Question:
Could you use your fingers to put on foundation?
anonymous
2006-10-23 19:23:05 UTC
I always use a makeup sponge, but a little while back I saw something on E! about the new 40's makeup look and they had an artist on there making a model up and he or she (can't remember) suggested using your fingers to put on foundation to use the natural oil (from the face). I know this sounds weird but is it really harmful to use your fingers to put on foundation?
42 answers:
sarah
2006-10-23 19:44:25 UTC
i use my fingers and my face is still fine
seneferia
2006-10-23 23:49:35 UTC
most makeup artist will tell you not to use your hands and the reason is because using your hands you have direct contact with the make up which gets the germs and chemicals from your skin mixing into the bottle of foundation which can cause damage to the makeup. I always suggest using a sponge when applying foundation also it gives a more even look to the face because your hands will always be unsteady when applying makeup and the sponge helps a great deal with putting the make up on clean and not clumpy.
ezanjill
2006-10-23 19:28:40 UTC
Whether you use a sponge, a wedge, or your fingers ,it is all the same. I have used all. But if you are worried about using the fingers in the foundation, try thinking about that sponge that has been soaked with makeup and all you do is add on top of and smear the new and old onto your face. At least your fingers have been washed!
Double_A
2006-10-23 20:59:32 UTC
It isn't harmful to use your fingers but there are better methods. It also depends on the type of foundation you are using. Try using a nylon brush. They are really soft and glide the foundation over your skin, and you can always wash the brush. The look you want will determine how much foundation to put on the brush. (less for lighter, more for heavy) Also using your fingers can make your foundation look cakey, so be aware if the foundation is oil free.

For a more natural fresh look use pressed powder foundation. A good one is physicians formula. It is mineral based so it's good for you. Plus it makes you look incredible!
fiestyredhead
2006-10-23 19:27:20 UTC
I've heard that it's better to apply the foundation with your finger tips. You'll use the natural oils to help blend it. And for some reason the new foundations that blends to match skin tones (like trublend by Cover girl) seem to match your skintone better when you blend it with your fingers. Not only that, but you'll waste alot of makeup putting it onto a sponge and then onto your face. Just use the sponge to remove excess foundation.
tera_duke
2006-10-23 19:49:51 UTC
no its is not harmful. Just use the last two fingers. The other fingers are stronger and can do more pulling. Also, make sure your fingers are moisturized. Just like using a completely dry sponge they will soak up the foundation.
anonymous
2006-10-23 19:30:22 UTC
i have never used a spnoge or anything just my fingers. i find sponges get too dirty especially storing all your oils off your face in it. whereas your fingers are always clean and bacteria cant build up on your fingers not like your sponge.think about it if you use your sponge to apply foundation to an area of your face which has acne or a rash then use it the next day. its not like you can wash everything out of it. germs stay in it
Hyperbolic Logic
2006-10-23 19:28:23 UTC
Only if you wash your hands right before you put it on, otherwise the germs on your hands will get spread all over your face. Try the beauty blender sponge (beautyblender.net), its a round sponge that blends in your makeup. The neat thing about this is that its perfectly round and so it doesn't leave any foundation ridge marks on your face, and the egg shape makes it convient to blend around your nose or your eyes. Plus, you can also purchase a cleansing formula for it so it doesn't gather germs, Or you can simply wash it out with water. It typically lasts longer than normal spongees too.
suz'
2006-10-23 19:33:42 UTC
I use a new sponge to apply my foundation every day. I also use some brushes. I do use my index finger to pat a bit of foundation under my eyes for a bit of extra coverage though. However, I make sure to wash my hands before I touch my face.
unicornfarie1
2006-10-23 19:26:34 UTC
I have always put my foundation on using my fingers. There is nothing strange about it. Plus you waste less makeup this way because it doesn't all get soaked up by the sponge.
prettypinklinds
2006-10-23 20:58:45 UTC
You can it just has its drawbacks like everything else



your hands have more bacteria so you're basically spreading bacteria on your face. and the oils from your fingers (when you get the foundation out the bottle) will change the color of your foundation.



