What makeup sponge do makeup artists use?

Of all the makeup sponges that PEOPLE Tested, these were considered the best.

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Now, all you have to do is find the right makeup sponge for your skin. But don't fret — we did the hard work for you. Our PEOPLE Tested testers spent a day applying different types of makeup with 13 of the most popular sponges. They evaluated each sponge for absorption (no one likes wasted product!), application, and ease of cleaning, while also considering shape, texture, and the final makeup look.

Compared to brushes, "I find that sponges are very beginner-friendly because they provide a quick, seamless blend with less effort," TikTok creator and celebrity makeup artist Melissa Murdick tells PEOPLE. She adds that sponges "work well for both liquids and powders."

If you've ever wondered how celebrities get picture-perfect makeup (apart from professional glam teams, of course), it's thanks in part to a tiny but mighty beauty tool: the makeup sponge. When applying foundation or any cream-based product, the right makeup sponge can blend the color for a natural-looking finish and smooth the look of any unwanted texture.

Best Overall

L'Oréal Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender

Amazon

View On Walmart

$19

View On Walgreens

$9

Pros

• This sponge helped us apply our makeup evenly and doesn't absorb too much foundation

• Its unique shape allows you to blend in tight spaces

• It was easy to rinse after application

Cons

• It was hard to build up coverage with this sponge

If you ask us, the L'Oreal Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender is essentially the goldilocks of makeup sponges — because it's just right for all of your needs. Its material, effectiveness, and durability makes this our best overall choice.

Made from a plushy sponge material, this blending sponge is quite soft when damp and doesn't feel rough on the skin. It scored well in the absorbency test; when used with foundation, it transferred most of it onto the skin rather than absorbing it all. During application, its pointed dome shape allowed for blending in tight spaces like under the eyes and around the corners of the nose, while the base was great for larger areas like the cheeks, chin, and forehead.

This makeup sponge fell short when we tried to build up foundation coverage on our skin; the member on our team who tried this sponge has oily skin and hyperpigmentation and was looking for good, buildable coverage. It was not as seamless as we'd hoped, which could also be attributed to the application technique or foundation used — we can't solely blame the sponge.

Overall, this is a user-friendly and affordable makeup sponge that's soft on your skin, and applies makeup evenly without streaks or blotches. It's a no-fuss beauty blender that does what you expect, and it's super easy to rinse out when you're ready to clean it.

Shape: Hourglass, dome | Material: Cotton | Absorbency: Light | Good for: Liquid or cream foundation

People / Tamara Staples

Best Budget

L.A. Girl Beauty Sponge

Ulta

View On Target

$5

View On Ulta

$5

View On CVS

$5

Pros

• The dense sponge material doesn't absorb too much product, so you waste less product

• It was soft on our skin due to latex-free foam material

• The sponge was easy to clean just by rinsing

• This is one of the least expensive makeup sponges we've tried at just $5

Cons

• The sponge pushed the makeup around a bit, which caused us to spend more time blending

• It wasn't as plush as other sponges

You don't have to be an L.A. girl to appreciate this sponge. It's quite dense compared to a lot of the sponges we tested, which makes for minimal absorbency (meaning all of your foundation will go onto your skin rather than disappear into the sponge). We also loved how soft the latex-free foam material felt on our skin during application.

In terms of design, this sponge mimics a classic teardrop shape with a slight edge for blotting certain areas of the face — say, your cheekbones with blush. The shape aided application, with the pointed tip getting into the small areas around the nose and under the eyes. One word of caution: This sponge tends to push makeup around, so you have to be careful when blending. That said, it eventually created a smooth finish with our foundation.

This makeup sponge is easy to clean, and all the residue came out with a few rinses. Though it's not as plush as other sponges, the size, shape, and material makes the LA Girl sponge a good option for daily use — and at a budget-friendly price.

