Wondering time and time again how celebrities are so beautifully made up in close-ups at red carpet events? So aside from professional glam teams, that's thanks in part to a small but mighty beauty accessory: a makeup sponge. When applying foundation or any cream-like product, the right makeup sponge can smooth any skin texture and create a natural look. Compared to brushes, sponges are very beginner-friendly as they don't require much effort.
If you've come across the catchy and infectious term 'YouTubeBlender' and wondered what the difference is between it and a makeup sponge, then the answer is that YouTubeBlender is a specific brand of reusable makeup sponges. This is a case of a brand name that has become a generic name, like Kleenex or Jeep. We've included the original YouTuber on our list as the classic choice because it has inspired many makeup sponges that have followed since its debut in 2007. But whatever you call it, a good makeup sponge will spread your makeup evenly, blend it with your skin, and won't require too much cleansing effort.
In the form of a drop, an egg, with a pointed tip or not, is useful and effective. Makeup sponge, photo: @Anastasia Kazakova / Freepik
All you have to do is find a good makeup sponge, but don't worry, with the help of ChatGPT, we've done the hard work for you and mapped out 5 makeup sponges that are considered particularly good. The criteria - material absorption (no one likes to waste expensive foundation!), comfort of application, design and shape, texture, ease of cleaning and the final makeup look. But before we dive into the deep sea of possibilities, here are some key considerations to ensure you're choosing the right one for you:
Shape.Forget the fancy innovative designs; The essential forms of makeup sponge boil down to two types: those with a pointed tip and those with a flat edge. The former is ideal for precise application around the eyes and nose, while the latter is perfect for those who prefer sweeping motion when applying foundation to the cheeks, chin and forehead.
Substance.The sponge material plays a major role in its effectiveness. A silicone option, for example, does wonders with liquid makeup, offering durability and easy cleaning. On the other hand, traditional sponges, when wet, create a smoother blend for foundation foundation or CC creams. The choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference.
Cleanliness.Like all your makeup brushes, a makeup sponge requires regular cleaning to keep it effective and keep germs away. In addition, after washing it, it works better during the next use. The only way to ensure a clean sponge is to clean it frequently. However, some materials, such as silicone, do not attract bacteria, so silicone sponge is a safer choice for long-term use.
Water test.Wondering if the sponge will absorb all your fancy foundation? Water will reveal to you. A dense sponge wins, ensuring more foundation on the skin and less waste. And yes, your makeup sponge should be wet for optimal results!
5 recommended options:
L'Oréal
L'Oréal Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender Review - https://t.co/kfbGnw9Yqa pic.twitter.com/eImmI7Xp6r
— TheCelebrityTalk (@TheCelebrityTlk) May 16, 2017
L'OréalInfallible Blend Artist Foundationmakeup sponge is versatile and affordable. Made of cotton with a velvet finish, it is especially soft and pleasant on the face. Its pointed dome shape is excellent for narrow areas, while its wide base is suitable for larger areas. However, it fails to build convincing coverage for oily skin and hyperpigmentation. Despite this, it is a friendly beauty sponge that offers an even result without smearing marks or stains.
L.A. Girl
Comment a '💗' below if you prefer to apply your face products with a beauty sponge! 😏
Now available at select @ultabeauty stores! ✨ pic.twitter.com/hzTSX7wRF2
— L.A. Girl Cosmetics (@lagirlusa) October 9, 2021
No one has to be a girl from Los Angeles to like this sponge. LA Girl Beauty Spongeis a non-latex sponge (rubber plus sulfur; many people are allergic to this substance) and quite dense compared to other sponges, which means minimal absorption and less waste of course. The shape of the drop helps certain areas of the face - the base of the cheekbones, and the tip to the small areas around the nose and under the eyes. Although not as luxurious as other sponges, its size, shape and material make it a good option for everyday use at a friendly price. It is suitable for liquids, creams or loose powders and is easy to clean with a few rinses.
Fenty
FENTY BEAUTY
Precision Makeup Sponge
552 บาทถูกมากกกก pic.twitter.com/qD8wtbItEN
— ลิปซี่ของพร้อมส่ง ✨🌷 (@Lypsyy) September 27, 2017
Among Rihanna's beauty line products,the Beauty Precision Makeup Spongeis considered a fan favorite. Due to its minimal absorption and precise application, it scores high in usage tests. It is soft, and airy in design. It is very easy to get used to its flat shape and narrow edge. This special design allows for precise application, while easily blending foundation into all areas of the face. Tests have also shown how quickly foundation washes away from this sponge (FourFiveSeconds... Catch?). Although it is more expensive than others, it is difficult to find fault with it. And if that's good enough for Rihanna, it's good enough for all of us.
Essence
our makeup & baking sponge and the makeup-buffer brush are the ideal team when it comes to blending foundation and concealer 😍 pic.twitter.com/8M82rxnGda
— essence cosmetics UK (@essence__UK) July 30, 2019
Unfortunately, we don't always have the time we'd like makeup, so we need a sponge to do the job quickly and efficiently. With little to no absorption, flawless ease of use, and quick and easy cleaning, Essence's Makeup &Baking Spongeturns out to be the right sponge when we have about five minutes to makeup. Made of animal-free foam, it has a classic pear shape with a round, wide bottom perfect for combining foundation makeup and baking (powder finish on foundation). Its edge allows access to hard-to-reach points. Although, a strange thing was found in it - it expands a lot with wetting it before application. This isn't necessarily a disadvantage, but when trying to reach the areas around your eyes and nose, it's less comfortable. But the multitude of good features with the friendly price make it an ideal daily makeup sponge.
Butilblender
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There's a reason there's only one 'original' – the Beautyblenderwas here before everyone else. The first, classic makeup sponge and the model to which the rest that came after it are compared. It was created by Ria Ann Silva, the founder and CEO of BeautyBlender. Silva created the sponge while working as a TV makeup artist. The Beauty Blender is the reason why many makeup sponges are called a 'YouTuber' by professionals and makeup novices alike. It offers the classic egg-shaped design with a tapered tip for a subtle combination of under-eye makeup and narrow areas around the nose. The material, a non-latex polyurethane foam, is soft and effective in blending foundation to create a smooth finish. Although there are opinions that several layers survive for full coverage, which is not due to the necessity of overabsorption, but rather a specific type of foundation used. All in all, this is an excellent convert who deserves a place of honor on this list.
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