When it comes to foundations, the cosmetics companies want us to move on from finger painting.

There are a bevy of new anti-aging foundations hitting the shelves, but most interesting to us is that they also come with new applicators.  Maybe they think we’re just no good at smoothing an even layer of foundation across our  faces.  Maybe it’s just one more gimmick they’re trying to use to convince us that their product will better fill the creases and give us younger-looking, glowing skin.

Either way, these applicators are giving whole new meaning to “paint your face.”

The two that stand out the most are Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Eraser Treatment Makeup, and L’Oreal’s True Match Roller.

Maybelline says its Eraser combines a breakthrough formula with a “patented Micro-Corrector Applicator.”  After squeezing some of the foundation into the spongy tip of the bottle, you brush it across your face and the foundation “micro-fills and smoothes imperfections on the skin’s surface.”  The applicator looks a lot like a bingo blotter, so we can only hope it goes on a little more consistently than the magenta marker we were using at Immaculate Conception Hall last week. Reviewers at Makeup Alley – the majority of whom appeared to be 45 and older – rated it 3.8 out of 5, but many said the applicator takes a lot of getting used to.

The Roller part of L’Oreal’s True Match line looks like a teeny tiny version of the tool you use to paint the walls.  The website says the “revolutionary roll on applicator creates the ultimate airbrushed finish … (and) the flexible applicator adapts to all the curves of your face for even coverage.”

Not everyone wants you to toss the brushes yet, however. Revlon’s Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator foundation, Neutrogena’s Mineral Sheers Liquid Makeup and Yves Saint Laurent Perfect Touch Radiant Brush Foundation all have incorporated the brush into the packaging. You turn the tip to get the “perfect” amount and paint it on for a “flawless” finish.

At first, we thought Sally Hansen was showing us something new with its Airbrush Spray Makeup, but unlike the highly rated spray-on tanning products we mentioned recently, the directions tell you to spray the foundation onto your hands.  So we’re back to finger painting, I guess.

However you prefer to paint your face, there’s now a product out there for you.  Just tie on a drop cloth first.