Does the Korean Beauty Makeup Spatula Technique Work?
If you’ve seen popular makeup youtube and tik tok creators, it seems that the new trend in makeup application is using a makeup spatula. With this technique, you should be able to use less foundation, and create a thinner makeup base for the rest of your makeup. You want a thin makeup base as other products layered on top, such as concealer, powder, blush, etc. can become too thick and not look natural on your face. But does the technique actually work?
Products to Use for the Makeup Spatula Technique
For the review of this technique, I bought the Piccasso Two Way Makeup Spatula and the Mini Mixing Palette, mentioned here in my May makeup haul. You can use any foundation and add a few drops onto the mixing palette. I like to mix my more matte foundations with something more sheer and glowy, such as Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, or L’Oreal Lumi Glotion Natural Glow Enhancer. These can be used on its own as a highlighter, but I like mixing them in order use up my more matte foundations that are too drying for my skin type.
You can find something similar to this spatula on Amazon, link below. *I earn a commission for purchases made from the link below* This set comes with a palette and face puffs to spread the foundation after applying with the spatula.
How to Use a Makeup Spatula
I added about 2 pumps of my foundation, and about the same amount of Hollywood Flawless Filter. Using the spatula, a mixed the two together. This amount is just enough for my base makeup, but I also have a smaller face. Feel free to experiment on how much you need if you are also trying this.
Piccasso Collezioni Mini Mixing Palette X Mirror
Piccasso Collezioni Mini Mixing Palette X Mirror, Two Way Makeup Spatula
After thoroughly mixing, use only one side of the spatula and pick up a line of the foundation, like the photo above. Then directly apply thin strips of the foundation using the spatula starting on your cheeks. I used a face puff to blend the foundation out. Keep applying with the spatula, going section by section on your face. I found this was better than adding all foundation first, as the foundation will start drying before you have a chance to blend. You will end up with a thin layer of foundation as a makeup base.
Makeup Spatula Review
For me, this technique did work in using up less foundation product. I was really surprised how much a makeup puff or brush really picks up when only using them for application. I probably save about 2 or 3 pumps of foundation by using the makeup spatula and mixing palette. And you do end up with this thin layer of foundation on your face that looks more natural.
The down sides would be the time requirement for having to mix your foundation, or using the spatula. It does take an extra few minutes, and if you were running late it’s probably faster to just slap your foundation on and go. The layer of foundation might actually be too thin, so if you had any blemishes or red areas underneath it would not be sufficient to cover those up. You would still need to use concealer which adds another layer to your foundation anyway. I think this would work for more professional makeup artists, or if you really need to find ways on stretching out your makeup. I will probably still do this for myself, as I mix my foundations pretty often and using a palette and spatula seems more hygienic than on the back of my hand.
