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Types of Makeup Sponges: How to Use Makeup Sponges

Types of Makeup Sponges: How to Use Makeup Sponges

Beauty sponges have been around for a long time, but have recently become more popular. Professional make-up artists have long favoured and relied on these tools. It wasn't until a few years ago that cosmetic sponges began to lose their prominence in the beauty industry because of the rising desire for artistic makeup brushes. That is, until the invention of the beauty blender. The beauty blender revived the beauty blending scene with its practical egg form and lovely pink colour.

In order to achieve a flawless, poreless finish, cosmetic sponges were created for this purpose: to apply and mix any cream or liquid makeup product. Many types of makeup sponges are available. Despite the popularity of egg-shaped beauty sponges, there are a variety of other sorts to pick from. Some types of makeup sponges include Beautyblender Makeup Sponge, Wedge-shaped Makeup Sponge, Microfiber Makeup Sponge, Pretty Puff makeup Sponge, Silicone Makeup Sponge, and Cleaning sponge.

1. Beautyblender Makeup Sponge

Makeup sponges like the Beautyblender are extremely versatile and may be used for a variety of purposes. It's a non-disposable sponge for applying cosmetics that gives a smooth finish. It is primarily used on the face, however, it can be used to apply makeup products to the body. To use the beautyblender makeup sponge, start with soaking the beautyblender sponge in water and slightly squeezing off the excess water, and then begin to blend. Even while applying a complete face of makeup with a sponge, it may begin to dry out. When using a sponge, be sure to carefully dampen it with a spray bottle of water, setting spray, or face mist to achieve perfect results. It works well with all types of face makeup, including foundation, concealer, blush, highlighter, and setting powder. Since the beautyblenders transfer the most product, users can apply less foundation but still get the desired coverage, compared to using standard sponges for applying makeup. Cake skin is less likely to form as a result, which helps reduce product use while also decreasing product waste. The average price of a beautyblender makeup sponge will range from £9.94 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand’s choice.

Beautyblender Makeup Sponge Advantages

Beautyblender Makeup Sponge Disadvantages

It doesn’t leave streaks like brushes do

It’s hard to clean it completely

It makes the foundation look a lot of natural and luminous

Cheap blenders break, chip, and flake easily

It helps fill pores better than brushes

It's not really hygienic to use a wet sponge, which can be a breeding ground for germs

Beautyblender Makeup Sponge

2. Wedge-shaped Makeup Sponge

A wedge-shaped sponge is a triangular cosmetic sponge that is free of latex. The triangular form enables even and precise makeup application. A wedge-shaped Makeup Sponge is typically used on the face to apply and mix makeup, hydrate, and remove cosmetics. To use a wedge-shaped cosmetic sponge, first, soak it in water and then squeeze the water out. Stipple the foundation onto the face after picking up the product with the more rounded side of the sponge. It works well with liquid makeup, concealer, moisturisers, and makeup removers. In terms of liquid and cream cosmetics application and blending, a wedge makeup sponge is similar to a beautyblender. The key difference is that wedge makeup sponges have flat edges and bottoms, which are essential for reaching every edge of the facial contour. The average price of a wedge-shaped makeup sponge will range from £5.35 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand’s choice.

Wedge-shaped Makeup Sponge Advantages

Wedge-shaped Makeup Sponge Disadvantages

Easy and quick way to apply foundation and concealer

Not as easy to hold

Disposable

Some sponges are too porous and absorb too much product

Great for touch-ups

Not as much surface area 

Wedge-shaped Makeup Sponge

3. Microfiber Makeup Sponge

The microfiber makeup sponge has a dual-layer of microfiber that acts as a barrier to keep product at the top of the sponge. It's mostly used on the face to get a natural, airbrushed look. To use a microfiber makeup sponge, soak it in water and gently wring the water out before applying and blending liquid foundation. The microfiber makeup sponge's thick fibres provide a concentrated full coverage powder application. It can, however, be used for blush, bronzer, or any other powder application in the makeup routine. Microfiber beauty sponges are one of the most essential makeup products on the market. They are made of many microscopic hairs, which make them very soft and velvety to the touch, and act as tiny small brush hairs, offering users the versatility of a sponge and the smooth finish of a brush. The average size of the microfiber makeup sponge will range from £4.59 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand’s choice.

Microfiber Makeup Sponge Advantages

Microfiber Makeup Sponge Disadvantages

Less product absorption

Stiff fuzzy texture

Faster coverage

Takes time to get used to

Makeup application can be used wet or dry

Microfiber Makeup Sponge

4. Pretty Puff Makeup Sponge

The pretty puff makeup sponge combines the best features of the beautyblender makeup sponge with the wedge-shaped cosmetic sponge designs. It features a unique rounded teardrop shape that is generally used on the face for difficult-to-reach places, but it also has a flat edge for patting, pushing, and pressing makeup into the skin. To use the pretty puff makeup sponge, soak it in water, press out the excess water, and then blend. It is great for use with foundation, contour, setting powder, or any other type of makeup. To get an airbrushed effect, a pretty puff makeup sponge is required. Not to mention the sophisticated hydrophilic foam, which ensures that the makeup stays on the face rather than in the sponge. The average price of a pretty puff makeup sponge will range from £9.94 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand’s choice.

