Beautyblender 101

Makeup's best friend aka The original beautyblender just turned 15. Happy 15th Anniversary to beautyblender. 

Although beautyblender has been around for 15 years, I only started to use these amazing sponges for the past 5 years. I swear it has been a game changer in the beauty industry & in makeup application. If you own one, then you know what I'm talking about!

I use the beautyblender for personal use and professional use - on all my clients. When I use them on my clients I get weird looks and often get asked what's that?! And sometimes I get clients who say, I have one of those, but not sure if I'm using it right. Well, for those of you who aren't sure what a beautyblender is and why makeup artists swear by it, keep reading.

What is a Beautyblender?
An edgeless, non-disposable, high-definition cosmetic sponge applicator. 

What does it do?
beautyblenders exclusive material available only with beautyblender ensures impeccable, streak-free application with minimum product waste. Use it with primers, foundations, powders, cream blushes, and any other complexion product. 

How to use a Beautyblender?
- Before you get ready to apply your products run your beautyblender through some water. The beautyblender works best when it is damp, so make sure to squeeze out all the excess water. A damp beautyblender creates a flawless, airbrush like finish. A dry beautyblender will often apply foundation quite heavy & create a more cakey look.
- Apply foundation onto a sanitized palette (the back of your hand works great if it's clean) or you can apply a few dots of foundation onto your face prior to blending. (I don't recommend pumping your foundation directly onto the sponge.)
- "Bounce" the sponge onto your skin to blend the product out smoothly. 
- Use the pointy side to focus on smaller areas.

Just remember: WET. SQUEEZE. BOUNCE

There are a few different colors/sizes sponges that beautyblender makes. They are all made with the same exclusive beautyblender material however if you're not sure what color to get here is a little guide to help you:

Original (hot pink) - sponge ensures flawless application of any complexion product, powder, cream blush and more.
Nude (nude) - specifically created to apply all foundations.
Pure (white) - made for a product conserving, silky application of skincare and makeup. Great for sensitive skin and to apply serums and moisturizers.
Pro (black) - made specially for professionals and best for applying darker toned, long-wear cosmetic products, as well as self-tanners.
Beauty Blusher (grey) - medium size, made for applying cream and powder blush.
Micro Mini (green) - made especially to highlight, contour, conceal. Micro.Mini
Red Carpet (red) - exclusive edition in an iconic sephora red. Same size as the original.
Royal (purple) - limited edition. Same size as the original.
Bubble (light pink) - this is a limited edition color made especially for beautyblender's 15th anniversary. It is the same size as the original.

beautyblender.bubble (15th Anniversary limited edition) - beautyblender.com

How to clean your beautyblender?
beautyblender has a great how-to pictorial on how to clean your beautyblender.

I personally use the blendercleanser solid & find it amazing at cleaning & removing foundation stains. Cleaning your beautyblender will definitely prolong the wear of your sponge. Beautyblender recommends replacing your beautyblender every 3 months. I don't use mine everyday & found mine to last about 6 months. 

Also, just a note - it's ok to use your beautyblender right after you have thoroughly cleaned it since your beautyblender is meant to be used damp anyway. 

DO NOT USE ALCOHOL on your beautyblender. This will ruin your sponge completely.
(This has never happened to me, but I've heard horrifying stories from fellow artists. Make sure your alcohol, water, brush cleaner, etc spray bottles are labeled correctly. ​

How to store your beautyblender?
Since the beautyblender is often damp after use, its best to store it in a well ventilated area. Also, don't throw away the clear container it came in. Turn the cap upside down and use it as a holder for your sponge. Try and avoid throwing it in your makeup bag with all your other makeup as the sponge will quickly absorb any loose powder/debris, etc that's inside your makeup bag.

Where to buy beautyblender?
You can find beautyblenders instore at Sephora or online at beautyblender.com, beautylish.com & other beauty supply stores (Naimies, Nigels, Frends, etc). To find a store near you click here.

How much is a beautyblender?
Original size is $20. Blush - medium size is $18. Mico mini size $16 (1 pack comes with 2)

$20 seems a little steep for a sponge. But honestly, it'll be the best sponge you're going to invest in. It beats any foundation brush, especially if you are going for that flawless, airbrush look. The best time to purchase a beautyblender is during the holidays. Beautyblender always comes out with cute holiday sets that are about $10 cheaper than buying them individually. Most sets come with a few sponges and some type of cleanser. 

Alright beauties, I hope this answered all your beautyblender questions. If I missed anything please feel free to leave me a comment! Xo.