9 Beauty Sponges To Buy Now
Beautyblender Wave Shadeshifter Sponge, £17
Best For: Sheer Application
Beautyblender’s latest sponge has been formulated with aqua-activated technology, and changes colour when dampened. Why? Because blenders work best when wet, so you no longer have to soak it pre-application. With an elliptical shape and strong material, it allows for second-skin application of foundation, primer or BB and CC creams.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
E.L.F. Total Face Sponge, £5
Best For: A Bit Of Everything
If you can only afford one on this list, make it this. A firm favourite among industry insiders, this small sponge is a great all-rounder. Multi-sided and latex-free, it works with all formulas (think foundation, concealer and highlighter) for flawless blending. The pointy tip is ideal for concealing imperfections, while the rounded edge works well to sculpt and highlight cheekbones. Only thing to note – it’s harder than other sponges, so make sure you soak it pre-use, or spritz it with a setting spray.
Available at ElfCosmetics.co.uk
Fenty Beauty Precision Sponge, £13
Best For: Smaller Areas
While this covers a large surface area, the three-sided edge makes it a great option for precision. Use the slanted edge of the sponge for controlled application, the mini-moon edge for those hard-to-reach areas (think under the eyes and around the nose), and the rounded end for all-over buffing. It’s also made from a super-soft texture that makes application seamless, but also comfortable, without ever tugging or dragging the skin. A great multi-tasker.
Available at Boots.com
Hourglass Ambient Strobe Light Sculptor, £16 (was £20)
Best For: Highlighting & Illuminating Skin
A dual-ended blender, the angled side hugs the highest points of the face, so you can apply a velvety smooth glow. It works well with any formula – be it powders, creams or gels – while the dense, porous texture clings to product for impactful application. It’s also composed of high-grade anti-microbial material, so you can be sure you’re not constantly wiping bacteria on and off your face. Use it wet for a more intense application.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
Juno & Co Microfiber Velvet Sponge, £5.95
Best For: Blending & Refining Make-Up
Brand-new, this velvety sponge is made from microfibre and promises to absorb 70% less product than your average sponge. Useful for applying, blending and refining, it works well with your primer, foundation, concealer and powder formulas, too. We love the slanted edges, so you can get to those hard-to-reach areas for even application.
Available at BeautyBay.com
Laura Mercier Luminous Foundation Sponge, £17
Best For: Foundation Application
With a clever ‘s-shaped’ edge, this covetable sponge is designed to hug the contours of your face, while the edges are great for focusing on specific areas such as around the eyes. You can use it damp or dry, but it works best with foundation formulas for a seamless blend. Another bonus? Built with ‘Zero Cell Technology’ it absorbs minimal product, while the sponge itself is fashioned from antibacterial-treated, latex-free material to ensure good hygiene.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
MakeUp Drop Silicone Sponge, £9.25 (was £18.50)
Best For: Hygiene & Preventing Bacteria
This innovative silicone sponge was designed to eliminate wasted make-up. Where sponges soak up large amounts of product, this applies and blends foundation, blush, highlighter or concealer seamlessly without absorbing a single drop. And unlike traditional sponges, this silicone iteration is non-porous and easy to clean, making it a more hygienic option. Apply your product to the sponge and tap it repeatedly onto the skin for an even blend, using the pointed tip on smaller corners of your face. It takes some getting used to, but the airbrushed finish is worth it.
Available at Harrods.com
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, £5.99
Best For: Larger Areas Of Your Face
One of the best dupes for the classic Beautyblender, this sponge covers large surface areas and is ideal for use with powder, cream and liquid make-up. With three distinct features (slanted and sharp edges) it allows you to cover every inch of your complexion with ease – plus, at £5.99 it’s a bargain.
Available at LookFantastic.com
Morphe Highlight & Contour Sponge, £8
Best For: Contouring & Sculpting
As the name suggests, this curved sponge is designed to help you highlight and contour with ease. Great for building up your glow, the rounded edge is ideal for buffing and blending formulas evenly. As for the sharp tip, you can use this to contour, before using the softer side to smooth out your colour. Brilliant for contouring novices, or anyone that wants to sculpt their face in a natural way.
Available at Boots.com
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