6.02.2015

How To: Natural-Looking Full Coverage Makeup in 5 Minutes

I was chatting via email the other month with a fellow blogger, who isn't a beauty blogger (hey friend!). The conversation was about makeup and how she just wasn't it into it. When I asked her why not, I got these responses, which I hear from many of you quite often:
  • It doesn't look good on me--either it doesn't really make a difference or I look too "made up"
  • I don't have time for a makeup routine
  • I refuse to spend a lot of money on makeup
  • I don't want a ton of products--I only want to use like 3 or 4
Sound familiar? I asked what she used currently and she said she kind of smears a liquid foundation or liquid concealer on her face with her hands. Then she'll add concealer, mascara, and a lip product.

No wonder she wasn't getting coverage! I've talked about this before (see here), but using just rubbing the product around with fingers isn't going to give you the coverage you want. 

What you need to do is tap the product on your face, preferably with a brush. Let me prove it in the example below:



On your left, I used 3 light drops of liquid foundation that I tapped on with a brush. On your right, 3 light drops of foundation that I rubbed on with fingers. See the difference? On the right it looks as if I have no makeup on!

To get full-coverage that looks natural, I place the foundation in dots on my face and then use the brush to tap around the makeup into place. Stippling is another word for this method--just bouncing the brush as pictured above until all makeup is blended. I don't mean swirling the brush around, I mean tapping! It does not take a lot of time, promise...and I have a lot of surface area to cover with my freckles, uneven skin tone, and dark circles. I do just one application of this to keep it natural-looking, but feel free to add more if desired. Note: I don't do this every day but when I want full coverage quickly, but naturally, this is my method.

This brush is inexpensive and is from Target, but I love the Real Technique face brushes as well. I did this natural-looking makeup look in under 5 minutes...and using only drugstore products!

You can use the tapping method to apply concealer--I do this under my eyes for my dark circles. You can use your fingers for this method (I do this for my concealer usually) but it will take longer. Using the brush is easy and faster since it covers more area. You can use a sponge, but I find I don't get as much coverage that way. I did a post on that here.

I then curled lashes, added mascara and used a lip gloss on my lips and cheeks for a dewy glow. I usually use a blush and would recommend that instead.

I used:
  • Maybelline Fit Me! Dewy and Smooth Foundation (matte foundations will provide more coverage, but I have dry skin and like the dewy look)
  • Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer and Revlon PhotoReady Concealer (I need more coverage on my dark circles)
  • Essence Plump No Clump Mascara (ULTA)
  • NYX Butter Gloss in Strawberry Parfait
  • Sometimes I will rub a little L'Oreal Infallible Eyes in Bronzed Taupe on lids and under bottom lashes. I cannot remember if I did that here (these pics are from a few months ago). I also brushed through my brows with a spooley brush (clean mascara wand).
And this is the finished look! Natural-looking, full-coverage makeup in under 5 minutes, using a few inexpensive products! I think I proved it can be done! What do you think?

PS: Which is the best? Sponges, Fingers, or Brushes?

Extra Elle:
  • Two purchases of the weekend: an air purifier and a pool float that looks like a donut! How's that for random?
  • Two giveaways you'll LOVE: 

64 comments:

  1. OMG I had no idea using a brush made so much difference! You look beautiful!

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  2. I kind of come from the camp of your blogger friend, but daily you are teaching me more and more-and I thank you for that!

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  3. I really need to try this! I never done it before wondering if it would make any difference (sorry, I am a sad person sometimes), especially if I still use minimum amount (a friend of mine who uses a brush tends to put A LOT of stuff on her face and it was another reason I was put off the idea) - but seeing the left and right absolutely convinced me to give it a go.

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  4. Beautiful look Elle. Also, I love that donut-shaped float--how fun.

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  5. Tapping with a brush makes a huge difference! I use a beauty blender but I think I need to tap instead of rub in! Thanks for these great tips! You look beautiful!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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  6. So happy to see you used the maybelline age rewind - that's being picked up today! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  7. I need to do this. Thanks again for another smart tip.

