I’m so late to the Beautyblender* party it’s not even funny. Admittedly I’ve previously tried rival sponge applicators from Real Techniques and Crown Brush and the impression I get is beautyblender is the high priestess of make-up sponges so it’s a good thing I’ve worked my way towards it.
So what makes this so popular? Firstly it’s the unique and patented egg shape of the sponge, making it possible to blend large and small areas. Secondly it boasts a 360° edgeless surface so no danger of lines and streaks left by flat sponges. Thirdly it’s made from a unique super-soft substance that ensures product sits on the surface rather than absorbs completely. This is paramount as normally sponges (although favoured for smooth, flawless application), are notoriously guilty of imbibing foundation thus using up half your resources. Finally this baby boasts minimum amount of water retention to enable flawless application.
Looking at it though, I do wonder how something so small can pack a big punch. Well to get going, it has to be dampened first. The water expands the sponge but it retains the liquid within and creates a sort of barrier to prevent foundation soaking through. I know that’s the purpose of all make-up sponges except the Beautyblender boasts a superior standard of material. OK, so with the sponge wet, it also becomes softer therefore more gentle to use on the face. When the Beautyblender has dried, it returns to its original dinky size.
Now I disagree with its claim that it uses less foundation due to its material. Perhaps it does in comparison to the basic make-up sponge but not in contrast with a brush. Normally I can get by with about a 10p coin size of foundation, however with the beautyblender, I used five times more product. The first 2-3 pumps of my foundation covered one cheek and so I had no choice but to use more to get an even coverage.
The Beautyblender hardly needs any effort though; it’s almost like dabbing on the foundation with little or no blending required. It is then easy to build upon for more coverage and isn’t just limited to foundation – it can be used to apply cream blusher, highlighter and contouring so in theory can replace the need for multiple brushes. Also the tip of the beautyblender makes it possible to pat in concealer around the delicate eye area without pressure.
As for the finished results? Perfect – like you’ve been airbrushed but at the expense of using more foundation than usual. If you’re used to using a brush or your fingers, you will distinguish the difference. Because of this, the Beautyblender is something I would only reach for on special occasions when I want to pull out all stops – not for everyday use. The frequency of washing it would surely contribute to the deterioration of the Beautyblender if this was used on a daily basis.
The Beautyblender has a hefty price tag compared to its rivals. One face Beautyblender costs £16 which seems excessive for a sponge especially when you are advised to replace it every three months. Real Techniques’ Miracle Complexion Sponge comes in at £5.99 and I picked up the Crown Brushes sponge for a fiver each at the pop-up Make-Up Show in New York last Christmas.
The Beautyblender is also available in neon pink and black. The snag with the white Beautyblender is it will never be white again – somehow, some remnants of your foundation will cling on for dear life.
The Beautyblender is available from beautyblender, Beauty Bay and Cult Beauty.
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