1.05.2015

Fingers, Sponges, or Brushes: Which One Is The Best?

When it comes to applying makeup,  you've got three options: fingers, sponges, and brushes. I love all three and use them all. I set out to find which one of these methods is the best. Check out my results below:

benefits:

  • Fingers: always accessible,  good for applying and blending but they are messy. Best for liquid and cream.
  • Brushes: great for all types of makeup, depending on the type of brush. Don't have to clean as often as fingers and can apply makeup quickly and evenly.
  • Sponges: best for liquid and cream and give a natural, airbrushed finish. Also great for blending, but take a little longer to apply. 

cost: this one is a no-brainer!
  • fingers--free
  • sponges--depending on type, these can be very inexpensive to the infamous beautyblender ($19.95)
  • brushes--again, these range in price, but are the most expensive of the three. I suggest Real Techniques for an affordable brush option.
cleanest
  • Using many agar-set petri dishes, a few brushes, sponges, and several participants, I tested clean fingers, brushes, and sponges to see which produced the least bacteria. I then tested hands that had not been washed or sanitized in several hours, as well as sponges and brushes that had not been cleaned in a week (some were used every day, some were used once and then left alone for a week) to see which ones produced the least amount of bacteria. Again, everything was tested numerous times, with different subjects and objects, using an incubator. If this doesn't show my dedication to all things beauty, I don't know what will! ;)
  • New: sponges had the least. 
  • Clean or dirty: on average, brushes had the least amount of bacteria, sponges really varied depending on type (really cheap ones had the most and the beautyblender had the least), with fingers having the most bacteria, whether clean or dirty!
keeping clean:
  • Fingers and brushes are the easiest to keep clean and sanitize. For sponges, a solid cleanser is the fastest.
  • Sponges can be used longer before cleaning is needed.
application:
  • Using a similar idea as famous vlogger Michelle Phan (she used a lemon), I coated one side of each orange with one pump of foundation to see which one applied the best. This was the easiest and best way I could think of to mimic skin's surface and really show the difference amongst the methods.
  • Brushes gave the most even coverage and applied the best.
time:
  • When applying a medium or full-coverage foundation, brushes were the fastest, depending on the type of brush used (think kabuki/flat top/similar). Fingers were also very quick but oftentimes required more time for even application, whereas brushes could cover larger areas quickly. Sponges gave a beautiful, more natural finish but took more time to apply.
durability:
  • This comes down to quality of the tools and how the user treats the tools. I've seen sponges replaced because of the user's nails tearing them or because the user felt uncomfortable having the same sponge for so many years. I've seen poor quality brushes fall apart quickly and I've seen bristles fall out from poor cleaning practices. 
overall:
  • Brushes, but it all comes down to personal preference. While I use all three, I tend to use brushes the most.


78 comments:

  1. Wow! You are dedicated to all things beauty. I love the scientific approach you took. I was surprised to see that even clean fingers produced a lot of bacteria. I'll definitely stick to sponges and brushes. Great post, very informative!

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  2. This is so cool and good to know :) And brushes are less messy.

    xo
    PinkSole

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  3. Very good info Elle! I use a brush and I am pretty pleased with it - Bare Escentuals. Susan

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  4. Being the creature of habit that I am, I use a brush every morning. :)

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  5. This is a great post, elle! I always go between the 3 depending on the foundation. I've found that certain formulations just look better applied with one or the other.

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  6. Amazing and useful tips! Happy New Year, dear Elle! =D

    I'M BACK WITH A NEW POST on http://whattostyle.blogspot.com/

    Instagram | Twitter | Bloglovin

    xoxo,
    Jessica

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  7. Nww that is dedication! I tend to use my fingers and finish off with a brush but I use a sponge for special occasions.

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  8. THANK YOU for this!! What an in depth look at all of these--especially the bacteria thing. I suffer from acne--yes, still, which is super freaking annoying--aren't we too old for this ish? haha! But knowing what breeds the least amount of bacteria is huge! I have been interested in trying sponges for application simply for the "natural" look but I haven't splurged on the beauty blender yet! I think that produced the least amount of bacteria out of the sponges because it's supposed to have an "anti-bacteria" agent in it..whatever that means haha

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  9. Great test girl!!! I personally go the finger application route when time is tight and then with a blender if I have a little more time!! xo, Biana - BlovedBoston

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  10. Love this! I usually go with brushes or my fingers. Although hearing that fingers have the most bacteria whether clean or dirty makes me want to use my brushes a lot more!

    <3, Pamela
    Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  11. Great post Elle. This is very informative. I've been using a combination of fingers and the beauty blender, but I think I need to give my brushes another try. Thanks!

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  12. This was such an interesting read! I really like seeing how the application is different with teh oranges and hearing about how you tested the bacteria!

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  13. I used to be a staunch fingers makeup applier. It was free [woop] and I felt it did a good enough job. Then, I found a foundation brush and woooooooaaaah nellie did my view change. Now I hate when I forget my brush! I don't mind cleaning it, because I clean all of my brushes twice a month.

