If you’re on the hunt for a tool that applies your makeup evenly, quickly and flawlessly, chances are you’ve come across a Beautyblender or makeup sponge. Makeup sponges are small pieces of foam used to apply makeup to the face, often resembling a teardrop shape. They’re loved by makeup users for their ease of use when applying foundations, concealers and other products for an airbrushed and non-cakey finish.
The Good Houskeeping Institute Beauty Lab has a long history of testing beauty products, including tools that make applying makeup easier than ever, like makeup mirrors and makeup brushes for factors including ease of use, feel on skin, and application results. Using this categorical expertise from our GH editors and GH Beauty Lab scientists, plus recommendations from celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay, we chose our favorite beauty blenders and makeup sponges all $20 and under.
Our top picks:
Wondering how to use and clean a beauty blender? You can read more about all of that, including how we choose beauty blenders and makeup sponges — plus everything you need to know to shop for one — at the end of this guide. And if you’re looking for more ways to improve your makeup routine and keep your makeup tools clean, check out our guides on how to apply foundation flawlessly and how to clean makeup brushes.
1
Best Overall Makeup Sponge
Original
- Soft texture
- Gorgeously blends makeup for a seamless finish
- More expensive than other makeup sponges
The sponge that led to thousands of dupes, this bouncy sponge feels soft to the touch and seamlessly applies all makeup formulas. It’s a favorite of consumers, editors and makeup artists alike. Users, including Gabbay and GH Beauty Lab Chemist Danusia Wnek swear by it, finding the quality and density of this sponge better than any others. “Others are way too stiff for me even when I run it under water,” says Wnek. “The Beautyblender is nice and soft but not too soft, has a pointy tip so I can easily maneuver into the order of my undereye and blends out makeup like a dream. I haven’t found a brush that can blend out undereye concealer like the Beautyblender can.”
2
Best Value Makeup Sponge
Makeup Sponge Set (Set of 5)
- Budget-friendly
- Users find them durable and easy to wash
These brightly colored makeup sponges are best-sellers on Amazon, garnering 4.7 out of 5 stars with more than 60,000 five-star reviews. Though they haven’t been tested by the Beauty Lab, many reviewers say these sponges don’t absorb foundation and they expand when damp to make makeup application smooth and easy. “They double in size as soon as you get them damp but they don’t soak up any of my foundation so nothing goes to waste,” an Amazon reviewer writes. “It applies my makeup smoothly and works just as well as a Beautyblender but for a fraction of the price.”
3
Best Makeup Sponge for Foundation and Concealer
Miracle Complexion Sponge
- Smoothly applies all makeup
- Angled edge can reach smaller areas
- Some users find the sponge rigid
Another consumer and makeup artist favorite, the Real Techniques makeup sponge offers coverage for both foundation and concealer alike. They “always last long in my kit and apply product seamlessly,” shares Gabbay. The angled edge makes it easy to get into smaller crevices, such as the undereye area, when applying concealer. “I reach for my RT sponge more often than my brushes because it’s really easy to use,” writes one reviewer. “I can use one tool to apply my foundation, concealer, cream blushes, and even set my eye makeup with powder.”
4
Best Makeup Sponge for Precision
Total Face Sponge
- Unique shape for versatile usage
- Can be used wet or dry
The angles on this e.l.f. Cosmetics makeup sponge make it easy to apply makeup precisely. It can be used either wet or dry with multiple makeup formulas. “It makes my makeup look seamless, and its multiple sides give me precision for various parts of the face, whether it be blending out foundation or concealer,” says GH Entertainment & News Editorial Assistant Adrianna Freedman.
5
Best Drugstore Makeup Sponge
Double Tap Makeup Sponge (Pack of 2)
- Budget-friendly
- Users find them long-lasting
Wet N Wild uses a unique hydrophilic material in this set of two makeup sponges, meaning that the sponges absorb water and expand (which makes for smoother, faster makeup application). They can be used with any makeup, including foundation and concealer thanks to the classic teardrop design. Though not tested in the Lab, they’re another customer favorite. “They blend perfectly and the shape helps to get in the creases,” a reviewer writes.
6
Best Silicone Makeup Sponge
Angled Silicone Face Sponge
- Silicone base won’t absorb excess makeup
- Small, angled tip for precise makeup application
If you’re looking for a silicone makeup sponge, this angled one from e.l.f. Cosmetics is a great multitasker. The angles allow for versatile use and the non-porous silicone bottom won’t absorb excess makeup (read: it won’t waste product). This consumer-favorite isn’t Lab tested, but one reviewer raves, “it doesn’t absorb my concealer at all so I don’t feel like I’m wasting even the smallest ounce of it.”
