elf Cosmetics offers several sponges in different shapes, sizes, AND materials. I am putting their full, current lineup to the test to see which are the best, judging them 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 tutorial.
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.
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 roundup.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
Frequently Asked Questions
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 The Sponges
elf 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. Are blending sponges a core part of your routine? Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
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