I actually use cotton swaps and a foundation brush to apply my makeup. I get a swap of foundation and spread it with the cotton swap and then blend it in with the brush. I have oily skin so this has been very beneficial for me.
mimi
2006-10-23 21:08:24 UTC
I have always put on my foundation this way. Naturally one needs to wash ones hands well before applying the foundation. It works so well, because you get it really even using your finger tips.
mommyofsix
2006-10-23 19:28:42 UTC
You should use your fingers,wash them good first,but yes your fingers are warm which really helps to almost melt the foundation ,and better blend it into your skin. Those sponges are terrible,they hold so much bacteria,
*~ riddles ~*
2006-10-23 19:32:04 UTC
there's no law that says you can or can't use your fingers.....the only drawback may be more clogged pores and breakouts....if this happens try washing your hands before applying makeup....it will cut down on the amount of dirt from your hands being pushed into the pores on your face.....also i try to switch it up a little.....in the summer i almost always use sponges (don't forget to change them often) and in the winter i use my fingers.
crimanetly
2006-10-23 19:26:14 UTC
yes, but dont use your index finger, as you want to be gentle. using your ring or middle will allow you to be more delicate with your skin. I have never bothered with sponges, I think that if you clean your hands before you begin you will get a lot less germs than if you use and reuse sponges that can grow bacteria of many kinds. but thats just my opinion.
Ernimay
2006-10-23 19:29:12 UTC
Up until just a few years ago, I had never used a sponge to apply my make up. Its just fine. I like the sponge though; it smooths things out better.
anonymous
2006-10-23 19:26:12 UTC
yes but it doesnt go on as smooth or as even...and you get oils from your fingers and hands on your face which can clog your pores.



I always use makeup sponges....they are way easier and not as much of a mess!



:]
therego2
2006-10-23 19:32:44 UTC
I have done that for years. Just wash your hands first. Less bacteria there than in an old make up sponge that has been sitting around.
sutra
2006-10-23 19:28:13 UTC
I have always used my fingers because I think I get more even coverage. I even use the palm of my hand to blend my makeup at the jaw line to make sure it is blended. I hate seeing makeup lines.
anonymous
2006-10-23 19:31:15 UTC
A wet sponge makes it go on nice, but its fine to use CLEAN fingers.
hopflower
2006-10-23 19:27:23 UTC
Certainly. Sponges tend to soak up too much foundation and sometimes streak.
fidget0144
2006-10-23 19:26:12 UTC
If the foundation is safe to put all over your FACE, then it can't harm your fingers. Besides, almost all foundations are safe, as long as you don't eat them. lol.
bettyboarder55
2006-10-23 19:25:20 UTC
I used to use a sponge, but now I sometimes use my fingers just out of convenience. I haven't seen any adverse effects, so I guess it's ok :)
Diddle
2006-10-23 19:31:03 UTC
Use your own fingers to put on foundation. It is safe if your hands are clean. I don't know how smooth it wil be though.
robkim04
2006-10-23 19:24:56 UTC
i have always used my fingers to put on foundation. sponge holds germs
CatLady
2006-10-23 19:32:50 UTC
Why would you be afraid to get the foundation on your fingers and not on your face which is MUCH more delicate skin?? sheesh!
nativeprincess1
2006-10-23 20:34:34 UTC
your fingers can be cleaned easier than a sponge. if you use a powder foundation use a brush and clean it daily!!
anonymous
2006-10-23 21:26:17 UTC
Yes
Shawna
2006-10-23 19:44:35 UTC
I use my fingers...a sponge doesn't work very well with mousse foundation.
Baby'sMom
2006-10-23 19:25:31 UTC
Most people use their fingers; it doesn't hurt anything. I've known several pro makeup artists who do.
ridingthestorm_out
2006-10-23 19:26:07 UTC
I use brushes ,sponges and my fingers ,I don't consider it to be harmful
Moneymaka
2006-10-23 19:55:43 UTC
Yea, but a sponge is best
Mike J
2006-10-23 19:27:49 UTC
It not harmful, but it is best to use a sponge
krissy
2006-10-23 19:27:32 UTC
Sure you can use fingers. However it is harder to blend that way. I do it both ways, depending on how much time i got.
anonymous
2006-10-24 09:13:28 UTC
I use brushes, but I usually go over with my fingers and my powder "pillow"
kel§ey
2006-10-23 19:25:39 UTC
i always use my fingers. i think its easier to get the make up where i want it.
anonymous
2006-10-23 19:24:41 UTC
I always use my fingers.
anonymous
2006-10-23 19:26:50 UTC
using your finger is no problem.
anonymous
2006-10-24 06:52:27 UTC
yes i always do. so did my teacher in beauty school
anonymous
2006-10-23 19:27:26 UTC
no,its not harmful as long as it is clean
efrenchinkrungthep
2006-10-24 03:09:04 UTC
yes, better
Fleur de Lis
2006-10-23 19:31:02 UTC
I do.


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