The simple make up sponge has come a long way in
recent years. From a simple, flat disk, to what we all use today - the Beauty
Blender, there has been a variety of sponges made to apply all types of make
up. I love make up sponges and have been using a few different ones to the test
recently and have had a lot of questions about how I compare them. So that is
exactly what we are going to do today! I will be comparing a couple of sponges
from Real Technique, Mukier and of course the popular Beauty Blender.
Beauty Blender
Let's start with the most popular of them all, the
Beauty Blender. For so long, I was adamant I would not get a Beauty Blender,
because how can you justify paying so much for a piece of sponge? Anyway, I
caved recently and bought one, mainly to see what the hype was all about.
It is so squishy. That is what I noticed most about
this sponge. The squishiness. when you wet the sponge it almost doubles in size
and gets even more squishy (find a new word for squishy Laura!). It applies
product so well, both when dry and wet. It applies make up flawless and makes
it easy to blend as well. It really is the perfect product.
Was I impressed? Yes. Prior to using the Beauty Blender I was using a rather cheap equivalent, that I enjoyed, but wasn't overly excited about. The Beauty Blender definitely makes make up application easy, particularly cream based products. My only disappointment? The cost....they are rather pricey for what they are and I don't know that they are necessarily worth that high price tag. Hence why I want to compare the Beauty Blender to some other, cheaper options.
One other very popular is the RT Miracle Sponge. The
design is a little different, with one pointed edge and another flat edge. I've
heard mixed reviews about this sponge. Some people absolutely love it, others
are still on the fence (or you know, hate it).
How does it compare to the Beauty Blender? First
things first, I think it is important to remember it is not the Beauty Blender,
it is different. The major difference, besides the design, is that it feels a
little more dense. Not much, but a little bit. I actually really like this
sponge though. Much like the Beauty Blender, it expands quite a bit when wet,
and gives a gorgeous flawless finish when applying or blending make up. It does
feel like a different consistency to the Beauty Blender, but in all honesty,
that is probably the only major difference I have noticed.
I have a huge fan of this sponge and in all honesty it
is probably my go to make up application tool. It is extremely versatile and makes it easy to apply foundation all over your face, or blend a contour. The different surfaces and edges make it perfect for everything.
Let’s look at one
more option – Mukier. This is the most affordable option, but does it meet the
quality of the other two? It has the most unique design of all, shaped as a
tube rather than a round, tear-drop shaped sponge. I know that this will
immediately put some people off, but in all honesty I love the shape. I find it
easy to hold and that it sits comfortably in my hand, just like a pen. I tend
to only use the flat edge at the top, but it works really well.
The biggest
difference that I find between this sponge and the other two is that it is the densest
of all the three sponges, but this means that it absorbs the least amount of
product. Yes, that means less wastage! Being a sponge it is always going to
absorb some of the product you are applying, but I find that it absorbs far less
than the Beauty Blender or the Real Techniques sponge. At just $9, I’ve been
super impressed with how well it applies and blends both cream and powder make
up on my skin.
The
Verdict
I know the
question you’re all thinking ‘but Laura! Which is the best one!?’ I’ve found
this a really difficult question to answer, because I actually like all three
for different reasons. The Beauty Blender is your classic sponge, that is
fantastic and will probably never go out of style, but I can’t justify spending
$20+ on a sponge. My current go-to is probably the Real Techniques Sponge. I
find that it applies product smoothly and easily. However, both the Real
Techniques and the Beauty Blender absorb so much product, that I often find I
have to do an extra pump of foundation (too much wastage). The Mukier has
helped this a fair bit. While the application point is slightly smaller, the
Mukier sponge definitely absorbs the least amount product, while still apply
just as well as the other two. The smaller tip makes it perfect for getting
under the eyes and around the nose and mouth. If you’re looking for a sponge
that works extremely well but doesn’t eat all your foundation, I’d definitely
choose this one.
If I had to pick
only one, I would choose the RT Miracle Sponge as my favourite, closely
followed by the Mukier. Why? Well I am not going to spend all my money on the
Beauty Blender, also the RT sponge is honestly fantastic, when both wet and
dry. I’d choose the Mukier second, because (as I’ve said over and over again)
it absorbs less. In saying that I am currently using the RT for applying my
foundation, and the Mukier for doing concealer. The RT is big enough for the
whole face, where as the smaller sized Mukier is perfect for blemishes and
under eyes.
