Ok, so I haven't worn full face makeup for quite a while; I'm usually only motivated enough to do my eyes. And in the past, all I have ever used was liquid foundation so I have no experience with powders. I finally got up the gumption to order some foundation samples from AL, and I've come up to a conundrum... How do I apply them? Brush? Sponge?

I want to stay kinda light with my face (mostly because I never really bothered before) so I'm not really sure where to begin. My face is typically on the dry side with my only 'oily' spots on my chin and right under my nose (this usually only happens right before my menstrual with the influx of those dratted hormones) so, I don't really think that I need a primer... but do I? Do I also really need a finishing powder? I guess I'm initially gonna just try the foundation and see how that goes for a day or two.. but some pointers would really be beneficial. Thanks ladies!

There's no set in stone way to go about it - results will vary, so it's really a matter of playing around and figuring out what works best for you.

The kabuki and flocked sponge are the most popular ways of applying. The sponge allows heavier coverage and is great if you want to apply the minerals damp. The kabuki will allow sheer layers and you can add as needed. The whole key is - apply as thin a layer as possible. You can always add, but if you go too heavy, it'll appear cakey.

Primer may be an option. My skin is ultra dry and I use the foundation primer over my moisturizer, under my foundation. It does give a nice smooth surface to work with. I've never used the other primer because I try to avoid too many layers on my skin. Hyperdry + many layers = bad! But if oil is an issue at times, the Porcelaine may be a good idea. Sample sizes are available for Porcelaine, so give it a try! (I'm sure non-dry ladies can give better advice on that)

Finishing powders - a matter of preference. Some ladies don't use any, others swear by various finishing powders - anything from Divine Radiance, Luminesce Divine, Illuminator, Metamorphosis! Once again, the best way to go is to try samples of various powders and see what works best for you.

I can't live without Metamorphosis. Some ladies aren't crazy about its slight shimmer, if you prefer a more matte look give Parfait (the low lustre version) a try.

You'll find there will be several products that you'll like, and can use interchangeably depending on what look you're going for. Good luck, and don't forget, sample, sample, sample!

I don't have any advice for the dry skin issues (I have very oily skin myself), but if you want lighter coverage, I would recommend a brush over a sponge.

The Silky Smooth Taklon Kabuki that Cin linked to is my favorite -- it's so much softer than any other kabuki I've tried, and it gives a wonderful smooth finish! However, if you don't have it, any other kabuki brush would work, or even a large fluffy powder brush in a pinch (though that would provide an even lighter coverage than a kabuki.)

For finishing powders, it just depends on what look you're going for or if you have any issues you'd like to correct. I use the Ultra Resolution Finishing Powders (either Clear or Peaches and Cream for me) since they're nearly matte and I prefer a more matte finish on my oily skin. They also help make my foundation last a bit longer. If you want a more dewy or shimmery finish, then most of the other finishing powders have some shimmer.

Metamorphasis and Parfait are both great if you have any red tones you'd like to cancel out or want to look a bit paler. They also look great on many cool skintones, although they tend to wash out my warm skintone.

And of course, if you're happy with how the foundation looks by itself, you don't need a finishing powder. But if you're interested, just sample a few!

You might want to pick up a sample of the silk powder, it is supposed to attract moisture to your skin and might be the light primer you are looking for. Apply it then mist your face and then apply your foundation. I have oily skin and the silk powder makes my skin more comfortable and does not feel tight drying and slows the oiliness from appearing fast. It also helps grab the foundation and keep it on me (oily skin tends to float away makeup).

A light application of foundation can be achieved with the fiber optic brush, and it will be gentle to your skin

You got a lot of great advice here. And judging by your latest FOTD, you have a beautiful complexion. The kabuki brush will work great.

The finishing powders are wonderful, so try some samples. I love a combo of silk powder and Illuminator... and I have skin similar to yours. You may not want a primer, but a lot of ladies find that a light dusting of powder prior to eyeshadow application makes cleaning up "fallout" easier. I do too. So I dust on a bit of Nocturne (yes— Nocturne) before I apply eyes and do my foundation after my eyes are done. And it doesn't make my skin feel tight or too dry.

Another thing to try, if you are used to liquids and not used to powders, is to put a little bit into your hand with your sunscreen/moisturizer and apply it together... like a MYO tinted moisturizer. You get a hint of color and it saves a step.

HTH
-Melissa

Thanks ladies for all the wonderful advice! It's helped a lot.

I'd like to thank as well 'cause I was going to post something similar x.x'
I have no kabuki brush... I think I might save up to buy one someday.