Blending Sponges

What are blending sponges?.... What are they use for?... Is there a difference between brands?...

Blending Sponges are a soft sponge that is designed or shaped for a controlled and flawless finish application.  Primarily, this is used for liquid and cream makeup products.

To use this, you are suppose to wet the sponge first with warm water and squeeze the excess water.  For application, dot the foundation onto the skin and dab or pat the sponge onto the skin in circular motion.

I owned 3 blending sponges, all from different brands which are Sonia Kashuk, Joe Fresh and the Beauty Blender.  Since I have a few of them, I can easily compare the products and help you purchase something worth your money.

Above is the Sonia Kashuk blending sponge, this was the first sponge that I have purchased, this is under $11.  Since I didn't have any other sponges to compare it to, I think this was an okay product, the pointy tip, is good for blending around the crevices around the eyes and nose.  The downside to it, because of its shape, it's quite difficult to roll the product onto the skin.  The texture is dense and stiff, even after wetting the sponge, the shape remains the same and it does not blend well.

Above is the Joe Fresh blending sponge, this has an egg-shape which rolls onto the skin well but the texture of it is pretty much the same as the Sonia Kashuk which is a bit dense but not as stiff as the Sonia Kashuk.   The shape of it doubles the volume after wetting it but it does not get any softer.  I must say it does distributes the product evenly.  This cost about $10.  

Between the two, I do prefer the Joe Fresh blending sponge.

Lastly, is the Beauty Blender, this is what mostly makeup artists carries in their kit.  The price is in the high end for a sponge, $26 cdn.  but it's worth buying it.  This was given to me by a friend who's been recommending this product to me for the longest time but I kept on holding off because of the price and I didn't really see the purpose of buying another one if they all feel and work the same.  However, after using it, now I completely understand why this is such a popular product.  This is not just an ordinary sponge.  This also has an egg-shape and it expands after damping it with water but the texture gets softer as you use it.  It's gentle on the skin which makes a flawless finish.  Because of the shape, it allows you to roll the foundation onto the skin preventing any streaks.  This is also great for toning down blushes, bronzers when applied too much.  Honestly, this is what I've been reaching for lately putting my other foundation brushes onto shame.  This is a multi-task sponge, I use this for foundation, concealer and cream blush.  I recommend this blending sponge to anyone.

CoverGirl Clean Whipped Cream Foundation

I purchased this product a few days ago at Walmart for $7.97 cdn.  My shade is in 325 Buff Beige.  This offers a medium coverage with a dewy finish and it feels light on my skin.  I also noticed that a little amount goes a long way.  I dab about a size of a pea on my cheeks, forehead, nose and chin and blend it with a foundation brush or a stippling brush and it covers my entire face.  For those who has the same skin type like I do which is an oily skin, you will need to apply a primer to help control some shine.  I use the MAC-Matte and this works well this foundation.  This foundation last for about 7 hours without any touch ups, which is AWESOME! I do give this product a two thumbs up, and with the price I think it's a steal! I definitely recommend this product to anyone.

Most Wanted for the Month of May

Hello everyone,

Here I am again with another post on my most wanted for this month.  May just flew by so fast and we're entering June already!  Anyway, below are the stuff that made it to my list:

1. Real Techniques Eye Starter Kit - I was happy to find these at Walmart, no need to cross the border... just kidding! I absolutely love these brushes, they're high quality and affordable, this cost me $18.97 for this kit.  It comes in 5 essential eye brushes:  From left to right:

Base Brush - good for cream shadows.

Deluxe Crease Brush - I actually use this for concealer, I find it quite large for my crease.

Eyeliner Brush - this is a little thick for me, however, I use it to put some shadow on my lower lash line.

Brow Brush - good for defining your brows.

Accent/Detail Brush - great for highlighting the inner corner of your eye or smudging on  lower lash line.

2. Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede in High heels - the color pay off is quite sheer but it's definitely buildable.  This is great for an everyday look.  Although you can barely notice the shimmer on them.  It's also hydrating and to me it lasts for a couple of hours.  This cost me $10.99.

3. Rimmel ScandalEyes in Bullet Proof Beige - it has a creamy finish so it glides on easily.  I use this own its own or as a base.  For daytime look, I would apply this all over my lid and a Brown eyeshadow in the outer crease.  Finish it up with a mascara.  This cost me $7.99.

4. MAC eyeshadow in Expensive Pink - this is like a coral, pink shade with shimmer.  In my opinion, this is a universal eyeshadow, it looks great in every skin tone and it's a perfect companion for most shades.  This cost me $15.

5. MAC PaintPot in Constructivist and MAC Pigment in Antique Gold - I love this combination for an evening look.  MAC Constructivist is a deep brown cream eyeshadow with a tint of shimmer and the MAC Antique Gold is a brown shade of pigment with gold shimmer.  I apply the MAC Constructivist all over my lid, blending the edges and I dab the Antique Gold on top of the Constructivist.  I then line my lower lash line with a black liner and finish it with a mascara.  

The last 2 are my most worn wardrobe:

1. Military Jacket - this is a light weight jacket, great for spring and fall.  This was $40 at Garage.

2. Wedge Sneakers - this is a cross between  high top sneakers and high heels.  This enhance the look of leggings or skinny jeans.  This was $20 at Ardene's.

There you have it! See you next time, KAT