{"id":1544418,"date":"2018-08-10T04:06:00","date_gmt":"2018-08-10T01:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1544418"},"modified":"2018-08-10T04:06:00","modified_gmt":"2018-08-10T01:06:00","slug":"the-9-best-makeup-sponges-that-converted-me-from-an-exclusive-makeup-brush-user","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1544418","title":{"rendered":"The 9 Best Makeup Sponges That Converted Me From an Exclusive Makeup Brush User"},"content":{"rendered":"

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We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.\n<\/p>\n

The 9 Best Makeup Sponges That Converted Me From an Exclusive Makeup Brush User<\/h1>\n

Get ready for an airbrushed finish.<\/p>\n

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By<\/span><\/p>\n
N\u00e1osha Gregg<\/p>\n
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\"N\u00c3\u00a1osha\"N\u00c3\u00a1osha<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nN\u00e1osha Gregg\n<\/div>\n
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  • <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
    \nN\u00e1osha Gregg is a journalist who discovered her passion for beauty during the pandemic and has been immersed in the industry ever since. A Byrdie contributor since 2022, she has conducted research and tested hundreds of beauty products, spanning from cosmetics to haircare.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Updated on January 27, 2026 10:41AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Leave a Comment<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    In This Article<\/h2>\n
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    View All<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    In This Article<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      \n
    • \n
      Top Picks<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    • \n
      Reviews<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    • \n
      What to Look For<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    • \n
      Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    • \n
      Meet Our Experts<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
    • \n
      Why Trust Byrdie<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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      \"A\"A<\/div>\n<\/div>
      <\/p>\n

      Byrdie<\/p>\n

      <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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      TL;DR<\/p>\n

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      My favorite has to be the BEAKEY Makeup Sponge Set. The texture and material made these sponges lightweight and gave me a flawless finish when blending my foundation and concealer. If you prefer a sponge with a high-end feel, the \u200b\u200bFenty Beauty Precision Makeup Sponge 100 takes the cake. It provides a luminous, satin finish that rivals Rihanna under glowing stage lights.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      I have always been a makeup brush person. Something about feeling the soft bristles across my face always felt so comforting. Brushes helped me achieve the best look\u2014they buff beautifully for an airbrush finish. Since I have oily skin, switching from a brush to a makeup sponge meant I needed one that would spread the product well, absorb oil, work with creams and liquids, and pick up setting powder.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

      Over a month, I tested dozens of makeup sponges ranging from unique and chiseled to compact and colorful. I lean towards cream foundations and light liquid concealers as they help absorb the oil on my skin and give a blurring effect, so I paid close attention to how the sponges performed with those products. Ahead, I share my thoughts and reviews of the best makeup sponges I tried that inspired me to put my brushes down for good.\n<\/p>\n

      \n

      Top Picks<\/h2>\n
      \n
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      \n
      Best Overall:<\/div>\n
      SALE<\/div>\n

      Beakey 5 Piece Makeup Sponge Set at Amazon<\/span>$13<\/s>$6<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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      Best Blender:<\/div>\n
      SALE<\/div>\n

      AOA Studio Makeup Sponge Set at Amazon<\/span>$13<\/s>$10<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

      \n
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      Best for Creams:<\/div>\n
      SALE<\/div>\n

      Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge at Amazon<\/span>$19<\/s>$14<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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      Best Budget:<\/div>\n

      Essence Makeup & Baking Sponge at Amazon<\/span>$10<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

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      \n
      Best Spreader:<\/div>\n

      e.l.f. Cosmetics Total Face Sponge at Amazon<\/span>$7<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

      \n
      \n
      Best for Under Eyes:<\/div>\n

      e.l.f Cosmetics Total Sponge Set at Amazon<\/span>$15<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

      \n
      \n
      Best Compact:<\/div>\n

      Fenty Beauty Precision Makeup Sponge at Sephora<\/span>$16<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

      \n
      \n
      Best for Beginners:<\/div>\n
      SALE<\/div>\n

      L’Or\u00e9al Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender at Amazon<\/span>$8<\/s>$6<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n

      \n
      \n
      Best for Powders:<\/div>\n

      Real Techniques Miracle Mattifying Makeup Sponge Duo at Amazon<\/span>$6<\/span><\/div>\n

