If you were to ask me the one thing that the makeup world is overflowing with, I would have to answer blending sponges! With the overwhelming amount of options on the market, it is hard to know which are the best. Before you even buy a sponge you can easily tell a “bad” one from a “good” one. The rule of thumb is, if you squeeze it and it feels hard and dense, it is “bad.” It is not going to improve once you wet it, and it will feel like beating a rock on your face in application. A “bad” sponge usually provides a poor finish and absorbs a lot of product. I must say, elf makeup sponges are pretty awesome, though! Most brands find a formulation that works the best and then makes different shapes and sizes out of it. elf Cosmetics is different. They offer several sponges in different shapes, sizes, AND materials. I am putting their full, current lineup to the test to see which are the best.
I am judging these elf makeup sponges on the criteria of expansion when wet, how do they feel, are they easy to clean, what type of blend/finish do they provide, and if they absorb product. Also, if you are curious on how to wash your sponges, I have tips in my how to clean makeup brushes post. In there I discuss Dawn Platinum dish soap and liquid soaps, but additionally, I like solid cleansers and bars of soap the best.
elf Blending Sponge Review
elf Wedge Sponge
First for elf makeup sponges is the elf Wedge Sponge. I am in awe of the innovation here! Imagine not having to buy and throw away wedge sponges anymore with this reusable option! Somehow elf made this feel exactly like a real wedge sponge with that same smooth texture. In some ways, this makes me think of a chunk of memory foam from a mattress. The shape with all of its angles allows you to get into tight spots and achieve precision concealing and baking. It really gives you a skin-like finish, and when I say this, I mean it truly presses your makeup into your face to really look like your skin, but better. Also, it mattifies your look just a bit. The only drawback with these smooth textured sponges is that they absorb a lot of product and become hard to clean. I got mine about 98% clean after the first use, and that is with some effort.
Claims: This is a reusable version of a classic wedge sponge for flawless application.
Expands When Wet: Yes.
Blendability: Skin-like finish, your skin but better.
Feel: Soft, bouncy, and squishy.
Product Absorption: Yes, more than usual.
Easy To Clean: No, due to the absorption.
Rating: Docking 1 star for absorption/cleaning.
elf Strawberry Frosted With Sprinkles Face Sponge
Second is the elf Strawberry Frosted With Sprinkles Face Sponge. The biggest complaint that everyone has about this sponge is the size. This thing is massive dry, and it expands when wet. It is incredibly hard to use it in tight spaces or under the eyes, even with squeezing it. I know a lot of people cut theirs into wedges, which I think is a good idea. This sponge is not practical at all from a size standpoint, but it is fine for a collector that wants to put it on display. It does give a perfectly fine blend.
Claims: This sponge is designed with plush sides and curves to hug your face. It should provide a flawless, streak-free application.
Expands When Wet: Yes.
Blendability: Smooth finish.
Feel: Soft, bouncy.
Product Absorption: Normal/average.
Easy To Clean: Normal/average.
Rating:
elf Cookies ‘N Dreams Single Scoop Sponge
Third in this elf blending sponge review is the elf Cookies ‘N Dreams Single Scoop Sponge. You can get more details on this in my elf Cookies ‘N Dreams collection review. I really enjoy teardrop sponges because they are great for getting into tight spaces and for under eye concealer, plus I can easily do my entire face with them. This sponge is a bit firmer compared to the other elf makeup sponges, but it still works great and does not feel like a rock. You will like this if you prefer some firmness.
Claims: This plush sponge is ideal for flawless blending. The round sides are smooth and soft for effortless use. The precision tip can be used to conceal imperfections.
Expands When Wet: Yes.
Blendability: Soft, skin-like finish.
Feel: More on the firm side, but still soft and bouncy.
Product Absorption: Average/normal.
Easy To Clean: Yes, average/normal.
Rating:
elf Angled Silicone Face Sponge
Fourth is the elf Angled Silicone Face Sponge. This is officially my new favorite sponge! The silicone end is only dipped, so it is still soft and bouncy, but a bit firmer than your typical sponge. Whether you go over the entire face with the silicone end or the rest of the sponge, you will get a skin-like, beautiful finish! You can even apply your foundation with the silicone end, then go over your final look with the rest of the sponge, but that is not necessary.
