3 mess-free ways to apply liquid foundation on the go

No need to get your fingers dirty

Beauty Crew Beauty Editor / December 21 2016

The age old debate continues - should you use your fingers or a brush to apply liquid foundation to your face? While we’re still on the fence (our team is split down the middle), there’s one thing we agree on - it’s a hassle to carry a bottle of foundation and a full-sized makeup brush with you at all times if you’re the kind of person who likes to re-apply through the day. So, here are three ways to applying liquid foundation on the go without dirtying up your fingers. Plus, they fit neatly into your makeup bag without taking up valuable handbag real estate. You’re welcome.

1

Try an in-built brush

Long-wearing foundations are notoriously heavy, causing streaks to occur when you try and paint it on with a makeup brush. Surprisingly, Surratt Beauty Surreal Skin Foundation Wand is a blendable formula that can be built up to the coverage that’s desired with the help of the buffing brush. And bonus points to its staying power - even through a hot summer’s day.

2

Try a cushion compact

Love a dewy finish? Then a cushion compact will come in handy. Launching next year in February 2017, Maybelline New York Dream Cushion Foundation houses a lightweight medium coverage liquid foundation in an innovative compact that can be used on the go and for touch-ups. To use, pat the sponge into the compact, then tap it straight onto the skin. The result is flawless and glowing skin that looks natural.

3

Try a stick foundation

A cushion stick is almost like the love child of the above two products, as you can blend straight from the sponge head that’s built into the product. Estée Lauder Double Wear Nude Cushion Stick Radiant Makeup works to cover up uneven patches and pigmentation in one swipe, and the sponge applicator can even be washed every so often in between uses.

Want more makeup content? Find out the biggest foundation mistakes you're making, and the best tinted moisturisers for summer.

Main image credit: Edward Urrutia

Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.