      Jump to Review<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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      \nBest Overall
      \n<\/span><\/h2>\n

      Beakey 5 Piece Makeup Sponge Set<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
      \n
      \n
      \"BEAKEY\"BEAKEY<\/div>
      Credit: Amazon<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \n
      <\/p>\n
      $13<\/span><\/div>\n

      $6 at Amazon<\/span><\/span>View on Walmart<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      \n
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      What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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      • \n

        Soft and lightweight on the skin<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Affordable<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        Leaves an airbrushed finish<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

        \n
        What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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        • \n

          Could be more durable<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

          Material: <\/strong>Latex-free hydrophilic polyurethane | Shape: <\/strong>Teardrop | Size: <\/strong>Medium\n<\/p>\n

          Out of all the sponges that have bounced on my skin, the ones from the BEAKEY makeup set do it best. The colorful arrangement is a welcoming, bright pop of color in my makeup collection. The texture is super soft, almost like marshmallow, making it lightweight and easy to maneuver. I often have muscle spasms and sore muscles in my hand, but this sponge was comfortable to grip, and I did not have to twist and turn to reach the nooks and crevices of my face.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

          These sponges truly rival any makeup brush I\u2019ve tried. Each one spreads liquid foundation and concealer flawlessly. They\u2019re latex-free, making them perfect for my oily and sensitive skin. They aren\u2019t too absorbent, allowing me to stretch my product further without tugging. Each gave my skin a fresh, airbrushed look without using too much elbow grease to blend in. With a couple of bounces, my skin looked like it belonged on the cover of a magazine.\n<\/p>\n

          \n
          \"Site<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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          \nBest Blender
          \n<\/span><\/h2>\n

          AOA Studio Makeup Sponge Set<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
          \n
          \n
          \"AOA\"AOA<\/div>
          Credit: Amazon<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
          \n
          <\/p>\n
          $13<\/span><\/div>\n

          $10 at Amazon<\/span><\/span>View on Walmart<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

          \n
          \n
          What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
            \n
          • \n

            Blends product smoothly and easily<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Eliminates shine<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Doesn’t pull on the skin<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

            \n
            What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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            • \n

              Absorbs product easily<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

              Material: <\/strong>Vegan, latex-free sponge | Shape: <\/strong>Teardrop | Size: <\/strong>Medium\n<\/p>\n

              I am a fan of anything pink, but I love this sponge for much more than its color. As someone with oily skin, I can have a hard time getting the right amount of coverage in my T-zone, especially my nose and upper cheekbones, as the oil pools up there first. This sponge annihilated all signs of shine and discoloration and spread my foundation splendidly. It was very easy to blend with it\u2014I didn\u2019t have to drag, pull, or bounce too hard.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

              This sponge does absorb a lot of product. It got product-filled pretty quickly, and it took a few pumps of shampoo and squeezing to get it out. That said, I was still able to achieve a clean, glass-skin look with this sponge.\n<\/p>\n

              \n
              \"Site<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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              \nBest for Creams
              \n<\/span><\/h2>\n

              Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
              \n
              \n
              \"Real\"Real<\/div>
              Credit: Ulta<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
              \n
              <\/p>\n
              $19<\/span><\/div>\n

              $14 at Amazon<\/span><\/span>View on Ulta<\/span><\/span>$6 at Target<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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              What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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              • \n

                Blends cream products well<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

              • \n

                Angled shape for easy application<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

              • \n

                Durable material<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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                What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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                • \n

                  Difficult to clean<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                  Material: <\/strong>Foam | Shape: <\/strong>Angled teardrop | Size: <\/strong>Large\n<\/p>\n

                  I absolutely LOVE cream products and thought they blended best with blushes. But then I met this sponge from Real Techniques.\n<\/p>\n

                  Real Techniques products are standard in my brush collection, so I was slightly hesitant to try its sponges. I did not have to drag or force the product across my face with this sponge and it absorbed so well. The material is also high-quality as it absorbed a lot but did not damage the integrity of the sponge itself, even when wet. Though an average shape\/size for a sponge, it performed like a larger one, easily spreading out the product, and it picked up more product than I thought it would. I was pleasantly surprised by how it performed.\n<\/p>\n

                  \n
                  \"Site<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                  \nBest Budget
                  \n<\/span><\/h2>\n

