Elaine Ganuelas has been living and breathing the life of all things beauty since childhood. What once started as her passion became her career in 2006. Now she does makeup, hairstyling, image consultation (yes, makeovers), personal shopping, consumer research, and reviews.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Makeup sponges come in an array of different shapes, each having a specific purpose. In saying that, picking the right one for your needs and makeup routine is important for maximum convenience.
Having a pointy edge and a round bottom, teardrop-shaped sponges are the most versatile type of makeup sponge out there. This type can make your makeup application a breeze, as its structure serves multiple purposes.
Tear-dropped makeup sponges have a round end to apply and blend makeup on larger areas of your face and a tapered point that is perfect for fine-tuning around the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Moreover, the round bottom can help blend away streaks (or brush strokes) left by foundation brushes. It makes the foundation finish "airbrushed" and well blended. On the other hand, the pointy end is ideal for getting into the inner corners of the eyes or sides of the nose.
Sponges designed with corners and edges are typically called wedged sponges. They help cover hard-to-reach corners of your face. Having sharp angles, they are able to target less accessible areas, like under the eyes and the sides of your nose.
Apart from plain wedge sponges, you can also spot teardrop-shaped sponges incorporated with wedges. Like the regular wedge sponge, they possess a flat slanted end that you can use for the corners of your face and for sweeping sharp lines to achieve your desired contour or highlight.
This type is my personal fave for my pro kit. I have multiple uses for this type, not only for liquid or cream foundation application but also for pushing in powders. I also keep some handy for on-the-set touchups instead of a powder brush.
If you're not big into makeup, this is perhaps the type you're most familiar with, as it usually comes with compacts. Thin and flat makeup sponges are best for those who are always on the go. They are typically smaller in size, making them easier to store in your makeup bag and carry around anywhere. Due to their more discreet size, they are also ideal for quick touch-ups.
This is basically what the traditional sponge is; before the advent of the beauty blenders. They are very convenient to tote around and are mainly used for applying powders and some cream formulas. Do not mistake this, though, for the puffs used to apply cushion foundations!
Also, these are prone to bacteria since it's reusable, so have it regularly washed or disposed of.
When it comes to choosing a makeup sponge, the size is also a factor you shouldn't skip. To get one suitable for your needs, you must first determine what you want to use it for. Is it for blending your makeup base? Or maybe you need one for contouring?
The larger the area you want to cover, the larger your makeup sponge should be. Hence, look for larger sponges if you want one that you can use to blend around your cheeks, forehead, and chin. Meanwhile, if you wish to conceal around smaller surface areas like your eyes and nose, look for those with smaller tips.
There's no such thing as the right makeup sponge size, as it mainly varies from case to case, depending on your purpose. But in general, the ideal choice is to go for something small enough to hold comfortably but big enough to provide maximum coverage.
The do-it-all option would have a rounded bottom, a pointed side, and a flat side to cover all your needs, whether it be for blending, cream, liquid, or powder application and for correcting makeup mistakes. Smaller or medium in size would do as some do expand or enlarge when dampened with water or makeup sprays.
When buying a makeup sponge, it is equally crucial to consider the material it is made of, as it can say a lot about its capabilities. Makeup sponges can either be made from foam or silicone.
If you want to opt for foam ones, you can choose between latex or latex-free ones, typically made of hydrophilic polyurethane. Latex-free foams are best for those who have sensitivities to latex or want a more environmentally friendly sponge.
Generally, makeup sponges made of foam are usually preferred due to their ability to blend makeup seamlessly without leaving a cakey residue. Unlike silicone ones, they are porous, so they can evenly distribute product onto the skin too.
Also check the "pores" of the sponge. Sponges with larger pores tend to seep or absorb liquid products. This, in the long run, can make you use up more of the product and not maximize it.
Meanwhile, silicon sponges are easier to clean. Their non-porous texture also allows them to absorb less product. However, because of the same reason, they can be difficult to work with, especially if you're a beginner since they tend to just sweep around the skin instead of blending. They can't also absorb excess product.
