Today, I’m reviewing two makeup sponges for applying foundation and concealer – the Original Beauty Blender and Real Techniques Miracle Sponge. Since purchasing the Original Beauty Blender, there have been tons of imitation makeup sponges popping up in stores. While I love the Original Blender, it is a pricey investment for a makeup sponge. So, I decided to buy the much less expensive Real Techniques Miracle Sponge to see if it is comparable.
The Original Beauty Blender | Real Techniques Miracle Makeup Sponge | Clinique Even Better Glow Makeup | Clinique Beyond Perfecting Super Concealer
For this review, I used my beloved Clinique Even Better Glow Makeup and Clinique Beyond Perfecting Super Concealer. I use this makeup everyday or every day that I put on makeup that is! I have been using Clinique brand makeup for years. My mom used it, and it was even on a list I received from a dermatologist I went to years ago of good makeup products for your skin. I’ve switched foundations within the line over the years as my skin has changed and have never been disappointed! So if you are looking for a new foundation, I highly recommend checking out Clinique.
As for the results of how I liked applying my makeup with these two sponges, I must say I liked both products!
The Real Techniques Miracle Sponge is equal to the Original Beauty Blender in being soft and soothing to the skin. Yes, I said soothing! I often suffer from having hot flashes right in the middle of applying my makeup (probably a result of being in a steamy bathroom and getting anxious if I’m running late). Though you can use the Real Techniques sponge without wetting it first, I rinsed it under cold water just like I do my Beauty Blender. I love how they both feel soothing and cooling to my skin.
Both sponges equally gave me the airbrush application that they are known for doing as well! I was a little concerned when getting in corners and applying concealer that the Real Techniques sponge, which is bigger before rinsing under water, would be uncomfortably big. The Original Beauty Blender may have a slight edge over it for size when it comes to applying concealer, but the difference is not much. Plus, you can buy smaller sized sponges in both brands.
A major drawback, for me anyway, with both sponges is that they are hard to clean. I’ve cleaned my Original Beauty Blender with the cleaner it came with and the Facial Cleanser I use. I have to really work to get all the makeup stains out of both sponges. I must not be the only one particular about visible stains left, because now you can find the Beauty Blender in a Nude Makeup Color and a Dark Color for applying darker makeup products.
I’ve seen on Pinterest where you can microwave these sponges to kill any bacteria in them like you would a kitchen sponge. I haven’t tried this yet, but am going to next time I need to clean mine!
As I stated at the beginning of this post, the one difference between these two sponges is price. In fact, this 6 Piece Real Techniques Set at Kohl’s is the same price as one Beauty Blender.
How do you like to apply your foundation? Makeup sponge? Brush? Or plain old fingertips?
I usually use a makeup brush that has one end for concealer and the other for foundation. I really love how it blends. I always start with putting on concealer with my fingertip to heat it up and make it blend better. I use the Beauty Blender to touch up around my nose. So I guess the short answer is both! I also suffer with flushing when doing makeup. It is a battle getting makeup on while it is melting off. I use a Dior foundation that is pretty on my fair skin, but I think I will check out Clinique. Thanks.
It is a battle getting makeup on while it’s melting off!! Then, I get in a hurry because it is making me late. The frustration with it all just the hot flashes going. Ugh!