Silicone makeup sponges have been a buzzy and controversial makeup tool since around when they first went viral. I've always been intrigued by them but stuck to my normal sponges and brushes when it came to applying makeup. So when the topic came up for a story, I decided to put on my investigative-journalism hat and give the viral sponges a try.
I started asking makeup artists for their thoughts on the sponges and any application tips, but I guess I was living under a rock for the past six years. To my surprise, I found out that a lot of them didn't have anything to say about these sponges because they didn't like using them. It was turning out to be an interesting story already.
So after my dead-end searches for makeup artists who actually used the sponges, I changed course and decided to find some to try out myself. After browsing, I decided to test out E.l.f.'s Dual-Sided Silicone Blender, which was kind of like the best of both worlds. It has a silicone side and a flocked side for blending. I was also able to get in touch with E.l.f.'s senior manager of education and artistry, Anna Bynum, who offered to share her thoughts.
E.l.f. Cosmetics
Dual Sided Silicone Blender
SHOP NOWFirst, I asked Bynum what the pros and cons were. "The benefit of using a silicone sponge is that you can apply the product without it absorbing into the sponge, which helps with not wasting product. Silicone sponges can be easier to clean," Bynum explained. "Another benefit is that a makeup sponge made of silicone is more durable and longer-lasting than traditional makeup sponges made from polyurethane foam. For example, E.l.f.'s Angled Silicone Sponge also has the polyurethane foam and is dipped with silicone on the bottom."
As for the cons, Bynum said that a silicone sponge can make it more difficult to blend. "This is why our silicone sponges are hybrids and serve dual purposes&#;apply and blend using the different sides of the Angled Silicone Face Sponge and Dual-Sided Silicone Blender," she said. Bynum recommended not putting too much makeup on the sponge to make it easier to blend in the product.
Now, it was the moment of truth&#;time to apply. Many people recommended putting a small amount of foundation onto the sponge and then applying in circular motions, so I did just that. It felt weird at first, and I think the silicone texture really threw me for a loop since, of course, I'm used to bristles and regular sponges.
As Bynum mentioned, I found it was really hard to blend because it felt slippery, and my foundation felt like it was just moving across my face rather than sinking in and staying put. It was also tough to evenly spread it on my face, but as I got better at doing the circular motions, I started to get the hang of it. Circular motions are key! After many rounds of circular motions, I realized that was going to be as good as it gets, so I used my hands to pat any excess in. Plus, the dual-sided features of E.l.f.'s sponge made it easier&#;I used the flocked backing to blend everything evenly.
While the silicone sponge was a bit difficult for me to use (especially since it was my first time!), I found that I used less product compared to if I used a regular sponge or brush. A little bit goes a long way, especially since it helps the product glide onto the skin. And I love that it's so easy to clean.
Overall, it's not my favorite way to apply makeup. But again, I think the flocked backing on the E.l.f. sponge was clutch for application because I got the benefits of a silicone sponge, but I also was able to blend in my foundation seamlessly. Without it, I think I'd have a tough time getting an even finish with a sponge that was pure silicone. And if I do use one of these again, I'll probably apply the foundation onto my face first in dots and then use the sponge to glide and blend the makeup. As for the end result, I felt the makeup was evenly applied, and it looked pretty smooth and flawless&#;but it did take a bit to get there!
Looking to experiment with a silicone sponge? Take a look at some other options below.
E.l.f. Cosmetics
Angled Silicone Face Sponge
SHOP NOWI'm going to try this sponge next since it's also a hybrid, and it's Bynum's recommendation. "My ultimate favorite sponge is our Angled Silicone Face Sponge. I always use it dampened to apply my foundation while blending with the angled sides for a smooth, skin-like application," she said. "I love using the tip to blend out my concealer and even apply powder to set my under-eyes and the sides of my nose. It's a definite must-have!"
MakeupDrop x Violet Grey
Sponge
SHOP NOWThis applicator can also be used as a de-puffing eye tool&#;just pop it in the freezer.
Nyx Professional Makeup
Plump Right Back Silicone Blending Sponge Applicator
SHOP NOWThis silicone makeup sponge is designed for streak-free application. You can use it with foundations, face primers, skincare, and other complexion products.
Ulta
Dual Sided Silicone & Sponge Blender
SHOP NOWUlta's sponge is also a dual-sided product with a silicone side to spread makeup and a sponge side to blend.
Real Techniques
Miracle Mixing Makeup Sponge Blender
SHOP NOWOne end of this sponge has a silicone surface that's designed to mimic your finger. Use it to mix your makeup products and even your skincare.
Ulta
Fingerprint Silicone Blender
SHOP NOWThe silicone surface here has imprints that are like fingerprints, so you can spread your makeup evenly without any streaks.
Sonia Kashuk
Silicone Makeup Blender Sponge
SHOP NOWThe cushioned construction on this sponge makes for a gentler application.
Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte's Beautiful Skin Foundation
This is my current favorite foundation of the moment. I love the dewy, glowy finish it leaves and that it doesn't feel super heavy at all. I get compliments on how good my skin looks every time I wear it.
Maybelline
Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation
bodesi' Product Page
SHOP NOWWith over 100,000 ratings and 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, this drugstore find is beloved. It delivers natural-looking medium coverage while also refining pores.