Less product waste and a more environmentally friendly option is the silicone type. This, however, makes the foundation just sit on top and not mesh well with the skin.
The porousness, or how many pores there is on your makeup sponge, is important to take note of because for it to be effective, it needs to be absorbent but not visually porous. In saying that, when choosing a beauty sponge, there should be no large or visible holes, unlike cleaning sponges.
However, the surface of your makeup sponge should look visibly textured with a smooth feel to the surface. This texture will allow it to absorb waterーif it's meant to be used wetーso that it may expand and become moist in order to blend your makeup seamlessly.
If you see that the pores of your sponge have enlarged after using your makeup sponge for some time, this usually means that it only has a short lifespan left.
You can find several reusable sponges in the market that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Although they tend to be pricier, they offer good value for money since you only have to replace them after some period. You just have to wash them every after use, making them more eco-friendly!
Meanwhile, if it's the part about cleaning your sponge that makes you iffy about purchasing makeup blenders, you can find disposable sponges too. They're considered more sanitary, as they're suitable for one-time use only and meant to be thrown away every after use. They're much more affordable too, but they're not the most eco-friendly choice!
While I used beauty sponges before, the pandemic has made me (and my clients) paranoid about germs, bacteria etc. While I cannot entirely eliminate the use of sponges, I opt for disposable ones for convenience and sanitary reasons above all.
Contrary to popular belief, not all sponges are designed to be doused in water before use. The only ones best used wet are hydrophilic makeup sponges, which are ones that absorb water, leaving no room for them to absorb any product you will be putting on.
Not only do they ensure that no makeup is wasted, but they also tend to expand when damp, which makes blending your foundation, concealer, or cream contour easier. To know whether you have a hydrophilic sponge or not, don't forget to check the label on the box or the instructions from the manufacturer.
You can also check if the pores are tighter. If so, you most likely can't use it wet. Sponges with larger-sized pores can generally be used wet.
Apply your makeup seamlessly in three easy steps using this cult-favorite makeup sponge that is universally well-loved for its ability to flawlessly blend both cream and powder-based makeup to let you score an airbrushed finish. Its teardrop shape also ensures a smooth application on various parts of your face.
This latex-free and cruelty-free 3-sided sponge can be used for liquids, creams, and powders. It allows you to customize your coverage and make it easier to blend whatever type of makeup you have. Being included on the list of Rihanna's favorites from her makeup line, this is definitely a must-have beauty tool!
To maximize your use of this makeup sponge, use the slanted part for controlled stippling, the top part for specific areas that need coverage, and the round part for buffing seamlessly. Having said that, this is definitely a great all-around sponge, perfect for those who like wearing different looks every day.
This makeup sponge's edgy design will allow you to reach every nook and cranny of your face. Its curved edge lets you blend your makeup to score a soft, natural finish, while its pointy tip helps with fine-tuning. It also has flat sides that you can use to create sharp sweeps of color for your contour and highlight.
Apart from that, you can also use it to stamp color on your cheeks or conceal large areas of your face with its base part. Unlike other beauty tools that merely allow you to blend makeup, this one can aid you with blending, sculpting, and even highlighting. You can use it for powders, creams, or liquids. Additionally, it's designed to be used damp.
This makeup sponge is latex-free and is made from 70% plant-based materials. It has a chiseled shape, making it ideal for blending out products even in hard-to-reach areas like the under eyes and the sides of the nose. You can also use this in creating sharp lines for contour or applying powder for baking.
This sponge can be used both wet and dry, making it a great tool for any makeup lookーno wonder previous buyers are generally satisfied with this product! Adding to that, this sponge doesn't absorb makeup unnecessarily, so you can be assured that no product is wasted.
Staying true to its name, this makeup sponge features a super soft texture that seamlessly glides on your skin. It also works as a three-way blending tool. You can use its large rounded base to get a smooth and even coverage, while you can utilize its big cove-like end to cover the area under your eye.
Moreover, for hard-to-reach spots, like the sides of your nose and eyelids, the smaller cove end is there to help you. This makeup sponge also possesses an ideal density, so you won't have to worry about it needlessly absorbing your makeup product before you can even apply it to your face.
