How to Use a Cushion Makeup Sponge, According to a Makeup Artist

You probably have a slew of makeup products in your collection that come with teeny applicator sponges or thin, flat makeup cushions. When it comes to actually applying your foundation or concealer, though, there’s a good chance you turn to your brushes or blender sponges instead. But, according to Maybelline New York makeup artist Keita Moore, those complimentary makeup cushion sponges can actually be very effective, especially when it comes to reapplication on the go. Here, we chatted with Moore about how to get the most out of your cushion makeup sponge so that you don’t always have to rely on a traditional brush.

How to Effectively Use a Cushion Makeup Sponge 

According to Moore, the trick for getting the best application out of your cushion makeup sponge is to use a light hand and dab the product onto the skin gently. “To blend, it’s important to use dabbing motions versus smearing or dragging the sponge across the skin,” he says. For example, he loves using the Maybelline New York Age Rewind Concealer directly on the under-eye area and blends it in using an outward, sweeping motion. This product actually comes with a makeup sponge designed for blending attached to the tip. “The sponge-tip applicator makes on-the-go beauty super easy, and a little of this product goes a long way.” You can also do the same with a product that has a flat makeup cushion sponge, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24HR Foundation in a Powder.