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  14. oh wow it's amazing to see the coverage of each!! xo jillian - cornflake dreams

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  15. I am honest to God scared of pretty much ALLLLL brushes and sponges. How sad is that?

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  16. this is a great post, specially got a kick out of the orange !! Im' a visual learning but I found my sponge just got gross after a few application. I just threw it out than just cleaning it, I prefer using my fingers than blending out with a brush

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  17. I completely agree with brushes!! I mean the Orange speaks for itself!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

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  18. Great info and giveaway. Have a great week.

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  19. I used brushes. Friends have given me sponges but I can't figure out how to use them. I've tried, but don't get the hang of it. Brushes seem easy.

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  20. This is perfect! I have been trying to decide whether or not to buy the beauty blender. After seeing the oranges, I may pass.
    xo, Whitney and Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

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  21. This was interesting! I have been considering buying a beauty blender because right now I use brushes, but after this I may pass and just get a new brush!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  22. I LOVE this use of fruit!! How creative!! I use different tools/fingers depending on my mood more than anything - fingers work great but sometimes I don't want to deal with the mess on my skin so I use a brush. Foundation I def use an egg sponge more than anything.

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  23. What an informative post, Elle! I have always used my fingers and I agree that it's not the best application method for certain foundations. Thank you for this post, I will DEFINITELY be using brushes now on.

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  24. Great info and giveaway! I use brushes most often but prefer sponges for certain things, too.

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  25. I'm a sponge person myself, but I obsessively wash mine. We're talking every other day. I also keep it in a glass jar when I'm not using it and it too gets washed. With my horrible acne prone skin, I need all the help I can get. I do think the type of foundation you're applying plays a huge role in determining what tool is used. I love your experiments Elle! (:

    www.accordingtokiki123.blogspot.com

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  26. I use my fingertips to blend in undereye concealer and on blemishes. I use a brush for foundation etc...I have noticed my RT stippling brush shedding BAD lately. I guess I am cleaning it too much now? Sponges always seem to soak up too much product for me..

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  27. What a thorough, in-depth post! Thank you! I've never been a fan of using my fingers. I don't know why...I just prefer not too. I'm a big fan of brushes and enjoy using a sponge on occasion :-)

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  28. So crazy seeing that example like that! I am a fan of the beauty blender for my under eye concealer and my brush for my foundation.

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  29. Very informative! Love your dedication to all things beauty! I usually use a brush or my fingers to apply foundation (now after reading this I will never use my fingers again haha) but I just received my first Beauty Blender for Christmas, so I will be giving that a try soon! Who knows, it might become my new favored method of applying foundation. :-)

    http://amateandarottweiler.blogspot.com.ar/

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  30. What a thorough test! I love this. I have never tried sponges before.

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  31. I am super impressed at your scientific prowess with the bacteria B.S.

    Your orange experiment has me thinking I should be using a brush over my fingers for my CC cream.

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  32. I LOVE that idea with the orange- it shows the results just fabulous! HAPPY NEW YEAR MY DEAR! xoxo, Sissi www.beauty4free2u.com

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  33. what an interesting and fancy comparison post.
    i love brushes for powder but have never got the hang or the love of using brushes for liquid. it annoys the buggery out of me! i am all about my (apparently dirty) fingers. i was thinking about getting a beauty blender but i'm kinda like... eh.. if it aint broke, don't fix it! lol. it's not like i wear a lot of makeup all the time to be honest.

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  34. I love how you break everything down and explain what you think is the best. I love this post.

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  35. I love your dedication to beauty be preforming such tedious experiments! It really surprises me that the sponge held the least amount of bacteria seeing that I have the hardest time cleaning my beauty blender (We have talked about this before, I know!) I prefer the beauty blender for around my eyes and nose most certainly...and can use it or a brush with my foundation. Though, I am using UD Naked foundation currently and it tends to look better and blend better with the blender over a brush for some reason. I think I need an airbrush brush...and one that is better quality than my ELF one.

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  36. i used to always use my fingers until i moved on to sponges.

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  37. The days I'm short on time and use my fingers versus brushes, I feel so much less 'put together' and that orange photo explains why haha.

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  38. Interesting post. Love the experiment with the oranges! I guess it all comes down to what you prefer. I tend to like using my fingers because I feel like I get the best finish that way. However, I do understand why a person would feel more comfortable using a brush or sponge.

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  39. Great post!! I use my fingers for my under eye concealer sometimes but other than that I use my sponge or brush.

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  40. Wow! Such an interesting comparison. I mostly use brushes for my face but when I'm in a rush I find it either to just use my hands :-). How often do you recommend cleaning make up brushes - I always end up doing it when I get an acne breakout.

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  41. Nice post elle!!! I always use my spinge or a brush but I'm horrible about cleaning them!

