Why You Should Have A Silicone Makeup Blender In Your Arsenal

As technology and product innovation grows and develops, keeping a fully or even partially sustainable beauty routine becomes less of a challenge. We can now opt for reusable makeup remover pads and other products, and also recycle products in our hair care, skin care, and makeup arsenals. It’s part of the reason why the silicone makeup blender became one of the trendiest reusable tools for applying face makeup years ago. And while foam makeup sponges have more recently taken the spot as the go-to for achieving a flawless, airbrush-like foundation finish, the silicone blender is not to be counted out. Check out our five reasons why you should consider keeping a silicone makeup sponge in your beauty kit.

What Is A Silicone Makeup Sponge?

In case you missed the height of the silicone sponge era, let’s review. A silicone makeup sponge is exactly what it sounds like—a makeup blender that’s made of a rubbery, silicone material. Also referred to as jelly makeup sponges, silicone makeup sponges come in a range of shapes and sizes and are primarily used to apply foundation, concealer, and face powder.

5 Reasons To Use A Silicone Makeup Sponge

There are plenty of reasons to use a silicone makeup sponge to perfect your beauty look, here’s five that top our list.

1. Easy Cleaning 

Cleaning makeup brushes and blenders can be a headache. You have to dedicate a hefty amount of time to thoroughly cleanse every ounce of makeup that has made its way into the crevices of your tools, not to mention account for drying time. With a silicone makeup blender, you don’t have to worry about product that has been absorbed into the sponge, so cleaning just takes a few minutes. There’s also no drying time required.

Editor’s Tip: Wondering how to clean a silicone makeup sponge? First rinse your sponge with water to remove any excess product. Then, apply soap to the blender and use your fingers to thoroughly coat it. Alternatively, you can use a bit of micellar water, like our L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types, on a cotton pad to wipe away any excess product. Then use a paper towel or washcloth to absorb any water from your blender.

2. Saving Product

Since a silicone makeup blender won’t absorb product like a traditional soft, foamy sponge does, it also doesn't soak up product on your face while you’re blending it. A little full-coverage foundation can go a long way when your sponge isn’t eating it up. 

3. Sustainability

Like we mentioned, silicone makeup sponges are planet-friendly. Sure, traditional sponges can be used multiple times, but after a handful of uses they need to be replaced. Since a silicone makeup blender doesn’t absorb products with each use and has a more durable material, they beat out the alternative on the sustainability front. A silicone blender also won’t hoard bacteria over time, since the outside of the blender can be easily cleaned after each use without the worry of lingering product

4. Long-lasting 

By now you get the idea that silicone makeup sponges are pretty long-lasting. With proper cleaning after each use, you can keep the same one in your makeup bag for a year or more.

5. Budget-friendly

Since silicone blenders are long-lasting, they can save you some coins in the long run. Without the need to constantly replace your makeup sponge, you can put that money toward other beauty buys. And with less product ending up in the sponge, and blending onto your face as intended, you can use less makeup and still get your desired look.

Editor’s tip: If you’re applying the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation, Lightweight, you can put a dot of product onto each cheek, your forehead, chin, and nose, then use the silicone makeup sponge to buff and blend out the formula. Bounce and roll the blender onto your skin, creating an airbrushed finish.

Next: How To Use a Stippling Brush

Edited by: Shalwah Evans, Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn