The idea of a velvet makeup sponge is nothing new, as they have been on the market for a few years. At this point, several brands tout their own version of a velvet beauty sponge. I am putting three of them to the test to see which sponge is the best, and if these sponges even work in general. For this review and comparison I am doing wet and dry applications with foundation, concealer, loose setting powder, and pressed blush. Together, we will compare and contrast three drugstore makeup sponges: the Juno & Co Microfiber Makeup Sponge, the Real Techniques Miracle Powder Sponge, and the wet n wild Microfiber Makeup Sponge.
Juno Microfiber Makeup Sponge vs. Real Techniques Miracle Powder Sponge vs. wet n wild Microfiber Makeup Sponge
Velvet Beauty Sponge Claims
I am starting this velvet makeup sponge review with the claims and directions for each sponge.
- Juno Microfiber Makeup Sponge
- Claims: The bristles provide fast, buildable coverage. You can use this sponge with both wet and dry products. The dual-layers minimize product absoprtion.
- Directions: Wet the sponge for liquid and cream products, or leave it dry for powders. Lightly dab the product onto desired areas, but do not directly apply product to the sponge. Gently tap until you get an airbrushed finish.
- Real Techniques Miracle Powder Sponge
- Claims: This sponge provides a soft-filtered finish with buildable coverage that is ideal for oily skin and for setting makeup. You can use this sponge with powder products. The precision tip conceals blemishes.
- Directions: Use it dry for a matte finish, or damp for a satin finish.
- wet n wild Microfiber Makeup Sponge
- Claims: This sponge blends makeup seamlessly for an airbrushed look. The inner material expands to twice its size, while allowing for less product absorption. It is perfect for both powder and makeup application, and it can be used wet or dry.
- Directions: Dip the sponge into product, then bounce, pat, or glide it over the skin.
Velvet Blending Sponge Wet Application
Believe it or not, I got the same results with each velvet makeup sponge with wet (and dry) application. So, I will talk about all three sponges as an aggregate, rather than separately. I will point out any tiny differences.
All of the sponges feel soft and bouncy on the skin. The sponges hardly feel wet when they actually are. Virtually no product gets absorbed by these sponges, so you can save money by applying less. Each microfiber makeup sponge provides a skin-like finish, but you will not get that dewy glow like you do with a wet regular sponge. I have incredibly large pores on my nose, and I find that the microfibers smooth the product over them much better than traditional sponges.
When it comes to powder application, the microfibers really pick powder up, and you cannot tap the excess off. This means that you will get a heavy setting powder application, but it will make the skin appear to be blurred. Some may appreciate a heavy application, especially those with oily skin. For others, this may cause your makeup to look heavy, cakey, and patchy. It comes down to knowing your skin type before you use one of these sponges with powder.
As far as cleaning a microfiber makeup sponge is concerned, all of these do clean very easily, similar to traditional sponges. I use solid soap and warm water with no issues. You can also use liquid soap, as discussed in my brush washing post.
Now, I have some individual notes about these sponges. The Real Techniques sponge does not expand when wet, while both the wet n wild and Juno sponges do expand somewhat.
Microfiber Velvet Makeup Sponge Dry Application
Next in this microfiber velvet sponge review are my notes on dry application. Honestly, there is no difference between using these sponges wet or dry. Thus, you reap no benefits either way. This is in direct contrast to regular sponges, in which you should never use them dry to minimize as much product absorption as possible.
I mention this in wet application, but it is so much more obvious in dry application that the microfibers are a magnet for powder! You still get a heavy setting powder application, which I find leads to a super long-lasting look. My blush looked nice too. Pressed powders can develop hard pan when you wet them, which means a hard layer forms on top of the product that prevents you from using it until you scrape it away. I recommend using your microfiber velvet makeup sponge dry with pressed powders to avoid said issue.
After assessing both the wet and dry results, this velvet beauty blender review makes it evident that these can be your all-in-one tool for applying liquids, powders, and creams in one makeup look. With this being said, you do have to section off your sponge to be able to make this possible.
Velvet Beauty Blender Review Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
I am ending this velvet makeup sponge three-way comparison and review with some frequently asked questions:
How do you use a velvet makeup sponge?
You use a velvet makeup sponge either wet or dry to apply liquids, powders, or creams. It can be used the same way as a traditional blending sponge, with the only difference being that you can do dry application.
How do you clean a velvet sponge?
You can clean a velvet sponge either with liquid or solid soap, and water. There is no difference between cleaning a velvet sponge or a regular sponge. They should be cleaned after each use.
Are velvet beauty blenders good?
Velvet beauty blenders are good because they provide a skin-like finish while not absorbing product. This way, you can use less makeup in application. Also, the fibers pick up powders exceptionally well.
Shop the Microfiber Velvet Sponges
Conclusion
In conclusion of this velvet makeup sponge review and comparison, all of these sponges work as well as regular sponges. Each sponge provides a skin-like finish and is easy to clean. The main differences between a velvet blending sponge and normal sponges are that you might get a slightly more blurred look, and you can pack on more powder if you deem it necessary. Overall, these are nice tools to have and they do work, but no sponge is any better than its counterpart, and I will still use my regular sponges. Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
Have you ever used a velvet sponge?