Shape: Teardrop with flat edge | Material: Latex-free foam sponge | Absorbency: Light | Good for: Liquids, creams, or powders

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People / Tamara Staples

Best Investment

Fenty Beauty Precision Makeup Sponge

Sephora

View On Sephora

$16

View On Ulta

$16

View On Kohls.com

$16

Pros

• It precisely applied foundation, thanks to its flat shape and narrow edge

• The sponge didn't absorb too much makeup

• Its soft texture made applying makeup feel luxurious

Cons

• Latex-free isn't as durable as other materials

Rihanna made moves at the Superbowl, debuting a new matte lipstick, but Fenty's sponge remains a fan favorite among the beauty line. The Precision Makeup Sponge 100 earned a near-perfect score in our testing for its unique design, lack of absorption, and precise application.

This soft makeup sponge is light and airy in design, and we especially loved the flat shape and narrow edge at the end. This special design facilitates a clean and precise application, easily blending foundation across all areas of the face. Testing also showed how quickly foundation washes from this sponge (only FourFiveSeconds...get it?). Though more expensive than others on our list, it's hard for us to find fault with this premium makeup sponge. If it's good enough for Rihanna, it's good enough for us.

Shape: Pointed dome with angled edge | Material: Latex-free sponge| Absorbency: Light | Good for: Liquids, creams, or powders

People/Tamara Staples

Best Silicone

Ulta Dual Sided Silicone & Sponge Blender

Ulta

View On Ulta

$6

Pros

• Its soft-to-the-touch silicon material allowed us to apply foundation smoothly, making it easy to achieve full coverage

• One side of the sponge is not porous, so it didn't absorb makeup, which means you can waste less product

• It was by far the easiest sponge to clean compared to others we've tested

Cons

• It didn't blend as well as a classic sponge because it's dry

Editor's Note: The silicone makeup sponge product we originally tested is discontinued, so we recommend this similar option instead.

If you want a hypoallergenic beauty tool (no natural latex!) to create smooth coverage across your face, this silicone beauty blender is the way to go. We were pleasantly surprised with its softness and how well the teardrop shape performed when applying foundation.

Since it isn't porous like a classic sponge, this blender doesn't absorb any makeup and transfers all product to your face. However, the newer version does have a sponge side, so it will likely absorb some makeup. The tipped side works efficiently to get around tight corners near the eyes and nose, and the round side is better for larger facial areas.

The silicone material doesn't blend quite as well as a standard sponge because it lacks the dampness that helps your skin take in the product, but it was by far the easiest beauty blender to clean; the makeup washes right off. Overall, the sponge performed well, provided full coverage, and was easy to use — a great hypoallergenic option.

Shape: Teardrop-shaped | Material: Silicone, sponge| Absorbency: None | Good for: Liquid or cream foundations

People / Tamara Staples

Best Latex-Free

Sonia Kashuk Latex-Free Makeup Blender Sponge

Target

View On Target

$5

Pros

• Its super soft material feels great on your skin

• The shape made the application process very easy

Cons

• It's easy to tear, so use caution when cleaning

• The sponge absorbed some makeup during testing

Sonia Kashuk is known for an array of user-friendly beauty tools, and this makeup sponge is no exception. This egg-shaped sponge utilizes a rounded bottom and pointed top for versatile application no matter where you're trying to blend product. We loved the soft feel and whimsical design of a black and white marble-esque pattern.

While this sponge blended our foundation well and created a smooth finish, it did absorb some product, and we found ourselves adding more makeup to build up the coverage. We suggest applying your makeup product directly to the sponge or on your face to avoid product loss when transferring from the back of your hand to your face.

In terms of durability, it did rip when we tried to clean it with a makeup wipe — so while not a dealbreaker (because a better way to clean would just be to wash with soapy water), it's not the most durable on our list. That said, the makeup did come out of the sponge when cleaned, so if you're gentle when washing, it should last until you're ready to get a new one.

