Foundation applied with your fingertips is a method frequently used by makeup artists and beauty gurus. Indeed, you can do full makeup without any tools – apply not just the foundation but also the eyeshadows and highlighters. However, professional makeup sponges have become a serious competition for our fingers lately. Why are so many women choosing them? What are the advantages of applying makeup with the use of sponges and why they even outclassed a professional brush for foundation application? Let’s find out! 

The advantages of using makeup sponges 

The makeup sponge has become popular, for several reasons. It turns out that by applying the makeup with your fingertips there is the risk of transferring a number of bacteria and impurities onto the face. Also, we often end up putting too much make-up on, or simply apply the products unevenly. Professional makeup artists try to ensure that your skin does not have contact with their hands, so they reach for good quality gadgets that will allow them to make a professional face makeup. Until now, the flat brush for the flat-top were the most popular solutions. It turned out, however, that an inconspicuous sponge allows you to get an even better effect of makeup and it is easier to keep it clean. Here are the most important advantages of makeup sponges:

• a makeup sponge is very precise and perfectly contoured – it facilitates application even in hard to reach areas on the face (eg under the eyes or near the nose)
• thanks to the sponge, we are able to apply less foundation to the face – it is economical and allows you to use less cosmetic, so the foundation lasts longer
• it is hygienic – it is very easy to keep it clean and does not wear out quickly
• gives a very nice, professional final makeup effect – the face looks natural and we do not have a feeling of mask or smudges on the face
• works well with all types of foundation: it can be used for liquid and semi-liquid foundations, to apply a primer, liquid concealer, loose powder, blush, highlighter or bronzer

Makeup sponges – types 

Makeup sponges come in various shapes, sizes, and are made of different types of materials. Here are the most popular ones:

1. Beauty Blender 

The queen of all sponges. It was created by Hollywood celebrity makeup artist Rea Ann Silva. The Beauty Blender is an egg-shaped sponge with a pointed tip that makes it easy to apply the foundation even in hard-to-reach places. It has a pleasant, slightly “suede” texture (it does not resemble a traditional washing sponge), it is compact and soft. This foam texture allows the sponge to perfectly adapt to the skin and thanks to it the foundation perfectly blends with the complexion.

Beauty Blender is made of a special material that does not absorb the foundation into the interior of the sponge but precisely distributes it all over the face. With its help, you will apply not just a liquid foundation, but also a whole range of other makeup cosmetics.

2. Mini Beauty Blender 

A tiny ‘baby’ of the original Beauty Blender sponge. It has been created to apply the makeup even more precisely, especially for the application of under-eye concealers, liquid eyeshadows, a foundation in hard-to-reach areas such as around the nose. Beauty Blender mini is also perfect for face contouring. Many women like to apply their lipsticks as well – it turns out that such makeup lasts a lot longer.

3. Silisponge – makeup applicator made of silicone 

It has been named the successor of the Beauty Blender. Silisponge is a flat silicone egg, which is to spread the foundation even more precisely than the already mentioned sponges. It is extremely hygienic and does not accumulate in its interior, neither the foundation nor impurities or sebum. Also, it allows you to use the cosmetic to the maximum. With its help, we can apply the foundation even in hard to reach places on the face. Silisponge is undoubtedly very hygienic, it is easy to wash and last for a very long time. In addition – it is extremely economical because it consumes minimal amounts of cosmetics. Unfortunately, it’s not suitable to apply eyeshadows to the face and we will not do proper face contouring.

Makeup sponges – how to use them the right way?

Sponge applicators gain so much popularity due to the fact that they are so easy to use. However, always remember to keep it clean and fresh. If you don’t take care of it well, it might result in transferring bacteria, impurities, sebum onto the face. Therefore, washing the sponge after each use is of great importance.

Moisten the sponge under running water, or spray on it with your favorite hydrolate, selected for your skin type. The sponge should only be slightly moist, it cannot be soaking wet.

Apply a little foundation to it – just a drop, the size of a pea is enough.

Spread the cosmetic evenly by bounding the sponge all over the face. Do not rub the face, but only gently pat the foundation, as it is done with the fingers. To apply a foundation in the area of the eyes and nose – turn the sponge over and dab the face with its narrow side. This makes the foundation ideally blended with the skin.

Makeup sponges – how to wash them?

The sponge needs to be washed after each use (it is best to use natural soap, hypoallergenic washing liquid or other delicate liquid or gel). The washed sponge is to be drained from excess water and allowed to air-dry. It’s best to do it after each makeup application.

Makeup sponges – reviews

Makeup sponges collect very good reviews. Among the most popular sponges is the Beauty Blender – try this original, latex-free, with perfect texture applicator. The Beauty Blender sponge has completely replaced the classic, triangular makeup sponges. Makeup artists and beauty gurus claim that thanks to this sponge they are able to make a full face makeup – from the foundation, through the application of eyeshadows, contouring, cheek blushing and face highlighting.