When the Beauty Blender sponge popped on the scene it instantly changed everyone’s makeup game. It seemed like overnight everyone gave up their stippling brushes in favor of this miracle makeup sponge that could do everything: help you lay down your base, blend seamlessly, bake a setting powder, contour, highlighter, and even take your dog out for a walk! Okay, forget that last part.
Below, we’ve listed the best Beauty Blender sponge types that you can try, based on your preference and for different makeup techniques. We’ll also explain the interesting original story of the Beauty Blender, and go into detail about exactly what it is and what it is made of.
In this article:
Best Beauty Blender Sponge Types
So, based on the makeup product you are going to apply and personal preferences, these are the six best Beauty Blender sponges to get.
1. the original beautyblender
You cannot go wrong with the original! This hot pink makeup sponge is iconic, so if you like to stick to the tried and tested then definitely pick this one up. It is made of trademarked non-latex aqua-activated foam and is shaped like a teardrop. Over 6000 Sephora reviewers agree that this Beauty Blender work horse is all they need to lay down a flawless makeup base.
The original Beauty Blender is fairly large, so it is optimal for foundation application, but it can also be used for concealer, contour, powder, and whatever else you might have in mind. You can get it at Sephora, Amazon or Nordstrom.
2. beautyblender nude
These days you can find a Beauty Blender in nearly every color under the sun, but the only one that won’t show any foundation stains is the nude one. Like the original hot pink sponge, it is fairly large and teardrop-shaped.
Because of its color the nude Beauty Blender looks cleaner over time, at least assuming you have a light to medium skin tone and that you don’t plan on using it for contouring or applying blush. Some reviewers find it to be a little softer and flimsier than the original, so you might want to try both to see which you’d like better. Find this sponge at Sephora, Amazon or Nordstrom!
3. beautyblender pro
If your soul is as black as mine, you will definitely want to reflect that in your Beauty Blender choice! This makeup sponge is the same size and shape as the original Beauty Blender.
Professional makeup artists often prefer black tools, although the black Beauty Blender might also be the better choice for those using it with darker foundations or for contouring, since it will not get stained as much as its pink predecessor. It is available at Sephora, Amazon and Nordstrom.
4. beautyblender pure
Since Beauty Blenders are dyed with a natural dye, some people have noticed a bit of color runoff when rinsing their sponges. There are no such issues with the white Beauty Blender, which is totally colorless. It can be used like all other Beauty Blenders, but of course makeup stains are guaranteed to show up on it.
Instead, the brand recommends using it to apply skin care products and primers, although we’ll admit we don’t think that’s an innovation the beauty world needed. If your heart is pure, buy the white Beauty Blender at Sephora!
5. beautyblender micro.mini
This set of two gives you two identical micro.mini Beauty Blenders in a lime green shade. These tiny sponges are the same teardrop shape as the OG Blender, but a quarter its size. While the original can definitely be used for precise product application, it’s undeniable that these minis make getting into the nooks and crannies of the face even easier.
You can use them for precise contouring and highlighting, for under-eye concealer, for concealing small pimples, and for getting small spaces like around the nostrils. This duo is available at Sephora and Nordstrom.
6. beauty.blusher by beautyblender
At about half the size of the original Beauty Blender, the beauty.blusher is made with blush application in mind. This also explains its gray color, which is meant to make it easier to distinguish the undertones of the blush you intend to use. It is the perfect size for applying blush to the apples of the cheeks, but it can certainly also work for concealing, highlighting, and contouring.
For many reviewers this is the perfect Beauty Blender size! You can try it with both cream and powder products, so pick it up at Sephora or Amazon!
The Beauty Blender Story
The story of the original Beauty Blender is also the story of the Beautyblender brand’s founders, Rea Ann Silva and Veronica Lorenz. The two women were Hollywood makeup artists working during the dawn of HD television, which is when they started cutting up regular makeup sponges to get rid of their edges.
By doing that, the two artists were able to apply foundation more easily, without having to blend away as many lines and streaks caused by the edge of the sponge. This was especially important for Hi-Def TV, which was much less forgiving to makeup flaws and imperfections.
At first, the sponge cutting routine was a well-kept secret, but eventually the two makeup artists decided to let it out into the wild and make a bit of coin in the process. Once they found a way to mass-produce an edgeless makeup sponge they came up with the perfect beveled egg shape, and released the first Beauty Blender in 2007.
It was in 2012 that the sponge really took off, and became a staple in the vanity of every makeup aficionado.
It is important to note that Veronica Lorenz has since left the company, and as such she is no longer mentioned by the brand in its origin story. However, it is undeniable that this remarkable woman was part of the process and had a significant impact.
What Is a Beauty Blender?
Understanding the story of the Beauty Blender tells us a lot, but it doesn’t explain exactly what a Beauty Blender is. Shaped like a beveled egg or a teardrop, the Beauty Blender is a makeup sponge with one large, rounded end perfect for covering large areas, and a tapered, pointed edge perfect for getting into smaller spaces and applying makeup products more precisely.
The Beauty Blender sponge is made of a trademarked non-latex foam that expands significantly once it absorbs water, which prevents it from absorbing your precious makeup products. The foam will also dry fairly quickly once you’re done using the sponge.
Beyond the fact that it has no edges and a much more calculated shape and size, the Beauty Blender also stands out in the way it feels. It is super soft and bouncy, so using it on the skin is a particularly gentle and enjoyable process.
While the original Beauty Blender came in one size and a hot pink shade, these days there are Beauty Blenders available in all kinds of colors as well as various sizes.
Photos via Sephora