Here’s How to Apply Foundation With a Sponge, According to Pro Makeup Artists

Real talk: Using your fingers is not going to give you the long-lasting makeup finish you’re after. Learning how to apply foundation with a sponge can actually take your beat to the next level. And when we say sponge, we’re not talking about the flimsy sponges you might find in a makeup compact. A well structured, thick makeup sponge or a powder puff—those are the true gamechangers.

“What I particularly like about sponges is that they let me work with very thin layers, soften transitions between areas with more and less coverage, and gently lift excess product without disturbing the rest of the makeup,” says Christian Briceno, a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City. It’s this buildup of light layers that gives you a long-lasting finish that won’t fade or crack by the end of the day. Read on to learn more about how exactly to apply foundation with a sponge. Spoiler alert: It might change the way you do your makeup forever.

What is a makeup sponge?

In what may come as a surprise to no one, a makeup sponge is a sponge used to apply makeup (gasp!). “A makeup sponge is one of those simple tools that can completely transform the way foundation looks on the skin,” says Tim Quinn, a celebrity makeup artist in New York City. He says it helps blend and soften makeup for a more natural, seamless finish. Word to the wise: A sponge will give you a more natural finish, rather than a full-coverage one, which might end up looking cakey over time. “I’ve always believed the most beautiful foundation is the foundation you barely notice,” he says, and a sponge can help you get there.

Is it better to apply foundation with a wet or dry sponge?

A damp makeup sponge is the way to go when using it with foundation. “Not soaking wet, just slightly damp. I like to wet it, squeeze out the excess water, and then give it another squeeze in a clean towel,” says Quinn. The artists we spoke with all said to avoid a dry sponge at all costs, as it might make makeup look patchy or streaky. “A dry sponge can be useful for more concentrated coverage,” Quinn says, but it won’t give you a soft, filtered finish the way a damp one can.

Not sure how to go about actually using the squishy tool? We got you: Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply foundation with a sponge.

Step 1: Put foundation on the back of your hand.

To start, Quinn recommends placing a few drops of foundation on the back of your hand. “This allows you to control exactly how much product you’re using rather than applying it directly to the face,” he says. As far as formula goes, you can’t go wrong with a longwearing pick that features good-for-your-skin ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hydrate and gently soothe redness and discoloration. We recommend opting for a liquid formula as this will pair best with a sponge (i.e., stay away from sticks).

Step 2: Pick up the product with a brush first.

Next, pick up the foundation from the back of your hand with a makeup brush. “Dab your foundation brush into the product and begin applying it to the center of the face, where most of us need a bit more coverage, working outward,” says Quinn. A dome-shaped foundation brush is great for this—but remember, dot the product on; don’t rub.

Step 3: Tap the product into the skin with the sponge.

Next, take your damp sponge and, using the larger, rounded end, pick up the foundation from the back of your hand and tap the product into the skin. Always start with a clean makeup sponge to help prevent the bacteria buildup that can lead to breakouts. (And definitely squeeze out that excess water so the sponge isn’t too saturated).

“Use a bouncing or stippling motion to blend out the product, then build coverage wherever you need more,” says Kasey Spickard, a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City. The bouncing and dabbing motion will blend the product out without removing too much coverage.

As for the pointed tip of the sponge, Quinn said you can use this side for getting around the nose and under the eyes. “I always use whatever product remains on the sponge toward the jawline and hairline to blend everything in,” he says.

Step 4: Repeat until you get the desired finish, then set it with a setting spray.

Repeat this motion until you’ve achieved the finish you’re going for. “Remember, you don’t need the same amount of makeup everywhere. Some areas might need more coverage, while others need almost none,” says Briceno. Add concealer on any areas you want to fully cover, then set the look with a little setting powder and a 24-hour setting spray to lock it in. “I also like to take a damp beauty sponge after spraying to work the setting spray into the skin and lock the makeup in even more securely,” Spickard adds.

What should you avoid doing when using a sponge to apply foundation?

All of the artists say to avoid swiping product on with a sponge. “Dragging it across can move the foundation instead of keeping the coverage where you want it,” says Briceno. Another tip to remember is that less is more. “Using too much product is probably one of the most common mistakes. Also avoid using a soaking-wet sponge or applying too much pressure,” he says.

Is a sponge better than a brush?

A sponge isn’t necessarily better than a brush; rather, they do different things, according to our pros. “A brush gives me more control over where I place foundation, while a blending sponge helps soften the foundation application and refine the finish,” says Briceno. Spickard agrees and says that sponges are good at absorbing excess product if you’ve overapplied to ensure a truly seamless makeup application.

Is applying foundation with a sponge better for mature skin?

Quinn says that using a sponge can be particularly flattering on mature skin, though the foundation formula and skin preparation are just as important. “One thing I’ve learned over the years, working with women of all ages, is that as we get older, we often think we need more makeup when in fact, a lighter touch can be far more flattering,” he says. A damp sponge can allow you to do this by creating fine layers without emphasizing lines or texture. “I love allowing the natural skin to come through. A little luminosity and beautifully blended foundation can be much more youthful than trying to conceal every imperfection,” he says.

Meet the experts

• Christian Briceno, celebrity makeup artist based in New York City
• Kasey Spickard, celebrity makeup artist based in New York City.
• Tim Quinn, celebrity makeup artist based in New York City and founder of Halo42