Shape: Pointed dome-shaped | Material: Latex-free polyurethane foam | Absorbency: Medium | Good for: Liquids and creams

People / Tamara Staples

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Best Classic

Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge

Sephora

View On Amazon

$17

View On Target

$20

View On Nordstrom

$20

Pros

• Its classic, egg-shaped design makes it easy to use on all areas of your face

• This one is the "golden standard" of makeup sponges, according to our expert

Cons

• It didn't get clean very easily, so plan on a little extra time to completely rinse this one

• The sponge needed to build up coverage with several applications

• It was pricier than any other option on the list

There's a reason there's only one "original" — it's the first, the classic, and the model to which all future iterations are compared. In steps the Original Beautyblender. "Beautyblender is the golden standard," says Murdick. This product is the reason many makeup sponges are referred to as "beauty blenders" by professionals and novices alike. It offers the classic egg-shaped design with a pointed tip to delicately blend makeup under the eyes and in the crevices around the nose.

The material is similar to many others on our list: Latex-free polyurethane foam. It's soft and works well to blend foundation for a smooth finish. (Though we did notice it needed several layers for full coverage.) It wasn't due to the sponge absorbing too much product (it didn't absorb much at all) but rather could be attributed to the specific foundation we used during the test. We also found it somewhat tricky to clean, but we used makeup wipes for this test, and a better cleaning technique would involve soap and water. Overall, we appreciate the OG Beautyblender and think it absolutely deserves a spot on this list.

Shape: Teardrop | Material: Latex-free polyurethane foam | Absorbency: Light | Good for: Creams, powders, or liquids

People / Tamara Staples

Best for Baking

Essence Makeup & Baking Sponge

Sephora

View on Ulta

View On Amazon

$7

View On Ulta

$5

Pros

• Its pear shape, wide base, and pointed tip was great for blending foundation and applying powder to bake

• The sponge proved to be versatile with different makeup products

• It was one of the least expensive sponges we've tried, and performs as well as much more expensive tools

Cons

• The sponge expands a lot when damp

  bodesi' Product Page

When you need to slap makeup on before running out the door, you'll want a makeup sponge that will do the job quickly and effectively. This sponge was a real teacher's pet, earning a perfect score on all of our tests, with little to no absorption, flawless and quick application, and easy cleanup.

Made from a vegan sponge material (no animal products and no animal testing), this beauty blender has a classic pear shape with a large round bottom, perfect for blending foundation and baking makeup. Its angled side creates an edge for smoothing and a tip for hard-to-reach spots.

The only oddity we noticed was how large the sponge grew when dampened for application. That's not necessarily a con for everyone, but when you're trying to reach tight corners around your eyes and nose, you don't want the sponge to expand so much. Thankfully, it didn't soak up the product and blended it well into our skin. Combining those qualities with the budget-friendly price — we think this is an ideal everyday makeup sponge.

Shape: Pear shape with angled edge | Material: Vegan sponge| Absorbency: Very light | Good for: Liquid or cream foundations, pressed or loose powder

People / Tamara Staples

Best Set

Beauty Bakerie Organic Eggs Beauty Sponges

Beauty Bakerie Organic

View On Amazon

$16

View On Ulta

$18

View On Beautybakerie.com

$20

Pros

• It comes as a set with six sponges, so you can use different sponges for different products

• The sponge cleaned easily with a few rinses

• It applied makeup smoothly, especially on large areas like cheeks

Cons

• It absorbs a lot of product, which means you may need to use more foundation to achieve full coverage

• The sponge grows quite large when damp

Why have one makeup sponge when you can have six? This adorable set, designed as an egg carton, lets you differentiate sponges for various needs (which will make them last longer than one working three jobs). For instance, you can use one sponge for liquid products and one for powder.

It's quite dense, though the material felt soft on our skin when applying makeup. The shape mimics most makeup sponge designs but with more rounded edges, like an egg without a signature pointed tip. We noticed it grew quite large when wet, which made it harder to tackle small areas like creases around the nose but also allowed for easy blending across larger real estate like our cheeks.

The only major con is how much makeup it absorbs. We found ourselves reapplying more makeup in several layers since, on the first application, the sponge ate quite a bit of product. That said, it was super easy to clean, and all of the product washed out. There was a faint stain where the foundation was, but one of the eggs is almost ivory in color, so it would be groundbreaking if there weren't some kind of residual makeup stain.

