Blending sponges have really revolutionized the application of makeup. At least they have for me! I still love using brushes for certain applications, but blending sponges are so fast and I love the airbrushed finish that I get from them. Often I use a sponge in conjunction with a brush particularly with highly pigmented and deep blush shades. I apply with a brush and then use a damp sponge to bounce over it and remove a bit of the color. What a difference that discovery made for me! No more clown face 🙂
Pretty much as soon as the original Beauty Blender came out, I jumped on the bandwagon. I like the Beauty Blender, but it is very pricey. I think it’s at least $20 for a little sponge that lasts a few months. When alternatives came out, I was definitely interested. I got to try a blending sponge from Beauty Junkees, one of my favorite makeup brush brands, because a contouring sponge came with their Contouring and Highlighting Set that I reviewed (here) a couple of months ago. The black contouring sponge with the flat side immediately became my favorite blending sponge. To be honest, I seldom use my Beauty Blender any more. I prefer the “spongeability” or sponginess of the Beauty Junkees sponge to the original Beauty Blender. And there’s no comparison when it comes to affordability.
So I was excited when Beauty Junkees sent me their new 4 piece Pro Beauty Sponges Set to try out.
The sponges are latex free, non-allergenic, and they’re easy to wash with mild dish liquid, baby shampoo or bar soap. For some reason, I find the Beauty Junkees sponges easier to clean. The makeup stains seem to come out more readily than when I use other sponge brands. The sponges can be used with all types of makeup including creams, liquids, minerals, and powders.
The four sponges come in different shapes for different applications:
- Pink Teardrop: The base is best used on all over face applications; the tip helps with hard to reach areas such as around the eyes and nose
- Purple Pear: Its uses are similar to the Pink Teardrop, but it has an improved ergonomic shape that allows for an optimal grip
- Green Oval: For the makeup perfectionist, this sponge has dual tips for precise concealing and removing makeup errors
- Blue Sculptor: The flat head is used best for pressing on primers and for layering on foundation especially useful to cover imperfections, while the body can be used for a stippling effect to create an airbrushed look
Although you can use them dry, I find that, like with the Beauty Blender, the Beauty Junkees sponges are best used when damp. Run them under water and squeeze out the excess water, and you’re good to go. As you’ll see, they become larger as well as more pliable when wet.
Beauty Junkees 4 Piece Pro Beauty Sponges Set is priced at an amazing $14.97 and is sold on the Beauty Junkees website as well as on Amazon. Check out the makeup brush sets as well as individual brushes and sponges at the Beauty Junkees shop on their website (they have a blog too!) and at the Beauty Junkees shop on Amazon.
And as if the price above isn’t enticing enough, readers of Never Say Die Beauty can get a discount on purchases through Amazon:
25% Off Any One Individual Makeup Brush or Makeup Brush/Sponge Set, use Code: NEVERSAY
One redemption per customer
Expires on: 7.15.2016
Have you discovered Beauty Junkees yet?
I swear I am the only beauty blogger who hasn’t tried sponges for makeup application. I am definitely planning to pick up Real Technique sponge sometime in the next few months but don’t think I’ll ever splurge on the original Beauty Blender. I think it’s insane to pay that much for a sponge.
Shireen L. Platt recently posted…Have A Nice Day with HAND Cosmetics
I just adore the Beauty Junkees sponges and also their incredible makeup brushes, Shireen, and you can’t beat their prices.
I’m glad you broke down what each shape is for because I didn’t know the difference.
Shannon recently posted…Aromatherapy Diffuser: Gurunanda Essential Oils
There were developed with specific tasks in mind, but you could use them as best suits you, Shannon. I don’t always follow the rules 😉
These are such great quality makeup sponges, and I love the variety of shapes with specific purposes!
Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog recently posted…Lauren B. Ultimate Nail Treatment Collection for the Perfect Mani
I’m so glad you know about these great blending sponges already, Helen. I think they’re great!
Those are ridiculously cute, as well as useful! <3
Shipra recently posted…Share a Coke & a Song This Summer!
I’m a big fan of the Beauty Junkee sponge set. Not only are the sponges incredibly well made but the price is not to be beat. I may take advantage of your code to get another product from Beauty Junkees since I love the ones I already have.
MarciaF recently posted…Tune in to QVC at midnight eastern time for a great Lavanila set and enter our giveaway
I hope you do use the code on a purchase, Marcia! I’m thinking of getting an extra set. For <$12, they're good to have on hand!
Love how affordable they are!
Cindy (Prime Beauty) recently posted…Soufeel Sterling Silver Charm Bracelet: Review & Pics!
That’s such a good price if they work well! I’m intrigued by the different shapes.
Chelsea recently posted…SEPHORA Collection | Spring 2016
That is a good deal if they are really good sponges. I’d like to try them, see how they measure up to my beloved beautyblenders. 😀
Erika recently posted…Mojo Spa Handmade Cosmetics | Get Your Mojo On
In all honesty, Erika, I never use my Beauty Blender any more (and it’s almost brand new) coz I prefer these. The one I use most is the black sponge with the flat angled side that came with the Contour & Highlighting set – do you have that? And my next fave is the lemon shaped green one with the pointy ends & the beauty blender clone. For less than $12 for the 4 of these (with the discount), I think it’s a steal ?
