8 ways to use your beauty blender

Since the beautyblender® launched in 2008, many of us have fallen in love with the unique design, multi-purpose use and flawless finish of this little sponge. And even if you don’t own the original beauty blender, chances are you have something similar and just as life-changing, like the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge or QVS Professional Foundation Sponge.

But just in case you’re not aware of how magical these sponges can be, here’s a list of things they are incredibly useful for.

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#1 Primer

A beauty blender can be used right from the beginning of your make-up application, starting with primer. One of the main purposes of primer is to help ‘fill in’ your pores for a smooth canvas before applying your foundation. When used with a dabbing motion, the beauty blender does this expertly and with more density than your fingers, so your pores are filled in with compact. And the pointy end is perfect for applying primer to your eyelids.

#2 Foundation

If you’re only going to use your beauty blender for one thing, it should be foundation. The different edges and shape of the sponge means you can go from blending in larger areas like your forehead and cheeks to getting right into the edges of your nose, without skipping a beat. Not to mention streaks are simply non-existent. For more coverage, use a dabbing motion or if you prefer a sheer ‘no make-up look’ use sweeping motions. It's also best used damp, so that the majority of your foundation ends up on your skin, rather than soaked up by the sponge.

#3 Contouring & highlighting

It’s already pretty obvious from the name that this little applicator is going to be a boss at blending your contouring, but it can also be used for the precise application. Use the thick end for highlighting under your eyes, the tops of your cheekbones and middle of your forehead. The pointy end can then be used to draw precise contour lines in the hollows of your cheeks, the edges of the nose and temples. Then just use the sides to blend, blend and blend!

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#4 Cream blush

If you prefer using cream blush rather than powder, the beauty blender will change your life in terms of application. Start by dabbing onto the apples of your cheeks, and then sweep it outwards and upwards towards the top of your ear. 

#5 Concealer

The pointy end of a beauty blender is ideal for adding extra coverage to pimples and blemishes with precision. Sometimes, we can accidentally blend away our concealer too much when using our fingers or a brush, completely defeating the purpose. But by using a targeted, dabbing motion, you'll find you have more success with your camouflage.

#6 Lip colour

Want your lipstick to lasts and last? It's all about layering. Use your beauty blender to build up an intense, long-lasting bold lip, using the same dabbing motion you use to build up coverage in your foundation. Using the sponge to apply it instead of straight from the bullet will give every lip colour you own more versatility. Plus the pointy edge of the sponge will help keep your colour precise every time, while lipsticks tend to loose their shape after multiple applications.

#7 Face tan

The original beauty blender is pink because the founder, make-up artist Rea Ann Silva, said it was her favourite colour and she wanted it to be fun, just like makeup should be. BUT once people realised how amazing it was at applying face tan, a black one was released so people could have one for tanning, and one for makeup. The unique design of the sponge helps you to apply your tan in every nook and cranny, with a streak-free finish (kind of like a mini mitt for your face). So if you like your tan to look as flawless as possible, two beauty blenders is the perfect number for your kit.

#8 Skin care

Okay, so we lied, three beauty blenders would be the perfect number (yep, there’s also a white version), which works wonders for applying skin care. It allows for a smooth application of moisturiser, which you can then buff into your skin to penetrate it further. And the pointy end is ideal for delicately applying eye creams. Same goes for serums, cleansers and as mentioned previously, primer. Is there anything this sponge can’t do?

Try:

1. Natio Complexion Perfection Foundation Sponge
2. Manicare Precision Blending Sponge
3. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
4. QVS Professional Foundation Sponge
5. beautyblender®, $30, Sephora Australia

*This article has been updated since its original publication.

Main image: @beautyblender

Have you ever tried a beauty blender or a similar sponge applicator? Did you know it could be used for all of the above?