7 BeautyBlender Mistakes You're Probably Making

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Ah, the BeautyBlender. It may look like a normal makeup sponge, but it's so much more. How do you use one? Don't just go slapping on the makeup and rubbing it on your face because there is an art to getting the most out your BeautyBlender. After all, they're $30 a pop, so you want to make it worth it!

The humble makeup sponge that's not so humble.

1. You're Not Using It Wet

"Why would you slap a wet sponge on your face if you're trying to get a nice even coverage, Elizabeth?" I hear you ask. Because it's the BEST way to get said even coverage. The BeautyBlender's spongey texture means that it works best when wet. It ensures you use less product because the sponge absorbs less, and it seals the holes in the sponge to give a natural, dewy look. Run the sponge under water, squeezing until it doubles in size, and then squeeze it out so it's a little damp. Then you're ready to go!

2. You're Not "Bouncing" It

"Elizabeth, what the heck do you mean by that?" Well, I'll tell you! The best way to ensure you get an even coverage with your foundation of choice is to bounce your Blender. If you swipe or rub your BeautyBlender over your face, you'll just smear the fluid over your skin and end up with streaky coverage.

You want to make sure you "bounce" it over your skin with a slight twist at the end. Bounce, twist, bounce, twist . . . Best foundation coverage you've ever had.

3. You're Applying Foundation Straight Onto the Sponge

Sponges are porous, and no matter how much you get it damp, it's going to take on some of your product. Squeezing the formula right onto the sponge will mean that the first time you bounce it on to your skin, you will press most of the product into your BeautyBlender.

Put a few drops of the foundation on the back of your hand and use it as a paint palette, grabbing more as you need it.

Don't just hold it artfully, learn to use it!
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4. You're Not Washing It Straight After Using It

These little sponges may apply foundation flawlessly, but they also stain. There's nothing more disappointing than having your perfect BeautyBlender's pristine exterior all dirty and blemished. And washing is super easy. BeautyBlender themselves sell two types of cleaner: a solid soap-style one, and a liquid soap. Both are super easy to use.

For the liquid soap (or dish-washing liquid if you don't want to buy the branded one) simply squeeze the cleanser directly onto the stained parts of the Blender. If using the solid soap, add a bit more water and rub the stained parts of the sponge into the soap. Then, under gently running water, squeeze and massage the sponge.

You don't want to be too rough or you could flake the sponge. Just use a gentle massage, and whatever you do, DON'T wring it out. Gentle squeezing only.

5. You're Not Letting the Beauty Blender Dry Before Putting It Away

Just like you can't use the BeautyBlender dry, you also can't put it away wet because mould can form. And let's face it, mould is really gross. Your skin is so delicate and susceptible to nasty stuff, so you want to make absolutely sure that the sponge is cleaned, sterilized, and mould-free.

Luckily, the little plastic container this makeup wonder comes in is also the ideal drying stand.

Prop the blender sideways on the top of the open stand so that most of the sponge is exposed to the elements. And then just leave it there. You'll know when it's dry when it's back to its original size and can fit neatly back into the container.

BeautyBlender also has a nifty little mesh case you can put your damp sponges into to let them dry out while at the same time also protecting it in your makeup bag.

If you follow these five steps, you will be well on your way to cosmetic perfection.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.