Fingers vs. Brushes: Brushes will give you more precision with liquid or cream foundation, but using your fingers allows the product to blend into your skin better (see: those brush strokes that belong on a painter's canvas, not your face). Face powders and bronzers are an "absolute no" with your fingertips, says Bass. "The moisture on your fingers reacts with powder and will make it cake, which is never a good look, especially on a large surface, such as your face, when you want a super smooth finish," she explains. "Brushes allow you to shake off extra product and to get a sheer, even finish which is impossible to achieve with fingers alone."

Trick of the trade: Blend liquid foundations (we love Merle Norman Perfecting Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 25) and bronzers by lightly tapping in circular motions towards your hairline with your three middle fingers.

Fingers vs. Brushes: "Cream blush works best with fingers, because you can get a sheer wash of color and layer more easily than with a brush," says Bass. Cream blush is also a great option for people with dry skin because it sinks into your cheeks and creates a natural flush. Stick with your favorite brush if you use powder blush.

Trick of the trade: Warm up the cream blush on the back of your hand to help it blend seamlessly into your skin before patting it over the apples of your cheeks.

Fingers vs. Brushes: For dark under eye circles, you may want to give up the brush -- unless you're a pro, those flat little concealer brushes are hard to blend with and can leave streaks. Used improperly, they can also tug on the sensitive skin underneath your eye, which can cause wrinkles. Using your fingers allows you to feel how hard you're pressing. Bass recommends using your ring finger, because it has the lightest touch, so you're less prone to tugging the skin. For blemishes, a brush will help you get a precise application, but blending is ultimately easier if you warm up the product first with your fingertips.

Trick of the trade: Use your pinkie finger to apply concealer over a zit (since it's the smallest finger, you'll get the most precise application), and blend it out with your index finger.

Fingers vs. Brushes: Fan brushes are great for dusting a little powder highlighter onto your cheekbones, but they're really tricky to use with a creamy formula. Using your fingers to apply a creamy highlighter, it's easier to blend and get a more natural, less contrived glow.

Trick of the trade: Use your pinky finger to dab and blend on liquid highlighter, says Bass. Your pinky has a light touch, which will keep you from applying too much product and veering into disco-glow territory.

Fingers vs. Brushes: You can do smoky, blended eyes using only your fingers -- really! Just don't expect it to look like something you've pulled off of Pinterest. It will be smudgier and softer than those eye makeup looks that take 10 brushes to create -- but no less pretty. Bass prefers to smudge pencil liner with her fingers, because it gives her more control and allows her to get closer to the lash line. But for your cat eyes and mod looks? "I would definitely avoid anything too graphic," says Bass. "Save those for a brush!"

Trick of the trade: Your index finger will apply a little more pressure than your other fingers, which makes it great for blending, says Bass.