8 of the Best Makeup Sponges for a Blended Finish, Plus Tips From a Celeb Makeup Artist
Using the right beauty tool is the secret to creating a seamless look—and for many, that tool is the beauty blender (also known as a makeup sponge). Many experts swear by its ability to deliver a second-skin finish thanks to its soft, porous material that allows for an even, seamless makeup application. Beauty blenders are also loved for their versatility because they can be used with different makeup formulas like liquid, cream, and powder and with a range of products from foundation and concealer to contour and setting powder. Ready to learn more about achieving a picture-perfect makeup look? Keep scrolling because we’ve rounded up the eight best beauty blenders and share more about why they’re beauty lovers’ secret weapon.
- 01Why use a sponge?
- 02Shop our picks
- 03How to choose
- 04How to use
- 05FAQ
- Kelli Anne Sewell, Kelli Anne Sewell is a professional makeup artist based in New York City.
8 of the best beauty blenders, at a glance:
- Best for foundation: Koh Gen Do, Makeup Sponge (2-Pack), $30
- Best for concealer: e.l.f. Cosmetics, Camo Concealer Sponge, $6
- Best for all skin types: Morphe x Ariel, Soft Sculpting Signature Sponge, $10
- Best luxe beauty blender: Clé de Peau Beauté, The Sponge, $25
- Best soft-texture beauty blender: Real Techniques, Miracle Airblend Mattifying Makeup Sponge (2-Pack), $11
- Best non-latex beauty blender: Beakey, BounBoun Beauty Sponges Set (5-Pack), $7
- Best for mature skin: BeautyBlender, Makeup Sponge, $20
- Best budget beauty blender: AOA Studio, Paw Paw Wonder Blender (6-Pack), $8
Why use a makeup sponge?
“A good makeup sponge or beauty blender actually reflects a texture that is most similar to a human's hands and fingers,” shares Kelli Anne Sewell, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Makeup By Kelli Anne. “The smooth surface of a blender is so skin-like that it leaves a sheer, natural finish.” Plus, Sewell notes that brushes can sometimes leave strokes on the face, so a makeup sponge can be used to blend them away. “It's also a great tool to use at the end of your makeup routine to blend all products on the face together, giving a more skin-like finish and blended look,” shares Sewell. And that’s not all—beauty blenders ensure less product waste. When damp, it doesn’t soak up as much product as a brush or your hands would, so it doesn’t waste a drop of what you spent your hard-earned dollars on.
Shop 8 of the best beauty blenders
Shopping for beauty blenders can be confusing, but Japan-based skin-care brand Koh Gen Do makes it easy with its large makeup sponge. This triangle-shaped design is intended just for foundation because the multiple flat surfaces evenly distribute the product. It feels different from other makeup sponges because of how thick and cushiony it is, which allows the product to melt into the skin and create a sheer base that delivers a “your skin but better” look. Whether you use it dry or damp, this sponge won’t disappoint. Pro tip: Get more use out of the sponge by using it to bake underneath your eyes or define your jawline.
Shape: Rounded triangle
Material: Latex-free elastic
Size: 1.75 x 0.75 x 1.75
Pros:
- Flat, durable surfaces
- Comes with a case to protect the sponge in your makeup bag
- Comes with two sponges
- Can be used dry or damp
Cons:
- Pricier option
e.l.f Cosmetics’ Camo Concealer Sponge is designed for smooth, natural coverage in hard-to-reach places on your face. The slim, narrow egg-shaped design fits perfectly in all the places you would apply concealer, like under the eyes, on the lids, between the eyebrows, and around the nose. Shoppers love the tool because rather than pushing the makeup around as a brush would, the sponge presses the formula into the skin for a smoother finish while also helping you regulate the amount of product you need.
Material: Rubber
Shape: Slim egg-shape
Size: 0.91 x 0.91 x 4.88 inches
Pros:
- Soft
- Lasts a long time (if taken care of)
- Narrow shape helps get in hard-to-reach shop
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- May be too small for some
If you want Kylie Jenner’s red-carpet-ready complexion, then the Morphe x Ariel Soft Sculpting Signature Sponge is for you. Jenner’s makeup artist, Ariel Tejada, designed it in collaboration with cosmetic brand Morphe, and it instantly became a best-selling product. Beauty lovers worldwide covet the double-sided design that Ariel notes he uses one side for concealer and the other for foundation. Plus, it’s incredibly plush so you can squish and manipulate the sponge based on your needs. You can even use it dry without worrying about it soaking up your products and wasting your money. “I don’t know what Ariel did with this sponge, but I will be going back to buy the rest they have,” says one TikToker.