Shape: Egg | Material: Non-latex sponge | Absorbency: Heavy | Good for: Liquids, creams, or powders; though we recommend picking one egg for each type of product

People / Tamara Staples

Best for Airbrushed Finish

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

View On Target

$6

View On Ulta

View On Sallybeauty.com

$8

Pros

• It was one of the least expensive sponges on our list at just $6

• The versatile shape makes it great for a variety of product applications

• This product gave us an airbrush-level smooth finish

Cons

• It gets quite large when damp, which makes it harder to be precise

This makeup sponge is a popular one when you're scouring the aisles at Ulta — it's almost always in short supply. And its reputation exists for a reason: It created a finish so smooth that our skin looked airbrushed (very nearly, at least). We've home-tested this product for upwards of a year, and it's definitely earned a spot on this list.

This makeup sponge has a sort of asymmetrical egg shape with a pointed tip. The unique design allows for a smooth edge to apply liquid blush, a pointed section for concealer, and a round side for general foundation, contour, etc. And it doesn't absorb too much product, so you don't have to worry about waste.

No matter what you're blending, if you've dampened this sponge, you're going to see a smooth-as-butter finish. Though, be warned, the sponge grows massively when wet; not necessarily a con, but you have to be mindful when working in smaller areas of the face. It's also super easy to wash with soap and water and lasts for a while when properly cleaned. And though it's recommended to swap out makeup sponges every three months, we can extend usage for this one by an extra month or two.

Shape: Slanted dome with flat edge | Material: Latex-free foam | Absorbency: Light | Good for: Liquids, creams, or powders

People / Tamara Staples

Silicone makeup sponges have been a buzzy and controversial makeup tool since around 2016 when they first went viral. I've always been intrigued by them but stuck to my normal sponges and brushes when it came to applying makeup. So when the topic came up for a story, I decided to put on my investigative-journalism hat and give the viral sponges a try.

I started asking makeup artists for their thoughts on the sponges and any application tips, but I guess I was living under a rock for the past six years. To my surprise, I found out that a lot of them didn't have anything to say about these sponges because they didn't like using them. It was turning out to be an interesting story already.

So after my dead-end searches for makeup artists who actually used the sponges, I changed course and decided to find some to try out myself. After browsing, I decided to test out E.l.f.'s Dual-Sided Silicone Blender, which was kind of like the best of both worlds. It has a silicone side and a flocked side for blending. I was also able to get in touch with E.l.f.'s senior manager of education and artistry, Anna Bynum, who offered to share her thoughts.

E.l.f. Cosmetics

Dual Sided Silicone Blender

$6

$5

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Pros and Cons of Silicone Makeup Sponges

First, I asked Bynum what the pros and cons were. "The benefit of using a silicone sponge is that you can apply the product without it absorbing into the sponge, which helps with not wasting product. Silicone sponges can be easier to clean," Bynum explained. "Another benefit is that a makeup sponge made of silicone is more durable and longer-lasting than traditional makeup sponges made from polyurethane foam. For example, E.l.f.'s Angled Silicone Sponge also has the polyurethane foam and is dipped with silicone on the bottom."

As for the cons, Bynum said that a silicone sponge can make it more difficult to blend. "This is why our silicone sponges are hybrids and serve dual purposes—apply and blend using the different sides of the Angled Silicone Face Sponge and Dual-Sided Silicone Blender," she said. Bynum recommended not putting too much makeup on the sponge to make it easier to blend in the product.

My Review

Now, it was the moment of truth—time to apply. Many people recommended putting a small amount of foundation onto the sponge and then applying in circular motions, so I did just that. It felt weird at first, and I think the silicone texture really threw me for a loop since, of course, I'm used to bristles and regular sponges.

As Bynum mentioned, I found it was really hard to blend because it felt slippery, and my foundation felt like it was just moving across my face rather than sinking in and staying put. It was also tough to evenly spread it on my face, but as I got better at doing the circular motions, I started to get the hang of it. Circular motions are key! After many rounds of circular motions, I realized that was going to be as good as it gets, so I used my hands to pat any excess in. Plus, the dual-sided features of E.l.f.'s sponge made it easier—I used the flocked backing to blend everything evenly.

