Everything you can (and should) use a beauty blender for
This tool is about to become your new favourite.
Your new favourite tool
The knowledge about the versatility of the beauty blender is the greatest lesson you’ll ever learn.
When I say beauty blender, I’m referring to the egg-shaped application sponge that will eternally live in your makeup bag. The sponge narrows at the top (its point is clutch for working product into the corners of your face) and is ridiculously squishy, so it’s able to bounce off the skin’s surface with ease. It’s also specially designed to not absorb product, which means you don’t have to worry about wasting any foundation – like ever.
Beauty Blender is a brand name. There are several different versions of the original sponge. Some are pretty good facsimiles and probably work close to if not just as well, while others just don’t hold up if you ask me. For the sake of simplicity, I’m talking about the OG in this article, though this all applies to similar sponges.
Although you should typically use beauty blenders for your foundation and concealer application, there are a bunch of other ways you can use the tool that you hadn’t even considered before. This sponge is way more than just an application tool – it’s a bona de jack of all trades. To gure out how to fully utilise this go-to sponge, we found the best practices to help step up your beauty blender game.
MOST PEOPLE USE THE BLENDERS FOR APPLYING FOUNDATION AND CONCEALER
Using a sponge to apply and blend your foundation and concealer makeup is a total game changer. “Beauty blenders make the foundation application almost foolproof,” says celebrity makeup artist Emily Cheng. Not only is it easier to reach the awkward areas with the tool that many brushes can’t – around the nostrils, under the eyes – but it also helps to seamlessly blend makeup.
If you’re wondering how to master the no-makeup makeup look, using a damp blender and your favourite foundation/concealer might be your new must-use technique. “Always work with it wet (damp but not dripping),” suggests celebrity makeup artist Joanna Simkin. Dot the foundation on the back of your hand after dampening the sponge, then tapping the sponge into the product to absorb. Then, stipple the product onto the skin, starting in the centre of your face, and blending into the jawline.
IT’S ALSO GREAT WHEN YOU’RE APPLYING YOUR FAVOURITE SKINCARE PRODUCTS
To be honest, I never considered using a beauty blender to apply skincare products like moisturisers and serums, but it makes total sense considering the sponge won’t absorb them. Plus, using the sponge means there’s way less mess on your ngertips, and more of an even application.
If you plan on applying makeup after your chosen skincare with a sponge, makeup artist Ashleigh Ciucci suggests the method could work in your favour. “When applying your face oil or cream with a blender, it not only feels nice, but the blender holds onto a bit of product. When you move to your foundation, the product mixes with the skincare that’s left over to create a more supple nish.”
For a more natural glow, Joanna suggests dipping the tip of the blender in a drop of face oil and applying it to the high points of the face – cheekbones, brow bones, bridge of nose and Cupid’s bow – for a reflective, non-glittery glow.
USE IT TO KEEP YOUR MAKEUP LOCKED IN PLACE WITH POWDER
Using a sponge to apply powder is one of the best ways to ensure your makeup is locked and loaded, since it allows you to set smaller areas – like under the eyes – that may be difficult to do with a powder brush. “I always use a damp sponge in setting powder to fake bake,” explains Joanna. “I do a light press of translucent powder over concealer to set, then dust it off right away instead of letting it sit like a traditional bake or set.” Emily says that she typically uses a sponge to set her clients’ T-zones.
USE IT TO APPLY CREAM BLUSH
Ashleigh suggests reaching for a damp sponge when applying cream blushes, as this technique helps to build cheek colour. To apply cream blush with a beauty blender, Ashleigh explains, “Smile and stipple onto the apples of your cheeks.” Depending on how dramatic or natural you want your blush to appear, you can go over the area a few times until you achieve your desired blush look.
USE IT TO APPLY CREAM-BASED HIGHLIGHTERS
Similar to building your blush, blenders can also be used to build up a highlight. You can use a damp sponge to tap into cream highlighter and stipple it on the high points of the face.
A DAMPENED BLENDER CAN BE USED TO REFRESH MAKEUP
“If I ever want to soften up my makeup or refresh throughout the day I will soak one with an essence or spray and pat over the entire skin instead of using water,” says Emily.