Make Up For Ever
HD Skin Undetectable Longwear Foundation
SHOP NOWWhen our beauty team tried this buzzy foundation out, senior beauty editor Erin Jahns said, "It's so lightweight and almost feels more like a tinted moisturizer or serum than a medium-coverage foundation. It melts into the skin and blends effortlessly, and it truly does give your skin a blurred, lit-from-within look."
Giorgio Armani
Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation
SHOP NOWGiorgio Armani's Luminous Silk foundation is another favorite of makeup artists. The hydrating liquid foundation gives buildable medium coverage and has a silky texture.
Glossier
Perfecting Skin Tint
SHOP NOWGlossier's Skin Tint is formulated with diamond powder for a brightening, soft-focus effect that also reduces the appearance of pores.
Estée Lauder
Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation
SHOP NOWThis full-coverage foundation stays put for up to 24 hours and leaves a natural, matte finish.
Uoma Beauty
Say What?! Weightless Soft Matte Foundation
SHOP NOWUoma's foundation shade selection is truly amazing&#;there are 51 to choose from. The product itself is buildable, matte, hydrating, long-wearing, lightweight, and blurring.
Nars
Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
SHOP NOWNars's foundation has a blend of fruit extracts, which support the skin's elastic fibers and help smooth texture.
L'Oréal
Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation
SHOP NOWNot only does this foundation provide full, buildable coverage for up to 24 hours, but it also offers SPF 25 protection.
Next, BB Cream, CC Cream, and Foundation&#;How They're Different and Which to Choose
While makeup blenders are hardly a new kind of beauty tool, it&#;s still a new concept to many individuals&#;especially for those of us who learned makeup application during Y2K, when we were caking on foundation with those wimpy little sponge wedges.
So what is a makeup blender, and why should we use them now?
A makeup sponge, also known as a makeup blender or beauty blender, is a soft, spongey tool that&#;s meant for the application of liquid and cream makeup products.
Makeup blenders are sold from a number of different vendors, and they can consist of many different materials, but we recommend steering clear of latex, which is irritating for many people.
At 100% Pure, we created a latex-free makeup blender that&#;s not only safe and effective, but creates a true-to-skin finish with its unique, seamless texture and feel. Today, we&#;re discussing how a makeup blender can create the perfect makeup finish, and how to do so.
Benefits of Using a Makeup Blender
Here are some reasons why we love using makeup sponges, and why our Non Latex Makeup Blender is our go-to tool for foundation, concealer, and everything in between!
Multipurpose and Versatile
Generally, makeup blenders are marketed for the use of foundation. But as you&#;ll quickly find, these cute little sponges truly pack a punch when it comes to their versatility. Aside from foundation, makeup blenders can also be used for concealer, setting powder, contouring, and even applying skincare!
And this can make them especially appealing for those just starting out with makeup, since they can be used in place of a number of brushes.
Beginner Friendly
As mentioned above, makeup blenders are super beginner-friendly&#;not only because they&#;re so versatile, but also because they&#;re foolproof, and don&#;t need a whole lot of practice to achieve a flawless foundation finish.
Great For All Skin Types
If your skin is on the dry side, or even if you have textured skin (like most individuals), you might feel like every foundation is too cakey for your skin.
However, it might not be your foundation that&#;s at fault, but rather, your method of application. While most brushes drag product across the skin, makeup blenders lightly push the makeup for an extra-smooth, polished look that looks good on every skin type.
Flawless and Natural Look
While brushes can often lead to streaks, smudges and caking, a makeup blender&#;s spongy texture helps it absorb any excess product, making it all the easier for you to blend your makeup.
Even better, a damp blender will help give the skin a cake-free, dewy finish in a matter of seconds.
Easy Cleaning
If you&#;re sick of washing yet another set of makeup brushes each week for foundation alone, we have great news: makeup blenders are easy to clean!
With a bar soap or chlorine-free, alcohol-free dish soap, here&#;s how to get your makeup blender squeaky clean in minutes:
Saturate your sponge in cold (not hot) water, and lather it with the soap, making sure to focus on areas with the most staining.
Place the sponge under running water and thoroughly squeeze until the tap runs clear and the sponge is no longer foamy or sudsy when rinsed.
Gently press the sponge on a dry towel and allow it to air dry.
How To Use a Makeup Blender
Before we get into it, we can&#;t stress the versatility of makeup blenders&#;they can be used for just about any kind of makeup!
But for the sake of learning, let&#;s focus today on makeup blenders for flawless foundation application.
Before you even pop off the lid of your favorite foundation, here&#;s a pro tip: moisten the beauty blender sponge by soaking it in cold water, or by spritzing it with a setting spray. When damp, a makeup sponge will give you a sheer, dewy finish without using up all of your product.
Next, it&#;s important to make sure that the sponge is damp, and not wet. In other words, proceed to gently squeeze out all the excess water from the blender, taking care not to be too harsh on the tool itself.
Now for the application, it&#;s recommended that you avoid any heavy-handed motions, and that you don&#;t just drag your makeup blender across your skin in this way.
When using your makeup blender, it&#;s recommended that you instead adopt a bouncing motion, lightly patting and blending the foundation on your skin to give it a uniform, flawless coverage and diffused finish.
To follow up with concealer, simply apply the product beneath the eye area with your ring finger, before using the pointed edge of the makeup blender to seamlessly blend your concealer with the base foundation.
Now, it&#;s time to set your look. To do so, press the rounded part of the sponge into your setting powder before stippling it over the concealer. This will not only set your makeup for longer-lasting wear, but it will also help prevent any smudging, crinkling or smearing.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Custom Logo Makeup Sponge.