Material: PU (Polyurethane)
Shape: Egg shape
Pros:
- Can be used dry and damp
- Seamlessly blends product
- Very pointed (but soft) tip
- Celebrity makeup artist tested and approved
Cons:
- May lose its shape faster
- No flat surfaces
Spending $25 for a makeup sponge may seem criminal, but if it’s going to make our makeup look like we got it professionally done, then we are not opposed. This makeup sponge is from Japan’s #1 Luxury Beauty Brand, Clé de Peau. It features a high-quality, soft material that is lightweight and soft to the skin. The shape is perfectly adjustable to the oval of the face, under the eyes, and at the tip of the nose. It is worth the money because it lasts long and stands up to weekly cleanings. Plus, it has a multi-sided design (round bottom, small concave side, large convex side, and a flat tip), each serving its purpose to give your makeup a beauty filter-like look.
Material: Rubber
Shape: Unique multi-sided
Pros:
- Infused with moisturizing ingredients to blend products effortlessly
- Can be used wet or dry
- Multi-sided and soft
- Less porous texture makes it long-lasting
Cons:
- Relatively pricey
Real Techniques’ Miracle Airblend Sponge is a TikTok-approved beauty tool that deserves a place in your makeup bag. It’s fluffy and smooth and feels like a dream on the skin. Especially when damp, it lends a dewy makeup look that’s streak-free. Plus, it absorbs minimal product thanks to its light composition. Reviewers love using the flat side since it has a large surface area to apply their foundation quickly and efficiently and then using the precision tip to blend concealer under the eyes and around the nose.
Material: PU (Polyurethane)
Shape: Teardrop
Pros:
- Multi-sided and durable
- Includes two sponges
- 100% vegan, cruelty-free & latex-free
- Soft, cloud-like texture
Cons:
- Some shoppers note it soaks up makeup
If you have a latex allergy or sensitivity and are looking for a makeup sponge that caters to your needs, then BEAKEY’s Makeup Sponges Set is for you. This tool is made of a non-latex material that works well with liquid and cream products. Plus, it ensures a non-patchy application with powder products. The set comes with five sponges that are all different colors, allowing you to color code them with your different products. Plus, the set is on sale for a little over $1 a piece, meaning you never have to feel guilty about replacing your makeup sponge weekly.
Material: PU (Polyurethane)
Shape: Tear Drop
Size: 1.57 x 6.57 x 8.6 inches
Pros:
- Colored options (so you can keep track of your sponges)
- Inexpensive
- Clean easily
- Don’t fall apart after many uses
Cons:
- May bleed color when wet
- May be too dense for some uses
BeautyBlender’s makeup sponge is so iconic that (as displayed in this article) people use the terms “makeup sponge” and “beauty blender” interchangeably. Since 2003, it’s been the ubiquitous sponge you think of when you see a pink egg-shaped design. While there have been countless knockoffs, nothing can top BeautyBlenders’ design. It offers the perfect balance between absorption and application and is fantastic for all skin types, especially mature skin, as the soft texture and lightweight composition help foundation and concealer glide over fine lines and textured skin. While it’s a bit more pricey than others, many shoppers justify the price tag because they know it will work well.
Material: Ultra-plush foam
Shape: Teardrop
Pros:
- Applies makeup seamlessly to oily, combo, and normal skin
- Made without latex, parabens, sulfates, SLS & SLES
- Award-winning soft and fluffy design
Cons:
- Pricey
Makeup sponges don’t have to be costly and the Paw Paw Super Soft Blending Sponge proves that. This set of sponges, which come in a pack of six for less than $8, is the number 2 best-seller in Makeup Blenders & Sponges on Amazon—and for good reason. Yes, they’re a fraction of the price of a real BeautyBlender, but it’s really because of how soft, squishy, and practical they are. They blend makeup seamlessly and quickly, cutting down the time you take to get ready. They’re even loved by celebrity makeup artists like Kelli Anne Sewell and Kevin Kodra. “I opt for my Amazon sponges over an expensive one any day, but to each their own,” says Sewell. So save your money and thank us later.
