Tom Ford To use compact foundation, start with a clean, moisturized face. Open the compact and use the included sponge applicator or a brush to apply the product to your face, blending outward from the center. Build up coverage as needed and focus on areas that need more coverage or concealing blemishes. To touch up throughout the day, simply reapply as needed. Remember, compact foundation can be used alone or as a base for other makeup products, so experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you. Foundations