                  Essence Makeup & Baking Sponge<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
                  \n
                  \n
                  \"Amazon\"Amazon<\/div>
                  Credit: Amazon<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                  <\/p>\n
                  $10<\/span><\/div>\n

                  $8 at Amazon<\/span><\/span>$5 at Ulta<\/span><\/span>View on Essencemakeup.com<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                  \n
                  \n
                  What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
                    \n
                  • \n

                    Under $10<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                  • \n

                    Works well for setting powder<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                  • \n

                    Mattifies the complexion<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

                    \n
                    What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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                    • \n

                      Tricky to clean<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                      Material: <\/strong>Vegan & latex-free foam | Shape:<\/strong> Teardrop | Size: <\/strong>Small\n<\/p>\n

                      I often rely on concealer to complete my looks. Too much can leave my skin looking two-toned, while too little can leave me looking like a glazed donut. I prefer brushes for a detailed look under the eyes; however, this sponge not only set my concealer but also absorbed the excess oil.\n<\/p>\n

                      The unique, flat shape at the top of the sponge allowed for perfect product placement. I usually like to\u00a0bake\u00a0my face for about five to seven minutes, but I found I could skip this step as the sponge picked up a lot of powder. The product does build up at the tip of the sponge, which makes cleaning it a bit difficult. Overall, this one made my makeup look just like my skin.\n<\/p>\n

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                      \"Site<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                      \nBest Spreader
                      \n<\/span><\/h2>\n

                      e.l.f. Cosmetics Total Face Sponge<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
                      \n
                      \n
                      \"e.l.f\"e.l.f<\/div>
                      Credit: e.l.f Cosmetics<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
                      \n
                      <\/p>\n
                      $7<\/span><\/div>\n

                      $7 at Amazon<\/span><\/span>View on Ulta<\/span><\/span>$7 at Target<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                      \n
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                      What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
                        \n
                      • \n

                        Firm and spreads product easily<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                      • \n

                        Gentle<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                      • \n

                        Works with liquids, creams, and powders<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

                        \n
                        What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
                          \n
                        • \n

                          Hard to clean<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                          Material: <\/strong>Latex-free foam | Shape: <\/strong>Angled | Size: <\/strong>Large\n<\/p>\n

                          Getting product across my skin before it starts to set or the oil around my T-zone starts to pool is key in my makeup routine. These sponges from e.l.f understood the assignment. The texture makes it somewhat unique\u2014it was firm, but not so firm that I couldn\u2019t softly apply liquid products. I have sensitive skin, so the slightest material or hard bounce can quickly turn my face red. This sponge was durable yet gentle on the skin, all while spreading my liquid foundation evenly.\n<\/p>\n

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                          \"Site<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                          \nBest for Under Eyes
                          \n<\/span><\/h2>\n

                          e.l.f Cosmetics Total Sponge Set<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
                          \n
                          \n
                          \"e.l.f\"e.l.f<\/div>
                          Credit: Ulta<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
                          \n
                          <\/p>\n
                          $15<\/span><\/div>\n

                          $15 at Amazon<\/span><\/span>$15 at Ulta<\/span><\/span>$15 at Target<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                          \n
                          \n
                          What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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                          • \n

                            Applies precisely to undereye area<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                          • \n

                            Provides great coverage<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                          • \n

                            Mattifies shine<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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                            What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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                            • \n

                              Could be softer<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                              Material: <\/strong>Latex-free foam | Shape: <\/strong>Cube | Size:<\/strong> Small\n<\/p>\n

                              I have discoloration under my eyes due to lack of sleep. And thanks to my olive undertones, the bags look almost grey and can completely throw off my looks, especially when I\u2019m attempting to brighten. This sponge applied my concealer very precisely, getting into the corner of my eyes, which can be difficult for me as I have a lazy eye, and the shape can vary depending on how my eye feels that day.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                              I typically don\u2019t like odd-shaped sponges, but this sponge changed my mind. It has a shape similar to a 3-D cube and was designed for contouring, but I found that it was also perfect for concealer. It did not absorb a ton of product, making it ideal for liquid\/cream concealers, covering up all the small imperfections, and absorbing oil.\n<\/p>\n

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                              \"Site<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                              \nBest Compact
                              \n<\/span><\/h2>\n

