Spectrum Talks: Makeup Brushes and Tools
If you’re a makeup lover, you’ve probably tried all kinds of makeup application – but which is better, brush or sponge? Is there even much of a difference? From applying foundation to highlighter, there are a ton of makeup tools out there to help give you a flawless finish – the only problem is knowing which to choose.
As always, for the best info, we just had to ask our Spectrum sisters via one of our Twitter chats! Join us for a recap below as we share tips on makeup application, brush cleaning and more.
How To Apply Foundation: Brush or Sponge?
Darlings, you know we’re makeup brush mad. That being said, makeup sponges can give an oh-so-amazing finish when it comes to applying your foundation. So, which is more popular? As it turns out, it’s a pretty even split…
Sponge 🖤 I find it easier, quicker and less hassle. I’ve tried a brush but cannot get it to work for me unfortunately.
— 🖤🕸𝒦𝒶𝓎𝓁𝑒𝒾𝑔𝒽 🕸🖤 (@crystalwitch_x) October 5, 2021
Yes babe – what works for someone else won’t always work for you! And beauty sponges are great for super quick application.
I use a brush as I feel I can apply it evenly. I don’t like the feel of a sponge to blend in.
— Michelle Pickering (@Movingonup19) October 5, 2021
Different foundation brushes apply products in their own way, and there are loads to choose from. If you want some inspo on how to apply makeup, then check out our Ultimate Makeup Brush Guide – we talk through all our favourite foundation brushes for both light and heavier coverage.
We never said you had to pick a side and stick to it though…
I mix it up depending of the type of coverage I want and how much time I have . Sponge for a quick medium coverage and a brush for a more full coverage look
— 🌸 Chantelle Marina 🌸 (@chantelemarina) October 5, 2021
We love this. Switching things up with different makeup tools is great for trying new looks. And you can never have enough brushes in our opinion!
How To Apply Highlighter: Which Brush Is Best?
For the ultimate glow, nothing beats a great highlighter. How do you get that perfect application? We’ve got loads of tips in our brush guide, but we wanted to hear from our Spectrum sisters too.
I like to use a fan brush for highlight.
— Michelle Pickering (@Movingonup19) October 5, 2021
A totally classic choice. One of our favourite highlighter brushes, the A10 brush is fan-shaped and gives a gorgeously soft-focus finish.
A fluffy tapered brush, like the B08
— 🌸 Chantelle Marina 🌸 (@chantelemarina) October 5, 2021
We love the B08 brush. The flame-shaped tip allows for more precise application – sweep across the cheekbones, cupids bow and brow bone for the ultimate glow.
A fluffy eyeshadow brush or my finger. My face is too petite for one of those highlighter brushes 😂
— Deanna Troi 🖖🏻💛 (@miniabbysciuto) October 5, 2021
If it works, it works! We can’t fault this combination. One of the best eye makeup brushes for both eyes and highlighter is the B06 brush, as it’s tapered for a precision finish.
One isn’t Enough: Which Brush Do We Have Multiples Of?
It can be super useful to have multiples of certain brushes, especially if you’re going for a totally glammed-up look or regularly switch up the colours you use. And the most popular type of brush to double up on is… eyeshadow!
Eyeshadow brushes 😃
— Michelle Pickering (@Movingonup19) October 5, 2021
Eyeshadow brushes. Mainly blending ones. Brow brushes and the next runner up 😂
— 🖤🕸𝒦𝒶𝓎𝓁𝑒𝒾𝑔𝒽 🕸🖤 (@crystalwitch_x) October 5, 2021
But then there's us...
All Spectrum brushes 😂😍
— Fallen Angel 🦇🎃 (@UrbanAngel1111) October 5, 2021
You can never have too many brushes! Just try and prove us wrong.
How Often Do You Clean Your Makeup Tools?
We all know keeping our makeup brushes and sponges clean is important – it stops the build up of products on your tools and with them, any nasty bacteria. Let’s face it though, it’s not fun and regular cleaning can be a challenge! We asked for honesty and we got it, so here’s how often we clean our makeup tools…
After I use them. They go in a pile and get washed, otherwise I'll never wash them 😂
— Deanna Troi 🖖🏻💛 (@miniabbysciuto) October 5, 2021
We wish we were this organised! If you know keeping your brushes clean isn’t going to be easy, having a system like this can help keep you on track.
When I run out of clean ones 😬 I will use a brush a couple of times spot cleaning it in between uses then it goes in the dirty pot until I have the time to wash them.
— 🌸 Chantelle Marina 🌸 (@chantelemarina) October 5, 2021
We definitely recommend having a separate pot to store your dirty brushes – that way you’ll be less likely to use them longer than you should!
Once a week and I am going to order one of your brush cleaners 😁 as they look amazing.
— Michelle Pickering (@Movingonup19) October 5, 2021
Oh thanks babe! Our makeup brush cleaning tools include our gorgeously scented brush soap, and a hanging towel to speed up the time it takes your brushes to dry.
For more advice on cleaning your beauty tools, read our blog: How To Clean and Dry Your Makeup Brushes Quickly.
Which Makeup Brush Can’t You Live Without?
If you had to give up all your makeup brushes except one, which would you keep? Sorry babes, we know this is a hard question – and it seems like we can’t agree either!
My powder brush 🥰
— 🖤🕸𝒦𝒶𝓎𝓁𝑒𝒾𝑔𝒽 🕸🖤 (@crystalwitch_x) October 5, 2021
My fine liner brush!
— Deanna Troi 🖖🏻💛 (@miniabbysciuto) October 5, 2021
The highlighter one! The Mean girls fan brush is incredible for highlighting the cheekbones on one swift stroke. The Zodiac highlighter small brush. pic.twitter.com/beHtIf7eJ1
— Fallen Angel 🦇🎃 (@UrbanAngel1111) October 5, 2021
Look at that collection –we’re obsessed.
Refresh Your Collection
Whether you’re team makeup brush or sponge, you need the right tools for you. If your collection’s looking a little bare, we’ve got you. Shop our latex free makeup sponges and single brushes.
Want more advice before you shop? Read our makeup brush guide for tips on foundation, blending, eyes and more.
And finally – don’t miss out on having your say in future Spectrum Talks! Follow us on Twitter where we take on a new topic every Tuesday at 12pm.
