It was my understanding that brushes are preferred over sponges for make-up application; particularly for base foundation. Now I am told that sponges, like the Beauty Blender, are better.
Is there a hard and fast rule or does it vary depending on personal skill of the MUA?
Are there certain techniques or results that are better achieved using one or the other?
Re: Sponges Vs Brushes
Once I started using the foundation brush I was hooked - however beauty blender looks so good and the application seems so easy/smooth!!
I should try the BB to see the difference? but I heard $20 something just for the sponge....ouch!!!
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yeah...the price is up there for a sponge but if it works and is resilient then I guess its may be worth it.
I was taught to use the foundation brush cuz it also conserves product; the sponge tended to absorb and waste my foundation. I found that I was throwing money away when I washed the sponge....
I'm thinking that for contouring and highlighting the sponge is a necessity.....
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I am always comfortable with sponges, never liked Brushes for foundation. :)
Re: Sponges Vs Brushes
With a beauty blender you're supposed to soak it in water first and squeeze out the excess. Doing this prevents make up from seaping into the sponge. Then what I do is dot the makeup on my face and then blend it in with the sponge so then I'm not wasting product because it's already on my face.
I personally love the BB and the flawlessness of it.
Re: Sponges Vs Brushes
The BB is amazing.
I used a flat brush for foundation for years...then I saw the BB used by a MUA during a tutorial and got really curious about it.
I tried the Sonia Kashuk version of it and the BB itself...both are beautiful. The nice thing about the Sonia K one is that its half the price.
The blending that these sponges give is just flawless...and its especially good for people who have dry skin.
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I've been using the Sonia Kashuk version on Reha's suggestion, and for a makeup novice like myself, I have to say it's amazing!!! It gives such a natural and flawless finish! I'm getting so comfortable with it, thinking about splurging on the BB!
Re: Sponges Vs Brushes
Don't want to repeat what everyone said above but yes, the beauty blender sponge is fabulous for foundation application. Because it's wet prior to application, it helps prevent product from being eaten up by the sponge. Unlike brushes where you drag the product around, the BB "stamps" the product on so it makes it excellent for people with dry skin who don't want to aggravate their flakes/dryness by using a brush and doing micro-exfoliation. Makeup artist use the BB for people who have other skin conditions which alters the texture of their skin (like psoriasis or rosacea) and brushes would just make those areas look flaky and worse. The BB sponge just stamps product over it and that's what makes the foundation look flawless.
As for sponges for eyeshadow application. I typically throw out the cheap sponges that come in the makeup stuff but I do find sponges to be great for packing on color on to the lid. Many beauty bloggers, myself included, use sponges for swatches because they really pack on color true-to-color.
Re: Sponges Vs Brushes
Reha, Khatti, & M:
After hearing your views....looks like I'll be trying the BB soon..lol. I'll probably just end up splurging and trying the original one. Question: Can this be used with liquid foundations? I've never used a sponge for foundations before. Should I still wet the BB with liquids? I have combo skin.
Re: Sponges Vs Brushes
okay....I'm convinced. I'll go and get the sponge.
Re: Sponges Vs Brushes
Reha, Khatti, & M:
After hearing your views....looks like I'll be trying the BB soon..lol. I'll probably just end up splurging and trying the original one. Question: Can this be used with liquid foundations? I've never used a sponge for foundations before. Should I still wet the BB with liquids? I have combo skin.
Yes! In fact, it's meant to be used with liquid foundation and that's what we all use it for. It can be used for creams too to sheer them out. And no matter what you use the BB with, always use it wet. Just soak out the excess water so it's not dripping but it should be damp enough that it expands which will help with application and also prevent it from eating up your foundation. I know you'll love it so might as well save money and get the double-pack. :p
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so another question.......
how do you clean your applicators.....brushes, sponges etc?
Re: Sponges Vs Brushes
^A mild shampoo like baby shampoo will do the job. There are a ton of videos on Youtube on how to wash and clean your brushes.
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I use baby shampoo and for some of my brushes...I even use a conditioner. Works sooo well on maintaining the quality and softness of them.
Sponges Vs Brushes
I wanna try this BB thing now!
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yeah...I've been using baby shampoo all along....never did invest in the speciality cleansers that you can purchase.
just wanted to make sure that I wasn't doing anything harmful.
Cleaning brushes and sponges, I use anti-bacterial dish soap (Dawn) and extra virgin olive oil. (Equal parts).
Dip the top of the rush in the mixture, and then rub it gently in circular motions in the palm of my hand. Rinse through and hangs upside down, brissles down, so the water doesnt loosen the glue, and so the brush maintains its shape.
Michelle Phan and MakeUpGeek (on YT) have a tutorial of this technique.
Re: Sponges Vs Brushes
Some foundations give better result with sponges than a brush. It all depends on understanding the foundation. Using different techniques and finding the perfect flawless look. On the whole though, brushes do a much better job. Sponges tend to soak the product. But of course you need a good brush not the low-end ones to achieve flawless blending. I personally think Sigma F80 is one of the best out there.