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When it comes to blending your makeup, there are tons of different tools you can use, but one tried and true tool is without a doubt the beauty sponge. The beauty sponge is such an amazing and versatile tool because it can be used wet or dry for different benefits. Use your sponge when wet with your liquid makeup to get an easy to blend dewy finish, or use it when dry to apply powders, blush, bronzer, or highlighter.
Below, we rounded up all of our top picks which include everything from an angled sponge to a seamless sponge, and so many more. One of our favorite sponges has a rounded side for blending, a flat edge for contouring, and a pointed tip for concealing. Meanwhile, another one of our top picks has a unique design that allows you to get an easy grip on the sponge for seamless application.
Even better, some of the other sponges on our list are cruelty-free and latex-free, which is a huge plus for anyone who has allergies or sensitive skin. No matter what type of sponge you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone below!
Compare the Top Beauty Sponge of 2024
BEAKEY 5 Pcs Makeup Sponge Set — Best Overall
This set of five bright-colored sponges is perfect to keep handy. All of the sponges are made from non-latex material and even better, they can be used wet or dry. Use wet to blend in foundation or concealer, or use dry to apply powder, highlighter, or blush. The sponges have a seamless design with a pointy top which allows you to get in hard-to-reach creases, while the rounded bottom of the sponge allows you to cover a wider range of the face.
Pros
- Five sponges are included in the pack
Cons
- They come in a plastic bag
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge — Runner Up
This set of four sponges allows you to fully transform your face thanks to its brilliant design. The sponge has a rounded side for blending, a flat edge for contouring, and a pointed tip for concealing. You can use the sponge wet or dry to apply foundation, bb cream, concealer, and more. If you want a dewy glow, wet the sponge beforehand, if you want full matte coverage, use the sponge dry. Even better, the sponges are 100% cruelty-free.
Pros
- The sponges are cruelty-free
Cons
- All four sponges are the same
Aesthetica Cosmetics Beauty Sponge Blender — Honorable Mention
This non-latex foam sponge is vegan, 100% cruelty-free, and safe to use if you have allergies. The antimicrobial foam sponge can be used wet or dry and it helps glide makeup on easily. It doubles in size when wet to cover a larger surface of the face and makeup sits on top of the sponge instead of getting soaked in, so you end up wasting less makeup.
Pros
- It is latex-free
Cons
- Only one sponge comes in the pack
L'Oréal Paris Makeup Infallible Makeup Blender Sponge — Most Convenient
This super bouncy sponge has a unique shape that makes it easy to grip, plus the soft material allows makeup to sit on top of the sponge, rather than getting soaked up, so you have an easier time blending makeup. The sponge is designed to be used with all types of liquid foundation and it has a pointed tip which allows you to apply makeup in hard to reach spots such as around the nose and under the eyes. The round bottom of the sponge is meant to apply larger surface areas of the face.
Pros
- It is latex-free
Cons
- It may take a while to dry
Real Techniques Cruelty Free Miracle Body Complexion Sponge — Also Consider
This sponge is made of 100% cruelty-free soft and flexible foam with a large surface area that allows you to achieve coverage that is streak-free, all over the face and body. The round side of the sponge is used to blend makeup, the flat edge is used to contour, and the pointed tip is for precision. The sponge can be used with foundation, tanners, bronzer,s or body makeup, to give you an easy and flawless finish.
Pros
- It can be used on the face and body
Cons
- It only comes with one sponge to be used on the face and body
Buying Guide: Beauty Sponges
Every makeup collection needs at least one good beauty sponge to apply liquid or cream products. Here’s what you need to know about makeup sponges before you invest in one:
The Purpose of Blending With a Sponge
Blending is a term that can refer to many things. It can be used to mean the process of preparing a smoothie, or it could mean the act of trying to assimilate with your surroundings. In the context of makeup, blending simply means mixing and merging different parts of makeup. The reason for blending is simple - so that your makeup looks seamless.
You see, when doing your makeup routine, you’re adding in all sorts of colors and tones to your face. On their own, they look great but depending on how you’ve applied them, some parts can look too jarring compared to the rest of your makeup. If they look like they were just splattered over your face, and they’ll be quite the eyesore.
With blending, you can make highlighted and contoured areas look a little more gradual. You can also make your blush look more natural. Even your eyeshadow can be blended out to make it look less impactful if you think it’s attracting too much attention. In general, blending helps round out the rough edges, and it’s a great finishing touch no matter what look you’re going for.
Beauty Sponge Shapes
Beauty sponges have evolved in terms of shape over the years. Some sponges are somewhat traditional in shape, whereas others are a lot more modern. Here are a few:
Egg-shaped sponges
As the name suggests, egg-shaped sponges are shaped like chicken or poultry eggs. They don’t necessarily have to look exactly like an egg - as long they have an oval-like shape. These types of sponges have the advantage of being usable on both sides.
Teardrop-shaped sponges
These sponges are what you’ll commonly see in modern makeup and beauty salons. They have a shape resembling that of a teardrop, and they’re quite pleasing to the eye. The reason for the shape is pretty straightforward - one side is for large areas such as the cheek, whereas the pointed edge suits tighter and smaller areas better, such as around the nose.
This versatility makes it quite a useful sponge shape, and it’s no surprise that this type of sponge has risen in popularity.
Other shapes
Aside from the two shapes mentioned earlier, there are also shapes that are more unique and complex in nature. The reason behind this is not only to make the product stand out but also as an attempt to make it easier to use the sponge. The curves and pointed edges of the sponge are positioned in certain ways to make the sponge versatile and accessible.
Brushes vs. Sponges
One common topic you’ll hear is the debate between sponges and brushes. These two makeup tools are often used in similar ways, which is why this leads to questions and arguments on whether or not one is better than the other. The answer, however, is much simpler than you think - both tools have their own uses.
Makeup brushes are great for precise application. You can more accurately apply powder or makeup in a certain area using a brush thanks to its relatively small tip. For adding finishing touches before blending, brushes are usually the best choice to work with.
On the other hand, sponges allow you to apply makeup over larger areas, and you can even be a little precise with your application depending on what type of sponge you use. Sponges also have the advantage of being relatively light, which can be quite useful if you always feel discomfort on your arms while working on your face.
So while they both have their own uses, one is meant for more precise application, whereas the other is better for larger and more even applications. It’s always a good idea to have both brushes and sponges available at all times just in case you need them.
How Much Do Beauty Sponges Cost?
Beauty sponges are fairly cheap. They can go for less than $10, and many of them are even sold in sets instead of being sold individually. These sponge sets usually also come in assorted colors, allowing you to color-code your sponges if you prefer doing it that way.
Beauty sponges can vary in price depending on a number of factors. The number of sponges, materials used, and even the product packaging play a role in affecting the final price. If you’re buying from a well-known brand, expect to spend a lot more on a single sponge.