I’m feeling like a dumb dumb because I had no idea there were so many different kinds of sponges. Some beauty blogger I am, HA!
These beauty sponges are staples for me. Very affordable too!
Kath TheFabZilla recently posted…How-to: At-Home Glycolic Peel Using Ellen Lange Retexturizing Peel
Glad you’re a fan too! I think they’re great and such a deal!
That oval sponge is a brilliant idea! I’ve often wondered why anyone did not make a sponge that shape (two corners for both eyes; the rest is good for the whole face).
Renu recently posted…SpaceNK Best Of Beauty Summer 2016 Bag Reveal
The oval really is great. It’s easier to use with the narrow tips than the tiny Beauty Blender sponges.
Love the variety of shapes!
Phyrra recently posted…Makeup Geek Purple Palette
They’re so handy for different applications!
That’s so impressive that they clean well I feel like my sponges are always full of stains no matter how much I clean them! Great review Allison!
Megan T. recently posted…What’s In My Bag: DC Travel Edition
These sponges are such a great deal, Megan. And I have much better luck getting the stains out of these sponges with regular facial soap than I do with my Beauty Blender. With the discount, these sponges are sooooooo inexpensive. If Amazon has cheap shipping to Canada, they’re really worth it especially with the discount 😉
I need this set! I used to be all about brushes for foundation (flat top kabuki styles) but I’ve gone to sponges and haven’t looked back. This set looks pretty great and that price is amazing.
Bailey recently posted…Maybelline Master Precise Skinny Gel Pencils
For this price, it is amazing, Bailey. And with the 25% discount, it’s almost free on a per sponge basis. I hope Amazon has inexpensive shipping to Canada coz these sponges are worth getting!
I am hot and cold with BB and sponge application in general but I like the look of these! For the price, you can’t argue.
Norah recently posted…The Estee Edit by Estee Lauder
For a definite non-pro like me, I find sponges easy to use though I still like a flat top kabuki for foundation. But these sponges truly are really good quality and an incredible deal
I have the black one that came with the highlighting and contour set I purchased. It’s by far my fave sponge. It has a flat top and pointed end. Good for ever’thang
Polarbelle recently posted…Becca Cosmetics x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection Face Palette Swatches, Pics, Review and More
Same here. That black sponge is the Holy Grail xoxo
I stopped using my beauty blender because it stains. I’m happy to read that you didn’t experience staining, and these are easier to clean…oh and cheaper.
Kim recently posted…Stay Fresh this Summer with Always Sheer Dailies {Giveaway}
I find that I can get out foundation stains with regular soap whereas with my Beauty Blender I have to use the expensive Beauty Blender Solid Cleanser. To me, the quality is just as good (actually I like the sponginess or feeling of these a little better), and they’re cheaper and easier to keep clean. They work for me!
Thank goodness! I have Amazon credit AND my blender has just started with a little tear. I am saved! I’ll probably stay addicted to my BB micro mini for the undereye though. I get really good results with it and my Nars concealer!
With the discount, all 4 sponges will cost <$12. I think it's well worth it. I can understand you sticking with the micro-mini BBs, but if you do go for these, Rach, try the pointed end of the oval shaped sponge. I like to use that one for concealer 🙂 I like the sponginess of these, and I find that I can clean them with soap instead of the pricey Beauty Blender solid cleanser that's the only thing that cleans my Beauty Blender. I was surprised how much I love these. And the Beauty Junkee brushes are incredible and soooooo affordable too. I like the brushes as much as I like my IT brushes. Love this brand!
I go back and forth between brushes and blender. I find the blenders harder to clean, but if you say these are easier, I may have to give them a try!
Nidia – Lit From Within recently posted…Old School Gaming
I do the same thing, Nidia. I love the flat top kabuki brush for foundation too. And I always apply blush and highlighter with a brush but then sometimes go over it with a sponge. I have had very good luck cleaning the Beauty Junkees sponges. I can use a regular bar soap instead of the pricey Beauty Blender Solid Cleaner and they still get clean. I’m sold!
Oh – I really need to pick these up and try them out for myself. I love beauty junkees brushes so I’m sure I’ll enjoy these too.
To me, they are the same great quality as the BJ makeup brushes. The black one with the flat side from the Contouring and Highlighting set is my all-time favorite sponge because it’s black and has the flat side, but I love the oval shape with the ends that are great for under eye and around the nose as well as the BB clone. Heck, they’re all great! And a bargain
I have a ton of these all over my makeup area!
I’m glad to hear that you’re already a fan!
That’s a great deal! I just may pick up a set!
Babi recently posted…FAERIES & FOLKLORE Let Me See Your Bling duo : Swatches and Review
The 4 piece sponge set from Beauty Junkees is the deal of the century especially with the discount. They’re great quality and with the code, they cost <$12 for all 4!
I love using sponges esp. for foundation, concealer and powder. I almost stopped using brushes for them at all.
Simona recently posted…Comparison: TNS 469 Heartbeats vs Faby Let’s Dance
I love blending sponges too, Simona. They are so handy and easy to use. Which sponges are your favorites?