The 10 Best Makeup Sponges
Special Honors
Jenny Patinkin Pure Luxury Duo Created by renowned beauty expert and makeup artist Jenny Patinkin, the Pure Luxury Duo is not treated with toxic chemicals, like flame retardants, or dyes. Each is latex-free, vegan, recyclable, and has a velvety texture and squishy consistency to deliver flawless results. These sponges feature tiny pores that absorb less makeup and are easy to clean. jennypatinkin.com
Hourglass Ambient Strobe Light Sculptor Designed to be used with the company's powders, this dual-ended sculptor is angled to fit the high points of the face for easy application. It has a velvety-soft flocked side to soften and blend for a natural-looking finish and a dense texture that picks up the correct amount of powder. It's crafted from a high-grade, antimicrobial material, and can be used wet for more intense highlighting. hourglasscosmetics.com
Editor's Notes
June 11, 2020:
Upon revisiting this list, we noticed that it required a complete overhaul, and so we removed several selections that became unavailable or else were surpassed by superior releases or unsuited to the job. We know that some people enjoy using silicone sponges like the Bontime Set, but most professional makeup artists will tell you they detest these types of applicators because they spread foundation around without helping it to set into the skin thanks to their poreless, non-absorbent designs and the fact that they maintain a cooler temperature that doesn't help warm foundations for them to blend better.
We also said goodbye to the Wonder Wedge 100 Pack, as these types of wedges are not ideal if you're looking for professional-looking results. They're better for one-time use for face painting, nail projects, and other crafts, and their small size, shape, and lack of durability make employing them for coverage over broad areas like the cheeks, forehead, and neck a frustrating experience.
Among the several new additions to the ranks is the Wet n Wild Pink, which is a solid alternative to The Original Beauty Blender if you're looking for something entry-level and budget-friendly. While it won't hold up for as long, it feels a lot like the real deal and should help newbies decide whether to splurge on the upgrade once it's time for a new one. We also brought on the Jane Iredale Flocked, which is meant for powders or light BB creams. It's not great for heavy foundations, baking, or contouring, but for blurring pores and creating an even texture with translucent powders, it's really hard to beat.