Best tool to apply foundation and setting powder o:

Jul 16, 2016

Yaira D.

What is the best way to apply Mac's Studio Fix Fluid foundation? A flat paddled brush? BB? or etc. to ensure I get the best coverage out of this foundation. Also, what brush, powder puff, sponge, or etc., do you use to apply a setting powder? Thanks in advance (:

Jul 16, 2016

Aurora S.

I agree with using a buffing brush.
Make sure it's synthetic since natural hair bristles actually absorb some product.

As for powder, I use a powder puff and use a little bit of powder and do the press and roll technique as to not smudge the makeup and make sure it's really set.
If there is any excess then lightly brush off or just use some fix plus.
If you brush off the excess just be very very gentle

Jul 16, 2016

Alexis C.

I agree with a buffing brush as well for that foundation. For setting powder I use the Real Techniques Setting Brush for under my eyes and a Danielle Powder Brush for the rest of my face.

Jul 16, 2016

Jacqueline H.

In my opinion, there is no 'best' way to apply it. It depends on the type of tool you like to use and a little trial and error. MAC's Studio Fix Fluid can be applied with a classic paddle, a sponge, a kabuki, a dome, etc.

If you want to maximize the amount of coverage that foundation has, I would suggest using either a standard paddle brush or a flat top kabuki. That being said, you have to find the right kind of flat top that will perform best with a liquid product: All flat tops are not created equal, and some are better utilized with liquids, some with cream, and some with powder. If you want a good flat top to use with this foundation, I would suggest taking a look at Sonia Kashuk's #4, Shiseido's Perfect Foundation Brush, BDellium's Maestro 956... These are all good brushes to use for liquid foundation application. If you use a flat top brush that is less dense, you can and usually will create streaks.

If you want the most coverage out of a foundation, the use of a classic paddle will give you that. I'm not going to lie... I am a big time Kabuki brush junkie. I love them because of their versatility, but I must admit, I am a bit sad to see that the classic paddle seems to be being thrown to the wayside in favor of more interesting, yet pointless shapes( Just my opinion.).

I've been using the MAC Stdio Fix for a while now, and this is one foundation that vI usually use a classic paddle with. In my opinion, with a classic paddle, one can largely control the degree of coverage with a liquid foundation. A good standard paddle brush is made of soft synthetic fibers that are layered and tapered. The toe of a paddle brush should be tapered, and this is what gives a paddle some very useful dimensions that most overlook in terms of the finish that you can achieve with a standard paddle.

Personally, I find the Stdio Fix is very easy to blend. If you are getting streaks with a standard paddle, in my opinion, that's an application error, not the brush itself. You can get beautiful results with this foundation and a standard paddle. The key to using a standard paddle is to blend out first, then down. After you do that, place the toe of the brush to the skin and slightly raise it so only the toe is touching the skin, then just move the toe in circles, and you will get just as nice a finish as you would with a flat top. ;) My favorite standard paddle brushes are my Chanel 16 and my BDellium Maestro 948. Play around with a few different tools and see what works for you. ;)

Powder puff or powder brush? I tend to use powder puffs. Powder puffs are specifically designed to hold the powder inside of them, so when you tap them, the powder is released exactly where you need it. Puffs are great to use with either pressed or loose powder, to set a cream foundation or as a super quick way to quick way to blot out excess shine. In my opinion, the benefit of using a puff (instead of a brush) is that you are actually setting the makeup where you applied it; hence, better creasing prevention and overall longevity.

Powder brushes can and usually do tend to leave powder specs all over the face or on your clothes(sometimes visible, sometimes not). Depending on the shape, a powder brush brush isn't going to be as precise as a puff. In terms of loose powder, the key to using a puff is after you tap the powder onto the puff, you fold it in half (like a taco shell) and rub the powder into the the insides of the taco. This way all the powder is inside the puff. Once you can no longer see any powder residue on the inside of the taco, reverse the shell so the powder sides face outwards. Then just tap the puff on your face, and press the powder into the makeup. I will then take a powder brush and lightly go over the skin for a final finish and to remove any excess. :)

If you do choose to use a brush, what I would do if you are using either a loos or pressed powder is saturate the toe of the brush, tap the excess, and then I take a piece of wax paper and swirl the brush over the paper until I can no longer see any overt powder residue... you want to work the powder into the bristle. After I do that, I'll give the brush one final slight tap, and apply it to the skin. I like using powder brushes for finishing powders/effects, not so much for setting powders. ;)

Jul 16, 2016

Yaira D.

Wow! I am so happy I did end up purchasing one of Mac's buffing brushes for foundation (:. Their #170 to be exact and it gave me a flawless application that didn't irritate my skin, so I was sold and purchased it c:

Jul 16, 2016

Yaira D.

I will check out both the powder puff and powder brush (:. Thank you ALL!


And Jacqueline, I enjoyed reading that very descriptive, informative response (:. I am so intrigued and will definitely out these techniques to us tomorrow! Thank you again (:. Thankfully, I own a paddle brush, Sonia's flat top brush and a buffing brush, so I will see which works best for me. I cannot wait to buy a powder puff and apply it with your great recommendations :D! Thanks again!
I greatly appreciate it ladies (:

Jul 16, 2016

Yaira D.

put these *

Jul 16, 2016

Yaira D.

to use* lol