Natural, Seamless Makeup: Why Fingers Are the Ultimate Tools According to Pat McGrath
According to legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath, your fingers are the best tools for achieving natural-looking makeup without harsh lines or streaks. As the world’s most influential makeup artist, McGrath frequently creates flawless looks for top celebrities at high-profile events and editorial photo shoots.
A More Natural Foundation Application
In an interview with The Telegraph on July 27, 2017, McGrath revealed that her go-to technique for creating her signature beauty looks is using all ten fingers. She believes applying foundation with fingers helps it melt seamlessly into the skin, resulting in a more natural finish. The warmth of your fingers helps polish the product into the skin, creating a beautiful, sheer effect that’s hard to replicate with brushes or sponges.
Blushes and Tinted Lip Balm That Melt into the Skin
Beyond foundation, fingers are perfect for applying other products—especially for achieving the popular “just-bitten” lip effect. McGrath also recommends using fingers for a seamless blend of eyeshadow and blush, as they help the product sink into the skin for a rich yet natural finish.
Less Maintenance, More Convenience
Unlike brushes that need frequent cleaning, you can't forget to wash your hands. With a washcloth and a bit of makeup remover nearby, it's easy to do your makeup at home without investing in tools that require ongoing maintenance.
Finger-Application Ritual with La Crique
At La Crique, finger application is key. Every formula and product is designed to make makeup easy for everyone—from beginners to seasoned pros. Here's a simple fingertip-friendly ritual:
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Wash your hands with Marseille soap (because we love it!).
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Dispense 3-4 drops of the Radiance Primer Serum onto the face and use circular finger motions to blend.
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Apply the Tinted Serum with your fingers—start with 3-4 drops and build coverage as desired, blending it into the skin for a natural finish.
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Rinse your hands.
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Use your fingertip to pick up eyeshadow and highlighter. Apply it directly to the eyelids—the creamy texture will melt beautifully for a glowing, natural look.
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With another finger, dab a bit of tinted lip balm and cheek balm, applying it to both the lips and cheeks. Adjust the intensity based on your preferred color payoff.
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Finally, the cherry on top: using your finger again, reapply a touch of eyeshadow or highlighter to highlight key points of the face—cheekbones, sides of the nose, brow bone, and cupid’s bow.
In Conclusion
Pat McGrath’s philosophy of using fingers for makeup proves that you don’t need fancy tools to achieve a flawless, radiant look. Whether applying skin tints, tinted lip balm, or highlighter, the warmth and control of your fingers offer unmatched blending power for a truly natural finish.