The 9 Best Makeup Sponges

A good makeup sponge is one of the most important tools you can have. I used to just use my fingers, but the first time I tried a damp sponge, I was hooked. It just melts foundation into your skin in a way that brushes and fingers can’t.

The original Beautyblender started it all, and for a long time, nothing else compared. But now, there are so many amazing options out there, and a lot of them are way cheaper. I’ve bounced, stippled, and blended my way through a ton of them to find the ones that actually work.

 

 

Our Top Makeup Sponges

Beautyblender Original

The price is $20, and let’s be real, that’s a lot for a sponge. But this is the one that set the standard for a reason. When it’s damp, it doubles in size and gets incredibly soft and bouncy.

It blends foundation so seamlessly that it looks like your skin, but better. I never get streaks with this thing, and it doesn’t soak up a ton of product. It’s just a classic that always performs.

The Downside: It’s expensive. And you have to be careful when you wash it or you can tear it with your nails.

 

 

Beakey 5 Piece Makeup Sponge Set

You can get a set of five sponges for about $13. I was skeptical because of the price, but these are a fantastic Beautyblender dupe. They’re latex-free and get super soft when you run them under water.

They blend my foundation and concealer out beautifully without leaving any weird textures. Since you get five in a pack, I don’t feel bad about tossing one when it gets a little too grimy. It’s just an unbeatable value.

The Downside: They aren’t quite as durable as the original Beautyblender. They can start to break down a little faster after a lot of washes.

 

 

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

This iconic orange sponge costs around $10 for a four-pack, and it’s been a drugstore favorite of mine for years. What I love is the shape. The flat edge is perfect for pressing in foundation on my cheeks or for baking under my eyes.

The pointed tip is great for getting concealer right up under my lash line or around my nose. It gives a really natural, dewy finish and it’s surprisingly durable for how cheap it is.

The Downside: If you use it dry, it will drink up your foundation like crazy. You have to get it fully damp for it to work right.

 

 

Juno & Co Microfiber Velvet Sponge

At only $6, this sponge is totally different from the others. It’s covered in a layer of microfiber, which feels like a soft velvet. The biggest benefit is that it barely absorbs any product at all.

I found I used way less foundation with this sponge. It gives a very full-coverage, airbrushed look, which is perfect if you’re going for that flawless finish. It works just as well with powders as it does with liquids.

The Downside: It feels much denser than a normal sponge, even when wet. It takes a little practice to get the hang of pouncing it on your skin instead of swiping.

 

 

Fenty Beauty Precision Makeup Sponge 100

This Fenty sponge costs $16 and has a really unique shape. It has a flat, slanted edge on one side and a rounded side on the other. It’s incredibly soft and feels gentle on the skin.

I like using the flat side for applying foundation and the rounded side for blending out my cream blush and contour. It’s really good for fixing cakey spots or touching up your makeup during the day without disturbing anything.

The Downside: Because it’s so soft, I don’t feel like I have as much control for the initial, heavy-duty foundation application. It’s better for refining and blending.

 

 

Revlon 4-in-1 Blending Sponge

For about $8, this is a solid drugstore workhorse. It has a classic teardrop shape with a flat edge, making it pretty versatile. It feels a little denser than some others, but it blends out my foundation evenly.

It’s a no-fuss tool that just gets the job done for everyday makeup. If you just want a reliable sponge that gives you a natural finish, this is a great choice.

The Downside: This one definitely seems to absorb more foundation than the Beautyblender or the Juno & Co sponge.

 

 

e.l.f. Cosmetics Highlighting and Blending Sponge

This little tool from e.l.f. is just $6 and it’s designed for more detailed work. One side has a firm, pointed tip that’s amazing for applying cream or liquid highlighter with precision. You can get it right on the top of your cheekbones.

The other end has a fuzzy, flocked texture that’s great for buffing out powders or blending harsh lines. It’s a cool multi-use tool that’s fun to have in your kit.

The Downside: That fuzzy side holds onto product and needs to be deep cleaned pretty often to stay fresh.

 

 

Givenchy Makeup Blender

This is another $20 luxury sponge, just like the Beautyblender. The material feels really high-end and the shape is so smart. It has two pointed ends and an indented middle that makes it easy to grip.

I found this sponge gives me incredible control, especially for blending concealer in tight spaces or applying cream blush exactly where I want it. It creates a flawless, almost professionally done finish.

The Downside: It’s pricey, and it can be harder to find in stores compared to other brands.

 

 

AOA Studio Makeup Sponge Set

This set from Walmart is an amazing deal at just $10. You get six different sponges in various shapes and sizes. This is perfect if you’re not sure which sponge shape you like best and want to experiment.

They are surprisingly soft and bouncy for the price, and they do a great job of blending everything from foundation to powder. I especially liked having the smaller ones for concealer. It’s a great value for anyone, but especially for oily skin types who might go through sponges faster.

The Downside: Like most budget sponges, they perform best when they’re very clean, so you’ll have to wash them regularly.

Honestly, you really don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a fantastic makeup sponge anymore. The drugstore brands and online value packs have gotten so good that they give the pricey ones a serious run for their money.

Whether you stick with the iconic pink Beautyblender or grab a bag of dupes, the right sponge will make your makeup look ten times better. It’s all about finding the shape and texture that works for you.