Top 10 Makeup Sponges
The Best Way To Apply Foundation Is With One Of These Makeup Sponges
As beauty buffs, there are very few products we can confidently tout as life-changing. However, a makeup sponge may just be one of them. And if you can recall the dark days of applying foundation with your fingertips or an abundance of face brushes, then you probably agree with us. For the sake of flawless application and keeping your hands clean, we hope you've already made the swap to one of these revolutionary sponges. But if you haven't, fear not—we're coming to your rescue with an algorithm-approved list of the absolute best makeup sponges on the market. From the OG egg-shaped beautyblender to a set of five under $10, the makeup sponges that follow are the best way to blend, buff, and contour your way to a perfect complexion. Ahead, discover and shop our science-backed edit of the Top 10 beauty sponges for flawlessly applying your makeup. Opening image: @fentybeauty
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March 2, 2020
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The Rankings
e.l.f. Cosmetics Total Face Sponge
LOVED FOR: According to rave reviews, e.l.f.'s $5 face sponge is a perfect dupe for MORPHE's, and best of all, it apparently absorbs way less product.
USERS SAID: "This sponge is amazing! I've used beautyblender, Real Techniques, and MORPHE sponges, but this one is by far my favorite! It's very easy to clean and applies my foundation and concealer so well!"
Jane iredale Flocked Sponge
WHY YOU NEED IT: This unique sponge has a soft and smooth texture that gently glides across the skin, and it seamlessly blends pressed, loose, or liquid foundation as well as concealer, bronzer, and blush. Unlike other sponges, this one should last years if properly cared for—it's easy to wash and dries quickly.
HELPFUL TIP: If you make a mistake or use too much powder, spray the sponge with makeup remover and dab the area for a quick and easy solution.
Sephora Collection Total Coverage Sponge
USERS SAID: "This is literally the best sponge I've ever tried. It's a thousand times better than the sponges from expensive brands, it's so soft, and it's almost half the price! So glad I found this gem."
HELPFUL TIP: The wetter the sponge, the sheerer the coverage. Use it dry for a more intense application.
Fenty Beauty Precision Makeup Sponge 100
WHAT IT DOES: Thanks to triple-threat precision, this sponge takes blending to the next level. The slanted edge is ideal for controlled stippling, the mini-moon edge is great for targeted coverage (like the under-eyes), and the rounded edge works well for allover buffing.
HELPFUL TIP: This exceptionally soft sponge works well for touch-ups, too. Keep it at your desk, and use it to smooth out any midday cakiness or creases.
L'Oreal Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender
WHAT IT DOES: The shape of L'Oreal's makeup sponge is what makes it so unique. With a pointed tip for hard to reach areas, a larger surface for all-over blending, and an ergonomic design for easy use, it easily competes with options three times the price.
BEST FOR: According to celebrity makeup artist Sir John (AKA Beyoncé's go-to glam guy), this is the ideal sponge for cream blushes and highlighters.
Hourglass Ambient Strobe Light Sculptor
BEST FOR: The Ambient Strobe Light Sculptor is key to achieving a top-notch highlight. The angled side fits perfectly on the high points of the face for seamless application, and the dense texture picks up the perfect amount of powder for a natural strobing effect.
HELPFUL TIP: Use it dry for a natural look, or get it wet for more intensity.
EcoTools Perfecting Blender Duo
WHY YOU NEED IT: This cruelty-free duo includes a large blender for allover makeup application and a cute mini-sized version for more precise and detailed coverage. It's all you need for a flawless finish, and it rings up under $10.
FUN FACT: These makeup sponges feature unique EcoFoam Technology made of 70% plant-based materials, and they're also PETA certified, cruelty-free, and vegan.
Beakey Makeup Sponge Set
WHY YOU NEED IT: When you leave your beloved makeup sponge at your BFF's house, this set will ensure you have backups—all for less than $10. You really can't go wrong here.
FUN FACT: The 10,000 glowing reviews on Amazon don't lie, people. This set is worth the hype.
Beautyblender The Original Beautyblender
WHAT IT DOES: There's a reason this cult classic is considered the OG of egg-shaped makeup sponges. Designed for use with primers, foundations, cream blushes, and any other complexion product you please, the beautyblender features a unique open-cell structure that fills with water but not with foundation—ultimately resulting in less product waste. It also provides flawless, streak-free coverage with a softer feel and faster results.
USERS SAID: "I honestly can’t believe I didn’t buy a beautyblender sooner! If you don’t already have one, just click “add to bag” right now. I love the coverage it gives, it’s so easy to use, and it's easy to clean. After using this, I can't believe I ever used to use my hands to apply makeup!"
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
BEST FOR: Glow-getters, this one is for you. When used wet, this sponge will help you achieve that perfectly glistening, dewy complexion.
HELPFUL TIP: Use the rounded side to blend larger areas of the face, the precision tip to cover blemishes and imperfections, and the flat edge to contour around the eyes and the nose.
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