a pinch, your fingers can absolutely work to blend your makeup.

"Cream and liquid products blend amazingly with your fingers, but remember to use less than you would with a brush or sponge because no product will get absorbed into the tool," said Glionna.

For application, Glionna suggested tapping the product into your face and lightly pressing it in — swiping it across the skin will cause streaking. Properly washing your hands before makeup application is a must, stressed Silva.

When blending out your makeup, don't neglect your neck. "Your skin doesn't stop at your jaw — blend your complexion down your neck so your foundation looks seamless and more natural," said Glionna.

Final Verdict on the Best Makeup Blending Technique

Ultimately, the best makeup blending application comes down to personal preference. For a more natural-looking complexion, our experts recommend using makeup sponges. 

"A sponge will sheer out any product, whereas a brush will give you a bit more impact," explained Glionna. 

Fingers will also give you a natural application, especially if you're short on time. However, for eye makeup and to make even more of a splash, both Silva and Glionna agreed brushes are the obvious go-to.

"Remember, the denser the brush, the fuller coverage you'll get," added Glionna. 

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