Cosmetic sponges are rapidly replacing
makeup brushes as one of the most popular beauty products on the market today. Now some of you may only be familiar with the small, flimsy compact sponges that come free with your
blush or
powdered foundation, but these days, makeup sponges are so much more than this. Today, makeup sponges come in lots of different varieties, making applying your makeup even easier than before.
As well as this, new makeup sponges can be used for removing makeup and applying creams, moisturizers, and cleansers. Makeup sponges come in lots of different shapes depending on what they’re being used for, and can also differ in texture and the materials used. Let’s take a look at the different styles of makeup sponges available and what they’re best used for:
- Liquid Foundation – Wedge-shaped sponge that’s large in size with small pores and a soft texture.
- Concealer - Wedge-shaped sponge that’s small in size, ideal for the jaw line, nose, and chin.
- Pressed Powder - Round-shaped sponge that’s large in size.
- Eye Makeup - Wedge-shaped sponge that’s small in size with a firm texture.
- Removing Makeup - Round-shaped sponge that’s large in size with a porous, coarse texture.
After you’ve figured out which type of sponge it is you’re after, you’ll also want to have a little think about the materials used in your new product. There are two main types of sponge material:
Natural and
Synthetic. Natural sponges are normally made from sea fibers and are designed specifically for repeated use (ideal for the more eco-friendly consumers out there). This, however, can mean that natural sponges are costlier due to their reusability and the fact that they must be cleaned (though synthetic are still typically more expensive). Natural sponges also tend to have an uneven surface, which can make applying makeup and cleaning the products that much more difficult.
Synthetic sponges, on the other hand, are intended to be disposable, and therefore come in large quantities and a variety of shapes and sizes. Many people prefer to use synthetic sponges as they’re easier to apply makeup with. Although synthetic sponges should be thrown away after use, some companies are now designing synthetic products that can be cleaned and reused the same way natural sponges can. These sponges do tend to be more expensive, however, and will require continuous cleaning to ensure they work effectively.
Price
When it comes to the cost of your new makeup sponges, there actually isn’t too much differentiation in price. Like we mentioned earlier, natural sponges that are reusable tend to cost more than synthetic sponges, and will usually set you back between $13 and $15. As these products are reusable, however, they’ll last you much longer than synthetic sponges and may actually save you money in the long run, making synthetic sponges overall more expensive, especially for larger sets of up to thirty. Synthetic sponges are less costly upfront and will usually set you back between $10 and $12. Synthetic sponges, however, usually come in bulk and will still last you a lengthy amount of time if cared for properly.
Another factor that will affect cost is the features of the product. If a sponge can be used for a variety of makeup products (both dry and wet makeup) or is vegan or latex-free, then you can expect to pay slightly more for these products. Cheaper makeup sponges are available on the market ($8 or less) but be aware that these products may not be as effective or as kind to your skin.
Features
The features you favor in your new makeup sponges will depend entirely on your personal preferences, what you’ll be using the sponges for, and the type of sponge you opt for. There are a few features, however, that we recommend keeping an eye out for to ensure you select the best possible product for you!
Here are some important features to look out for:
- Variety
- Non-Latex
- Can be used for removing makeup
With these features on your side, you’ll definitely be able to get more out of your sponges in the long run!
Construction and Design
If you’ve opted for a synthetic makeup sponge, then we recommend looking for a product that offers you variety. This means that the set contains several different styles of sponge that will allow you to create a variety of looks using different makeup products, both wet and dry. Today, many singular sponges are also specifically designed to work on a variety of makeup products; these sponges can be costlier, however.
When looking for your perfect makeup sponge, we recommend searching for products that are advertised as ‘non-latex’. If you’ve opted for a natural sponge, this usually won’t be an issue. Synthetic sponges, however, often contain latex which can be damaging to your skin, causing breakouts, eczema, and rashes. By selecting a product that’s latex-free, the sponges will be much softer on your skin and create an overall ‘flawless’ look once your makeup is applied.
Finally, we highly recommend looking for sponges that work with makeup remover, cleansers, and moisturizers. This will save you the hassle of having to buy separate makeup remover products and will encourage you to keep your sponges clean!
Performance and Ease of Use
To ensure your makeup sponges last as long as your makeup products themselves, we recommend washing your sponges on a regular basis, especially if you find yourself using them every day. You can opt for makeup brush cleaners, but these products tend to be rather pricey; everyday soap is just as effective and much more cost-effective too! Simply run some warm water over the sponges and leave in a warm place to dry. When the sponges start to become misshapen or start to crack, you may want to think about replacing them.
When it comes to storing your makeup sponges, you’ll want to make sure they’re placed in a dry area that isn’t around other makeup. That would cause bacteria to spread and may end up with you applying eyeshadow to your face along with your foundation…not a good look.
Many top products offer makeup bags and carry bags along with their sponges, so keep your eyes peeled for this. If you’re on a budget, however, then plastic baggies, zip-lock baggies, and envelopes work just as well.
When it comes to deciding which makeup sponge is best for you, it can often be a little confusing due to the seemingly infinite options out there! But fingers crossed, after reading our buying guide, you’ve figured out what type of makeup sponge is most suitable to your needs and all the features you would like it to have. This will make it a lot easier when it comes time to make a decision and select the ideal makeup sponge for you and your beauty routine! So, let’s get looking at our top 5 picks, shall we?
Features
Behind the Blend was created in the early 00’s after the founder, Rea Ann, spent over a decade in the makeup artist industry working with a variety of influential (and very famous!) clients. This background knowledge of the industry is what encouraged Rea to create her own line of products and thus, in 2000 the beautyblender was born! The award-winning brand has been providing the world with high-end affordable products for almost 2 decades and it looks like it’ll just keep growing!
We wanted to feature Behind the Blend’s Original Beauty Blender due to the product’s intricate design and influence it’s had on the makeup world. Handcrafted in the USA, beautyblender uses safe, water-soluble dyes that are safe to use on the skin and don’t harm the environment! This product can be used to apply foundation, creams, blushes, and more, and does so flawlessly. The sponges also come with a 5-ounce liquid cleanser that supports the blender sponge and removes any excess dirt for the perfect base—it can even clean makeup brushes!
Features
Beauty Junkees’ mission as a brand is to provide the highest-quality products on the market that have been tried and tested by real women so you can rest assured knowing they really work! It also provides tips and tricks to make sure you get the most out of Beauty Junkee products and can easily introduce them into your daily beauty routine. Beauty Junkee refuses to sell products that they don’t love themselves, so you don’t have to worry about any of its products not working perfectly. Just sit back, relax, and know that all the hard work has been done for you!
We wanted to feature Beauty Junkees Flawless Coverage Makeup Sponges due to their great reviews and their color coded, easy-to-use design! These latex-free sponges can be used wet or dry on a variety of makeup products to create an even, flawless finish. These professional-style sponges are half the cost of other brands and are washable, reusable, and non-allergenic! The pink teardrop sponge is best used for an all-over base whilst the purple sponge is perfect for contouring. The green oval sponge is for those makeup perfectionists out there and is great for concealing. Finally, the blue sponge is best used for a heavier, air-brushed look.
Hopefully, by now you’ve stumbled across your perfect makeup sponge and are now busy scanning the web looking for new beauty tips. If, however, this isn’t the case, then don’t you worry! We have purposefully selected brands that have lots of different products to offer; simply browse through their other collections to find the best makeup sponges for you!
