Calling All Makeup Wearers Who Hate Having to Use Brushes: Here's Your Fingers-Only Application Guide
Because your hand is basically a brush set.
I love makeup brushes and beautyblenders as much as the next woman, but they're not something I want rolling around the bottom of my bag for a variety of reasons. So often times, I find myself using my good ol' fashioned finger tips.
And because I get the feeling I'm in good company in this respect, i.e. all women are doing it, doesn't it make sense for us to know how to do it right? Here, find a quick-and-dirty guide to taking a fingers-only approach.
Golden Rule: Always wash your hands first. No exceptions.
Lips: Since you're likely working from a tube of lip color, you may not need your fingers. But ICYMI: Violette says blurred lips are cool, so blurred lips are cool. And fingers are perfect for them. All you have to do is is take your ring finger and apply lip color from the center of your lips out towards the lip line. Once the color is distributed evenly, smack your lips together. "Caress the contours around the lips to blur it," she instructs. "It works with any texture."
A post shared by Into The Gloss (@intothegloss)
A photo posted by on
Eyes: For shadow, you're always going to want to start with your dexterous index finger as it'll give you optimal control for the base layer. Then, for the smoky effect, use your middle finger, beginning from the center of the lid and working your way out. Your fingers, namely your pinky finger, are also great for highlighting the inner corners.
Face: "I apply primer and foundation with my hands like I'm applying face cream," explains Nasrat. "The warm of my hands really helps the foundation blend and move easily."
And dark circles? Fingers have got you.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
"If you're applying concealer, you want to warm up the concealer between your thumb and ringer finger by rubbing," explains celebrity makeup artist Kira Nasrat. "Then the product is ready to be pressed gently on the under eye area. This will warm up the product and help it melt on the skin."
Cheeks: "If I notice I'm wearing too much lipstick, I kiss the back of my pointer finger and middle finger then tap it on to my cheeks," explains Nasrat. It's all about the tap and blend, which is why I'm obsessed with Milk Makeup's Blush Oil as it was practically made for the on-the-go, finger tapping.
A post shared by Milk Makeup (@milkmakeup)
A photo posted by on
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
Sienna Miller's Gown Wants to Know, "How Low Can You Go?"
Clavicle is the new side boob.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Redefines the Revenge Dress
It's mirrored, side-baring, and covered in bows.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
17 Comfy Finds Under $250 to Curl Up In This Fall
The coziest of knits, sweatpants, and sweatshirts from Nike, Reformation, Abercrombie, and more.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Starface Founder Julie Schott Shares Her Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The entrepreneur spoke to editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike for the 'Marie Claire' podcast "Nice Talk."
By Sadie Bell Last updated
-
Urban Decay's Relaunched Naked Palette Is Just as Iconic as the Original
All the nostalgia, plus a silky new formula.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
This Valentino Perfume Is the Best Fragrance of 2024, According to Beauty Experts
It's a layerable, floral fragrance.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Is Colostrum the New Collagen?
Doctors and wellness professionals have a lot to say about TikTok's supplement of the moment.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
TikTok Is Making "Unsexy" Beauty Products Seem Very Appealing
There's more to worthwhile products than pretty packaging.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Fendi's First Fragrances Are Designed for Fashion Obsessives
It's finally available to shop.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Hailey Bieber Has a New Rhode Baby on the Way, Too
The brand's first color cosmetics launch is pretty and pink.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Can Makeup by Mario’s SoftSculpt Bronzing & Shaping Serum Do Three Beauty Tasks at Once?
It's the ultimate multitasker.
By Samantha Holender Published