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The Best Makeup Sponges

Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.com
🕚 Updated January 2022

Makeup sponges are must-have tools for the everyday beauty routine. They won't leave unsightly streaks on your skin when blending your foundation, concealer, and bronzer, giving you that sought-after airbrushed-looking finish. Check out our top picks for trusty makeup sponges.

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  Top Choice Best Brush and Sponge Set Best Wedges Best Round Sponges
 
  Zenda Naturals
Premium Beauty Sponge
BEAKEY
3+1 Pcs Makeup Sponges with Kabuki Contour Brush
FantaSea
Latex-Free Foam Wedges
BEAKEY
12 Pcs Round Makeup Sponges
 
Our SummaryThis all-in-one makeup sponge is comfortable and easy to use.This versatile set of makeup sponges assures smooth coverage.This 100-pack of disposable wedge sponges is great for on-the-go application or budding makeup artists.These vegan and cruelty-free sponges are made without latex or other allergens.
ProsWorks as well as more expensive brands, soft on the skin, blends makeup beautifully.Three different-shaped sponges to cover every contour, makeup brush glides like silk, made of skin-safe and allergen-free materials.Good bang for the buck, great for traveling, evenly applies glitter nail polish, work well for craft projects.Gorgeously soft on the skin, easy to handle, work great for both liquid and powder makeup, easy to wash.
ConsToo large for some, may degrade over time.Sudsy, not as soft as some other brands.Smaller, not as soft or absorbent, not environmentally friendly.Smaller, absorb a lot, doesn't get into nooks and crannies.
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The Best Makeup Sponges

A woman uses a pink makeup sponge to apply makeup under her eye.
Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.com

We’ve done the research and gathered some professional-grade makeup sponges that will work well for makeup artists to makeup novices. Read on to see them.

Buying Guide for Makeup Sponges

A woman uses a makeup sponge to apply makeup while looking in a mirror.
Dean Drobot/Shutterstock.com

Why buy makeup sponges?

Have you ever looked in the mirror later in the day and noticed streaks of poorly-blended makeup on your face? The makeup you thought looked great this morning actually wasn’t blended too well. That doesn’t have to happen anymore with the help of a makeup sponge. A good makeup sponge will help to smooth foundation, bb cream, concealer, and contouring product over your skin, blending all the elements perfectly and helping you avoid those frustrating (and slightly embarrassing) moments in front of a mirror. Makeup sponges are also essential products inside the makeup bags of makeup artists and beauty influencers, helping them pull off the perfect finish.

What should you consider in makeup sponges?

  • Materials: The material that your sponge is made from will determine how effortlessly and effectively you can apply your makeup. Some sponges expand, absorbing more liquid makeup than ones that are more rubbery. There are also vegan, non-toxic, recycled, and cruelty-free materials.
  • Package Details: Are you looking for one great sponge to try with your favorite foundation? Are you looking for a multi-pack of sponges to use on makeup clients? Are you looking for a makeup sponge that comes in its own secure case? Keep these packaging details in mind when searching for the perfect makeup sponges.
  • Shape: While many makeup artists love a teardrop-shaped makeup sponge, it may be a little difficult for beginners to use. Wedges and circle sponges can be a little easier to handle for novice makeup artists. Some teardrops come with a wedged edge, transitioning from beginner to expert. Be sure to choose a shape that suits your comfort level with applying your makeup and something that works with the contours of your face.

How do you properly clean makeup sponges?

Ideally, you’ll want to clean your makeup sponge after each use. This isn’t always possible, but you should try to clean your sponges at least once or twice a week. It’s fairly easy to clean makeup sponges. First, you’ll need to wet the sponge all the way through, squeezing it as the running water flows over it. Then, add your soap. You can use a professional makeup brush cleaning soap or just some mild bar or liquid soap. If you have a silicone cleaning mitt to stamp the sponge on, you will get a more thorough clean than with your hands alone. Either way, don’t tug or tightly wring your sponge, or it will fall apart. Gently scrub the sponge and squeeze out the product and suds. Rinse your sponge thoroughly until the water runs clear (no soap suds or makeup residue). Then allow your sponge to dry in a well-ventilated area. If you put it in a container while wet, it can mildew.

Our Picks for the Best Makeup Sponges

Top Choice

Zenda Naturals Premium Beauty Sponge

This all-in-one makeup sponge is comfortable and easy to use.

Pros: This makeup sponge comes on its own or in a three-pack to suit your needs. It works as well as the more expensive brands but costs less. It’s super soft on the skin and blends your makeup beautifully. The black color looks really sophisticated, too.

Cons: This makeup sponge is quite large, so it won’t work for all faces. After multiple washes, the sponge may degrade and leave black sponge bits on your skin.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a less expensive makeup sponge option that will last, try this one. You can use less product and still get great coverage with this premium makeup sponge.

 

Best Brush and Sponge Set

BEAKEY 3+1 Pcs Makeup Sponges with Kabuki Contour Brush

This versatile set of makeup sponges assures smooth coverage.

Pros: With this makeup sponge set, you get three different shaped sponges to flawlessly cover every contour of your face. The makeup brush that comes with this set glides like silk across your skin. Plus, the sponges and brush are made of skin-safe, allergen-free materials.

Cons: The sponges get sudsy when you wash them, so you need to rinse them thoroughly. Although the makeup sponges are soft, they’re not as soft as some other brands.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a great set of makeup sponges that come with an amazing makeup brush, this is an excellent purchase. The brush is built to last and easy to clean, and the kit makes a great gift set.

 

Best Wedges

FantaSea Latex Free Foam Wedges

This 100-pack of disposable wedge sponges is great for on-the-go application or budding makeup artists.

Pros: This huge set of makeup sponges packs a big bang for the buck. You get 100 disposable wedge sponges that are great for traveling or for budding makeup professionals. They’re also great for evenly applying glitter nail polish or doing craft projects.

Cons: These makeup sponge wedges are much smaller and firmer than others. They’re made to be disposable, so they’re not the best choice for the environment.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a lot of disposable makeup sponges, this pack might be a great choice for you. They hold up fairly well after a couple of washes if you want to try and make them last. And they’re great for a multitude of other uses aside from makeup application.

 

Best Round Sponges

BEAKEY 12 Pcs Round Makeup Sponges

These vegan and cruelty-free sponges are made without latex or other allergens.

Pros: These makeup sponges are gorgeously soft on the skin and easy to handle. They work great for both liquid and powder makeup. These sponges are easy to wash, and they can easily replace a sponge pad in a makeup compact.

Cons: These makeup sponges are pretty small. They tend to absorb quite a bit of liquid product. Plus the round shape doesn’t get into the nooks and crannies around the eyes and nose.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for quality, affordable round makeup sponges, these may be a great pick for you. They’re durable and reusable. Plus, you get a lot of sponges for your money.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to step up your game in your makeup routine, makeup sponges are the way to go. These soft, semi-absorbent sponges help glide liquid makeup smoothly across the skin and set powder makeup flawlessly into place. If you haven’t tried a makeup sponge before, consider your needs based on the options above, and have fun with your makeup!

Stacy Rounds Stacy Rounds
Stacy is a freelance writer. She has created a variety of web and print copy, from lifestyle and dating advice to small business reviews and short stories. She has a degree in business and marketing and has worked for several years as a social media manager. Through writing creative fiction, satire, and advertisements, she developed a passion for the written word. She enjoys cooking and painting in her free time. Read Full Bio »
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