If you’ve spent as much time down the rabbit hole of beauty TikTok as I have recently, you’ll know that spatulas have moved beyond the kitchen and found their way into make-up bags. Originally popularised in South Korea, this K-Beauty foundation technique is a viral favourite for creating a sheer, non-cakey finish thanks to its light application.

As someone who usually steers clear of foundation brushes and sponges (due to a slightly irrational fear that they’ll cause breakouts) and uses fingers to apply my base, the spatula technique immediately caught my eye. More on this later, but I suspected it would be a lot easier to keep clean. Plus, the smoothing action allows you to apply less foundation for a more skin-like finish.

“The way the spatula picks up minimal product is the secret behind why this technique achieves such a natural look,” explains make-up artist Michelle Leandra. “When I work with foundation, I like to apply a tiny bit at a time so you’re never putting too much product on at once. Lots of us think about coverage straight away, but it’s always nice to build up the layers slowly.”

I ordered the Technique Pro spatula and, on first impressions, part of me wondered whether I could have simply used the non-serrated edge of a butter knife because it looks almost identical. The small, smooth tool is designed to be swept across your skin in little stokes for a sleeker result than you’d achieve with a brush, sponge or fingers. Intrigued and, ultimately, convinced of the merits of keeping make-up tools and kitchenware separate, I decided to give it a go…

You don’t need a special kind of foundation to try this technique – as Joseph would say (or sing), any foundation will do. I squeezed a blob of my everyday favourite, Mac Face and Body, onto the back of my hand and, as instructed by Erika Titus, the creator who introduced the technique to the masses with her viral video, dragged the thin edge of the spatula along the foundation on my hand to pick up a small amount.

I started with my cheeks, using the same edge to smooth a thin layer over my face and was impressed by how seamlessly the texture melted into my skin without any buffing. One thing to note: if you, like me, have vellus hair (more infuriatingly known as peach fuzz) on your cheeks, you’ll want to apply in the direction the hair grows to create the smoothest end result.

An unexpected side effect was that the spatula felt cooling as it swept over my skin, and gave me a gua sha-like, slightly de-puffed result by the end of the application. I used my fingers to blend the foundation that collected around my hairline (the end point of my sweeping), and was thoroughly impressed by the natural, glowing finish it gave.

Your base *will* look smoother

Applying foundation using a spatula dramatically decreases the chances of your foundation being cakey at the end of the process. Because you’re not buffing – rather, lightly smearing a thin layer onto your face – you won’t disturb what’s underneath. If your skin can be flaky or your skincare products tend to pill if make-up is rubbed in too vigorously over the top, this is a massive plus.

Spatulas = easy cleaning

Yes, we all know we’re supposed to wash our make-up brushes and sponges every week, but how often do we actually get round to it? The washing and drying process for more traditional applicators can be time-consuming but, with a spatula, it’s another story. Easy to keep hygienic by washing like cutlery with water and soap, cleaning it is much simpler.

You’ll save on foundation

Thanks to the thin layer of product the spatula applies, you’ll end up using a lot less foundation per application. I squeezed out my usual quantity and only ended up needing to use half of it. 

You’re likely to need a second step

Applying to the cheeks and forehead were by far the most satisfying parts. What didn’t feel productive was trying to work foundation into my nose or around my eyes with such a rigid metal tool. Instead, I tapped on extra product with my fingers at the end of the process (you could use a sponge or brush), so be aware that the spatula may not be ideal for getting into the contours of your face.

You’ll want to go easy over breakouts

I often get hormonal breakouts around my chin, and I’m not sure I’d fancy trying to smooth foundation over the top of them with the spatula. If you have acne or get spots at certain times of the month, an alternative applicator that feels softer on your skin will ensure you don’t inadvertently disturb a breakout.

This technique takes time

Be warned: the spatula application took me twice as long as my usual foundation routine. This isn’t something you can do quickly because the smoothing action takes longer to master and execute than speedily buffing in with a brush or sponge, but (spoiler) it was worth it.

The spatula gave me the smoothest, most skin-like natural finish I’ve ever been able to achieve, especially when paired with a lightweight foundation – no caking or heaviness to be seen. Admittedly, it took me a lot longer than my usual blend-with-fingers approach but, on days when I have time to spare, it’s definitely worth the extra step for a seamless, second-skin finish.

Image: courtesy of Holly Bullock