Ah, the Beautyblender… We’re definitely no strangers to this wonder of a blending tool. The tear-drop shaped sponge makes for effortless navigation as its plush surface smooths product out and eliminates all streaks to give our skin a pristine finish brushes simply can’t achieve. Pretty easy to see why this has become one our all-time favourite essentials, no? Well, this squishy thing may have been a staple in everyone’s makeup bags since 2007, but there’s certainly more to know about this iconic sponge.
How it all began
Surely founder Rea Ann Silva couldn’t have predicted the huge impact it would have on the beauty world. As a makeup artist who’s worked on television sets throughout her career, she wound up in a special-effects makeup class one day and, you guessed it, there were sponges involved – Silva’s lightbulb moment. After the lesson, she began experimenting with various sponge shapes to make sure it would work well on different plateaus of the face, until she finally settled on the Beautyblender’s signature tear-drop silhouette.
The material
Unlike standard makeup sponges, the Beautyblender is hydrophilic – sounds fancy, but it basically means that it’s designed to absorb water. When you soak it in water and squeeze the excess out, the hydrophilic foam material its made of becomes damp and allows a tiny amount of makeup to penetrate the top layer, creating a cushion effect for makeup application. This is why it gently bounces off the skin, while depositing a good amount of product for blending.
How to use
The Beautyblender can be used in a variety of ways, but the most effective method is still to tap it onto the skin, rather than dragging it across, which can alter the desired finish. So remember to pick up a good amount of product and tap away instead. One thing you might not know is that you can even use powdered formulas with the Beautyblender. You’ll notice that it gives the same matte finish, but with an added glow. Just make sure you wring out the excess water before you tap it into the pan, because you won’t want to destroy your favourite blush or bronzer.
Another hack to note is that it was designed to refresh makeup during the day. Piling on more makeup throughout the day creates even more cakeyness that we all want to avoid, so instead of touching up with more foundation, use a damp Beautyblender to re-blend for a flawless finish. Above, Rita Ora shows us how she does just that with her own beloved pink sponge. While you’re at it, take a gander at some of our favourite Beautyblender hacks here.
How to keep it clean
You don’t have to wash your Beautyblender every single day, but do remember to after a few uses with a gentle cleanser like Dr. Bronner’s or the brand’s own solid and liquid soaps. If you’re reading this now and your sponge hasn’t been washed in years, here’s an absurd trick that’s tried-and-true: stick your sponge in the microwave and heat it up. With proper care, the Beautyblender should last about three months, so keep your sponge clean and dry.
Beautyblender alternatives
Last year, we brought you a selection of Beautyblender alternatives to satisfy your addiction to makeup sponges and go easy on your wallet a little, but those who’ve tried them all would know that the original sponge still reigns supreme. Yes, at $32, it isn’t exactly the most affordable one ever created, but what you’re paying for is a seamless, glowy finish that’s unlike any other. It’s even paved the way for the rise of silicone sponges, and uh, other strange things people decided to blend their makeup with (thank god it’s come to an end). That aside, do give the OG Beautyblender a try – you’ll know why we’ve raved about it for years from your very first tap.
Beautyblender, $32. Available from Sephora and sephora.sg.
Header image: @beautyblender
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