Monday, January 11, 2010

AMW Reviews: Beauty Blender







The first time I saw the Beauty Blender on various websites, I had my mouth in big "O" and it got me thinking.."What the heck???? That price for a single small sponge?"  When I went back to my makeup school to do a photoshoot (Thanks Jeave and Stef), I borrowed Stef's Beauty Blender which is a good and bad idea.  Great idea because I find it very easy to apply foundation and it looks too cute on my hand!   Bad idea - for my wallet!  I got home thinking about it!  (imagine Beauty Blender with eyes and mouth calling for me!  Sorry my brain could be a bit cartoonish at times hahaha)

Yes people, I can be weak too!  I gave in and bought my very own cute Beauty Blender!  My excuse?  It's available locally!  I don't need to wait for months or pay a lot for shipping!  :P


Beauty Blender says ---

The ultimate make up sponge applicator invented by top Hollywood make up artists Rea Ann Silva and Veronica Lorenz, Beautyblender has been created to leave you with a professional finish and a flawless complexion. Silva and Lorenz know that the key to a perfect face is simple: a perfect blend. So forget your fingers or sharp-edged triangular sponges, these application methods waste make up and can leave visible streaks.

Beautyblender’s patent-pending elliptical shape makes application foolproof by allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas with stunning ease. Its suede texture is sensual to the touch and its unique curves fit the contours of your face, leaving your make up dazzling and undetectable. Beautyblender is latex free, non-allergenic and odor free.



AMW says ---

Pros
  • no weird scent
  • feels so soft against skin
  • blends makeup easily
  • multifunctional, the wide bottom is used to apply foundation on larger areas while the tip is for the hard to reach areas
  • no edges, so there's no streaks!
  • does not soak up as much makeup as regular sponge, so saves on makeup!
  • can be used wet or dry
  • can lasts if you take care of it!
  • I love the color!!!!  --- It's PINK!
Cons
  • on first 2 washes, Beauty Blender bleeds a bit of pink (but nothing serious, it's gone on 3rd wash)
  • I don't own the case, so you need to store this in a clean area to prevent bacteria
  • stain gets a bit difficult to remove
  • for lazy people: you HAVE to wash this after every use! *evil laugh*
Overall
For liquid foundation, sponge-loving users out there!  This is a great investment!  It may look expensive at first glance but instead of buying those latex made sponges and throw them each and every uses, you can add up the expenses and purchase this instead! 

I tried using this like a regular sponge application and the "bounce" technique, both give out great results, but the "bounce" technique gave a nicer and more even coverage!  It takes a bit of time to get used to it, it gets easier with more practice.

Both cream and liquid foundation works with this sponge, again, the only downside for me is to wash this frequently.

Oh yeah, before I forget, the Beauty Blender increases it's size when wet!  Dry size is approximately 2 inches and 3 inches when wet!  Just saying... you know...li'l observant me! :)

Tips
  • wash as often as possible to prevent bacteria from growing
  • on cleansing: be careful not to over squeeze, be gentle!
  • make sure the water runs clear to know the sponge is clean
  • if you have a clear case that has a lid, store this in a clean case
  • if you don't have a clear case, you can store this in a resealable bag
  • to cover blemishes, use the tip to stipple onto the blemishes directly - this works like magic!
  • use the base/wider area to bounce/stipple larger areas like your face, chin and forehead
  • use the tip/narrow area for hard to reach areas like the sides of the nose, under the eyes and corners of the mouth!
  • use damp/wet for sheer to medium coverage, use dry for heavier coverage
Will I repurchase?
Yes

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally, at HD Makeup Studio multiply site for Php1,200 (approx $26.08)

Here's a demo on how I use my Beauty Blender

I used The Skin Food White Grape Fresh Foundation, dab the bottom part of the sponge with your preferred foundation, I bounced/stipple it against my face

 

I use the tip of the sponge to dab the sponge on my undereye areas

 

Here's how it looks against skin, a bit dewy, you can set with powder

 

I'd say, if you own the Beauty Blender, go on and experiment with it!  Try it wet, try it dry! Try the bounce method or apply foundation using downward strokes with the sponge.
I believe in testing any method and try to look what works best for you :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
Happy Monday! *blech* hahahaha

40 comments :

  1. Your skin is just so flawless!!! I want one of that now.. heehee! great review nikkI! :D

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  2. I agree - cleaning it every time I use it is a pain... and I don't usually have time for that. Also, I feel like it soaks up a bit more product that a brush would. But it does blend fantastically and gives a nice air-brush affect!

