Best Makeup Sponges [Review] in 2022
written by nail expert Jess Rowley
Beautyblender Makeup Sponge
TOP CHOICE
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
OUR PICK
E.l.f. Total Face Sponge
RUNNER UP
Looking to get a new beauty blender to buff and blend your foundation beautifully?
Listen up; you’re at the right place!
Who needs brushes to blend foundation nowadays? Blending your foundation with a quality beauty blender is all you need. I have tracked down the very best beauty blenders to blend your foundation like a dream.
Beauty blenders are excellent makeup builders, but the texture allows them to hold onto the product better and act as an ideal blender for stubborn foundations.
But wait, let me tell you something:
To make things easier for you, I have tried and tested all the best beauty blenders available to buy so that you can pick them with complete confidence!
Now here’s a tip: when using a beauty blender, make sure you soak it under a tap until it is completely soaked and drain it off; it will make blending like a dream (and it won’t soak up all your product).
You don’t want to miss my top two picks; they are my absolute favorite beauty blenders ever!
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Top Picks of the Best Makeup Sponges
Beautyblender Makeup Sponge
First up is the award-winning original Beautyblender: always achieve that flawless blend we dream of in every makeup look.
Now trust me when I say you need this in your standard kit.
It is a premier edgeless, reusable, high definition beauty sponge that will apply, blend, and smooth foundation like a dream.
It is aqua-activated to provide you with the most airbrushed finish while absorbing next to no product. Just run under water until soaking, squeeze out all the excess water, and then you’re ready to go!
I almost forgot!
Its unique edgeless shape and material ensure faultless, streak-free application with minimal product waste. It is brilliant for touch-ups at work as well as using for makeup applications.
I wouldn’t use anything else; this one seals the deal every time!
- Easy, streak-free application
- Non-toxic
- Aqua-activated
- Can be used for all kinds of makeup
- None
Latest deal: Beautyblender Makeup Sponge
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
Are you looking for a versatile beauty blender that will blend your foundation into a smooth, airbrushed finish? Well, here’s Real Techniques Miracle Complexion sponge coming in hot!Â
Not only will this beauty blender smooth out the foundation flawlessly, but it also gives a good base for the rest of your foundation to sit on.
It comes with a 3 in 1 multi-functional sponge: the round sides blend large areas of the face, the precision tip covers blemishes and imperfections, and the flat edge contours the eye and nose.
It does it all!
All you need to do is submerge the sponge in water, squeeze out any excess and use it with your favorite foundation, concealer, or cream blush– it’s that easy!Â
But here’s the kicker: it is super soft, blends like a dream, and doubles in size when damp; what more could you want? Plus, what’s better than one sponge? Two sponges!
Five stars aren’t enough for this product!
- Blends like a dream
- Airbrushed finish
- Creates a good base
- Cruelty free
- None
Latest deal: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
E.l.f. Total Face Sponge
Want to not only blend your foundation like a boss but also illuminate your highlight like no tomorrow without absorbing all your precious product? Well, E.l.f is the best one for the job.
Apply your foundation, conceal those pesky imperfections and master your highlight skills with the sponge that can do it all. E.l.f features angled sides, precision tip, and rounded side for all your needs.
It works with both liquid and powder products and can be used both wet and dry (although I would advise using it damp as it will absorb less product).
I’m not even finished; here’s the best bit.
E.l.f is entirely cruelty-free and vegan. It is also free of harmful ingredients such as phthalates, parabens, nonylphenol, ethoxylated, and much more.
I’ve tried many beauty blenders before writing this guide, and this one is the softest of them all, and not to mention the cheapest beauty blender!
You’ll have to try this one out; it’s the best you’ll get to an official Beautyblender dupe!
- Conceals imperfections
- Can be used for both liquid and powder products
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Free of harmful ingredientsÂ
- Strong smell
Latest deal: E.l.f. Total Face Sponge
NYX Professional Makeup Sponge
Are you looking for a beauty blender that will deliver a buildable base for your makeup to sit on? Well, NYX’s Professional Marshmellow Makeup Sponge offers flawless, buildable coverage for your favorite foundations, creams, and powders.
NYX offers a fast and streak-free, easy application, so you can achieve that perfect base for the rest of your makeup to sit on.
All you need to do is dampen the sponge under water, squeezing out all of the excess liquid, pair with your favorite foundation, and then dab, pat, and blend.
But here’s the kicker:
All of NYX’s products are entirely cruelty-free, plus they help combat animal testing; we love our furry friends, so let’s keep them safe.
In terms of absorbing products, NYX absorbs as little product as possible so you can blend your foundation with complete confidence that you’re not only getting a flawless finish but saving yourself a lot of product.
This one fulfills its potential while being easy and practical.
- Delivers a buildable base
- Offers the smoothest complexion
- Cruelty-free
- Easy and practicald
- Some found it was sticky after foundation
Latest deal: NYX Professional Makeup Sponge
5.
BEAKEY 5 Pcs Makeup Sponge Set
The first thing I love about this beauty blender is the super soft and bouncy feel while providing a smooth and even finish.Â
This provides flawless coverage. Beakey can also be used with a range of products: from foundations, creams, to powders.Â
All you need to do is soak your sponge in warm water, squeeze out the excess, apply your favorite product, and blend and tap in a circular motion.Â
Now:
Save your precious product with Beakly; this sponge set doesn’t absorb your product unless you use it without soaking it under the tap.Â
Use the pointy end to cover your blemishes, contour your cheekbones and cover all the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies of your face. Then blend the rest of your foundation with the rounded side for even coverage.Â
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good quality beauty blender anymore!