While the silicone sponge was a bit difficult for me to use (especially since it was my first time!), I found that I used less product compared to if I used a regular sponge or brush. A little bit goes a long way, especially since it helps the product glide onto the skin. And I love that it's so easy to clean.

Overall, it's not my favorite way to apply makeup. But again, I think the flocked backing on the E.l.f. sponge was clutch for application because I got the benefits of a silicone sponge, but I also was able to blend in my foundation seamlessly. Without it, I think I'd have a tough time getting an even finish with a sponge that was pure silicone. And if I do use one of these again, I'll probably apply the foundation onto my face first in dots and then use the sponge to glide and blend the makeup. As for the end result, I felt the makeup was evenly applied, and it looked pretty smooth and flawless—but it did take a bit to get there!

Looking to experiment with a silicone sponge? Take a look at some other options below.

E.l.f. Cosmetics

Angled Silicone Face Sponge

$6

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I'm going to try this sponge next since it's also a hybrid, and it's Bynum's recommendation. "My ultimate favorite sponge is our Angled Silicone Face Sponge. I always use it dampened to apply my foundation while blending with the angled sides for a smooth, skin-like application," she said. "I love using the tip to blend out my concealer and even apply powder to set my under-eyes and the sides of my nose. It's a definite must-have!"

MakeupDrop x Violet Grey

Sponge

$20

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This applicator can also be used as a de-puffing eye tool—just pop it in the freezer.

Nyx Professional Makeup

Plump Right Back Silicone Blending Sponge Applicator

$9

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This silicone makeup sponge is designed for streak-free application. You can use it with foundations, face primers, skincare, and other complexion products.

Ulta

Dual Sided Silicone & Sponge Blender

$6

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Ulta's sponge is also a dual-sided product with a silicone side to spread makeup and a sponge side to blend.

Real Techniques

Miracle Mixing Makeup Sponge Blender

$17

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One end of this sponge has a silicone surface that's designed to mimic your finger. Use it to mix your makeup products and even your skincare.

Ulta

Fingerprint Silicone Blender

$5

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The silicone surface here has imprints that are like fingerprints, so you can spread your makeup evenly without any streaks.

Sonia Kashuk

Silicone Makeup Blender Sponge

$8

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The cushioned construction on this sponge makes for a gentler application.

Foundations I Love

Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte's Beautiful Skin Foundation

This is my current favorite foundation of the moment. I love the dewy, glowy finish it leaves and that it doesn't feel super heavy at all. I get compliments on how good my skin looks every time I wear it.

Maybelline

Fit Me Matte + Poreless Liquid Foundation

$6

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With over 100,000 ratings and 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, this drugstore find is beloved. It delivers natural-looking medium coverage while also refining pores.

Make Up For Ever

HD Skin Undetectable Longwear Foundation

$43

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When our beauty team tried this buzzy foundation out, senior beauty editor Erin Jahns said, "It's so lightweight and almost feels more like a tinted moisturizer or serum than a medium-coverage foundation. It melts into the skin and blends effortlessly, and it truly does give your skin a blurred, lit-from-within look."

Giorgio Armani

Luminous Silk Perfect Glow Flawless Oil-Free Foundation

$65

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Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk foundation is another favorite of makeup artists. The hydrating liquid foundation gives buildable medium coverage and has a silky texture.

Glossier

Perfecting Skin Tint

$26

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Glossier's Skin Tint is formulated with diamond powder for a brightening, soft-focus effect that also reduces the appearance of pores.

Estée Lauder

Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation

$46

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This full-coverage foundation stays put for up to 24 hours and leaves a natural, matte finish.

Uoma Beauty

Say What?! Weightless Soft Matte Foundation

$39

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Uoma's foundation shade selection is truly amazing—there are 51 to choose from. The product itself is buildable, matte, hydrating, long-wearing, lightweight, and blurring.

Nars

Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation

$49

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Nars's foundation has a blend of fruit extracts, which support the skin's elastic fibers and help smooth texture.

L'Oréal

Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation

$7

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Not only does this foundation provide full, buildable coverage for up to 24 hours, but it also offers SPF 25 protection.

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If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Custom Logo Makeup Sponge.