7
Best Plant-Based Makeup Sponge
Perfecting Blender Duo
- Made of environmentally conscious materials
- Budget-friendly
- Learning curve when using the flat edge
These two sponges cost less than some single sponges, and 70{a0ae49ae04129c4068d784f4a35ae39a7b56de88307d03cceed9a41caec42547} of its composition is made with plant-based EcoFoam technology certified as BioBased by the USDA. With one larger sponge and one smaller, the duo can be used for your full face. Though not Lab tested, “it is very soft compared to my previous ones and does its job marvelously, making foundation application easy and appear flawless,” one reviewer raves. “The unique shape of the bigger sponge makes it easier to get to creases and curves.”
8
Best Multitasking Makeup Sponge
Professional Makeup Wedges (Pack of 100)
- Very affordable
- Easy to use on multiple parts of the face
GH Beauty & Health Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler likes these timeless, classic makeup wedges. “I like that the wedge shape provides many different surfaces of different sizes for both the large and small areas of the face,” says Butler. “They can be used wet or dry, but I prefer to use them dry when applying foundation for more coverage.”
9
Best Full Coverage Makeup Sponge
Quickie Blending Sponge
- Users note it applies concealer flawlessly
- Users like it for its full face coverage
Consumers love how easy it is to blend foundation, concealer and other makeup with this makeup sponge. Although it’s made for all makeup, it was developed with applying concealer specially in mind, so users note it can easily blend areas in need of full coverage, such as undereye circles, acne breakouts or dark spots, though it hasn’t been Lab tested. “I really like the texture of it,” a reviewer writes. “It’s firm and easy to work with and also really gives you a full coverage application.”
How we choose the best Beautyblenders and makeup sponges
The Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab tests thousands of products each year, including makeup application tools. While the Lab hasn’t yet run a test on makeup sponges and blenders in particular, the Lab’s most recent test on makeup brushes included 381 brushes from 63 brands. Beauty Lab scientists surveyed 1,557 panelists to determine the best makeup brushes on the market, factoring in price point, ease of use, feel on skin and application results. Based on this expertise, plus decades of beauty product testing, our beauty analysts and editors can confidently select the best makeup sponges based on brand performance and unique features.
What to look for when shopping for the best Beautyblenders and makeup sponges
✔️ Density/texture: “Look for a sponge that feels soft and bouncy, not too firm,” says Butler. A firmer, denser makeup sponge will not feel as smooth on your face and make it more difficult (and less enjoyable!) to apply makeup.
✔️ Shape/size: Depending on what you’re using your makeup sponge for, it’s important to think about shape and size, as there is a seemingly never-ending selection of options that can be used with varying products on different areas of the face. “Round sponges with no edges are great for blending in cream products without leaving lines, while sponges with a flat edge on them are great for picking up and patting on powder,” says Butler. “Mini sponges and pointy sponges are great for blending product into small areas of the face.”
How do I use a Beautyblender or makeup sponge?
Beautyblenders and makeup sponges are meant to be used wet or damp (though some can be used dry, as well).
- First, run your beauty sponge under water until it fluffs up and doubles in size.
- Then, squeeze any excess water out. “I run mine over a paper towel before using to ensure there is no excess moisture,” notes Gabbay.
- Next, use the beauty sponge to apply product across your face. You can use your beauty sponge from liquids to powders, cream blushes to highlighters.
When applying foundation, “dab the rounded bottom of the sponge into the product and bounce the sponge across the broad areas of the face,” recommends Butler. “For smaller areas like under the eyes and the corners of the nose, use the pointed end.” To finish off your makeup look, you can apply setting powder by “dipping the sponge into a loose powder and pressing the powder onto the skin. Then, the excess powder can be brushed off with a soft brush,” Butler adds.
What’s the best way to clean a Beautyblender or makeup sponge?
Both Gabbay and Butler recommend you clean your beauty sponge daily. “The best way to clean your sponge is with an antibacterial soap and warm water,” Gabbay says. She likes the Beautyblender Blendercleanser Solid, though Butler notes that using liquid dish soap works as well. “Run the sponge under warm water and lather a drop of dish soap between your hands, then work the lather into the sponge, squeezing and rinsing repeatedly until the suds are rinsed out,” Butler adds. After rinsing the makeup sponge, you can leave it upright to dry.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
GH Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn authored this article and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to help deliver fact-based, science-backed beauty coverage. Over the years, she has interviewed experts, written product reviews and tested hundreds of makeup products and tools, including makeup brushes, sponges and Beautyblenders. For this article, she worked with Good Housekeeping Institute Health & Beauty Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler and interviewed celebrity makeup artist Judi Gabbay; they both provided expert advice on makeup sponge maintenance and usage plus product recommendations.
Catharine Malzahn
Beauty Assistant
Catharine Malzahn is the Beauty Assistant at Good Housekeeping where she works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to support, pitch and write beauty content.
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