I also need to rave about the tip! It is cut at an angle and does a great job with under eye concealer and getting around the crevices of the nose. The tip is also amazing for precise baking. I would love to see elf take it up a notch by releasing a 100% silicone dipped sponge. I adore how unique and innovative this sponge is. If I could go back in time, I would put this in my best drugstore blending sponges blog post.
Please note out of all of the elf makeup sponges this is the only one not marked as latex free.
Claims: This three-sided sponge has a silicone bottom. It should easily blend out products without absorbing excess. The versatile design can get into hard-to-reach areas.
Expands When Wet: Heck yes!
Blendability: Provides a skin-like, smooth, airbrushed finish or almost blurred finish.
Feel: Super soft and bouncy.
Product Absorption: The silicone-dipped end does not absorb product, as it can only sit on the sponge. The rest of the sponge is normal/average.
Easy To Clean: The silicone-dipped end cleans immediately. The rest of the sponge is average/normal. I have one faint spot that has not washed away after the first use.
Rating:
elf Total Face Sponge
Fifth in elf makeup sponges is the elf Total Face Sponge. Mine has indents because I keep my sponges squeezed into a decorative coffee mug. Further, my sponge is light pink because it came in a gift set. When elf dropped this sponge I knew it would be the winner that competes with other brands. This is just as good as any other offering out there, be it wet n wild, Real Techniques, etc. This shape is excellent for use all over the face, including in those tight spaces. It has the right amount of softness and bounce to give you a flawless blend.
Claims: This is a multi-sided sponge for flawless blending and streak-free application. The precision tip is great for concealing.
Expands When Wet: Yes.
Blendability: Soft and smooth finish.
Feel: Soft, bouncy.
Product Absorption: Normal/average.
Easy To Clean: Normal/average.
Rating:
elf Camo Concealer Sponge
Next is the elf Camo Concealer Sponge. I know this is designed for use specifically with the elf Camo Concealer line, but it does a great job with any and all concealer. Heck, if they turned this into a full-size sponge, it will do just fine with your foundation too. The size, shape, and tips make this great for under eye concealer and getting into those hard-to-reach areas of the face.
Claims: This sponge is designed to compliment the Camo Concealer line and to perform best with concealers. It fits into hard-to-reach areas for flawless application.
Expands When Wet: Yes.
Blendability: Smooth finish.
Feel: Soft and bouncy.
Product Absorption: Normal/average.
Easy To Clean: Normal/average.
Rating:
elf Blending Sponge
Continuing on with this elf makeup sponge review is the elf Blending Sponge. While the shape does give you a nice grip, you will have more difficulty working in tight spaces with the width of this sponge. It does absorb more product than normal, so it will sheer out your look. That is good if you want things to be sheer, but bad for using up extra product.
Claims: This sponge is great for creating a full-coverage base or for layering color cosmetics to get a flawless look. The curves will fit well into your hand for control.
Expands When Wet: Yes.
Blendability: Smooth finish.
Feel: Soft, bouncy.
Product Absorption: Yes, a bit more than average.
Easy To Clean: Normal/average.
Rating:
elf Highlighting & Blending Sponge
Here is the elf Highlighting & Blending Sponge. I am giving this sponge several trials to see how it performs the best. I can say that it never lifted up coverage underneath.
On round one, I did a dry sponge with powder highlighter. I used it with a highlighter that packs a serious punch, but this dulled it down to be subtle. While I am not a fan of that because I like a BAM highlight, you may like this if you are a subtle fan. Maybe if you own a highlighter that you never use because it is too strong for your liking, this sponge may give it new life.
For round two I did a damp sponge with powder highlighter. It helps give some of the BAM back, but it still mutes some of the highlighter’s power.
Round three was a dry sponge with liquid highlighter. I was not able to blend the product with either end. It was as if wherever I placed the liquid highlighter, it simply stuck in place.
The last round was a damp sponge with liquid highlighter, which was even worse. I still got the “stuck down” effect to where I could not blend the product and ended up with a stark line of product on my face.
Overall, this sponge is not a replacement for your favorite highlighting brush. I would rather use a brush over having to wet a sponge and wash it every day. Further, it does not replace your everyday sponge or your fingers for liquid and cream highlighter.
Claims: The angled side of the sponge is for applying highlighter, while the flocked bottom is for blending out the product. This is most effective for powder, but can be used for creams and liquids. You can use it dry or damp to provide more of a pop.
