Everyone has a different skin tones and types, so is there a one-size-fits-all technique to applying makeup? Nope. However, the invention of the Beautyblender makeup sponge was a game-changer for the beauty industry!
The original Beautyblender ($20, shop here) was founded by celebrity makeup artist Rea Ann Silva, who launched her prototype for the bright-pink egg-shaped makeup sponge in 2002. After that, every beauty guru was raving about the innovative makeup sponge. And when Sephora started selling the Beautyblender in 2011, its popularity skyrocketed. It is now touted for being the #1 selling making sponge in the world.
Since that time, nearly every beauty brand has created its own version of the Beautyblender, each with varying colors, sizes, shapes, and price points. Some consumers claim the dupes are even better than the original, thought the company has brought about several lawsuits to combat these copycats. Despite those efforts, the term “beauty blender” has become so mainstream that you can call any makeup sponge a beauty blender, and people know what you mean (sort of like when you ask for a Kleenex, people understand you want tissues).
However, the question remains, is the Beautyblender worth the hype? Do you need this fancy makeup sponge? Let’s go over the main characteristics and critiques about the product before dropping $20 on a sponge.
Coverage
A Beautyblender is meant to be used damp, which allows it to absorb the makeup and distribute it easily onto your skin. It is particularly fantastic to use when working with cream products or when you want more natural, light to medium coverage.
Keep in mind that the sponge absorbs liquids quickly, so if you desire a full-coverage look, you might need more product – not ideal if you use an expensive foundation that you don’t want to use up too fast. However, if you apply your base liquid foundation with a brush, you can then use the Beautyblender to lightly pat the skin to absorb excess product. This allows you to achieve a full glam look without the cakiness.
Portability
The Beautyblender is lightweight and compact, which means it is easy to take with you on the go. Once the sponge dries, it shrinks down, making it even more portable. It can even replace your bulky makeup brushes that take up space.
Versatility
The Beautyblender can be used to apply almost any beauty product. Of course, we know it is great for foundation, but it also works for concealers, blushes, and bronzers. In addition, it can be used to apply self-tanner to the face and body. Plus, it’s awesome for applying sunscreen without being left with that streaky white-cast look.
Hygiene
Sponges are a breeding ground for bacteria, and that goes for makeup sponges as well. And, like all makeup sponges, the Beautyblender is tough to clean and can’t be disinfected the way brushes can. You can clean them using soap and water, but this can dry out your sponge if done too often. The company also offers several different cleansers to aid in cleaning its sponges.
Final Thoughts
The original Beautyblender is a versatile beauty tool that can help in applying and blending your makeup. But is it better than other makeup sponges? The jury is still out.
What do you think? Is the original Beautyblender a must-have makeup tool? What other brands of makeup sponges do you recommend?
I have and use multiple beauty blenders of different shapes and sizes. But as mentioned I don’t want to use up a pricy foundation to fast. I apply the first layer with a brush then I don’t usually put an entire second layer all over just in needed places. So that’s where the beauty blenders come in around my eyes a smaller one with concealer cheeks n chin the traditional first of it’s kind original beauty blender so on n so forth. They are a must have in my book.
Sounds awesome