The three widely used tools to apply foundation and makeup are fingers, brushes and makeup sponges. However, makeup sponge is considered to be the best of the lot for several reasons. These include an airbrushed finish, less wastage of product and easy application.
If you use a makeup sponge and don’t find it an easy task or it doesn’t give you the finish most people claim, chances are you are not using it right. Yes, although it is easy to use, some people don’t get it right in the first few attempts. But hang in there because we are going to tell you what mistakes you are probably making and how to correct them.
- 01. Using it dry
- 02. Pouring foundation on the sponge
- 03. Dragging the sponge across the face
- 04. Not washing it
01. Using it dry

Makeup sponges are not designed to be used dry. Period. If you use it dry, the sponge will absorb the product and there will be more foundation on the sponge than your face. And whatever amount manages to sit on your skin will look dry and cakey. Now, nobody wants that, right? Another reason why you should dampen the sponge is because it gives your face a natural, dewy look.
02. Pouring foundation on the sponge

The biggest, yet most common mistake that most women make while using a makeup sponge is pouring the foundation directly on the sponge. This way you are only wasting your product and time. Pump or pour your liquid foundation on the back of your clean hand and then dab the sponge on it before applying on your face.
03. Dragging the sponge across the face

The blending technique using a makeup sponge is a little different. When you use your fingers or makeup brush, you generally sweep it across the face but with a makeup sponge, you gently dab it and allow it to bounce off your skin. Use this technique to get the best coverage ever.
04. Not washing it

If you use the same makeup sponge every day without washing it, you will never get the desired result. Plus the bacteria and dirt that gets trapped in it will be transferred onto your skin, leading to unwanted skin problems. Therefore, wash your makeup sponge after every use and allow it to dry off completely before storing it back into the container.
Written by Sanya Hamdani on Mar 13, 2020
Sanya Hamdani is a skincare enthusiast and lipstick hoarder, she truly believes no two red lipsticks look exactly alike. With a Master's degree in Communication & Journalism and 5+ years of digital writing experience up her sleeve, Sanya has some of the biggest beauty experts in the country on her speed dial. When she's not swatching products or writing about the latest trends in beauty, you will find her watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.