When choosing cosmetic sponges, you should consider how you plan to use the sponge as well as whether you are willing to continually ensure that it is kept clean and disinfected. While many cosmetic sponges are intended to be used once and thrown away, you may have environmental concerns about this practice and may wish to choose a more durable sponge. Finally, you should consider the cost of any cosmetic sponges that you buy, as you may find that some are significantly more expensive than others.
Many people use cosmetic sponges for the even application of moisturizers, foundations, and concealers. In addition, cosmetic sponges may be used to blend color cosmetics or to quickly remove mistakes made during the application of cosmetics. Both synthetic and natural sponges are used for cosmetic purposes.
While you may like the idea of using natural sponges for makeup application, these sponges are not always the best choice. They can have an uneven surface that may result in streaking when using them to apply or blend makeup. Some companies do sell natural cosmetic sponges that have a more even surface and smaller pores, and these may be suitable for your needs. Still, you may find that synthetic sponges offer much more consistent results than those harvested from the sea.
Synthetic sponges come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You may find that owning several different cosmetic sponge sizes is the best option for ensuring flawless makeup application. Some sponges are sold in disk shapes, which can be helpful when applying products to a large amount of skin but may be tricky to use when blending cosmetics into smaller areas, such as the contours around the nose or on the eyelids. Some companies sell sponges that come in a wedge shape that allow for precision blending and application.
Many cosmetic sponges are sold as disposable sponges and are not intended for reuse. If these sponges are reused, there is a potential risk of depositing bacteria onto the skin along with residue from previous makeup applications. Some companies make a more durable sponge that can be cleaned and disinfected using a special sponge cleaner after each use. These sponges may be significantly more expensive than traditional cosmetic sponges, and they may require ongoing maintenance in order to remain clean and effective. If you are not prepared to provide this kind of maintenance, it may be wiser to spend your money on less expensive sponges.
