BPGP: Beautyblender and How to Stipple
Feb 23, 2012
When I first tried the beautyblender makeup sponge, I wasn’t all that impressed. My makeup application improved markedly, but the sponge required daily cleansing and seemed to absorb a lot of makeup. Waste + clean up relegated the sponge to my box of beauty product fails.
Then, about a month ago, I was talking to a makeup artist about miracle products when she identified the beautyblender as her number one tool. When I told her that I wasn’t wowed, she informed me that I was using the product wrong.
You see, I was using the beautyblender to dot/press on my foundation when what I was supposed to be doing something the Katja at Birchbox calls the press and wiggle. Call it an ah-ha moment.
Now that I’m using the beautyblender correctly, I love it. Whether I’m using a full coverage foundation or just a tinted moisturizer, the beautyblender gives you an airbrush finish and helps you blend the foundation in perfectly.
No, this product is not cheap. Two sponges and the cleanser will set you back $40. But when you consider that you can use the cleanser on your makeup brushes as well, and add in the cost of buying bag after bag of makeup sponges, the cost seems a little more reasonable.
Whenever I use full coverage foundation, I make sure to use the beautyblender. It gives me an airbrush finish with no makeup lines and no streaks. So if you wear liquid foundation, you should definitely give this product a try.
For those who want to try it but are maybe a bit skeptical, Birchbox has a travel set with one beautyblender and a travel size cleanser for $24. https://www.birchbox.com/shop/beauty-blender-travel-kit
This is legitimately the best makeup advice I've ever been given. After a life without ever wearing liquid foundation, I decided that I needed more coverage and purchased the Chanel perfection lumière foundation. After a week of using it, I didn't like the way it look and stopped. After watching this video (and receiving my blender in this month's birchbox), I took another shot. My makeup has never looked more amazing and I've received so many compliments. I can't reiterate enough how much of a difference this makes. Do yourself a favor and order a pack of blenders and use with your favorite foundation… it will change everything.
Thanks for the tips! Have you tried it with tinted moisturizer?
I actually got one of these from birchbox this month but have yet to master stippling, so this is helpful. Thanks!
Love the knock off version from Target's Sonia Kashuk line. They also do a two-for-one deal a lot on the Sephora brand version.
How long should one sponge last you?
Belle, I have only used a foundation brush (never a sponge of any kind) to apply my liquid foundation. How would you compare using this with using a brush?
You're actually supposed to use the beauty blender wet (run it under the tap and squeeze out excess water), so it doesn't absorb as much foundation.
This is one of the best posts I've ever seen! My beauty blender worked wonders this morning after watching the tutorial! Thank you so much for posting!
Hi Belle,
I know this is a random place to comment, but I would love to see a post on your best tips for using a Clarisonic, since I'm sure you have many.
After seeing lots of rave reviews (from you and others), I recently purchased one and I want to make sure I use it in the best ways, with proper types of cleansers (gel, foam, exfoliating, etc), keep it clean properly and in general get the most for my money. If you have any good tips as a long-time user, I'd love to hear them.
Sarah B: I use it with tinted moisturizer all the time.
Katrina: WIth proper care, one blender should last you for a year, I would think.
Shelbey: Thanks for the tip.
Ellie: I used to use a brush, never cared for it. I think this goes on a little nicer with less effort.