Pretty Puff Makeup Sponge Advantages

Pretty Puff Makeup Sponge Disadvantages

Last longer than beauty blenders

It needs to be washed and cleaned every after use

It is squishy and bounces back after pressing

It can't be cleaned using regular soap and or dish soap. 

Easy to hold the sponge

Pretty Puff Makeup Sponge

5. Silicone Makeup Sponge

Silicone sponge is typically flat with rounded corners. It is widely used on the face to apply makeup to provide smooth coverage. To use the silicone makeup sponge, start by dotting the foundation over the skin and then pushing the product into the skin. Then, using any of the porous sponge options, blend even further. A silicone cosmetic sponge should only be used for applying liquid or cream makeup. This sponge is not suitable for applying powder. The essence of silicone makeup sponges is that they offer the distinct advantage of not absorbing an ounce of the desired cosmetic products. The average price of a silicone makeup sponge will range from £6.12 GBP. This price is subject to change depending on the brand’s choice.

Silicone Makeup Sponge Advantages

Silicone Makeup Sponge Disadvantages

Less product absorption

Can't blend well with a heavy amount of products

Easy to rinse with soap and water

Leaves products feeling caked on

Ensures a little product goes a long way

Does not work well for blending

Silicone Makeup Sponge

How to Choose a Good Makeup Sponge

Beauty sponges exist in a variety of forms, sizes, densities, and textures, besides the traditional pointed egg. They are normally constructed of foam, however, silicone and microfiber are other options. For applying makeup, the shape of a beauty blender sponge is essential. The egg shape allows makeup artists to use the bigger portion to apply makeup to the basic areas of the face, such as the cheekbones, forehead, and so on. A beauty blender comes in a variety of sizes on the market today. The size will most likely be a matter of ‌preference. However, the larger the blender sponger, the more difficult it may be to use. Using a smaller sponge instead of a large one allows the user to apply foundation continuously without stopping to look in the mirror. If users are new to using a blender sponge in a daily makeup routine, a little one is a great place to start. Lastly, the porousness of the makeup sponge must be considered. A blending sponge should be absorbent yet not visibly porous. There should be no apparent holes when selecting a blending sponge. The surface of a makeup sponge blender should be noticeably textured while being smooth.

What kind of makeup sponge is best for Foundation?

The beautyblender is the most multifunctional cosmetic sponge available. This cosmetic sponge is ideal for applying many types of makeup. It is most usually used to apply foundation, although it may also be used to easily cover a big area with powder, concealer, or highlighter. It's also useful for applying loose powder to the face. The sponger's pointed tip may also be used to apply powder eye shadows, either wet for a more intense effect or dry for a more classic powder finish. Sephora Beautyblender The Original Makeup Sponge, Wet n Wild Makeup Sponge, and Beauty Bakerie Blending Egg Beauty Sponges are some of the greatest brand names for beautyblender makeup sponges. The ideal makeup sponge has a soft texture that is comfortable to use and is flexible enough to bounce and blend the makeup ingredients well.

What kind of makeup sponge is best for Powder?

The beautyblender is the best makeup sponge for applying powder. Most makeup artists adore Beautyblender. This sponge allows the user to get a poreless and flawless finish while also ensuring that the makeup is locked and loaded since it allows the user to set smaller areas like beneath the eyes, which may be difficult to do with a powder brush. Aside from that, the beautyblender is ideal for applying smooth diffused foundation and baking powder. Lottie London Blending Sponge, JUNO & Co. Microfiber Sponge, and Japonesque Kumadori Beauty Sponge are some of the greatest brand names for beauty blender sponges. When selecting the best makeup sponge, opt for one that is obviously textured but has a smooth surface.

How Often Should You Clean Your Makeup Sponge?

It is best to clean the cosmetic sponge after each usage to preserve the face and blender in good shape. Cleaning a foundation sponge after each usage, on the other hand, is too good to be true; many experts think that cleaning the makeup blender should be done at least once a week. There are several ways to clean a makeup sponge. Most people use their own cleaning products, but the procedure is the same. Soak the blender first, then apply the cleaning solution and rinse until all the excess product has been gone. However, there is another method for cleaning cosmetic sponges that many makeup lovers and everyday makeup wearers use. Place the cosmetic sponge in a mesh wash bag and wash in the washing machine. Just make sure not to tumble dry it; to avoid melting, the cosmetic sponge should only be air-dried.