Being one of the most preferred tools for applying anything from foundation, to concealers to BB Creams, the beauty sponge is one of the most sought out beauty applicators. They’re everywhere from celebrity makeup artist’s kits, blogs and your own makeup bag. But the real question is, are you using it correctly? This egg-shaped sponge is not your ordinary makeup applicator. You may be missing one important step to getting the most flawless complexion. Here are some tips to use a beauty sponge the right way:

A beauty sponge can be used both dry and dampened with water to apply cream or liquid products such as foundation, BB Creams or concealer. It can also be used dry, to apply or blend pressed or loose powder and eye shadows. The main idea is to get even coverage. With the sponge, you actually get more coverage with less product due to the pointed tip. Here is how to use it for each specific product:

For foundation/BB Cream: Wet the sponge under water and squeeze out the excess water. Pump your foundation on the back of the hand and dip the sponge into the product. Before you start to blend, gently bounce and stipple the foundation onto your skin. Then, pick up the foundation with your sponge and dot it across your face. Continue stippling (bouncing) around the areas which need the most coverage, specifically under the eyes and around the sides of the nose. The moisture of the sponge works to help the foundation blend seamlessly into the skin allowing for a more natural and clean finish.

For concealer: Use the pointed end of the sponge and gently dab underneath the eye working your way into the inner corner where extra coverage is needed most. The sponge is great at blending in excess product that may crawl into fine lines and become more visible. For skin imperfections and acne marks, use the pointed end of the sponge by stippling and twisting in order to feather out the make up’s edges for a perfect look.

For liquid/cream blush: Place a tiny amount of product onto the back of your hand, and swirl the sponge into the product to distribute the blush an equal amount. While smiling, dab the sponge onto the apples of your cheeks and evenly blend it out.

Powder highlighter: Use the brush while dry to apply powder highlighter to the inner corners of your eyes or to blend an eye shadow into the eye socket.

Photo: iStock