- Super soft and bouncy feel
- Even and smooth coverage
- Aqua activated
- Doesn’t soak up your product
- None over 60K glowing reviews
Latest deal: BEAKEY Makeup Sponge Set
6.
EcoTools Ecofoam Sponge Duo Set
Want to blend your foundation while saving the planet in doing so? Well, then you need to switch up your old beauty blender for an Ecotools one!
Where do I start? Firstly, it comprises 71% plant-based materials and the rest is made out of completely recycled materials.
But it doesn’t stop there:
Ecotools ensures that their products are PETA certified, meaning they are completely cruelty-free and vegan.
This doesn’t stop the performance one bit, though; if anything, this makes their performance better. It allows for a gradual build-up of foundation that will blend like a dream.
The two spongers serve for different looks, one for a full coverage glam and the other for a more natural finish– it’s the best out of both worlds.
I absolutely love these sponges; they are super soft, blend beautifully and won’t soak up all your product; plus, they’re easy to clean.
Ecotools is the way to go for sustainability and quality– it gets bonus points for being sustainable for the environment, vegan and cruelty-free.
- 71% plant-based
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Recycled materials
- Full coverage or more natural glam
- None
Latest deal: EcoTools Ecofoam Sponge Duo Set
The Best Makeup Sponge Buyer’s Guide:
When it comes to blending our foundation, we deserve to achieve a flawless, airbrushed finish with easy application, and that will be a good base for the rest of our makeup to sit on.
It’s not the most straightforward job to find a good beauty blender, with many that will absorb all your product and will leave you with a streaky finish– we’ve all become witness to this.
But there are some key things you cannot forget when applying your foundation with a beauty sponge: one being soaking them under warm water before use to prevent the sponge from absorbing your product.
If you think about it, a sponge will absorb water, so putting a liquid foundation on a dry sponge will just get absorbed.
But I’m here to break it all down so you can apply your foundation like a boss.
Quick Tips Using A Makeup Sponge:
With so many manufacturers selling beauty blenders, it can be quite a confusing task when choosing a beauty blender or sponge. You should always consider the shape, size, and porousness (this helps blend your foundation without soaking up all the product.
You should always remember to saturate your sponge before use under a warm tap, and then you should squeeze out all the excess water. This prevents the sponge from soaking up all your product on application.
Instead of applying foundation straight onto the sponge, apply it all over your face and use the sponge to blend; this will allow you to get the most out of your product.
Gently dab and blot using the sponge rather than dragging or rubbing the sponge across your skin. This will make the blend much more effortless.
When cleaning your makeup sponge (see step-by-step guide below), you can either purchase a special cleanser, baby shampoo, or even a mild soap, and water will do the trick.
Make sure you wash your makeup sponge every week or two. This will prevent bacteria buildup. You should also throw away your sponge every 3-4 months to avoid any unnecessary breakouts.
Best Way To Wash A Makeup Sponge:
Step one:Â
First things first, fill a cup or bowl with warm water and a few drops of soap, and let the sponge sit in there for around 5-10 minutes.
Step two:
Once it’s finished soaking, massage it in your hand for a minute or two, squeezing out all the excess foundation.Â
Step three:Â Â
After that, you will want to rinse under warm water and gently massage again under running water with either a special cleanser, baby shampoo, or a mild soap. Repeat this until the water you squeeze out of the sponge is clear.
Step four:
Squeeze out all the excess, and then it’s ready to use again!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the best foundation to use with a makeup sponge?
There is no ‘best foundation’ to use with a beauty blender as you can use any! What I love about beauty blenders, they are super versatile and can be used to blend any foundation.
I love using Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation, but you can use any!Â
What is the best product to clean a makeup sponge?
Suppose you’re looking for a special cleanser for your beauty blender, then the beautyblender liquid blendercleanser. It was created to soak out tough stains while maintaining the integrity of the sponge.
It uses a gentle formula to keep the sponge soft and restores it to its former glory.Â
What is the best way to dry a makeup sponge?Â
Once you’ve cleaned your beauty blender, as long as all the soap is out, you can use it straight away. If you’d prefer to dry it before using it, leave it upright for around 12 hours, and it should be dry by then.
What is the best way to use a makeup sponge?
The best way to use a beauty blender is to apply your foundation directly to your face and use a damp beauty blender, dab and pat in a circular motion until well blended.Â
Summary
Beauty blenders have become increasingly popular in recent years, and after implementing them into my everyday makeup routine, I couldn’t live without them!
Not only does it blend your foundation base into an airbrushed finish, but it won’t absorb your precious foundation if damp!Â
Choose out of any of the products I have selected on my list today, and I can guarantee you’ll love it. I have spent hours trying and testing these products, so I can assure you’ll get the best results.Â
Let’s up to our foundation game girlies with a fresh new beauty blender today!
Jess Rowley
Cheif Editor & Nail Technician Expert
ABOUT
Jess Rowley, a veteran nail tech, has been studying beauty over the last 11 years and has completed the nail technology program in California. Watching the latest trends in beauty, Jess searches for the highest quality products that make your nails feel loved.