You can use it wet if you wish to apply a streak-free and flawless skin-like makeup base. Meanwhile, it can also be used dry when you're putting on blush, powder, or erasing makeup mistakes. It comes with a cylinder case where you can store it after use, and the fact that it comes in an adorable Sanrio design is just a bonus!
This thin, travel-friendly makeup sponge from FS Features & Shades fills two needs with one deed. It possesses two sides, one made of silicone and one made of latex-free foam. Its silicone side is responsible for letting you score an even makeup application without absorbing your cosmetic products, while its latex-free foam side can help blend your makeup seamlessly.
Aside from the usual pink color, this sponge is also available in colors beige and black. And in terms of quality, several reviewers have good things to say about it, as according to them, it indeed provides the best of both worlds with its two-sided design. It's also a great beauty tool that you can easily bring around anywhere since it has a thin and flat form.
If you want to score a picture-perfect complete makeup look, this beauty tool should be in your stash. This sponge is cleverly made to cover all parts of your face. It comes with a flat slanted part that you can use to tap and blend your base and a beveled tip to conceal areas around your eyes, nose, and lips.
Apart from that, it also has a flat round base that you can use for applying blush, bronzers, and powders onto your desired zones. Thanks to its unique shape, it works excellently as a practical all-around spongeーno need to purchase different kinds just to cover various areas of your face! You can also use it either dry or wet.
This pack comes with 12 pieces of mini-sized wedge sponges that are especially perfect for covering and concealing hard-to-reach areas of the face, like under your eyes and around your nose. You can use them to blend a variety of products, including your foundation, concealer, and even your bronzer.
Since they are disposable, they are perfect for those who find cleaning sponges too troublesome. They are also great for sharing within the household or with your friends since they are inexpensive and come with multiple pieces per pack. And since these sponges fit comfortably on your palm, you can bring them anywhere with you to retouch discreetly.
This beauty sponge comes with a handle that makes it easier to maneuver around your face, especially for the nooks and crannies like the sides of your nose and eye area. Apart from the wedged sponge with handle, it also comes with a teardrop-shaped sponge which you can use to blend products on larger areas of your face.
With its budget-friendly price of less than Php 100, this beauty sponge is great for those looking for something affordable yet capable of delivering results. Since it is both easy to use and cost-efficient, it is also an excellent pick for beginners who are just starting with makeup sponges. Reviewers love it for its softness and cute colors too.
If you're someone who puts on makeup or who uses their beauty sponge every day, it's highly important to ensure that it's clean. This is because your sponge can collect bacteria that can cause you to break out. Check out these tips from Cosmopolitan on how to keep your makeup sponge clean:
Materials Needed:
Instructions:
Here is another method to clean your sponge:
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by our expert, Elaine Ganuelas.
Ideally, you should be cleaning them every after use. Since they tend to soak up various cosmetic products, they can harbor unwanted moisture and bacteria, which in turn may harm your skin if left uncleaned. We don't want to welcome any bacteria to come in contact with our tools at all, right?
The first sign is when the pores start to enlarge. Over time, there also will be tears and holes. That's the time when you have to toss it out. There also are instances when it is already hard to take out the makeup stains, which could also be an indication.
If disposing and complete avoidance of this tool is out of the question, always keep your sponges sanitized and clean after every use.
Storing your makeup sponge properly is just as important as cleaning it. First things first, after washing your makeup sponge, make sure to air-dry it before storing it in an enclosed space, or else it might get moldy. You can use its original packaging to keep it. Make sure to store it so that the fullest part is at the bottom for it not to be deformed.
See makeup artist-approved makeup sponge below! Don't skip the description to know why she recommends it.
With pretty much every need or requirement in mind, these black sponges were designed by real professionals to get things done. It is multi-faceted with round, pointy and flat sides. It also comes in small, medium, and large sizes and has a sturdy and durable feel.
The best makeup products are nothing without the right makeup tools. To ensure that you score a picture-perfect finish, it is necessary to invest in good makeup tools. Check out the articles below for more makeup tools recommendations.
Re-editor: R. Victoriano
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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