Staff Pick of the Week: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

Sponges have taken over the beauty industry in recent years as makeup artists’ preferred tool for makeup application. Whether you’re using liquid foundations, cream bronzers or loose setting powders, there’s a tried-and-true use for beauty sponges during each and every step of “painting a face.”

However, it’s not just any cosmetic sponge that’s had even the Kardashians’ makeup artist raving in recent years. This particular infatuation is over a unique sponge shaped similar to an egg, one of the earliest and most popular models created by the brand BeautyBlender. Best used when damp, these sponges work flawlessly to blend liquid and cream products into every crevice of the face, leaving an even finish that looks almost airbrushed.

Though the BeautyBlender was one of the earliest— and to this day most popular— versions, many brands have since developed their own take on the egg-shaped makeup tool. Here at Valley, we’ve selected a favorite from the bunch as our Staff Pick of the Week: the Miracle Complexion Sponge by Real Techniques.

Unlike the cult-favorite BeautyBlender, the Real Techniques sponge features a flat edge on one side, which allows artists to reach more difficult crevices of the face. Valley has found this Real Techniques sponge to be closest in quality to the BeautyBlender, and even better, at a fraction of the price. While BeautyBlender retails for about $20 on Sephora.com, you can find the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge on Ulta.com for just $6.99.

Though each brand’s version may vary in size, shape, material, and price, the preferred way to use it remains constant:

Step 1) Immerse under water

Step 2) Squeeze and release multiple times to allow sponge to expand and grow

Step 3) Once sponge has reached full size, gently squeeze all excess water until sponge is not wet, but damp

Step 4) Pounce over face with liquid or cream foundations, concealers, bronzers and more

Do you use beauty sponges? Let us know by tagging us on social media @Valleymag!