Before you relegate that recently used foundation brush to the pile of brushes you plan to wash later this week (or today), believe it or not, it’s still a useful tool, even after you’ve used it to apply whichever face product you’re wearing on any given day and the brush has leftover product in the bristles.
I mean, of course we are going to wash it eventually (I wash my brushes every day), but before that, while we’re still doing our makeup, we can use it to…
1. Tone down bold brows
Oops! Uh, oh. We’ve accidentally applied too much brow filler and crossed the fine line between bold brows and Groucho Marx.
What to do?
Well, we can run our recently used foundation brush across our brows a few times to break up our brow powder or gel and lighten them up.
2. The definition of cheeky
We can also use our used foundation brush to give our cheeks a boost! After applying our blush and/or bronzer, we can sweep our used foundation brush right below the apples of our cheeks to define and sculpt their shape.
3. Lift that look!
I think you’ll really like this tip because it’s easy but makes a big difference. After we finish applying eyeshadow, let’s grab that used foundation brush, and swipe it from the outer corner of our lower lash line to the outer tip of our eyebrow to clean up the edges a bit and give a little lift to our look.
4. A blank canvas for nude lips
Let’s make nude lips look even nuder (nuder?). Working with your favorite nude lipstick or gloss, swipe however much product remains on your recently used foundation brush across your lips. Now, this trick works better if your lips are in good shape. In my experience, if we see any flakes at all, our foundation will only draw attention to them.
I only do this one every once in a while, as it tends to dry out my lips…
5. Dial back bright blush
Uh, oh! We accidentally applied too much blush and look like we have crazy clown cheeks.
No problem. Let’s just stipple our recently used foundation brush head lightly on top of our blush to tone down the intensity.
There you have it! Five uses for your recently used but as-yet-unwashed foundation brush. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Rise and shine, morning glory! After a full day of rain, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and Tabs hasn’t swiped or bitten me (yet).
So far, so good on this lovely Thursday.
Today I plan to appreciate the little things, like my seven-year-old tabby alarm clock…
…and grilled lemons.
I hope you have a downright fabulous day. 🙂
Trisha says
Good advice, Karen! Especially about the overdone eyebrows. I’ve been doing that a lot, lately. Good way to even them out since my right eyebrow always seems to end up darker.
Shannon says
Love this! Thanks, Karen 🙂
thebeavercat says
I think I spy the Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush in the back there. Love that brush. :] Great advice, Karen.
Kiss & Make-up says
These are good tips 🙂 And what a good idea to appreciate the little things. I should try and do that too. I don’t enjoy the little things enough, but instead I just worry about silly stuff.
gio says
Great tips, Karen! I use it to tone down blush sometimes, but I hadn’t thought about the other uses. Thank you!
Vineetha says
Nice Tips! The lightening cheek bush is one way I always use it!
BETSY C. says
Genius ideas all! Thank you. BTW, the husky tabby you promised to send me to help recover from my surgery Tuesday has not arrived! Tabs must love you too much, lol. You and your gravy! 😉
Ruchita says
Great tips, especially #5! Sometimes if I’m trying out a new blush I can over apply it, so a used foundation brush is a good way to remedy the situation.
That pick of you and Tabs is so cute! I wish my husky tabby would snuggle on the bed. Most times he’ll jump up, meow in my ear and then jump off. 🙂
Sylirael says
Great tips! I particularly like the brow one, as I’ve never thought of that! I’ve definitely toned down my blush a couple of times with my foundation, though… 😀
Denise S. says
I use BB cream but I can totally apply these tips with it. I really like the brow and cheek tone down suggestion as I can be a bit too heavy handed. I do the uplift trick all the time and it’s great! Cute pic of you and Tabs, looks cozy! Love the PJ’s !
Erin says
Nice tips! I will also say broiled lemon and grapefruit are in fact the $hit!
Abby says
This is such a great post with such great ideas! And the grilled lemon looks delicious!
Fancie says
Great tips! I always use my foundation brush to tone down blush if I over apply but I’ve never thought of using any other way lol. So creative!
Ankita@corallista says
Super helpful post Karen! I generally use my used foundation brush as a buffing brush in the end to ensure the contour/highlight and blush are blended well together.
Phyrra says
These are great tips! Thank you 🙂
Danielle says
I always used my foundation brush to blend in my blush. It’s a great tip!
Kelsey says
ooh great tips! also, I have the same pyjamas in your kitty picture! 😀
Vanessa says
awww Karen and Tabs <3
Chelsea says
Love the tips, hadn’t thought of some of these!
One of my favorite restaurants does a chicken dish with grilled lemons, it’s heavenly.
Iris says
Love this post and the tips. I shall be using the brushes to dial back blush. I sometimes apply too much with a heavy hand and it really shows up on my skin.
theblahqueen says
Awesome tips,specially the one regarding using it on the outer corner of the lower lash line !!!