Unless you’ve found a foundation made from heaven, getting a perfectly smooth application straight from the pot is not the easiest. And if you’re not into brushes or using your finger tips to apply your foundation, you might want to take cue from makeup artists all around the world and use a tiny wedge cosmetic sponge. I’ve been told this is one of the easiest – and best – ways to apply foundation. (Anyone want to confirm this? I normally just like to use my fingers!) An even better way to get a truly smooth application, though, is this little secret: dampen the sponge.
Dampen your cosmetic sponge slightly and blend the foundation into your skin. This allows a smooth application and will brush over fine lines like a breeze. Allure Magazine also has a tip concerning a damp sponge, but is a slightly different method. Instead of applying the foundation directly with your damp sponge, apply your foundation before, then take the damp sponge and go over your face to smooth it out. “This removes any foundation that has settled into lines, and creates a soft finish.”
Either method works due to the sponge being slightly damp. Try it out and let me know what you think. But for those who have already tried this trick out, what do you think? Does it really make your foundation look smoother? I tried it out to “confirm” this beauty tip and it seems good to me! Let me know your thoughts. 
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{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
I here it also helps because if the sponge is already wet it’ll absorb less of your foundation if you apply it directly to the sponge, but i don’t know for sure as i’ve never used a sponge but now I’ve heard this tip i might just go out and buy a pack of them!
Do try it out, TMB and let me know what you think! I agree that it may use less foundation, so you def save on that too
i used to think that this is the only way to apply foundation when i was younger because my mom and aunt did it this way. but i didn’t like the finish too much because it tends to be cakey. i guess it depends on the type of foundation used. and it also needs a lot of practice imho, because when you apply it on your face you wouldn’t see the results right away until it fully dries up, so there’s a chance that you are applying a lot on one part already (in my experience at least…)
Thanks for your comment, Sunmom.
I believe this only works for cream and liquid foundation? I tried it with a liquid foundation and it looked quite nice, and yes, totally agree – results are seen when it’s fully ‘dry’, though your sponge should only be damp, so it doesn’t go on too wet.
I like using the sponge wet if my foundation gives me cakey coverage or coverage that is way too thick. also, not all cosmetic sponges work the same i realised. the usual suspects we get at the drugstores absorb more foundation than what goes onto our face. Covermark Japan does a good sponge, though a little bit more exxy than the normal latex ones. It doesn’t absorb the foundation so most of your expensive foundation goes onto your face!
Thanks for the rec, Daphne.
I too def think it depends on the sponge. Have you heard of something called the Beauty Blender? It’s an egg shaped sponge and is bright pink, “apparently” it’s the hottest thing and the best way to blend, but it’s so expensive, especially since it’s just a glorified sponge!
Yes yes yes! Especially for cream or gel based foundations. I use my MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation with a damp wedge sponge, and it give me a flawless looking application. No kidding. And it’s the best way to prevent cakey foundations, as the water in the sponge would take care of that and prevent overloading the foundation on to your skin.
(And trust me, a dripping wet sponge is no good for foundation. =P )
As for liquid foundations, I still prefer my MAC #187 brush. Best brush ever for liquid foundation. Gives you an almost air brushed look.
Remember…it’s damp sponge, not dripping wet sponge.
Yay, glad you do this tip and it works so well for you, SzeLing!
LOL, yes, a dripping wet sponge def won’t be good, imagine the mess!
I’ll edit one sentence I wrote above in case it gives the impression to completely wet the sponge., thanks for pointing that out! 
I have also used my MAC 187/188 dampened with a squirt of water from a bottle before applying liquid foundation, that works good also…..i think it keeps your brushes from absorbing too much foundation as it does for a sponge as well.
I’ve never been that into cosmetic sponges- I always assumed they just absorbed the make-up, meaning you have to buy more sooner. Brushes always leave me with tide marks, so I also just use my fingers. I always assumed everyone did this (my mother and sister certainly did) until I got to uni and friends gave me weird looks when I told them.
Is there any particular advantage to using a sponge?
Hey Jen!
I too use my fingers, because 1) I’m not using too much, normally it’s tinted moisturizer for me and 2) I’m just so lazy! 
I think for those who are using full foundation all over the face, a sponger helps for a fuller coverage, and easier to get into the ‘grooves’ of the face. Also, I believe it’s great for blending so we don’t see any weird lines.
They also say that applying two-way cake foundation by damping right? Damp to apply the base foundation, dry to touch-up. Ermm… How do you keep the sponge clean tho? Do u use a new sponge all the time or advisable to wash it frequently?
I believe a two way cake foundation is a dry sponge? Yikes, I’m afraid I’m not sure about that one, V! Two way cake is compressed powder, right? I think damp sponges will only work with a more liquid formula, so it works better for gels, liquids and cream foundation. I’m not too 100% sure though, you’ll have to ask the saleslady when you stock up! Sorry about that, V
And yeah, sponges are a bit of a hassle because you have to wash them regularly, like once a week. And once it’s a few months old I think you should dump it and get a new one, for hygiene reasons. A bit of a hassle but ‘worth it’ since the application looks so flawless! Just wash it with baby shampoo, should work fine
If you use a sponge, you would have to wash it weekly, but you should be washing your brushes weekly also….at lease i do. I also read that if you use the Sonja Kashuk blue foundation brush or the Beautyblender, you can apparently use them with loose mineral foundation, but i haven’t tried that.
ETA: blue foundation sponge, not brush..sorry
hi. from wad i learnt about 2-way foundation is that it’s given this name because it can be used 2-way; ie. damp or dry. so you can actually damp your sponge and use it or just applied it directly to your face dried. hope this helps
I´ve heard is great!!!!
I will buy the sponge to try it, i didnt fin the one i want yet!
I LOVE THIS APPLICATION! I have been applying my MAC Prolongwear Foundation with a damp (one spray of water from spray bottle is enough dampness for me) Sonja Kashuk blue foundation sponge (similar to Beautyblender) for months now and I will never again use my MAC 190..188…187 brushes again. I also dot my foundation on one side of my face first and stipple it into my skin rather that applying the foundation directly onto the wet or dry sponge. The finish is so nice. I do think though, that if you used any sponge dry, you would defiitely use alot more foundation, but I have not found this using a damp sponge.
Hi gals! Love your blog Renee. Brand new but enjoying it so much.
I have used damp sponges on and off through the years. Back when I was in HS it was the thing to do using the sea sponges. (1982! ugh)
I love the look, but my question is do you think that when you use the damp sponge it could be removing some of your sunscreen under neith? (I use moisturizer with sunscreen). I do also have sunscreen in my foundation. I’m just afraid of diluting the sunscreen. I realize the sponge is only damp and not “wet.”
I have not used a wet sponge for years, but have instead been mixing my foundation with my moisturizer to give a lighter look. Now I’m reading that’s not a good idea so wanted to go back to the damp sponge…
I am very pale and it takes about two seconds for me to burn, so it is imperative I don’t dilute my sunscreen.
Thanks for any opinions!
I usually apply using my fingers and I think I like the way it is already…
Damp sponges work like magic. I asked a makeup artist to use my Clinique Superblend (liquid) foundation when she did my makeup for a friend’s wedding, and it looked fantastic the whole day. No caking, no patches of dry skin (usually my problem!), very smooth matte finish.