For a while now, I have been using a makeup powder puff in my everyday routine because they are game-changers! I have serious wrinkles under my eyes, and there is no primer, concealer, or powder that changes that. For years, I have been baking my under eye area, and that is the only thing that stops instant creasing. Now, I can leave the baking in the kitchen! All I need is a light layer of powder patted on with a puff, and I am good to go. This means using less product, which is economical, and makeup that does not look heavy. As a powder foundation lover, puffs are better than brushes to get that blurred, soft focus effect. Which, you also get with setting powder. I know the market is packed with them, so I am putting four popular options to the test in an epic battle.
Best Makeup Powder Puff Comparison At A Glance
• Compare and contrast popular powder puffs.
• Find the puff that works the best across all criteria.
• Find out if generic puffs are worth it.
• Save money against pricy look-a-likes.
4 Makeup Puff Comparison Review
Below are the links to easily shop the puffs that are reviewed!
elf Halo Glow Powder Puff
The first makeup puff that is on the chopping block is the elf Halo Glow Powder Puff. It is only $4 and is made of a velour, almost microfiber material. It is beyond easy to wash and durable! This puff is so soft, and it gives me the most beautiful in real life Photoshop look that is soft-focus and blurred. It is a dream with powder foundation. This has been my go-to obsession for a while now. It is made to be used with powders only.
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Real Techniques Miracle 2-in-1 Powder Puff
Second is the Real Techniques Miracle 2-in-1 Powder Puff. It features a plush side for powders, and a sponge side that is their Miracle Complexion Sponge material. The price varies, usually around $5-7. This is the only one that has a carrying case available.
Out of all of the puffs tested, this one is the lowest on the totem pole for that blurred, soft look. These fibers simply do not deliver. However, the fiber side washes in a flash.
The sponge side is for liquids and creams, but you need to use it dry. This means that it asborbs product. It takes so long to wash the sponge. The excess washing needed is too rough for the sponge. After one wash, a small chunk was gone from mine. Also, the process of flipping the finger band to the other side puts a lot of stress on the sponge, and it feels like it will cause wear and tear quickly. You would be better off using the sponge for oil blotting touch-ups. Real Techniques needs to go back to the drawing board with this one.
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beautyblender Power Pocket Puff
Third is the beautyblender Power Pocket Puff. This one is the most similar to Real Techniques, and it is the most expensive at $18. It has the longest fibers out of all of the blenders here. However, the results of the fiber side is the closet to elf, and it is my number two go-to. It similarly gives that soft-focus, blurred blend. elf is just a hair bit better. This puff is only for powders.
Now, it does have a sponge side, but the best application that I find is for oil-blotting touch-ups, as it will not lift up your makeup. This blender also has a silicone core, finger band, and open section to insert your fingers. I think beautyblender should ditch the sponge and go with the fibers all the way around. This is also a breeze to wash.
I did use the sponge to blend out the smallest dab of concealer, and it was not the best or the worst.
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Generic!
Last in the hunt for the best makeup powder puff are those basic, generic powder puffs that accost you every time that you walk into stores like TJMaxx, and online with Amazon. They usually come in multi-packs at a low price under $10, and often under $5. These work surprisingly well! Yes, I think elf and beautyblender are superior, but you can get away with these. The velour material definitely gives a soft and blurred blend. They wash in a snap. Sometimes the packaging will say they are fine for liquids, creams, and powders. But, I would stick to powders.
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Best Makeup Powder Puff Comparison Chart
Below is a chart comparing and contrasting the key points and features of all of these puffs to help you find the best one.
| Best Makeup Powder Puff Comparison | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Washable | Sponge side | Liquid use | Price |
| elf Cosmetics | Y | N | N | $4 |
| Real Techniques | Y | Y | Y | $5-7 |
| beautyblender | Y | Y | N | $18 |
| Generic | Y | N | N | Varies, usually $6 or less for a pack |
After all of these reviews, it is clear that elf wins for the best powder puff for setting powder! It gives the best blend with the most blurred and soft results. The price point is perfectly affordable at $4, plus it is washable and reusable and easy to get clean. beautyblender is the clear second, with similar results to elf. It is not as budget-friendly at $18, and it would be better if it was fiber all the way around. I still reach for it a lot regardless.
But, do not sleep on those triangular makeup puff packs! They work amazingly well and give both elf and beautyblender a run for their money. Most people like to throw them away and replace more often due to the price point, but, they are still easy to wash.
I have an easy tutorial on how to clean a powder puff, which is a must-read now that you know the best of the best puff.
Makeup Puff Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs:
Lastly, I am answering some frequently asked questions about makeup powder puff use in your routine:
Which powder puff is the best?
The best powder puff is the elf Halo Glow Powder Puff. It meets all of the critera of being easy to use and to clean at a low price. It applies powders in a way that looks blurred and airbrushed. However, you should still experiment to find one that meets your preferences.
Is a powder puff better than a brush?
A powder puff is not always better than a brush. It largely comes down to the type of makeup products that you are using, your skin, and your preference. Some powders will look better with a brush. A lot of makeup is experimentation with no black and white answer.
What makes a good powder puff?
A good powder puff should be affordable, durable, and easy to clean. Beyond that, you should enjoy the softness while using it and get a blurred effect to your makeup.
Shop Makeup Powder Puffs
Conclusion
In conclusion, I dub the best makeup powder puff to be elf Cosmetics! You can totally go with those multi-packs of triangluar puffs and get similar benefits. beautyblender gives us a good option, but, the sponge side is confusing and otherwise useless for most. I really wanted to love the Real Techniques option, but neither side works very well, and the cleaning process is damaging to the sponge. If you have yet to get into puffs, you are missing out on taking your powder application to the next level! Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.
Are you team puff or brush?