                              Fenty Beauty Precision Makeup Sponge<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
                              \n
                              \n
                              \"Fenty\"Fenty<\/div>
                              Credit: Sephora<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
                              \n
                              $16 at Sephora<\/span><\/span>$16 at Ulta<\/span><\/span>$16 at Kohls.com<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                              What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
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                              • \n

                                Small size makes for precise application<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                              • \n

                                Strong, absorbent material<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                              • \n

                                Great quality<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

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                                What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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                                • \n

                                  Difficult to clean<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                                  Material: <\/strong>Latex free | Shape: <\/strong>3-sided angled teardrop | Size: <\/strong>Small\n<\/p>\n

                                  I will admit that I was shocked and slightly disappointed at the size of this sponge when I took it out of the box. Priced at $16, I expected something bigger, however I quickly learned that tiny but mighty was this sponge\u2019s MO.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                                  I used this sponge to blend out my accompanying Fenty foundation and was amazed at how efficient it was. I tend to over-pump my liquid foundations and then have to blend them out, but what made this sponge one of my holy grails was its absorbency. Whenever I pumped too much product, it absorbed a ton and left just enough for me to get an impeccable finish that rivaled my real skin. I was concerned that all of the tapping and squeezing would cause it to lose shape, but the microfiber material was shockingly durable and molded to my fingers. The only downside to this sponge was it did require a lot of shampoo and elbow grease to clean.\n<\/p>\n

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                                  \"Site<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                                  \nBest for Beginners
                                  \n<\/span><\/h2>\n

                                  L’Or\u00e9al Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
                                  \n
                                  \n
                                  \"Amazon\"Amazon<\/div>
                                  Credit: Amazon<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
                                  \n
                                  <\/p>\n
                                  $8<\/span><\/div>\n

                                  $6 at Amazon<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                                  \n
                                  \n
                                  What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
                                    \n
                                  • \n

                                    Easy to use<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                                  • \n

                                    Great for base coverage<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                                  • \n

                                    Unique shape makes application and blending easily<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

                                    \n
                                    What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
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                                    • \n

                                      On the small side<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                                      Material: <\/strong>Plush | Shape: <\/strong>Stacked teardrop (snowman like) | Size: <\/strong>Small\n<\/p>\n

                                      When I first started using makeup, I leaned toward brushes because sponges felt scary. I believed they were tools that only seasoned professionals used. But as someone new to sponges, this product really helped blend my foundation and buff it out for a blurred finish, almost exactly the same one I would achieve with my trusty brush.\n<\/p>\n

                                      The unique snowman-like shape of the sponge helped it disperse my product evenly. I used the pointed stipend to pick up and place, while the bottom end was perfect for blending. It is a bit small, so it took longer than normal (for me) to finish applying, but overall I would recommend this product to someone who is interested in experimenting with sponges.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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                                      \nBest for Powders
                                      \n<\/span><\/h2>\n

                                      Real Techniques Miracle Mattifying Makeup Sponge Duo<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
                                      \n
                                      \n
                                      \"Real\"Real<\/div>
                                      Credit: Ulta<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
                                      \n
                                      <\/p>\n
                                      $6<\/span><\/div>\n

                                      $6 at Amazon<\/span><\/span>View on Asos<\/span><\/span>View on Walgreens<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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                                      What We Like<\/span><\/div>\n
                                        \n
                                      • \n

                                        Sets powders well<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                                      • \n

                                        Mattifies the skin<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

                                      • \n

                                        Absorbent material<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

                                        \n
                                        What to Consider<\/span><\/div>\n
                                          \n
                                        • \n

                                          Becomes fragile over time<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                                          Material: <\/strong>Memory foam | Shape: <\/strong>Flat teardrop | Size: <\/strong>Large\n<\/p>\n

                                          Matte looks are always my go-to due to my oily skin. I rely heavily on setting powder, but it’s been tricky to find a sponge that works well with it. When it comes to powder, I like to apply just the right amount so my skin doesn\u2019t look too oily or <\/em>too dry. This sponge worked miracles for my skin. The texture felt sponge-like, almost like kinetic sand, yet its holes allowed the product to seep through easily. I didn\u2019t have to dig into my powder for the sponge to pick it up, and the flat surface allowed me to pick up an ample amount.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

