Finger Painting for Adults

They make my job significantly easier. But what would happen if I didn’t have access to them? Over time, I’ve learnt that necessity really is the mother of invention.

Working with your hands is not only possible, but surprisingly beneficial for doing your makeup.

Your hands are great because they don’t cost you anything and you won’t encounter the stress of having to clean any brushes or sponges. A lack of tools doesn’t have to stop you from doing your makeup. There is, however, a golden rule: Always ensure that your hands are clean before you touch your face.

You can create various effects by using your hands.

Backstage at fashion shows, you see a lot of artists using their hands to apply makeup to models. This is because their hands are readily available and can melt products into skin for the perfect “no-makeup” makeup.

Usually, you use your hands to apply moisturiser and primer, so why not use your hands for the rest of your face makeup? Since your fingers won’t absorb product, you’ll find that you can use less product and achieve more coverage.

When it comes to concealer, you should apply it using patting motions to spread and blend it seamlessly.

I like to apply cream blush using my thumbs since they are the perfect size to deposit and blend the right amount of colour on the cheeks; the luminosity from the blush also creates a naturally radiant finish. Liquid and cream highlight also melt right into the skin when applied with fingers.

Using your index and middle fingers together, tap the highlight onto the high points of your face like the cheekbones, forehead, down the bridge of the nose, the cupid’s bow and the chin, for a litfrom- within glow.

If your eyeshadow doesn’t usually apply well with a brush, try applying it with your fingers.

A patchy finish is common with some frosty, shimmery, glittery or textured eyeshadows. Pat the color on to deposit it, then swipe your finger back and forth to crush and spread the pigments for a more foil-like finish. You will get a more concentrated application with your finger and thus, better colour payoff. In the same manner that you’d use a brush or a cotton bud to smudge eyeliner, you can use your little finger to blur it and create a smoky, smoldering effect.

Lastly, y o u c a n create a lip stain by dotting lipstick onto your lips and using your index finger to blot the color and spread it out for a sheer, flushed effect.

This is especially great if you have a colour that is too dark, bright or unwearable. For example, you can create a subtle berry stain from a vampy, wine red lipstick.

Some creamy products work best on normal or dry skin, so what should you do if you have oily skin? Unless you keep your brushes separate, the dusty, dirty brush at the bottom of your makeup bag should not touch your face. If you’re careful, you can use the sponge that comes with a powder compact to blot and mattify your skin.

Use it sparingly because the sponge can really pack the powder on, which will create a cakey appearance. If you don’t have a compact, then blotting papers or tissue paper will lift away any excess moisture, leaving you with a semi-matte finish. If you favour an eco-friendlier option, a reusable blotting sponge such as a blotterazzi by Beautyblender will remove excess oil and freshen the appearance of your makeup.