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The OG makeup sponge, if we had a pound for every time we bought one of these we'd have, well, probably 15 pounds. The point is they're great, like the best ever, because the sponge is super soft and highly absorbent, so it always dispenses an even amount of product. Top tip: make sure you use it damp. Once wet, it expands making it even more bouncy and soft, for a totally seamless finish. This narrow, almond-shaped sponge was originally designed to complement e.l.f.’s Camo Concealer, but we found it works equally well with other concealer brands. Made from soft, latex-free foam, the dual-point ends allow for targeted coverage around the eyes and for buffing along the forehead and bridge of the nose. This is another sponge that’s best used damp.
Almond-shaped sponges, on the other hand, are perfect for contouring and precision. The slanted edge offers controlled stippling, while the rounded edge is, again, perfect for wider areas such as the cheeks. You’ll also find curvy pear-shaped varieties, which are great for targeted coverage and a more opaque finish. When it comes to size, dinkier versions allow for greater precision, but much of your decision will come down to personal choice and what you need it for. How much should I spend? Traditional foundation sponges are usually egg- or teardrop-shaped – this style is perfect for blending large areas, while the tapered tip will get into those hard-to-reach spots such as the crevices around the nose.We spoke to professional MUA Hannah Martin to get the low down on makeup sponges, what they do and why everyone needs one in their kit. Take notes. How do you use a makeup sponge? So, we're all on board. The question is, are you using your beauty blender to the best of its ability? Turns out you might not be. Here are some handy beauty blender tips you need to know... How wet should our beauty blender be? Our tester liked the dense yet soft and bouncy feel of the foam. While they're all one size, the sponges get really big when wet, and the smaller end is great for getting into the corners of your face. They're easy to clean, too, but just bear in mind the absorbent material soaks up a lot of product.
Many people have copied this tactic after seeing countless social posts but remember, the residue of the liquid is likely to end up on your face even after it’s been thoroughly washed and this can promote breakout," she said.If you'd like a lighter base, run it under a tap before using it each time and then squeeze out the excess water so that you're left with a damp and plump sponge, before dipping it into your product. This way it won't soak up any excess product, and instead will transfer your foundation smoothly and seamlessly to the skin. Do you wet a beauty blender with warm or cold water? Lisa prefers to opt for the brand's own cleanser or baby shampoo instead. You can read a step-by-step guide to cleaning your beauty blender here.
After you’ve thoroughly rinsed your beauty blender, give the sponge a good squeeze with both hands. The Original Beautyblender can be used wet or dry for application, contouring, blending, setting, and baking. Our tester said the large side of the egg is perfect for the cheeks and forehead, while the pointed tip is ideal for around the nose and blending under-eye concealer. The price is steep, but beyond that, our only complaint is that it's hard to get all the makeup out when cleaning it. The denser the makeup brush, the less porous it is—which means it’s less likely to absorb all of your products. A high-density brush will be great for seamlessly applying a full coverage foundation. Lower density sponges are better for blending light to medium coverage foundations.A dampened sponge can blend foundation more effectively and evenly than fingers or brushes", says Martin. "They can also lay down powder more densely and with more precision (for baking for example) than a brush." The egg-shaped design features a pointed tip and one flat side. Our tester used the wide rounded base to apply creams and buff out larger areas, the flat side for smaller areas, and the point for corners. It's also very easy to clean—all the foundation came right out when we tried washing it. Skin-perfecting makeup sponge can be used with foundations, powders, and any other complexion product
