The Beautyblender Sponge - Review

Beautyblender® is the first ergonomically designed non-disposable sponge applicator that allows you to flawlessly apply your makeup. It's designed to be cleaned with its partner Blendercleanser®—making it super eco-friendly. It comes with an instructional pamphlet so you can quickly master your application technique.

I have had my eye on the Beautyblender sponge ever since I saw it on a TV show some time back.  The bright pink colour and the peculiar egg-shape was what my caught my eye initially.  Turns out, this little pink egg has a lot of fans among celebrities and makeup artists who can't stop raving about it's flawless makeup application.  So does the Beautyblender live up to all the hype?  I got to try it out, and here's my review.

WHAT IS THE BEAUTYBLENDER?

The Beautyblender is a sponge to be used to apply makeup.  It is made of a nonlatex material which ensures that it is suitable for use by the most sensitive skins.  Available in two colours - pink and white - washable, reusable.

BEAUTYBLENDER SPONGE - PACKAGING

The Beautyblender comes packaged in a cylindrical, clear plastic packaging.  Keep this packaging intact - it's perfect for storing the sponge and keeping it clean.  Important thing to remember - push down on the sponge and allow it to pop down and out of the holder - this ensures that you don't damage/tear the sponge while taking it out.

HOW TO USE THE BEAUTYBLENDER SPONGE

This is a pretty simple tool to use - use the sponge to dab product (foundation, concealer, etc.) on the skin.  It's absolutely essential, though, and I cannot stress it enough, that this sponge has to be used as instructed to get the best possible application.  These are some simple things to remember while using the Beautyblender:

• Always dampen the Beauty Blender sponge before use.  Take the sponge and soak it in water.  The sponge expands to nearly double it's volume.  Squeeze out all the water, and use the damp sponge to apply the makeup.

• Use a stippling/bouncing motion to apply the makeup.  Unlike other sponges and/or brushes, DO NOT use a dragging or rubbing method to apply the product.  Just pick up some product with the sponge, and use a bouncing motion to apply the product on to the skin.  You can also roll the sponge in a side-to-side manner to blend the product, but don't rub the product on like how you would do with a traditional sponge.

Use the wider base of the sponge to apply makeup over the face, and use the pointed end
to apply product to places like the undereye area or sides of the nose.

• Washing/Drying the Beautyblender sponge:  Beautyblender sells a specific cleanser to wash the sponge, but I use a gentle bodywash to clean the sponge, and it works just fine.  As much as possible, I clean the sponge immediately after use.  I dampen the sponge, and apply the soap onto the sponge and use my fingers to wash off any product residue, taking care not to get my nails on the sponge.  Squeeze out all excess water after washing the sponge and leave it in the holder to dry.

The Beautyblender website has a fabulous video explaining exactly how to use the sponge, wash it, and store it, and I found it really useful.  Am including it here, and do watch it if you are planning on buying/using the sponge.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE BEAUTYBLENDER SPONGE

• Ease of use:  I followed all the instructions in the video and in the box, and I had absolutely no problem using the product.
• Makeup application/finish:  I use the Beauty Blender to apply my foundation, and use the stippling/bouncing method.  This gives an almost airbrushed application - I like to start with a lighter coverage and build up with more in areas where it's needed.  Because the sponge is damp, it doesn't absorb any of the makeup in, and it also helps give a more even application.
• Cleaning:  I do need to take care while washing the sponge, taking care that I use the tips of my fingers to wash the sponge and that my nails don't really touch the sponge (easy enough to do if you watch the video), but I haven't had any staining on the sponge so far, and it looks as good as new.  Of course, I do think it also depends to some extent on the makeup being used.  I have read reviews stating that the color bleeds, but apart from a light tint in the water the first time I left the sponge to soak, I haven't noticed this at least with the piece I have.
• Comparison with other applicators:  I find the traditional sponge gives a heavier application compared to the Beautyblender which gives a more controlled and lighter/buildable application.  Compared to a stippling brush, I find the results almost similar.  I favor a brush a teeny bit more simply because I find it easier to wash :P :P  Also, I have a few acne marks with uneven skin texture, and I do feel the brush might do a better job at covering those, but it's a close call.  If you have normal skin, a stippling brush as well as the Beautyblender would give similar results, at least in my opinion.

Overall, I find this is a fabulous makeup applicator.  It is definitely different from the usual sponges and more similar to a stippling brush.  The stippling/bouncing method takes a little getting used to, and some people might even find it a bit time consuming, but it's something I am used to, and honestly, it's not that much of an extra time.  Used properly, the Beautyblender gives an almost airbrushed finish to the makeup.  A bit expensive at about $20 a sponge, this is not a disposable/use-and-throw sponge, and it's worth taking the effort to use it properly and wash/store the sponge carefully to ensure you get more uses from it.

Beautyblender sponge (available at Sephora) - Cost $19.95.  Also available as a pack of two for about $25 which I think is a more economical option.  Beautyblender is also available at other major retailers nationwide including Duane Reade Look Boutique, CO Bigelow, Henri Bendel, and Beauty.com.

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