What is your favourite make up sponge? Do you disagree
with my thoughts on the Beauty Blender?
*DISCLAIMER
– Although this product was sent for me to trial and review, all views
and opinions are 100% honest. All opinions are based purely from my own
experiences. The Life of Laura is not by a professional or expert.
Please do not confuse my opinions with professional advice.
I too cannot justify the price of the Beauty Blender. Also when RT one expands just like that,works well, and better price than Beauty Blender.
ReplyDeleteI like the tube shaped one too! It's a new and unique design and will be interesting to see how it is . I really think "Sponges" are not "necessary" at all and it can be a personal preference. Because, different foundation formulas require different "Applicator/Blender" so, one can easily skip on BB and save some bucks!
I can't justify it either, especially when there are so many fantastic cheaper ones available that are just as good! I am loving the Mukier one, I've been using it more and more since I wrote this article! xx
DeleteI love RT beauty sponge so much that I refuse to finally try the original beauty blender. I don't wanna risk being spoiled by it, because the price point is pretty high for me. :D
ReplyDeleteMichelle Morchella
I didn't want to try it for so long! And look, it's great, but I still reach for my RT sponge way more! xx
DeleteI have the beauty blender and was contemplating getting the RT one as well. I enjoy the beauty from time to time, but to be 100% honest my go to is my F80 sigma blending brush
ReplyDeleteI use the RT Expert Face Brush as well, but some days I just prefer my sponge to a brush :) xx
DeleteI love the Beauty Blender and until I find a better sponge, it's my favourite!
ReplyDeleteI do have a few other cheaper versions but none of them are as good as the original x
Jessica | www.jessicaduartemua.com
Maybe it's because I started with other sponges, but I've never been hugely in love with the Beauty Blender! It is good, but I just can't justify it xx
DeleteI am a huge fan of the real techniques sponge. Its so good for a fraction of the cost
ReplyDeleteI know right! They're fantastic xx
DeleteI've never used a Beauty Blender (don't own liquid foundation, so don't need it), but tbh I don't think I would because I couldn't justify the price. I've heard the Chi Chi makeup sponges are pretty good too, so maybe check them out.
ReplyDeleteI have actually started using my sponges for powders lately too! I've heard good things about Chi Chi as well!!
DeleteThe beauty blender is my go to sponge but I agree it can get a little costly! I will definitely have to try the R.T one! Thanks for a fab comparisons post :) x
ReplyDeleteNo worries! They can get costly, but having options is always good xx
Deletefor me , my favorite is the original beauty blender. i find that it lasts longer than the real techniques one.
ReplyDeleteMy RT ones have always last me ages! I've never had them fall apart or anything. I haven't had my BB as long, so I can't compare, but I do love my RT one xx
DeleteI'm the same, I love my RT miracle sponge!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it just fantastic! Xx
DeleteThe finish that the beauty blender gives compared to other sponges like RT means I will happily pay for it and deal with the wastage. Nothing compares to it for me :)
ReplyDeleteI find that I get the same finish with both! They blend really well though xx
DeleteGreat comparison! I never bought the BB because of the price as well. I love the RT sponge!
ReplyDeleteThanks lovely! I do too xx
DeleteBeaut idea for an article Laura! I've only ever bought one sponge (by Manicare) and it soaked up SO MUCH product, I went straight back to my brush/fingers technique. Keen to try the RT one though after reading your review - thanks hon xxx
ReplyDeleteI've tried the el cheapo sponges from eBay and they didn't do a good job with smoothing product and absorbed way too much. I have to try the beauty blender.
ReplyDeleteI love the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion sponge - so much that I have 4 haha! I've never tried the beauty blender because I could never justify spending so much on a sponge, but I do really want too try it out so I can see what all the hype is about! xx
ReplyDeleteGreat Post Laura! I need to try the Real Technique 😍
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you on the beauty blender its such a waste to spend that much on it - and dispose of it in less than a month (something I do). As for my favorite, mine are from a PRC factory and I love it so much that I have so many extras hahaha 😅
xxBey || yourbeautyfixx.com