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Beauty School: The Lowdown on Makeup Sponges

Nov 12, 2012 at 4:00am by Michelle Phan


Hi everyone,

Although by now you probably all know that my preferred application tool for foundation or tinted moisturizer is the foundation brush, I know that some people still like to use makeup sponges. The advantage to these is that they're quick and disposable, so they can useful when time is of the essence.

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One differentiating factor between makeup sponges is that some use latex and others are latex-free. Interestingly, they don't get the job done any differently. The non-latex sponges were created for people with latex allergies, so literally the only difference is that one kind has latex and the other doesn't. If you have a latex allergy, don't worry–you're not sacrificing any sponge quality to take care of yourself.

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tbd:Amazon:photo

When it comes to makeup sponges, what really makes a difference is the shape. So if you're going to use sponges instead of a foundation brush, keep the shape in mind rather than the material. Choose your makeup sponge based on the kind of coverage you're looking for.

Round and rectangular sponges are best for applying makeup on larger areas of skin, like the forehead and cheeks. Use wedge-shaped sponges for smaller areas or those that need contouring.

There are also egg-shaped sponges available too, such as the Beauty Blender or the Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge, which are designed in a way that doesn't leave visible streaks on your face. The benefit to these sponges, which can be used both dry and wet, is that it's easier to blend the makeup into your skin. Use the pointy tip around the nose and mouth and the wider base on your chin, cheeks, and forehead.

What kind of makeup sponges do you use? Let me know in the comments section!


Photo Credits: Guru Makeup Emporium, Allure, Target, Beauty Blender

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    19 comments

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    • Kenna De Coteau
      Kenna De Coteau
      Jan 7, 2013 at 5:06am
      0 0
      How do you clean the egg sponge????
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    • Coupon Shopaholic
      Coupon Shopaholic
      Nov 15, 2012 at 9:44am
      0 0

      I've bought the Beauty Blender and regreted it. It was so expensive and a waste of money. I caved in to buy it after watching youtube beauty gurus :*(. Perhaps it was my skin but it did not blend well and wasted too much product. :(


      http://applycoupon.blogspot.com

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    • Tianna Sicilia
      Tianna Sicilia
      Nov 13, 2012 at 1:45pm
      0 0

      i love the Sonia Kashuk & Beauty blender sponges! They always make foundation look flawless!



      http://storybookapothecary.com/2012/11/02/a-new-kind-of-giveaway-black-friday-beauty-extravaganza/

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    • Nicholle Zoe
      Nicholle Zoe
      Nov 13, 2012 at 9:04am
      0 0

      www.skyhigh-dreams.blogspot.com :) !! I blog daily! :D

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    • CHIxyLove
      CHIxyLove
      Nov 13, 2012 at 9:01am
      0 0

      i never use sponges... like you i prefer a brush :) stipple brush is my best bud!


      http://chixylove.blogspot.com/2012/01/make-up-and-hair-muah-elfs-stipple.html

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    • Josele Mari Yap
      Josele Mari Yap
      Nov 13, 2012 at 7:51am
      0 0

      i tried using sponge in bbcream, it works well but it absorbed too much just like MHYK said. :))



      http://littledreamersavenue.blogspot.com/

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    • MHYK
      MHYK
      Nov 13, 2012 at 3:21am
      0 0

      I don't really like sponges either as they absorb too much product! I do however, use the beauty blender to apply my concealer as it provides a streak free application.



      Please check out and follow my blog!

      http://mhyk.blogspot.com.au/

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    • Angel de Diana C. Enriquez
      Angel de Diana C. Enriquez
      Nov 12, 2012 at 8:46pm
      0 0

      I do not use sponges, because I do unhygienic, many bacteria accumulate and absorb a lot of product

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    • Cotton Candy
      Cotton Candy
      Nov 12, 2012 at 8:15pm
      0 0

      I like to use damp/wet sponge to apply foundation in summer when just want a thin layer of coverage to even out my skin tone. However, still prefer using my fingers and foundation brush :>


      ♥ J http://cottoncandyc.blogspot.com

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    • Emma McCarty
      Emma McCarty
      Nov 12, 2012 at 5:37pm
      0 0
      Hey! Maybe can u do a tutorial on how to use the beauty blender and how to clean it! Also can u put maybe your top three foundations for dry,oily,and combo skin!
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    • Emily Trace
      Emily Trace
      Nov 12, 2012 at 2:43pm
      0 0

      The only time I've used sponges is when I'm getting ready to go on stage and the make-up people backstage need disposable applicators. Otherwise I will always use a foundation brush; I used my fingers for years until Quo brushes went on sale, and I'm never going back. I actually came across a video I made two years ago of doing make-up and went "EEEYUUCKH" when I saw myself using my fingers to apply foundation. The horrror :)

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    • lazuli
      lazuli
      Nov 12, 2012 at 12:43pm
      0 0

      Using wedge-shaped sponges for concealer (under-eyes) and BB cream application^^


      I had problems with applying my BB cream and it went good by using a sponge so I'm glad^^


      As for highlighting concealer I apply it with my finger or with the sponge.


      Wedge-shaped sponges because I got them on E.L.F. website xD

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    • Maria Hristoforova
      Maria Hristoforova
      Nov 12, 2012 at 11:38am
      0 0

      I would reaaaally love to try the beauty blender, everybody's raving about it so much !


      http://starlightbeauty07.blogspot.com/2012/11/smells-like-fall.html

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    • Anna Gordova
      Anna Gordova
      Nov 12, 2012 at 11:10am
      0 0

      Im not a fun of sponges :) Prefer brushes :)
      http://learningtobefree.blogspot.ie/

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    • Lorien OBrien
      Lorien OBrien
      Nov 12, 2012 at 10:55am
      0 0

      I use the triangle sponge. And another different between latex and non-latex sponges is that I noticed the latex free are cheaper by twenty cents or so. But you're right, they get the job done just as well. And thanks for a tip you didn't write in here, that if you wet the sponge before using it, there's less makeup trapped inside and you have more for yourself.


      I pretty much always use a sponge when dealing with liquid foundation, if only to blot away the streaks.


      <3

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    • Natasha
      Natasha
      Nov 12, 2012 at 9:07am
      0 0

      i don't use sponges, but i really want to try out the beauty blender - it's so overpriced for a sponge though!


      http://cloudsandcuticleoil.blogspot.co.uk/


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    • stacey castanha
      stacey castanha
      Nov 12, 2012 at 7:16am
      0 0

      Please check out my nail art channel michelle :)


      http://www.youtube.com/user/staceysnailcandies

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    • Farida Sherif
      Farida Sherif
      Nov 12, 2012 at 5:07am
      0 0

      Hey Mich!
      You said that sponges are disposable. How long can we keep them before it's too long??? Thanx

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    • Mara
      Mara
      Nov 12, 2012 at 4:16am
      0 0

      I usually use round and wedge-shaped sponges. But I love to apply foundations or BB ceams with my fingers. When I use sponges I normally wet them a little bit with water so that the foundation looks naturally.


      Many greetings from Germany!


      Hope you do a meet and greet here in Europe a day :)


      God bless you

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