Original Beautyblender Guide: Use and Care

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The Original Beautyblender is a simple tool with a very specific method: wet, squeeze and bounce. Its edgeless teardrop shape is designed to press liquid, cream and powder formulas over the complexion without leaving brush lines, while the pointed tip reaches around the eyes and nose.

Original pink Beautyblender makeup sponge in its canister — The Original Beautyblender in its ventilated canister. Image courtesy of Beautyblender.

Why the shape works

The rounded sides cover cheeks and forehead efficiently, while the tip gives more control around smaller features. When fully wet, the latex-free foam expands and is intended to absorb less makeup than a dry sponge. Bouncing rather than dragging helps blend the edges of foundation, concealer and cream colour into a more even finish.

Original pink Beautyblender makeup sponge — The familiar edgeless teardrop shape. Image courtesy of Beautyblender.

The best fit

It suits someone who prefers a soft, skin-like base and is willing to clean a tool regularly. A sponge can be especially useful for pressing product into curved areas, but it offers less handle and precision than a brush. It is reusable, vegan and cruelty-free, with water-soluble dyes; it still needs routine washing and eventual replacement.

Beautyblender sponge shown wet and expanded for makeup application — Wet the sponge fully before use, then squeeze out excess water. Image courtesy of Beautyblender.

Use and care

Saturate the sponge with water, squeeze firmly and blot it in a clean towel until damp. Bounce makeup onto the skin with the rounded side and use the tip for targeted blending. Clean after use, rinse thoroughly and let it air-dry in a ventilated place. Beautyblender recommends replacing it every eight to twelve weeks, or sooner if it develops tears, stains that will not wash out or loses its bounce.