How to use a makeup sponge correctly

It’s no secret that practically every makeup expert under the sun is an advocate of the makeup sponge. Even celebrities and models swear by the ability of the egg-shaped device to seamlessly blend foundation. But unless you know how to use a makeup sponge correctly, you might as well be blending your makeup with an actual boiled egg.

Which is why we’re demonstrating exactly how to use a makeup sponge for a flawless makeup base. If you’re after that dewy, yet perfectly airbrushed makeup finish, this one’s for you!

We’re using the Manicare Perfect and Correct Sponge Kit, which contains three purpose-designed sponges to flawlessly blend foundation and concealer, contour and highlight your features, and erase makeup errors for a perfect result.  

Step one: Flawlessly blend foundation and cover imperfections

First things first, let’s ace that base. I’m using the Flawless Foundation Sponge to apply and blend my foundation. For sheer, light coverage, rinse the sponge under water and then squeeze out excess water so that it’s damp when you’re applying your base. If you’re after more coverage, you can use the sponge dry.

Use the flat side of the Flawless Foundation Sponge to apply foundation to your face, then turn the sponge over to the rounded side and blend your foundation into the skin using a push and roll technique.

To apply concealer, use the flat edge of the same sponge to gently press concealer under the eyes, then turn the sponge over to the curved side and blend using the same technique as above.

Step two: Define, contour and highlight

A makeup sponge is key to getting effortlessly sculpted facial features. With the right sponge, you can seamlessly blend your contour and work a highlighter into the skin until it’s undetectable.

Using the point on the wider end of the Mini Highlighting and Contouring Sponge, sweep a cream contouring product underneath your cheekbones from your ear towards the corner of your mouth. Turn the sponge on its side and use the rounded part of the wider end to blend the cream contour until you can’t see any harsh lines.

To highlight, use the point on the smaller end of the Mini Highlighting and Contouring Sponge to apply a liquid or cream highlighter to the top of your cheekbones. Turn the sponge on its side and use the rounded part of the smaller end of the sponge to blend it in.

Step three: Erase and sweep away makeup mishaps

If you’ve followed the previous steps, by now you should have a flawless, luminous makeup base. So you might be wondering what the last sponge is for? The Mini Perfecting Sponge is there for erasing makeup mishaps – think mascara smudges, eyeshadow fallout or too much blush. The sponge has multiple flat edges which are handy to correct makeup such as winged eyeliner, lipstick, eyebrows where you would want to have a sharp line.

Use the curved side of the Mini Perfecting Sponge to get rid of any mistakes by simply sweeping it over the problem area. Use as much pressure as you need, until the mistake has vanished.

Now that you’ve cleaned up any mishaps, you can use the pointed end of the Mini Perfecting Sponge to re-apply foundation or concealer as needed. The pointed end makes it easy to target the specific area that needs retouching. Since the Mini Perfecting Sponge is so small, I recommend keeping it in your handbag for touch-ups throughout the day.

Do you use a makeup sponge in your makeup routine? Will you be trying the Manicare Perfect and Correct Sponge Kit?