Expands When Wet: Yes.
Blendability: This will not blend liquid or cream highlighter. It can blend powder, but it will tone it down.
Feel: Bouncy and squishy.
Product Absorption: None.
Easy To Clean: Yes. Purple dye does come out.
Rating:
elf Dual Sided Silicone Blender
Next in the elf beauty sponge review is the elf Dual Sided Silicone Blender. I know this is not exactly a sponge, but it should be classified under products that are under-hyped and deserve more love. This is definitely a drugstore hidden gem! We all know that silicone blenders are a fail because the material can only push product around the skin. This tool eliminates the issue.
First, you need to use the silicone side to push the makeup around your face and get it distributed. Then, you use the velvet flocked side to press and to blend the makeup into your skin. It gives you the most beautiful finish! The big pros here are zero product waste or absorption, so you can use less product and save money. Silicone is anti-microbial, and the entire tool cleans in a flash. Out of all of the elf makeup sponges, you NEED this in your life and you will be so shocked by the results.
Claims: The silicone side helps you to distribute product around the face, while the velvet side blends with a skin-like finish and no streaks.
Expands When Wet: n/a
Blendability: Provides a soft, skin-like finish.
Feel: Soft and smooth.
Product Absorption: Zero absorption.
Easy To Clean: Yes, cleans 100% immediately.
Rating:
elf Highlighting Sponge
Pressing on, we have the elf Highlighting Sponge. I first tried this sponge years ago and praised it highly in a blog post. I use it damp as a regular foundation and concealer sponge. This thing is the best sponge that elf has made outside of the Angled Silicone… although making a silicone-dipped version of this would be crazy interesting! While their other sponges are pretty bomb, some how they made this one just that much more lightweight, soft, and bouncy. The glitter never transfers to your face, and it hardly absorbs product. You get a beautiful blend effortlessly. I said years ago they should discontinue most of their sponges in favor of this one, and I stand by that. Dump the silicone blender they sell with this and give us the sponge by itself!
Claims: This multi-sided sponge sculpts for illuminating and highlighting.
Expands When Wet: Yes.
Blendability: Soft, smooth, skin-like finish.
Feel: Lightweight, soft, bouncy.
Product Absorption: Minimal, way less than normal/average.
Easy To Clean: Insanely easy since it barely absorbs product. Glitter does not wash out.
Rating:
elf Complexion Sponge Trio
Lastly for elf makeup sponges is the elf Complexion Sponge Trio. These sponges are firm, hard, and dense when dry, which does not change when wet. There is no bounce in application. Also, these sponges soak up product like crazy! I think this is due to the super smooth formula – it is simply different than any other sponge that I have tried. You will have to use extra product with these, and the absorption makes it nearly impossible to clean them. I am surprised by how smooth the finished application is. These do leave the skin extra dewy.
Claims: The various size sponges assist with the controlled application of concealer, blush, bronzer, and foundation.
Expands When Wet: Yes.
Blendability: Smooth finish.
Feel: Hard, firm, dense.
Product Absorption: Yes, like crazy.
Easy To Clean: Not at all.
Rating:
elf Beauty Sponge Review Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs:
I am ending with some frequently asked questions about elf sponges:
How do you use the elf sponge?
You use the elf sponge by wetting it until it is damp. Then, you apply your foundation and concealer to your face, and use the sponge in a bouncing or patting motion to blend the products in. You can also use the sponge to apply cream or liquid color cosmetics.
How do I clean my elf blending sponge?
The best way to clean your elf blending sponge is with a bar of soap or a solid sponge soap. Alternatively, you can use liquid brush soap or dish soap. All you need to do is wet your sponge and rub the soap over the sponge, then massage your sponge with your fingers and squeeze the soap out. Be sure to wash your sponge after each use, and do not dig your finger nails into it to avoid tears.
Are elf sponges latex free?
All of elf’s sponges are labeled as latex free, with the exception of the Angled Silicone Face Sponge.
Shop elf Sponges
Conclusion
In summary of this elf makeup sponges review, the drugstore brand makes plenty of awesome sponges! There are a few that you should pass on, but that should be quickly obvious from a simple visual scan. You can always trust the Total Face Sponge, and the silicone dipped sponge is my new favorite. I do appreciate how elf tries to be innovative instead of releasing the same sponge over and over in different shapes. Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
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