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  3. Wow you got this!!! Thanks for the review!! I also always wondered whats the hype about this too!! It sounds really good from your review!! :D

    It's still too expensive for me... but maybe i'll get that someday!! hehehe!! :D

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  4. ahhh~ i always wanted to give this a try^^
    but it did take me awhile to get used to the duo fibre brush, so will hold off on this for a bit, especially with the cost of it!
    ps thanks for that info on the sponge, didn't know it increases in size! kk cool XD

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  5. Haha you temptress you! Im on a no-buy project mode.. will probably buy this.. um.. next month?

    or.. next week?

    waaaa looks so good!

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  6. wee...now i am definitely sold. thanks for the review nikki!

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  7. oh dear this is so expensive!!! but heck, i would pay for it too if it works like a charm :D

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  8. this is part of my shopping list when i go to the US this summer! can't wait na!

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  9. Hayyy ive been lemming on this for a looonggg time talaga. I ordered mine sa states and hopefully i get it by the end of the month.. I can;t wait to get my hands on them!! :)

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  10. Nikki! di ko alam meron dito!!! Thanks !!! --- Catherine

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  11. If it works really great, I knew there has to be a catch. The price! Thanks for the review. :P

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  12. so cute! read so many nice reviews about this.. find it expensive for a sponge but Im sure its worth it!

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  13. Aw... I shouldn't have read this review but I was too curious with what you have to say with this product, now I have to hold on tight to my dear money honey =p

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  14. Do you think this would work well with the MAC Face and Body Foundation?

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  15. Coooool
    This sure looks easy to use and it does give you lovely airbrushed-looking complexion there. Hehe. But the price tag is meh :/

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  16. your skin is pretty! so flawless!

    does this gives you the air-brush kinda feel? or does it gives a bit more of a thicker coverage than the usual using brush to buff method? between conventional sponge and this, how much difference does it make?

    sorry for so many Qs, but i just had to ask a makeup guru! :P

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  17. Thanks for the review. This works great, your skin looks flawless! Too bad it's so expensive for a sponge.. But maybe I'll give in and purchase it one day if it really is that good :)

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  18. Oh my! What a price for a sponge, I've always to give this a try and never been sure whether it'll work such wonders. Maybe I'll give it a try ;) I saw a really curvy shape somewhere before and it's easily accessible for me here so I might go and check it out. Hopefully it isn't too expensive here... but I doubt it. lol.. great review by the way!!

    Oh, by the way, so you just "bounce"/"stipple" it all over the face? Does it give you the airbrush feel?

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  19. i've been so curious about this beauty blender thing bec one of the beauty gurus i always watched in youtube uses this! and her skin looks ultra flawless.

    but its so expensive though, i'm not really a person who cleans her tools all the time, so i dunno if this is a good investment...

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  20. Iyah, thank you for saying my skin looks flawless, it must be the makeup! hahaha

    ndoodles, so far, I can atest that it doesn't soak up as much product as regular sponge, but I agree with you on the "pain" of washing this frequently!

    Jenn, thank you sweetie, it is really pricey for a sponge, it MUST work well because of its price, I'm glad it live up to my expectation :)

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  21. Rasilla, the increase of size is the cutest! I've been liking it huge! :) hahaha perfect to use on my face!

    K, hahahah no buy! No buy..buy this..hmm..when it gets on sale??? :) Sorry, didn't mean to tempt you!

