Alternative Makeup Tools

Tasha Reiko Brown

I love makeup tools.

From my favorite classics to the new releases to flash-in-the-pan beauty gimmicks, I've tried them all. In the midst of all that, I have favorites that I always recommend. They're portable, free, mistake-proof and handy: fingers.

Fingers are my favorite tools.

As a blending or finishing tool, they always do the trick, and they make cosmetics fun and unintimidating for the makeup-challenged. For foundation, the heat from your fingers will help blend the product seamlessly into your skin. Fingers are awesome blending tools for any kind of cream cosmetic.

Your ring finger applies the least amount of pressure, so that's your do-it-all tool.

I like to apply cream blush to the apples of the cheeks with the pad of my ring finger and blend outward. Because of the light pressure, use your ring finger to gently apply cream shadows to the eyelids, to smudge liner fully into the lashes and to smooth out concealer in the delicate under-eye area.

Your fingers are also great finishing tools to smooth out any hard lines left behind by brushes.

When you use your fingers, you tend to apply less product to your face than you would with the pigment that adheres to brushes, so natural faces are easily created with just a few passes of your hand.

The only argument against using your fingers is bacteria transfer, which can be easily canceled out by simply washing your hands for 20 seconds before and after applying makeup. Learn to trust these makeup tools that you never have to worry about toting in your purse: It's finger painting for adults!

 

Tasha Reiko Brown is a celebrity makeup artist who helps get young Hollywood radiant for photo shoots and countless red carpet events, including the Oscars, Emmys and Golden Globes.