The Best Makeup Sponges
If you've never used a makeup sponge, you don't know what you're missing. Makeup sponges are an essential part of a good everyday makeup routine because they make your foundation look smoother and more natural-looking. Use this handy little tool to blend all your products onto your face evenly, so you never have to deal with smudging again. You can even use a makeup sponge to blend eye shadow, contour your cheeks, or apply concealer. With the right type of sponge, you can give your skin the airbrushed finish of your dreams. Check out some of our favorite makeup sponges available today and get blending.
Beakey Five-Piece Makeup Blender Set
Apply yourself
The sponges in this Beakey set are made from a super dense texture, so they absorb almost no product, providing you with full coverage and a flawless-looking finish without wasting your precious products. Use the small precision tip at the top to cover tiny imperfections and smaller areas of the face and the rounded sides to blend concealer and foundation onto your cheeks and forehead. Best of all, you’ll receive five of these beauties with your purchase so you can have a different color for every day of the workweek.
Pros:
- Excellent value, since you get multiple sponges in one package
- Great for covering blemishes, blending foundation, and streak-free contouring, thanks to the shape and texture of the sponge
- Latex-free
Cons:
- A little on the harder side
Aesthetica Beauty Sponge Blender
Full of beauty, free of cruelty
Vegan babes, take note: the Aesthetica blender is an excellent choice if you prefer to use cruelty-free products. This chic black sponge is made out of non-latex foam free of pesky lines and hard angles that can disturb your beautifully blended finish. Use it wet or dry to achieve your desired look, and give it a quick wash after each use to keep it in tip-top shape.
Pros:
- Made of antimicrobial, latex-free foam
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Can be used with liquids, creams, and powders
Cons:
- There are less expensive options, but for those who prioritize cruelty-free products, it’s a great buy
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Beauty Sponge Set
The beauty experts at Real Techniques have spoiled us with a choice of multi-packs to meet any makeup-blending need. The soft, dense foam is latex-free to take care of us sensitive-skinned folks, and cleaning it is as easy as lathering it with your favorite makeup cleanser, rinsing, and air-drying until it’s good as new. We love the idea of giving the extra-cute five-pack away as a gift to the beauty buffs in our life, but we won’t judge if you snag one for yourself, too.
Pros:
- Angled bottom allows for more variety in application
- Can be used wet or dry
- Gift set includes a bonus storage case
Cons:
- Real Techniques recommends replacing the sponge after every 30 uses, but you’ll get at least four with your purchase
BeautyBlender Bubble Sponge
Every now and then, a beauty brand comes along that changes everything, and that’s exactly what BeautyBlender did — and continues to do. The squishy, extra-soft texture applies makeup flawlessly, while the porous latex-free sponge expands when wet so that your makeup sits on top of the sponge rather than being absorbed. This also makes your foundation look more glowy, sheer, and natural, rather than caked-on. Plus, you can use the tapered tip for smaller spots, like under your nose and around your eyes.
Pros:
- Made with non-toxic, water-soluble dyes
- Can last up to six months when used and maintained properly
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- It’s one of the priciest sponges available, but it’s a great premium pick
Artist’s Choice Mini Applicator Wedges
A wedge issue
When you don’t want to worry about cleaning and maintaining your makeup sponges, applicator wedges like these little beauties from Artist’s Choice are a super-convenient option. They’re still made of a latex-free material designed not to irritate sensitive skin, and many prefer disposable options for their ease of use and the sanitary benefits of single-use products.
Pros:
- Wedge shape allows for precision application of products
- Can be used for a variety of purposes outside of makeup blending, including nail art application and polish removal
- Great for parties, salons, or other occasions where multiple people will need access to applicators
Cons:
- A bit more porous than some reusable options
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use a makeup sponge?
A makeup sponge is ideal for flawless natural foundation application, so if you wear foundation every day, a sponge can give you a noticeably more blended finish than when you use your fingers.
How do I use a makeup sponge?
We recommend getting your sponge wet before use to avoid absorbing too much product — though it should be damp, never sopping. Then, dip the sponge into your foundation and gently dab or bounce the sponge onto the skin.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2001, our experts at TheFashionSpot have been providing millions of people with our take on the latest trends. TheFashionSpot is constantly looking for the hottest styles in clothing and accessories for people of all body types. Our team knows that beauty starts well before the closet, so we are also dedicated to finding the best products for your skin and hair.