The Original Beauty Blender

Today I am revisiting a spongy little gem that has been a cult favorite in the makeup industry for some time now. I’m talking about the small, tear drop shaped pink sponge that everyone has been raving about for years- the original Beauty Blender! As consumers began searching high and low for more affordable applicators numerous dupes and imitations started appearing on the market and many brands tried to get in on the trend. These babies are not the disposable wedge sponges your mother used back in the day; they are designed for improved performance to help you achieve that coveted air brushed finish.

I have tried a few knock-offs and found sponges that cost a fraction of the Beauty Blender’s twenty six dollar price tag. Some have turned out to be handy tools that served me well but after re-examining the qualities that elevated the Beauty Blender to fame I have discovered that I love this sponge and the great qualities that set it apart from the rest.

To use the Beauty Blender simply hold it under running water until it expands, squeeze and pat dry to absorb the excess and then dip it into your liquid foundation and start stippling away. You want the sponge to be damp but not soaking wet or dripping, I usually let it air dry for a bit while I shape my brows and work on my eye makeup. The sponge remains moist throughout application which seems to help it work it's magic.

Aside from basic makeup application you can get creative and use the sponge to design trendy ombre nails, smudge out eyeliner for a smokey effect or dip it into foundation and dab it on the lips to mattify. I like using it to blend and fade my bronzer for a soft, beautifully sculpted effect. 

One thing that distinguishes the Beauty Blender from other sponges I've used is the texture. Aside from being soft and comfortable to use it is made of ultra cushiony, springy material which allows for extra bounce as I stipple it along my skin. The porous consistency seems to be ideal for producing a smooth, air brushed effect and I love how well it distributes and spreads liquid makeup for seamless results and optimal blending. I also like that it reduces caking and helps dull the appearance of blemishes, pores and unevenness.

I use the rounded end most often as it covers more surface area and the pointed tip is ideal for patting product under the eyes and around the nose. Being a sponge the Blender does have the ability to absorb product which is evident by the stains it picks up as you use it. Oddly enough efficient blending also means that I use a lot less product to achieve a flawless finish so it balances out and saves me foundation!

Cleaning the sponge is where things get a bit tricky because it can be a tad difficult to remove product build-up and because the sponge is frequently damp it needs to be cleaned often to eliminate bacteria. You can purchase a special cleanser from Sephora which will set you back about $23.00 or you can clean it using good old fashion shampoo, mild anti-bacterial soap or face cleanser. Whatever solution you choose it shouldn't be harsh enough to strip the sponge or break down the material and rinsing the soap out completely is imperative.

I usually start with my Parian Spirit Cleanser which I use to clean and condition my makeup brushes; this cleanser is popular among professionals and can be ordered online. I follow up with my sulfate free shampoo which is void of harsh detergents to remove the rest of the residue. To dry the sponge you can simply rest it on the little plastic tube it came with and if you can’t remove all of the stains don’t worry too much, as long as it is clean and sterilized you are good to go!

Because of it's delicacy you do have to be a bit careful with the sponge as it is prone to holes and tears with frequent use. I avoid rubbing it against rough material or towels and opt to squeeze it dry using tissue. After a few uses I also began to notice a some fuzziness.  

If you haven’t tried the Beauty Blender yet I definitely recommend it! When used properly and cared for correctly it can be a fabulous tool for achieving the impeccable, even finish you desire! This month the Beauty Blender is being featured in Birchbox so members will get to try it and save money! If you sign up by March 17th you can also get the Blender in your March box, more info about the subscription can be found by clicking HERE. The Beauty Blender is also available at Sephora.

 *Press samples featured