6 of the best makeup sponges and beauty blenders (plus what each shape is best for)
You could have the most beautiful silky or velvety foundation going, but if you haven't got the right tools for the job, you could be wasting all that gorgeous product, or settling for a ‘meh’ mottled finish, rather than a base that melds seamlessly with your skin.
High quality makeup brushes (or our fingers) are a great shout for layering on product and giving a beautiful, even finish. Since neither absorb much product, they're great for building up coverage. Even better, both offer different finishes depending on what effect you're trying to achieve. In general, brushes tend to give a perfected finish and are great if you like a fuller coverage. Meanwhile, the heat from your fingers are best employed on liquid or cream textures to help warm the product up and melt them into skin, enabling you to blend away any harsh lines.
But, if some of TikTok's most addictive hacks are anything to go by, we could be missing a trick by skipping out on makeup sponges. That, and the fact some of our most reliable makeup artists swear by them for the most exquisite finish.
Why? A sponge allows you to build up fine layers of foundation delicately. The addition of water (sponges are best used damp) helps to blend the product beautifully, helping it meld into skin and giving great coverage in the prettiest soft-focus way.
The dampness of your sponge can help determine the finish you achieve. Thoroughly wet it and you can use it with your foundation to create a super sheer finish; dampen it ever so slightly and you can build up to a much fuller coverage. It's why they can be used for everything from "light base coverage to full base coverage and are also brilliant for sealing your base so it lasts longer throughout the day," explains makeup expert Sam Chapman, who co-founded her own range of makeup tools, Real Techniques.
To get even more out of the makeup tool, Chapman reveals she likes to spritz her sponge with a setting mist, "so not only is it blending my foundation perfectly, it’s also fixing it to the skin." What a woman.
Though sponges have transformed from the flimsy, foam triangles of the '90s, the shapes and options on offer today can be pretty baffling. From conical to egg-shaped, ridged to almond, what does each do and which should we choose?
Here’s our pro guide to makeup sponges
Best makeup sponge for contouring
Morphe Highlight and Contour Sponge, £8, ASOS
As you'd expect from the name, this sponge has been specially designed to aid the application of your contour and highlighter. While the rounded edges are ideal for bouncing on product across the wider areas of your face, like your cheeks and forehead, the straight edge at the top is ideal for getting into the hollows of cheeks and across cheekbones.
Save when you shop for the best makeup sponges with these ASOS discount codes.
Best makeup sponge for foundation
Original Beauty Blender Sponge, £17, LookFantastic
The original and still one of the absolute best, this domed egg shape is ideal for stippling (dotting) on foundation and blending across larger areas, which makes it fantastic for applying foundation, while the tapered tip will get into smaller areas.
Save when you shop for the best makeup sponge with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best makeup sponge for multi-purpose
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, £5.99, LookFantastic
This features three distinct surfaces to reach multiple sections of your face. The rounded sides blend over larger areas like cheeks and foreheads, the tip can be used for precise application on blemishes and the flat edge fits under eyes and into the crevices around our nose.
Save when you shop for the best makeup sponge with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best makeup sponge for powder
madebySUNDAY Big Fuzz Microfibre Blender, £8, Feel Unique
This may look very similar to the other makeup sponges, but its fleecy texture sets it apart. The microfibre fabric absorbs 70% less product than an average sponge. Used dry, it's ideal for applying powder as you can blot on the amount you need with one side, then use the other to lift away any excess.
Best makeup sponges for precision
Real Techniques Mini Miracle Complexion Sponges, £8, Boots
These dinky, almond-sized sponges are ideal for getting into all those nooks and crannies, such as down your nose, under your eyes, on your lids and across cheekbones.
Best makeup sponge for under eyes
Fenty Beauty Precision Makeup Sponge, £13, Harvey Nichols
A good all-rounder, use the slanted edge for controlled stippling, the rounded end for all-over buffing and the specially designed half-moon edge at the top for targeted coverage (it fits perfectly under eyes).