Material: Rubber
Shape: Tear drop & beveled
Pros:
- Two different shapes to blend product easily
- Squishy
- Small size is great for under the eyes and around the nose
Cons:
- Not as durable as other options
How do I choose the right beauty blender for my makeup routine?
- Density: When shopping for a makeup sponge, consider the density. Suppose you want your makeup to melt into your skin and get into small areas; a softer, less dense sponge will be best. On the other hand, if you want to apply setting powder or blend out all your products at the end of your routine, a denser sponge would be best for you. “I like a very soft sponge that does not have a lot of density,” notes Sewell. “I like to be able to maneuver it around the face in small areas like under the eyes and around the nose, which requires a soft plush sponge.”
- Size: Makeup sponges come in all different sizes, from extra small to jumbo. “The bigger the sponge, the more surface area you will cover at once, so if you are a fan of quick makeup and maximizing efficiency, then maybe try a larger one!” says Sewell. “I prefer a standard-size sponge because it fits better in my hand.”
- Design details: Teardrop or egg-shaped is the quintessential design of makeup sponges. Still, you can also find triangle-shaped makeup sponges, diamond-shaped makeup sponges, hourglass-shaped makeup sponges, and many more. Each structure serves its own purpose, so consider what products you will use your sponge with and what areas of your face you will be applying the product.
- Easy to clean: A beauty blender or makeup sponge easily carries bacteria that can eventually lead to breakouts, acne, and various skin conditions, so yes, you should clean your beauty blender. If you want a makeup sponge that is easy to clean, you should look for one that is porous because it will nicely soak up the water and soap, ensuring it is thoroughly clean from the inside out. “You should wash your sponges like you wash your brushes,” says Sewell. This means placing your dirty sponge in a bowl full of soapy water and using your hands to work the soapy water into each of the sponges individually. Then, rinse, squeeze, blot, and air dry it.
How to use a beauty blender
There are many ways to use a beauty blender; the good news is there’s no right or wrong way to use it—it’s up to personal preference. It’s extremely versatile—you can either use it dry or damp. “I prefer to wet my sponge before working with liquids and creams because the water particles act as a barrier,” says Sewell. “If you think about it, the water is absorbed into the sponge and creates a barrier so that the liquid makeup will NOT be absorbed by the sponge or soaked up. A damp sponge will allow all the product to be applied to the face and avoid getting absorbed into the sponge like a dry one would.” When it's time to apply the products with the sponge, Sewell advises squeezing all the water out so that the makeup formula doesn’t turn watery, and so water doesn't get transferred to your skin. Then, use patting movements to blend seamlessly rather than wiping along the skin, which could disturb the texture of the makeup.
Frequently asked questions
What are the differences between various types of beauty blenders?
With the increase in demand for makeup sponges, many beauty brands have iterated on the egg-shaped design, creating sponges for all skin types and makeup products. They vary not only in size and color but also in shape. But the real question is: besides shape, is there a difference between all the different types? “I truly don't think there is a difference in all the beauty blenders out there,” says Sewell. “I opt for my inexpensive Amazon sponges over an expensive one any day, but to each their own.” However, it’s still important to carefully consider your options because if the sponge is too spongy or rough, it can create a blotchy or cakey makeup look.
How often should beauty blenders be replaced?
“Sponges can store a lot of bacteria, especially if you are wetting it before, so it's good to replace more often than less,” says Sewell. “A good rule of thumb is to replace your beauty blender once a month.” She also recommends buying inexpensive sponges so you can feel comfortable about throwing them out and using a new makeup sponge frequently. “Because I opt for a cheaper sponge, I'm okay with replacing it pretty often,” Sewell adds.
Can beauty blenders be used with all types of makeup?
Yes, a beauty blender or makeup sponge is a versatile tool that can be used with all types of makeup to create a seamless, airbrushed finish. As Sewell noted, it’s typically used with cream and liquid products but can also be used with powder. The different sides and design detail of makeup sponges prove their skillfulness. For example, a sponge's flat sides can be used for powdering and contouring, rounded ones for blending in cream foundation or blush, and pointed ends for concealer and more detailed application.
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