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  42. Wow, such a helpful post. ;-)
    Lovely greets Nessa

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  43. I love how scientific you are! I definitely prefer brushes for application of everything. Nice to know it's the best choice! ;)

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  44. I always use a brush, but it was interesting to see your comparisons! They were really detailed!

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  45. How cool! I love how you used an orange.

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  46. I love the orange demo!! I always use my fingers but I should branch out and try a sponge or brush sometime.

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  47. I tend to use my fingers as I use liquid foundation. Just need to wash my hands after but that's not too much of a hassle

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  48. Very useful, I love using all three :)

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  49. This is so interesting, I usually use my fingers or sponges depending on what I use. So cool how you did it scientific and everything, way to go Elle. I need to try brushes again but I find brushes so streaky on me but I don't know if I doing it wrong. But because of this I might try it out.

    Nina
    http://curvymod.blogspot.com/

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  50. I appreciate all this! It's interesting to know the differences, however I have not tried the sponges for a decade...Good luck to the lucky winner and thanks for the give-away invite!

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  51. That is such an interesting post.. I usually do prefer make up brushes to do my make up :)

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  52. This is such a wondeful post Elle.

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  53. This post was so interesting! The application on the oranges is so helpful! I used to use a brush then switched to a sponge. It looks like I should switch back to the brush!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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  54. That's a great post, the comparison, wow!!! I loved to see the orange and to read about things like cost and durability. I use brushes and fingers, never sponges.I don't have anything against them, it's just that for me brushes and fingers work better to apply makeup :)
    DenisesPlanet.com

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  55. How cool. I like how you showed the visual on an orange. Makes it easy to visualize.

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  56. I love this post, it is so informative. I tend to use brushes the most and my fingers every now and then but not really much of a sponge fan :) xx

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  57. This might be our favorite review you've ever done. So fun to see the difference, and love that fingers are the most accessible lol (looks like we'll be going for the brush though!!)

    xx 365hangers

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  58. This is such a great and extremely informative post! I've always used my fingers, but it looks like I should switch to a brush!

    Shannon
    Clothes & Quotes

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  59. It's very interesting to see the coverage achieved with each. I tend to favor sponges because they're good for a sheer finish but they can be a pain to clean.

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  60. What a COOL post. Who would've thought clean fingers would still be dirtier than a brush or a beautyblender sponge?! Not I, not I.

    I'm a brush girl myself, for the most part. Have you tried Sigma's brushes? Amazing, especially for the price.

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  61. Very informative post! The other day I had set aside time to wash all of my makeup brushes and sponges. I had planned on not going anywhere that day so they could completely dry, but I ended up having to go out and I used my fingers to apply pretty much a full face of makeup...it worked but isn't something I would normally do. It's too messy for my liking and not as much control for eye shadows in my opinion.

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  62. That's a really good example ... I would never think of using an orange. I always use sponges.. &of course, that looks the worst. haha

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  63. The orange example just sold it for me. Holy cow!

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  64. what a fantastic post, I love how you shared photos. I like to use sponges :)

    Jessica
    the.pyreflies.org

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  65. Wow! You are certainly dedicated! Great comparison post. I love the orange test; it really shows you the differences in coverage you get with each tool! I usually use the RT Expert Face Brush, but lately I've been devoted to the Beauty Blender because it works so well with the Maybelline Dream Wonder Fluid Touch foundation that I can't seem to stop using! Amazing post, Elle!

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  66. I'm really impressed that you tested it! I think it does come down to personal preference but I love that i have this info now. I defo use all three of these!

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  67. This is so awesome!! I use my fingers more often than I'd like to admit because it's just faster, but after hearing about the bacteria and looking at those oranges, I've got to get back into the habit of using brushes!!! Such an awesome post.

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  68. So detailed comparison..love you for so much effort you have put into cleanliness comparison, hats-off girl :* I also prefer brushes but i use fingers also..sponges i use only for compact application as i feel foundation application takes a lot of time with sponge(don't have that much patience :P)

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  69. Great post Elle! I never really thought about the differences between the three but now am convinced I should invest in some good brushes!

    xoxo,
    little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  70. This is a great post!!! Also I've never known the difference between the 3!

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  71. For foundation, I use the disposable cosmetic wedges. I know it's probably not the most ecologically sound method, but this one seems to work well for me. :) T. http://www.bloglovin.com/tickledpinkwoman

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  72. I just now got around to reading this posting after seeing it on you IG the other day and it's so great! What a genius way to visually see the difference of each application method!

    xoxo
    www.becksbabyy.blogspot.com

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  73. Hi Elle,

    What a very informative and well-put together post! I use all three as well, but into brush most of the time. Who knew that fingers could be so dirty!!!

    What a fab giveaway, too!

    ~Merrie K.
    www.PetiteCareerGirl.com

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  74. This is such a great, informative post... and a reminder to give my brushes a good cleaning! BeautyBlender, too.

    In all seriousness, though, this is one of my favorite posts ever on your blog.

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  75. This is super helpful! I was just thinking about a beauty blender recently! Thanks, girl!

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