With a brush

There are various types of foundation brushes. The three most popular types are the small foundation brush with densely packed bristles, the basic powder brush, which is a large brush with loosely spaced bristles, and the kabuki brush, a stiffer brush with more densely packed bristles that hold more makeup per area and provide fuller coverage with each layer. With all three types of brush the technique is the same. The only difference is how sheer the coverage is. For sheerer coverage or if you are a beginner, choose the traditional powder brush. For fuller coverage, try a kabuki brush or the small powder brush.

If you are applying loose powder, tap a little of the powder out into the lid of the container and swirl the brush around in it until the makeup has been worked in between the bristles. Tap the excess off. You should see very little makeup on the top of the brush. If you do see a lot, you may have used too much powder. You can try tapping the brush again or gently run a tissue over the top of the brush to get the excess off.

If you’re applying pressed powder, which is moister, simply swirl the brush around in it a few times. If you’re using liquid, apply a small amount – less than a dime size – to the back of your hand and lightly dip the brush in that. A smaller brush is easier for pressed powder and liquid mineral foundation.

Once you have some foundation on your brush, gently buff it into your skin in circular motions, covering each area of the face several times. Include the area of your jaw line and just below it to make sure you don’t have a “makeup line” between your face and neck.

With a sponge

To apply loose powder foundation with a sponge, tap a small amount out of the container into the lid or onto the back of your hand. If you have problem spots that need concealing, like acne scars, dark shadows under the eyes or broken capillaries around the nose, you can first dip a dry sponge into the powder and dab it onto the problem areas.

To apply the foundation to your entire face, dampen the sponge and dip it in the powder, pressing gently so it’s absorbed into the sponge. Stroke the sponge over your face. Make sure to blend it over and just below the jaw line so the foundation color blends into the natural color on your neck. Instead of dampening the sponge with water, you can mix a little powder with moisturizer and dip the sponge in the mixture.

To apply pressed powder foundation or liquid foundation with a sponge, simply apply a small amount to the sponge and stroke it over the face.

With fingers

Of course there’s always the good old-fashioned way: with the fingers. This can work well for liquid foundation. To apply powder foundation with the fingers, mix it with some moisturizer first. Make sure your hands are very clean if you are going to use this method. This is not recommended for anyone with oily skin, as it will just add more oil to your face from your fingers.

What to do if you have oily skin and want apply your makeup but you don’t have a brush or a sponge? You can use a cotton ball. It won’t give you the same quality of coverage as a brush or a sponge, but it’ll do in a pinch.