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  8. Dang what a difference! I am in love with my foundation brush!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles
    

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  9. I put on what Im using that day from BB cram/foundation, on my face like war paint. Than I push in my product with my brush, I've also used this method with a makeup wedge and it works the same. If your using a makeup sponge make sure it's damp ( just like a beauty blender), it will help blend into your skin.

    http://ktmcgworld.blogspot.ca

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  10. When I do minimal makeup I always use these 5 products! I've tried to skin the blush but then I feel like my face had no color haha!

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  11. What a huge difference the brush vs using your finger makes!

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  12. This is exactly how I apply mine! Works like a charm!

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  13. You look so good with this natural-look, Elle:) And I love Real Techniques brushes too!

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  14. Dear Elle, I must say that you are for sure right, about the full coverage, but that you look incredibly beautiful with the 3 light drops rubbed with your fingers!!! Surely with makeup too, as you are a beauty blogger, but you could easily go to any place that way, that you would be the star! I loved the gloss, by the way!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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  15. You look gorgeous, Elle! Natural-looking makeup suits you well! I still haven't found the perfect way to apply foundation ( I wear it only from time to time), so I think I need to follow your tips! I even have a stippling brush! I guess I just needed to learn how to use it properly!

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  16. fabulous routine and you look gorgeous!
    xo, Whitney and Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

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  17. So going to have to give this a try. I know my husband would love for me to have my makeup done in 5 minutes

    http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home

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  18. I really have to try stippling. I really like the natural and full coverage look you created and yay for it taking less than 5 minutes.

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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  19. You look gorgeous, great routine lady! Definitely going to have to try this :)

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  20. I've never stipple my foundation but this looks great so I'm going to give this a go today!

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  21. Wow...and it really does look natural!!

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  22. You look so cute with your freckles! Your skin is flawless- you don´t even need a foundation Elle! xoxo, Sissi www.beauty4free2u.com

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  23. Is there a certain type of brush that is needed with foundation? I've been afraid to use brushes on my face with concealer - afraid it would ruin them

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  24. I do love a good makeup brush- totally helps with boosting application!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  25. Okay, you just blew my mind a little bit here! I wear BB cream every day but it doesn't really look like I'm wearing anything. I'm going to have to try the brush method! I don't want to cover up my freckles completely, but I'd love to make my skin look more even. Trying this for sure!

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  26. I am still on the hunt for a good liquid makeup. My skin still breaks out so easily!! I just picked up the Benefit foundation and plan to give it a try with your technique. Thanks friend(: Susan

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  27. I need to get a good brush like that unfortunately we have very few options in India.. very helpful tips !!

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  28. I typically use a brush but have not tried the tapping method. I also think I need a different brush. The one I have, which is supposed to be a foundation brush, leaves it looking all streaky.

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  29. Great look, Elle! I am also guilty of using my fingers, but after seeing this, I'm going to try upgrading to a brush and using the tapping method. Thanks for the advice!

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  30. Love this look! I am working on intensifying my makeup routine - adding this!

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  31. I've never been a huge makeup person at all either. I am literally just getting into it. Which is why I love coming to your blog Elle. I don't know why, I just never liked the way it looked on me either. I did start small with mineral foundation and lipgloss, and maybe concealer, but nothing more. I am just now getting into lipstick lol. But I loved this post. You always teach me something here. And I so appreciate it.

    Kia / The House of KTS
    www.houseofkts.com

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  32. I completely agree with you Elle, fingers are a waste of time! I prefer a dense brush like you have or a sponge. It may take a second more than fingers but worth it!

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  33. I'm terrible with make up - I only learn from others recommendations, ha! So thanks for the great tips!

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  34. very, very interesting!! that blew my mind about the brush vs fingers. to be completely honest, i have tried brushes and i just don't love them - maybe i am using the wrong ones! the coverage difference is seriously mind boggling.

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  35. This is awesome!! Totally doing this!

