This is an archived article and the information in the story may be outdated. Please check the time stamp on the story to see when it was updated last.
I’ve always been a hands-on girl when it comes to applying undereye concealer or BB cream. I find most brushes feel too harsh against my sensitive skin and aren’t always effective in delivering an even layer of makeup. To be honest, I waited a really long time to try a Beauty Blender sponge — until I finally gave in, saw how much quicker it made my makeup routine, bought 8 more, and the rest is history.
The Beauty Blender sponge can be used to apply every cream, every liquid foundation, every primer, eye serum, and bronzer — every darn thing you want to apply. It comes in an array of colors and sizes and, unlike your fingertips or many brushes, it applies your makeup without leaving streaks and imperfections behind. You know how concealer can sometimes settle in the skin after a few hours and you can go a whole day without noticing it? Well, using a Beauty Blender can prevent that from happening — and it’s reusable. Washable. Ideal for sensitive skin. Really, I can go on and on.
If you’re curious about the Beauty Blender but aren’t sure where to start (or what to do with it once you own one) here are your top four Beauty Blender questions answered.
1) What Shape/Size Beauty Blender Works Best For You?
Figuring out what size and shape Beauty Blender you need is as easy as considering the skincare products and makeup you use on a daily basis. There are six Beauty Blender types and each tackles a different skin concern or makeup need.
The mini Beauty Blenders are a quarter of the size of the original (though they grow when wet) and are ideal for contouring, highlighting and concealing, and applying eye shadow — anywhere you plan on concentrating on a small area of the face. The Beauty Blusher is tailor made to apply cream or powder blush. The Pure BB is for eye creams, primers, and serums and is a dye-free sponge that’s great for sensitive skin. If you’re into bronzing and self-tanning products, you absolutely need the Pro BB. And both the Original and Nude Beauty Blenders are designed for foundation, powder, and cream blush (Original is pink and Nude is, well, nude).
2) How Do You Use A Beauty Blender?
After deciding which sizes you need, the next thing to do is actually test out your Beauty Blender. The best way to use a Beauty Blender sponge is by wetting it just enough so that it’s damp. Squeeze out excess moisture, apply makeup to the back of your hand, and dip the rounded end of your BB into it. Now, simply glide the sponge along your skin. Don’t press too hard and don’t worry about making mistakes — Beauty Blender sponges are as amazing at erasing errors as they are at applying makeup.
3) How Do You Clean Your Beauty Blender?
You can use Beauty Blender’s liquid cleanser, but a few drops of mild, gentle dish soap will work just as well. Add a few tablespoons of the soap to a bowl and turn on your faucet to let the cold water run. Submerge your sponge under the cold water to get it wet, dip it into the soap, and then work it into a lather by pressing the sponge repeatedly. Be gentle — twisting and wringing it can rip your Beauty Blender. Rinse the sponge under cold water, squeeze out excess water using a towel, and set it out to dry in a well-ventilated location.
