When I was last in Singapore, I was fascinated by and picked up the Sana Maiko-Han foundation brush and mixing palette set. This pretty set of short foundation brush and 5 Japanese designed mixing palettes cost S$29.90.
I’ve never really used a brush for liquid foundation before. I’d always used my fingers mainly because I found that it spread better. I’ve used this brush twice so far and I’m thinking ambivalent thoughts about it.
I like the mixing palette. It is laminated cardboard and one side of it has a pretty pattern and the other side is white. You place your liquid foundation on the white site and then use the brush to mix it and apply it on your face. It beats putting the liquid foundation on the back of your hand, which is what I always do.
The brush is short and just the right size for my smallish hands. The bristles are soft yet firm enough to apply the foundation on the skin. However, perhaps I’m not very good with it, but I find that applying liquid foundation with a brush is streaky. I keep having to double back to touch up the streaks which results in a thick layer of foundation which I do not like.
The other thing I did not quite like was the fact that the brush picks up a lot of foundation. When I use the brush, I end up using nearly double the amount of foundation because the brush absorbs the liquid and then applies sheer. When I use my fingers, nothing gets absorbed and I can control it to a fairly thin layer. Because it gets all gunky with foundation, I have to spend extra time cleaning the brush after use, which has made me late for work!
I’m not saying this Sana foundation brush is bad. I’m just saying that I prefer using my fingers to apply my liquid foundation because:-
- It doesn’t leave my foundation streaky
- It doesn’t use up a lot of foundation
- I can control the thickness of foundation on the skin
- Washing my hands is easier than washing a brush!
I haven’t tried a sponge yet, but I have seen others using sponges and it too absorbs a lot of liquid foundation which for me results in wastage.
I suppose since I do my own makeup, I’ll be sticking to using my fingers to apply my liquid foundation. However, if you do makeup on others, then brushes or sponges would be best for hygiene purposes and to cultivate a professional look 
The Sana Foundation Brush has only been used twice. Does anyone want to give it a good home? Please contact me if you do ;) If you want to buy this Sana Maiko-han brush set, look in Sasa or John Little in Singapore or on Adambeauty online (HK118/US$17.50).
What is your preferred tool for applying liquid foundation? Fingers, Brushes or Sponge?
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me it really depends on my mood, I usually apply using a triangle sponge! or sometimes, the foundation brush..or sometimes, my fingers..lol so ALL? I depend on my mood! LOL but i found the best foundation look on me is when I applied using a sponge..it just works for me !
I can’t get over how cute the photos are!!!
Nikki: I must try it with a sponge. I read that it gives better coverage and looks better.
yes try it! Use the triangle ones! it really works so well especially the undereye area
tell me how it works on you 
oh the mixing palettes are just SOOO cute!!
for a big night out, I usually use a wedge sponge to even out the coverage – it helps if you moisten it first though…less wastage of foundation.
Nikki: I will! Thanks.
Beetrice: They are adorable, but I only use one lol… I have to try this sponge thing if it works so well for everyone else.
Fingers work best for me. Like you said, it doesn’t promote much wastage. Oh oh…super sidetrack, since I couldn’t find my old Revlon foundation so I decided on a Bobbi Brown one. OMG. I love it. Best part is, one press from the bottle (small press) and my whole face is covered even better than when I was using Revlon. So at the end of the day, even though you’re paying so much…the quality is better and it’ll last me quite awhile. Luckily it’s a pump bottle. Fingers + BBrown…woot…my liquid foundation will go a longgg way. Hehehehe.
Fingers at the moment (current foundation requires squeezing), but I also have a foundation brush (Body Shop one) for when I was using a different foundation which I had to pour out.
While I agree with the streakiness of brush use, but I’m lazier when it comes to washing hands at times and it’s easier just to wash the brush over the weekend.
i have given up on any LIQUID foundation brushes, seriously any, including my beloved MUFE and Anna Sui. NONE whatsoever worked for me in the past. FINGERS for me!
that brush is adorable though. no wonder you couldn’t pass it!
S-kay: Wow the BB foundation sounds great. I found them a little too yellow but maybe will look at them again.
synical: Oh I find it easier to just wash my hands heh…
Jojoba: yep, its an adorable brush that I never use now! Should just stick to what I know works.
If I had to use a brush, I’d certainly go for that one–woot! That is gorgeous, and the palettes? The Japanese are just geniuses I say.
But, it’s fingers for me. I tried the wedge sponge previously. It felt really nice and soft–no drag of skin. But the thing I hated most was the wastage. I mean SPONGE, right? It soaks up your hard earned money. I’d go through a bottle of foundation in err…3 months? I think normally my bottles can last up to 6 months? And I also hate to be late for work too – applicators just add more time. Maybe cos I’m just not skilled enough!
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