You shouldt use your fingers because sometimes it doesnt apply evenly. Also your fingers (no matter how much you wash them , have natural oils in them,) which can be transfered onto your face, another thing is , maybe its your brush? I use annebelle foundation brush from wallmart ( i dont wanna spend that much on the brush unless when i go to portland to get the clinque one for 15. Annebelle works and is not to expensive .