How to use a beauty blender the Right way + how to clean them!
Beauty blenders, or makeup sponges, are my favorite way to apply foundation. For the longest time, I only used makeup brushes. I thought the concept of a “sponge” to apply makeup was a little absurd – they’re more likely to harbor bacteria, absorb makeup into the sponge, and can cause your makeup look cakey. All very valid concerns. During quarantine, I watched many makeup tutorials and learned the same exact concerns apply to brushes as well. It all comes down to technique
So, what’s the proper technique?
- Prep your skin. It’s best to use a hydrating serum, moisturizer, SPF, and a makeup primer. If your skin isn’t properly hydrated, the makeup will clump around dry areas and fine lines.
- Dampen your blender. It shouldn’t be wet and water shouldn’t come out when the blender is squeezed. When the blender is damp, it won’t absorb your makeup because there is no room for it to absorb anything else.
- Pro Tip: For fuller coverage, use it dry to build the product.
- Apply product. Use your finger to dab foundation on your face. I usually put foundation on the back of my left hand and use my right index finger to dab product around my face. I start with a small amount to avoid using too much product.
- Bounce + blend. I take the blender and begin to gently bounce the blender all over my face to blend and smooth, starting from the center of my face and moving outward toward my jawline and hairline. If needed, I build coverage using the same method focusing on blemishes and discolorations.
- Fine tune with the pointed end of the blender. Once my foundation is applied, I put concealer on the back of my left hand and will use the pointed end of the blender to apply concealer under my eyes using the same bounce + blend method.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Dragging the sponge across your face. All this does is move product around your face leaving a very unnatural look.
- Getting the sponge too wet. If the sponge is too wet, product will stick to the sponge and not your face.
- Not cleaning it properly. If you don’t clean your blender at least weekly, this will be a recipe for acne disaster. Makeup also goes on best with a clean sponge.
- Not replacing your blender after 3-6 months. Over time, your blender will wear down and will need to be replaced just like a toothbrush.
How to clean your beauty blender or makeup sponge:
- Wet the sponge thoroughly. It should double in size!
- Apply soap or brush//blender cleaner to the blender. I use Dawn dishwashing soap because I have found it deep cleans the sponge better than other cleaners I have tried.
- Rub the blender between your hands to get all the product out of the blender.
- Rinse + squeeze the blender until it rings out clear water only.
- Blot the blender into a clean towel to remove excess water.
- Let your blender air dry. If you put it in a closed space, it will grow mildew – yuck!
Check out the links below for more information!
Stay tuned for more ways to use a beauty blender!
Main + Meg 