Review: Essence of Beauty Blender Brushes (LE)

For some reason, I had thought that I wrote about this back in December since that is when I added it into my rotation of wedges and sponges for makeup application. My apologies for the delay on this one! I first got wind of this one in early December and decided that I needed to get it because it was purple. When I finally came across it at my nearby CVS, I had to purchase it since it was the last one available. (Since then, they seem to come and go somewhat sporadically for a limited edition item). 

Sponges (wedges, the Beauty Blender, and this item) have quickly become my favourite tools in my makeup kit. I don't think I fully appreciated foundation or blush till I made the switch and that's because it requires a whole new attention to detail. One that admittedly did not have till I had to use a sponge and realized that this was colour that I was layering on my face and that it actually needed to be blended properly. Brushes, for whatever reason, don't tend to pick up enough of the product for application so it often looks like I'm not wearing any foundation or blush at all. The reason why I go into this depth is so that we can paint a picture of the difference between a brush and wedge in my makeup kit.

Now consider the Beauty Blender Brush, it's a much small surface area when compared to a wedge/sponge or even a brush. It does pick up a lot of product for application, but given that it's not as soft, it's a bit more targeted. Which means that the application can be heavy in a spot or rather, very clear lines can appear which means that I have to be even more careful when using this type of a blender brush.

It's been a fun one to use though -- I definitely enjoy using it since it I can't be as careless in the morning when I apply my makeup. I notice that it does as good of a job as the Beauty Blender. It is a bit of a pain to clean though since it doesn't fit into the rack and the sponge can end up quite heavy as a result of the water so hanging it isn't really a good option for it. I will say that just propping it upward has worked out just fine. That's been the slight relief about sponges in general; it usually doesn't matter how they hang, lay, or are positioned to dry because the only thing it can effect (if applicable) is the shape depending on what type it is.

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Product: Essence of Beauty Blender Brushes (LE)
Price: ~$7
Stars: ★★★★☆
Takeway: Easy to use but it has a smaller surface area which kind of puts it in between an actual brush and sponge for me. While it's a slight pain to clean it and dry it, it's still nice to use from time to time.

An Update on Wedges

It's been a little bit over a year now that I've made the switch from makeup brushes to cosmetic wedges so I figured I'd post a bit of an update. Almost a year later, the wedges are finally starting to show some wear and tear which has caused me to have to throw some of them out (but certainly not all). I still have half of the pack left so I imagine that it'll be a while before I need to actually go out and buy a whole new set. 

I will warn you that if you're trying to figure out if wedges (or sponges) are for you, then do keep in mind that they do tend to waste more of the product however as a result, they are able to give an even application. I love them because they seem to do more for me in terms of application (seriously, the application with a brush versus these wedges are very noticeable) but you do need several in rotation since it takes a few days for them to dry (and I tend to wash them after every use).

Review: Essence of Beauty Teardrop Sponges

Earlier this year I decided to give cosmetic wedges a try (you can check out that review by clicking here) and since then, I've almost exclusively used them for foundation and finishing powder. Every time I mention this when I'm in a makeup store, everyone comments about how I'm wasting product with sponges. But here's the thing about using them, I get a much better application of the foundation and finishing powder. I also use them to apply blush. 

Though I've used the wedges almost exclusively, I have tossed in some different sponges here or there. The Beauty Blender is one of them (but that's a post for another time) and these teardrop sponges have been another. I actually got the teardrop sponges before I got the Beauty Blender but I tend to go back to my wedges. For some reason I think of them as being a bit more sanitary than anything else I keep in my makeup kits.

Why?

I wash them after single use. That includes my teardrop sponges. On one side of the sponge, I'll use the pointed end I work the foundation in. I usually then flip it over and use the other side of the pointed edge to work in the finishing powder. The other end -- the fuller end, I use to work in blush. And that's how I use the regular wedges as well. 

They give an even application and allow for the products to be worked in well. This likely occurs only because it picks up more product so keep that in mind. They are incredibly easy to clean and take about 3 days to fully dry out (or rather, I give them three days to fully dry out whereas they are probably fully dried after the second day).

Whether you're all about the brushes, sponges, or a mix of both, I think these particular teardrop sponges are a great addition to your train case. They are multipurpose when it comes to makeup so you don't have to think of them as just being for foundation or finishing powder. They are great for blending eyeshadows as well. These feel good and are easy to handle. I think they are great in addition to my wedges, though cannot serve as a replacement for me since at times they do feel a bit bigger than what I'm used to (this is specific to how they feel in comparison to the wedges). 

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Product: Essence of Beauty Teardrop Sponges
Price: $3.99
Would Recommend? Yes!
Takeaway: I love wedges to the point where I use them almost exclusively -- the exception being these particular teardrop sponges which not only feel good but are easy to use. I will caution that sponges (wedges and even Beauty Blenders) pick up much more makeup which is what causes the fantastically even application. That is your call as what you want to do but I will say that keeping some sponges around as a backup in your makeup kit would be a rather good call.