For the longest time, I’ve wanted at the famous pink sponge, but at the same time, I’ve questioned the $20 price tag. Until I could decide if I should splurge on an actual Beauty Blender, I’ve used multiple dupes at different price levels. Since I just bought a real Beauty Blender, I thought I’d share what I’ve discovered about different makeup sponges.
Low Price: Primark
The first sponge I ever bought was a dollar from Primark. They had a ton of different shapes, sizes, and colors, so I picked the one closest to the famous original. To be perfectly honest, it worked for a beginner, but I don’t use it anymore. It has a waxy feel, and it absorbs a lot of makeup so I feel like I’m wasting too much product (whenever I’d wash it, the water would be a super dirty color, even after one use). It was also quite tough, so I felt like I was hitting myself when I’d bounce it, and my skin would get irritated if I rubbed even slightly. My least favorite part of it though, however, was how the sponge didn’t really work too well while wet. I like wetting my sponge, especially with products like Shape Tape, but the sponge didn’t really do anything when wet, and that really irritated me. While it did do its job (for the most part), it was only ok.
Mid-Level: Real Techniques/Ulta/Harmon
After using a Primark sponge for a while, I decided I wanted to try something a little bit better. I went to Harmon Beauty and bought a sponge there (FYI: Ulta, Harmon, and Real Techniques sponges are almost exactly the same thing). Each brand has a slightly different price, but they are all less than $10. While this sponge was better than the Primark one, it still had some similar problems. It was softer, but it still had a slight waxy feel and was still a little tough. The one I bought also absorbed more makeup than I would have liked. It’s a step up from the Primark sponge, but it still wasn’t perfect for me.
High Price: Beauty Blender
This may sound crazy, but I noticed a total difference with the Beauty Blender. It was so soft on my skin, so it felt like it was truly bouncing on my skin. I used it wet the first time, and I thought it was so cool that it grew when it was wet, and it became even softer! It did absorb a little bit of makeup, but it was really only excess, so I wasn’t upset because I wasn’t wasting (expensive) products. When I rinsed it out, it didn’t take long to wash, and it didn’t take long to dry for storage. Even if I had to use it while still wet, it wouldn’t be a problem (unlike the other sponges that felt heavy or strange after being washed). I bought the traditional pink one, but after using it, I am totally interested in perhaps buying another one (though it seems like this one will last quite a long time).
In the end, I’ve found that you really do get what you pay for. The actual Beauty Blender was the best product for me, and I will totally continue to use it. While this is my personal opinion, everyone has their own preferences, and the best way to find out what’s best for you is to try it! Luckily, none of these products are over the top expensive for what you’re getting, so trial and error are an option. Plus, if you buy from Ulta or Sephora, you have the option to return or exchange your product!
Stay tuned for more posts and adventures!
Toni
