This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure here.
The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge has been a regular staple in my beauty routine for almost a year now. It applies your makeup so smoothly, blends everything effortlessly, and not to mention, is significantly cheaper than some of the other beauty sponges on the market.
Yes, I’m referring to the Beauty Blender, which I do absolutely love. However, a single Beauty Blender is going to cost you $20 per, and a single Real Techniques Sponge is around $6, depending on the retailer.
Not going to lie, I love Beauty Blenders, and have nothing bad to say about them. But since I notice no real difference when using the Real Techniques Sponge, it’s a no brainer.
If you’re not already using beauty sponges in your makeup routine, let me break them down a bit for you.
They typically come in a teardrop kind of shape. The Real Techniques Sponge does as well, with one end having a flat edge to it. It’s easier to understand in the picture I’ll show ya below.
You wet the sponge thoroughly, I usually do in my bathroom sink, until it pretty much doubles in size. To get it thoroughly and equally soaked throughout, you should squeeze it with the faucet running.
Then, turn the faucet off, and squeeze out all the extra water. Squeeze out as much as you can. I usually squeeze it about 3 times into the sink, then I’ll take a towel and wrap it around it, and squeeze once more.
Now, it’s good to go!
It’s absolutely *crucial* to wet it before using it. This ensures that the sponge won’t soak up any of your liquid products, so nothing goes to waste!
Why use a beauty sponge? I find that it applies my face makeup much more evenly when I do, specifically with liquid or cream products. I think the application is typically much smoother and more even. Blending is super easy to do.
I find that when my skin is especially dry (basically all the time), using the Real Techniques Sponge to apply my makeup doesn’t accentuate any dry patches or spots on my face. I think the water adds just a hint of moisture back into my skin.
It’s totally personal preference whether you want to use a brush or a sponge, and might depend on the product and/or formula. But the sponge works best for me, and the Real Techniques Sponge in particular has been my go to.
Price point aside, I also much prefer the shape of the Real Techniques Sponge to some of the competitors. It’s a bit hard to explain, but basically there is a rounded side and precision tip, which most beauty sponges tend to have.
But, it also has a flat edge, which I use pretty frequently. Most often, to blend out concealer under my eyes, and set it with powder. My favorite right now is the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder.
I’ve found that my Real Techniques Sponge has held up super well, just as well as my Beauty Blender. They recommend replacing every 1-3 months, but I definitely go longer than that. I don’t use it daily though.
Highly recommend the Real Techniques Sponge if you’re looking for an affordable and high quality makeup sponge to try! Also recommend their brushes for some great affordable options! I use the powder brush pretty frequently, and really like it!
