How to Choose a Makeup Sponge

The right makeup sponge can make all the difference in achieving a flawless and airbrushed finish. From blending foundation to applying blush and concealer, finding the right tool to fit your skin type will help you achieve a natural-looking finish that won’t look cakey or heavy.

The Beautyblender’s famous egg shape is easy to grip and clean, plus it can be used wet or dry. It’s also non-porous, so it won’t soak up your product.

Size

The right sponge helps your foundation, concealer, or any other base product stay put and look natural. It also allows you to use less of the product. If you have oily skin, a makeup sponge can also help control the amount of excess product that ends up on your face or in the surrounding areas.

Depending on the makeup application technique you prefer, the shape of your sponge should also be considered. Triangle sponges, for example, are a convenient, disposable option that provides sheer coverage and works well on larger areas of the face. They’re perfect for quick touchups throughout the day.

Pear-shaped makeup sponges have a full base that tapers into a narrow, elongated tip resembling the silhouette of a pear fruit. The versatile pear design empowers diverse makeup techniques and makes it ideal for hard-to-reach areas like the nose, eyes, and mouth. They’re great for applying cream or liquid products evenly and blending them with powders to achieve a seamless complexion. Unlike other types of makeup applicators, these beauty tools are non-porous and hypoallergenic to minimize the risk of irritation and allergies.

Texture

Choosing the right texture and density of your makeup sponge helps to create a natural, airbrushed finish, while keeping your foundation, concealer, or powder looking natural and not cakey. Additionally, the right sponge for your skin type helps to avoid buildup of product and bacteria, which can lead to breakouts or infections.

There are a variety of different shapes of sponges available on the market, each with its own unique benefits and uses. For example, a teardrop-shaped sponge is great for blending foundation on makeup sponge larger areas of the face, while a rounded and egg-shaped sponge can provide a soft stippling effect and help with more precise application in hard-to-reach spots like around the nose or eyes.

A flat-edged sponge can also be used to easily blend contour or bronzer on harder-to-reach areas of the face, while a pointed tip can be used to help conceal and spot treat blemishes or to add definition to your cheekbones. Remember to dampen your makeup sponge before use, and then bounce or stipple the product over your face in a gentle, circular motion.

Density

The makeup sponge’s density determines how much it holds and blends makeup. A high-density makeup sponge is great for applying full-coverage foundation and concealer, while a low-density makeup sponge is ideal for blending light to medium coverage products.

Another consideration is the texture of a makeup sponge. Soft, bouncy sponges are good for hydrating skin and blending products seamlessly. In contrast, hard-edged sponges provide a more defined finish.

Makeup sponges come in all shapes and sizes, but finding the right one can be difficult. By understanding the characteristics of a makeup sponge, cosmetologists can find the perfect tool to elevate their work. With proper cleaning and maintenance, a good quality makeup sponge can last up to three months. So, get out there and find your perfect fit! Just don’t forget to wash it regularly. Madison Yauger is a senior commerce writer at PEOPLE with a background in news and lifestyle journalism, as well as extensive experience testing hundreds of consumer products. She specializes in beauty and personal care, including makeup and skincare. Her favorite products are clean, sustainable and good for your complexion.

Material

When it comes to choosing a makeup sponge, material is a critical factor. The best sponges are made from non-porous silicone that provides easy clean-up, minimal product absorption and a flawless makeup finish.

They’re also more durable than traditional sponges and can be used countless times. Plus, they’re environmentally friendly because they can be recycled, reducing waste and saving money on disposable makeup applicators.

A silicone makeup sponge is the perfect choice for cosmetologists looking to minimize product waste and extend the life of their makeup sponge company tools. They’re also available in a variety of shapes and sizes to cater to different makeup application needs.

Teardrop or egg-shaped sponges are versatile and ideal for all-over application. They have a wide, rounded base that tapers to a narrow tip to reach hard-to-reach areas around the nose and eyes. The pear-shaped sponge is another great option for blending in hard-to-reach areas. This sponge has a fuller base that transitions into a skinny elongated tip that resembles the silhouette of a pear. It’s also a good choice for sculpting contour and bronzer to create an airbrushed look.

Shape

Makeup sponges are a makeup tool that’s widely used for blending out liquid and cream foundations, concealer, contour, and highlighter. Their unique texture buffs the product into the skin for an airbrushed effect without creating streaks or caking. The right makeup sponge material and density also helps to fit your skin type so it blends seamlessly.

While traditional rounded makeup sponges are great for beginners, there’s also the option to choose one with both a pointy and a flat edge for more advanced blending techniques. The pointed edge allows you to precision apply product in hard-to-reach areas like around the nose and under the eyes, while the broad flat side can help to blend out large surface area like your cheekbones and jawline.

Regardless of your choice, you want to ensure the sponge is properly cleaned before and after every use. This includes rinsing out any excess water and spritzing it with a gentle cleanser or facial mist to keep it fresh. Leaving a damp sponge in a humid, closed space can lead to the growth of bacteria and mold.