How To: Stippling Liquid Foundation

Stippling is a technique used my makeup artists when applying foundation. It achieved by tapping a specific type of brush onto your skin, rather than buffing or using a sponge. This technique, when done correctly with provide you with a airbrushed, smooth finish.

Where To Begin?
You will want to start buy purchasing a stippling brush. You can find these under other names such as a skunk or duo fibre brush. You're best bet for getting a quality stippling brush would be to go with the MAC 187. This is an extremely soft and efficient stippling tool. There is a dupe for this brush that can be found here.

Tap, Tap, Tap!
After you've found your proper tools it is time to learn the technique. Stippling is described as the creation of a pattern by using small dots. This is exactly why we need the duo fibre brush as it has specific fibers that will grab and hold foundation to apply in "dot form", for lack of a better term. Tip: Do not pour your foundation onto the brush, the key is getting the product only on the longer of the two fibers (the other ones are just to aid in the solidity of the brush and for ease of application). Pour your foundation onto a mixing palette or the back of your hand. The idea is again, to only get product on the longer of the two fibers that are on your brush. So, you will want to 'tap' the ends of the brush onto your foundation so the fibers grab it. Once it is on your brush you will want to begin by lightly tapping the product wherever you want it applied until you are left with a smooth finish. Only use a tapping motion, do not stroke, buff, or blend the makeup in any other way, or it quite defeats the purpose! Do not use your stippling brush to buff out your foundation, this can still be done but just use a regular complexion brush. You can apply as much or as little product as you'd like just keep tapping until you are satisfied with the finish of your skin. Continue applying all over your face and down onto the neck to prevent any makeup lines. And now you are left with an airbrushed, dreamy smooth base for the rest of your makeup!

My Overall Thoughs / Feelings
To put it frankly, I love stippling. It is the easiest way to get an airbrushed look without an airbrush! It also prevents the all common issue of streaking because you are not pulling the makeup around your face. The only thing I would caution is to be sure you have tapped enough so that you aren't missing any areas and the makeup is evenly dispersed throughout your face. Otherwise, I totally recommend stippling, it's not a difficult technique and you are left with a professional finish.