    Jheng, no worries, its my pleasure sis!

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  22. Coffretgorge, awww not "hello" but "hot pink?" hahaha

    Xin, true, I really didn't plan to purchase this as the hoarder in me bought so many backup triangular sponges! Oh well, the triangular sponges for clients, this cutey is mine! :P

    Crystal, goodluck! when will you leave for the US?

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  23. Caby, yayness, let me know as soon as you got yours!

    Catherine, my pleasure! Yes, we have it here! Go na! Order one! Enjoy!!!

    Pammy, I know!!!! The price talaga no? But if it works and I'll use it many times, it'll be worth it na rin, I'll think of this as a brush!

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  24. Khymm, yes, thanks!

    Chelle, hahaha sorry, maybe next time..I have to take a note: "If you are on a no buy mode, DO NOT READ" :P

    Sojourner, yes, it'll work great! The MAC Face and Body's texture is a bit similar to OCC foundation, I've used this with the OCC foundation and it works really well! :)

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  25. Fifi,it is very easy to stipple as compare to the MAC187 brush I have to say! :)

    Plue, thank you! Yes, the coverage of my foundation felt really really light and yes, it does have the airbrush feel! I like this better than using the MAC187, the brush takes longer time to stipple as compared to this sponge's "butt" lol thanks for trusting me with your query :P

    Gio, thanks for liking the effect of this on photo, it seriously looks way better in person :)

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  26. Dana, I think its because of the "sponge" factor that we don't want to spend so much, I just hope it will last long! If this lasts more than a year, I'll be a happy camper! :) I think you are referring to the Sonia Kashuk one? Yes, I do use the "bounce" method and definitely YEs, there is an airbrush feel!

    Bea, ohhhh you should clean all your tools :) :D

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  27. i am staring at it and i am thinking of a pink egg nikki =D

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  28. it is the cutest little thing! is it only good for liquid foundie? or can also be used with powder foundies? but must need to wet the sponge first? isn't it obvious am a bit excited by your review post hehe.

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  29. Girl With glasses, hahahaha well it looks like onoe :)

    MeremakeupManiac, it can be used for powder foundies too! :) And you can use this both wet and dry! it's nice to see you again Mhean

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  30. Thanks for the review! I've been wanting to try this product but I saw one reviewer who said it eats up a lot of product so I'm contemplating if I will get this or not hehe :)

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  31. As long as you use it Damp Crystal,its ok, it does not eat up a lot of product as compared to regular sponges :)

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  32. i saw this sa friend ko and its really cute..i didnt touched it kasi it was dirty hehe,quite expensive for a sponge ill go try the three ladies yung ho ba yun basta hehe

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  33. hey nikki, i'm leaving this april pa. but it's not 100% sure yet. i'm finding it hard to resist buying it here though since the 200 peso patong is not bad :P

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  34. Shobe, hahahah basta you're happy with what you're using, its ok :)

    Crystal, the price is not bad talaga especially if you want it ASAP :)

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  35. I saw your review about this beauty blender months ago, and last month I decided to ordered mine. I really love this sponge.
    but there's one thing that puzzles me, how do you dry and store this beauty blender?
    do you wait till it completely dry and store it, or store it while it damp/wet after wash?

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  36. Benicta, I store it in a clear plastic case once dry!!! Never store it while damp/wet, while damp/wet I put it on top of a face towel :)

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  37. I always use this for my powder cake foundation and it leaves me like i used a liquid foundation. All the people kept asking me what foundation i used, but i always tell them that it's the beauty blender, not my foundation! hehe!

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  38. Hi,

    I saw this once in Rustan's essenses.Hope this help. But did not purchase... i'm not sure but prolly it's around 700-1200 ph.

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  39. I must get one soon! Very nice review on this one Nikki :) I'm really planning to buy one and thanks for sharing where I can buy it :)

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I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to comment your questions, suggestions and just anything you may want to say! Keep smiling and stay happy!