                                          I could skip baking as the sponge picked up a good amount of powder. I could use it on my high cheekbones and under my eyes, but I had to be gentle as it did become fragile after use\u2014the material felt a touch weaker, and I thought it would rip if I applied too much pressure. I wet the sponge first, which was an unusual step for me, especially when applying a powder, but it gave my skin a clean, cloud-like look.\n<\/p>\n

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                                          \"Site<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                                          What to Look for in a Makeup Sponge <\/span><\/h2>\n
                                            \n
                                          • Density:<\/strong> The denser the makeup sponge, the less porous it is\u2014meaning it\u2019s less likely to absorb all your products. A high-density sponge is great for seamlessly applying a full-coverage foundation, while lower-density sponges are better for blending light to medium-coverage foundations.<\/li>\n
                                          • Texture:<\/strong> The ideal makeup sponge has a soft texture so that it\u2019s comfortable to use, and should also be flexible so that it can bounce and bend to distribute the product.\u00a0<\/li>\n
                                          • Cleaning Ease: <\/strong>Your sponge should be easy to clean and keep dry to avoid product buildup and bacteria.<\/li>\n
                                          • Size:<\/strong> Size really does matter with makeup sponges. It comes down to preference, but large sponges can cover a larger surface area, making them great for blending. Smaller sponges, on the other hand, are great for precision application and hard-to-reach areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                                            \n
                                            FAQ<\/div>\n
                                              \n
                                            • \n
                                              How do you match a sponge to your skin type?<\/span><\/div>\n
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                                              \n

                                              If you\u2019re someone with dry skin, you\u2019ll want a sponge that isn\u2019t too absorbent but applies liquid products evenly across your face. If you\u2019re someone with a unique eye shape or likes to contour, you\u2019ll likely want a sponge that is smaller and easier to grip for those hard-to-reach places. You want to ensure that the sponge is latex-free, as that\u2019s good for your skin and the planet and is easy to store. Also, make sure that the sponge dries fairly quickly\u2014mold is the last surprise you want to see when getting beautified.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

                                            • \n
                                              Are makeup sponges better than makeup brushes for blending?<\/span><\/div>\n
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                                              It really comes down to personal preference, but for what it\u2019s worth, professional makeup artist Sophia Nawabi prefers them over brushes. “They’re sanitary, easier, and much cheaper to dispose of after each client’s use,” she says. “I can use my sponge wet or dry for completely different finishes.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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                                              How often should you clean your makeup sponges?<\/span><\/div>\n
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                                              Celebrity makeup artist Ren\u00e9e Loiz recommends cleaning your makeup sponge weekly with soap and a cleansing pad to keep bacteria at bay.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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                                              When should you use a makeup sponge over a makeup brush?<\/span><\/div>\n
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                                              \u201cPowders are better applied with makeup brushes, but liquid and cream products blend best when applied with a sponge,” says Loiz. “Often, liquid and cream products look streaky when you use a brush, but sponges give you more control to pat the product evenly into the skin.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

                                              Meet Our Experts
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                                              Two makeup experts were interviewed for this story:\n<\/p>\n

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                                              • Sophia Nawabi is a makeup and hair artist with 17 years of professional experience. She is based in San Francisco and offers on-demand mobile and in-home services.<\/li>\n
                                              • Ren\u00e9e Loiz is a celebrity makeup artist and the founder of Color May Vary, an extensive guide to today’s best Black-owned brands.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                Why Trust Byrdie <\/span><\/h2>\n

                                                N\u00e1osha Gregg discovered her love for beauty during the pandemic. It started with lipstick, then blush, then foundation, and now she is a full-fledged makeup aficionado. When evaluating a beauty product, she looks for four things: quality, texture, performance, and price. She now relies on sponges to evenly blend out her concealer and add just the right amount of setting powder to prevent her from looking like a glazed donut. Over the last year, she has tried three different brands and gone through several sponges before settling on her favorite. She holds a B.S. in Journalism and Media Studies from Brooklyn College and has tested almost every brush and sponge to date, despite her sensitive skin.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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                                                Edited by<\/span>
                                                \nAlly Hirschlag\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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                                                Read more:<\/div>\n
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                                                • Makeup<\/span><\/li>\n
                                                • Makeup Tools & Techniques<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n
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