Moldy makeup sponges do happen, but it's all due to human error (that's your bad). "When you remove oxygen and light from anything that is moist, you have the opportunity for mold and bacteria to start forming," explains Rea Ann. So a damp Beautyblender stuffed in your dark, enclosed makeup bag is a bad idea.
Read on for the best makeup sponges.
- Best Overall: Beautyblender The Original Makeup Sponge.
- Best Budget: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge.
- Best Flat: Koh Gen Do Foundation Sponges.
- Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Cosmetics Total Face Sponge.
- Best for Concealer: Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Precision Makeup Sponge.
“Your Beautyblender should ideally be washed after every use—it needs a little more love than your regular brushes. For a quick rinse, run it under warm water until the water becomes clear,” says Hughes.
The Best beautyblender Dupes
- The beautyblender converted even the most die-hard foundation brush enthusiasts to the makeup sponge world, but who knew a little sponge would cost just as much as a brush!?
- EcoTools Perfecting Blender Duo, ($5.73, Amazon)
- -Aimee L.
- Morphe Flawless Beauty Sponge ($7, Ulta)
- -Kaylee W.
Works great with your favorite e.l.f. foundations and concealers! Dip the sponge into product and apply in a bouncing or "stippling" motion. Use the rounded end to cover large areas of the face and the pointed end to apply in tight crevices and corners.
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge + Travel Sponge Case (with Photos, Prices & Reviews) - CVS Pharmacy.
Best Real Techniques Brushes
- Real Techniques Core Collection Kit.
- Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge.
- Real Techniques Travel Essentials Kit.
- Real Techniques Foundation Brush.
- Real Techniques Expert Face Brush.
- Real Techniques Powder Brush.
- Real Techniques Blush Brush.
- Real Techniques Enhanced Eye Brush Set.
When your makeup sponge is damp, it makes product application way easier. It goes on more smoothly and ends up in an even, streak-free finish. This is an especially good method if your skin is dry, as there's no brush creating flakes across the surface. Your skin will love the extra moisture!
3- Repeat with foundation using the rounded side of the sponge. Here, you can drag the sponge across your face and then stipple. 4- Set with a small amount of mineral foundation or translucent powder. I use Bare Minerals Original Foundation in Medium Beige on my Real Techniques Buffer brush.
Make sure to wet your makeup blender sponge every time before use, especially if you're applying liquid-based makeup, such as liquid foundation to ensure even application. Squeeze out the excess water using a dry paper towel. That said, always dry the sponge to ensure it isn't holding any moisture before use.
To bake your makeup, start by applying two layers of concealer under your eyes or to cover blemishes. Next, apply translucent powder on the area very generously and allow it to sit for at least 5 minutes. Then dip a brush into powder foundation and use this brush to dust away the translucent powder.
"It's really important that you don't use the beautyblender dry, because it will eat up your makeup product," says Henney. "Just dampen it under water and squeeze out any excess liquid you just want it so it's a little bit damp. You don't want it dripping water."
If you've got dry skin, a beauty blender is meant for you. This is because the bristles of the brush can irritate your skin and make it look flaky. The smooth, soft surface of a beauty blender is much gentler on the skin, and can help you flawlessly apply makeup without leaving you with a cake face.
According to Elasmar, all Beautyblenders should be used wet, and this is essentially a non-negotiable, “Your Beautyblender should always be used wet. You know Beautyblender is in perfect condition for use when it has expanded to twice its original size,” she adds.
Give Your Beautyblender a Health Check
Typically, Beautyblenders last anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on how well you take care of it. A good way to think of it is by season.I found that the texture of the beautyblender pro was slightly rougher than the original version. It is more firm and has less bounce than the pink sponge. I have to agree with my coworker: for some reason, the nude sponge feels softer than the others. Also, this sponge did not bleed any dye when I cleaned it.
But, don't overlook this vital step: soaking your Beautyblender completely in water activates the unique material. “Using it dry absorbs the product back into the sponge rather than adhering it to your face. The cool thing about it is that it expands to about 50% its size when you use it wet.
So is the Beautyblender worth its $20 price tag?
Make sure to keep the plastic cylinder it comes in as a drying station. You're scrubbing it too hard. Your BeautyBlender can tear if you have supersharp nails or if you're pulling the ends too hard when you clean the sponge. Instead, use a gentle squeezing motion.
What's the difference? A makeup sponge works well to provide a light, even coverage of your foundation. It's easy to use as it blends products effortlessly into the skin and can help you achieve a dewy look to your skin.
According to the Beautyblender website, the sponges are made with an “exclusive aqua-activated foam with insanely soft texture for an airbrushed finish” and “flawless coverage every time.” HuffPost reached out to the brand for more information, but they did not immediately respond.