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  36. I don't know that much about makeup, but I do know the tapping technique! I feel smart ;)

    Elle
    Southern Elle Style

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  37. I haven't converted to a foundation brush yet, but I'll give them another try... but I'm obsessed with my beauty blender... best makeup investment I've made so far!
    Kisses,
    Sarah
    http://everydaystarlet.com/

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  38. Definitely trying this "method" versus what I usually do next time! You always look so dewy and I'd love to achieve that ;)

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  39. Great tips! I always use my fingers, I'm going to try the brush for sure!
    xo
    Carrie
    CS Gems

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  40. Thanks for sharing this tip Elle! I've always used cream based foundations so I use the sponge that comes wiht them
    xx
    www.JuneWantsItAll.com

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  41. You look gorgeous, as always!!! I love that you shared an under 5 minute look. Proof that you dont need long to look put together! I was going through my make up brushes this weekend and realized I have had that Target brush all along and haven't use it! I will be whipping it out this week for sure and giving the beauty blender a break.

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  42. Seriously such a difference! I was so intrigued after seeing your Intsa haha! I love Real techniques brushes!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  43. So stunning! I am so horrible at all things make-up so these are fantastic! XO

    Anna
    alilyloveaffair.com

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  44. Gorgeous!! Such great tips! Thanks for the pointers :) xox

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  45. You can definitely tell a difference! I like how you can get different coverages out of just one foundation.

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  46. It's funny because I think many women overthink makeup! It doesn't need to be time consuming or overly "done". Just a few simple products does the trick! I really only have fun with my routine on the weekends. Otherwise, natural is key!

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  47. You are absolutely right about this. Im going to clean my brushes tonight and start using them more (everyday) Nice post!!!

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  48. Wow what a difference. I usually just use my fingers but I think i need to try the stippling effect. Amazing.

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  49. Lovely, Elle! I adore that NYX butter gloss! T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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  50. My foundation brush changed my makeup routine for the better when I got it and now I can't imagine not using it!

    www.madeintheshadeblog.com

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  51. Wow that is crazy how much a brush made a difference! I've heard of stippling, I just hadn't tried it! Definitely going to now!

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  52. Oh my gosh, girl! I was looking at the Target-brand brushes today, but ended up passing them up because I hadn't seen any reviews. Is this brush that good? I need to know!!

    Love the overall look, BTW!

    Connie | Sponsored by Coffee | Bloglovin’

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  53. I should try the Maybelline Fit Me foundation since I like the concealer! You look lovely!
    ~Sara

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  54. LOVE this post!! Using a brush to "tap" my foundation in has totally changed my makeup life. Now I feel like my makeup looks better no matter what products I use. I'm a huge fan of the Maybelline Fit Me! foundation as well. I actually use the regular, matte, and dewy finishes depending on what look I'm going for.

    Thanks for sharing!

    xo, Mae // Mae Amor

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  55. so fun! have you tried it cosmetics?! They are my new favorite brand! I love their cc illuminating cream and their bye bye undereye!
    xoxo Amanda

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  56. If I just cover up the redness on my face, I am usually good when it comes to natural looking skin because the redness is what kills my vibes :) xx

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  57. I like the stippling method myself, And I prefer a much dewier look as matte foundations tend to make my old ass look older.... LOL :)

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  58. I need to get one of those brushes stat! That's such a big difference! I don't usually even wear foundation because of my freckles, but maybe this will actually work for me!

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  59. I 100% agree that brushes are the best way to apply foundation etc. I use similar brushes to the one that you are using above. Def a more even and full coverage look!

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  60. gorgeous! definitely more like my weekday makeup routine. but I think I've been using my brush all wrong! thanks for the tips!

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  61. I cringe when people tell me they use their fingers to apply their makeup. I can't even imagine. I prefer a brush too. I want all the coverage I can get!

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  62. Your skin looks amazing!! I have a similar brush to that and I love it! It's amazing what a difference it makes.

    XO,
    Emily
    Www.idodeclareblog.com

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  63. You are glowing and beautiful, Elle! I think this post is really helpful. I'm going to tap tomorrow morning, lol! My method really depends on the foundation I'm using that day, but brushes and the Beauty Blender are my favorites. That being said, I tap my concealer in but I usually swirl/buff foundation on. Tapping will commence tomorrow! Oh Pixi has a WONDERFUL foundation brush called a Full Cover Foundation brush that's $11.99 (at Target) and it's even better than the RT Expert Face brush, imo! You should give it a shot if you're in Target and see it! Thanks for this tutorial and overall excellent post (as usual)! Much love!

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