It can all feel really confusing when you sit at your makeup vanity faced with an array of makeup brushes and blenders. Which tools and techniques work best on which area of your face? There have been times when I’ve finished my makeup and feel that it is not perfectly blended and I am sure that you can share that sentiment too.
Apply your makeup using the blender and blend your makeup as it goes on. Use a sponge blender or stippling brush for foundation and sparsely bristled brushes for bronzer, blush, and highlighter. Eyeshadow is different, apply with application brushes and blend using a fluffy eyeshadow brush.
Let’s unpack each of these techniques in greater detail so that we can discover if there is maybe only one small aspect of makeup blending that is between where you are now and achieving the seamless coverage and allure we all desire.
How To Blend Eye Shadow
Picture this scenario: You reach for your favorite fluffy eyeshadow brush to apply your eyeshadow, switching between eyeshadow shades as you go. Despite switching colors, you keep using the same brush. Then, when it comes to blending, you still stick with the same brush. Why wouldn’t you, it’s your favorite fluffy eyeshadow brush. Or, maybe you are just starting out with makeup and only have one eyeshadow brush.
Ladies, if you can relate to that scenario, then we have solved your eye makeup issue.
Remember back in kindergarten when we had art classes, our first rule was to always start a new color with a clean brush. The same applies to your eyeshadow. Use a clean application brush for each different color eyeshadow you are using. Then, always use a fluffy blending brush to blend your eyeshadow as a densely-bristled brush may be too harsh when it comes to blending your eyeshadow colors together.
When blending work in small circles. As you blend you will see which areas of your eyelid look seamless and which parts need more work.
Pro tip: Doing your eyeshadow normally incorporates blending a few different shades together. Blending eyeshadow can easily cause fallout of eyeshadow powder from your blending brush. If you start your makeup routine by doing your eyeshadow you will be able to cover up any fallout easily when you do your foundation.
How To Blend Foundation
The first step in being able to blend your foundation well starts before even the first dab of foundation has touched your face. It is vitally important to start your makeup process with a face makeup primer. I use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro Glow-Lock Primer (available on Amazon). Once you have primed your face, you can reach for either your sponge makeup blender or a stippling face brush. Both of these are designed to give lightweight foundation coverage.
Whichever you choose, apply your foundation by dabbing it into place rather than dragging it across your face and attempting to blend it afterward. This technique will help create an airbrushed effect especially when you use a stippling brush. To learn more about using a stippling brush I wrote a detailed article that can be found here.
How To Blend Bronzer
If you have already tried to blend bronzer, then you will have discovered just how difficult it can be to create a natural-looking chisel as opposed to a harsh dark brown line.
The secret key is to use a very sparsely bristled brush, like a fan brush, or a contour makeup blender to apply the color the way you’d like it, light and airy.
Teaching yourself this technique will require some practice to get the precise effect that you want.
How To Blend Blush
The most important thing to do when you apply blush is to apply it in the right area of your face. Even if you might feel silly breaking out into a cheesy grin while doing your makeup, doing that into the mirror is the easiest way to apply blush with precision.
A cheesy grin will make the apples of your cheeks clearly visible. This will allow you to brush your blush along your apple up along your cheekbone towards your temple.
How To Blend Highlighter
I’ve saved the best for last. Once you have all of your face makeup perfectly blended the way you want it, then it is time to apply highlighter.
In the same way that you apply your blush, you want to apply and blend your highlighter along your cheekbone up towards your temple.
Just like when you applied your bronzer, you want to use a loosely-packed brush to get the airy glow that you’re craving if you’re using a powder highlighter. Be sure to use a clean brush and not the same one that used for your bronzer.
That isn’t so difficult once you know the secrets… One last thing though. After all the time it takes to get your makeup blended in just the way you want it, spritz on some setting spray to keep your perfect makeup locked in place for longer.
Why not expand your knowledge even further by reading another makeup/beauty article here on Pink Femme. You can find them either via the menu at the top of the page or by clicking this link that will take you to the list of all the beauty articles. When it comes to my choices for makeup and beauty products, I only use L’Oréal Paris (Available on Amazon). I have really sensitive skin and never once have I had any negative reaction to any L’Oréal product.