Splurge or Save: Beauty Sponge Breakdown

This isn’t exactly the most hard hitting blog post I’ve ever written, but I’m excited to write it because it’s just fun. Makeup is my love - it’s my escape. There’s nothing more soothing to me than a quiet morning alone with my Nespresso latte, my favorite true crime podcasts, and plenty of time to do my makeup.

I love eyeshadow palettes like no other, but I can’t deny that flawless looking skin is the core of every good makeup look. Period. I invest in skincare and regular facials, but I love light face makeup and a girl is nothing without good tools.

Which led me to really stop and think - why is it that there are such a wide price range of beauty sponges and are the more expensive sponges really better than the inexpensive options? I wanted to examine two specific sponges I’ve used frequently that sit on complete opposite ends of the pricing spectrum: The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge and the Original beautyblender.

best-beauty-sponges

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge has been in my makeup tool arsenal for years at this point. At just $6, this sponge is incredibly affordable (especially when compared to the Original BeautyBlender). The Real Techniques sponge is unique in shape, with a traditional pointed end, but also incorporating a flat end that comes in handy if you’re into contouring. This sponge is made of non-latex foam.

beautyblender

The Original beautyblender is the sponge that started it all, and at a whopping $20 price point it doesn’t ring in cheap. The beautyblender does not have a flat edge (like the Real Techniques sponge), but is a more traditional full teardrop shape. Beautyblenders are also made using non-latex foam.

best-beauty-sponges

The comparison

Here’s the deal - these two products are both non-latex foam sponges, plain and simple. There’s really no ingredient list to compare here. While I’m sure each of these brands would staunchly defend their price points and quality, as a general consumer there’s just really not a whole lot of differences between these two sponges other than their shape and their feeling when wet.

Shape is a distinct difference between the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge and the Original beautyblender. As previously noted, the Real Techniques sponge has a teardrop shape, but a large flat surface at the bottom end. If you like baking or contouring, you may appreciate this flat edge more so than the entirely curved shape of the beautyblender.

The other difference I was able to spot when using these two sponges regularly was the feeling when wet. Both of these beauty sponges are meant to be used damp (wet your sponge and then squeeze out all the excess water!). I’ve personally found the Real Techniques sponge to be incredibly light and soft, while the beautyblender is more firm (just firm - not hard) and bouncy. It’s up to you what weight/texture feels best for you to work with.

I’ve also found - if we’re being honest here - that my Real Techniques sponges wear out pretty quickly. They develop dimples, get misshapen…I’ve even seen a mold spot or two in my day. None of which I’ve experienced with beautyblender.

best-beauty-sponges

The verdict

Both of these sponges have a place in my makeup bag, but I’ll admit, I received a few beautyblenders in PR recently and I was quickly reminded at just how much I love them. The Real Techniques sponge is a great quality product for the price, but I’ll admit that if prices were equal, I’d probably choose the beautyblender every time.

QVC actually has this amazing set on sale right now with four beautyblender sponges and four sponge cleansers for $45 - which is a MASSIVE discount. At that price, I'm a beautyblender gal all the way.

As a side note - if anyone knows of a good way to recycle used makeup sponges I’d love to know! I love using sponges to do my makeup, but hate that they’re essentially disposable. I’d love to find a more eco-friendly way to dispose of them! Hit me up in the comments below.