A couple of months ago, as my well-used Beautyblender was starting to look decidedly worse for wear, I decided to pick up one of Real Techniques' Miracle Complexion Sponges to see how it compared; I do wholeheartedly feel that beauty tools are worth investing in, as even cheap make-up can be made to look good with the right tools. That said, the original Beautyblender is pretty expensive, so if something that's less than half the price can do as good a job, you can consider me sold!

The obvious difference is that the Real Techniques sponge is orange, whilst the Beautyblender is hot pink; not really an important difference, but it's easy to tell you're not using a Beautyblender just from that fact. The shape is also slightly different; whilst the original Beautyblender is egg-shaped with a pointed tip, the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge features a flat edge. I actually prefer the shape of the Real Techniques sponge as I find the flat side far easier for blending my base in over the majority of my face, whilst I still have the pointed tip which is perfect for blending concealer around the eye area, or blending out liquid highlighters.

Like the Beautyblender, the Miracle Complexion Sponge is designed to be used damp; it doubles in size once you've run it under clean water and squeezed out the excess (my photos show it damp). I haven't really noticed any difference in how my base goes on; both sponges give a smooth, even application of liquid base products, and allow you to build up coverage as necessary. The Beautyblender is made from latex-free hydrophilic Polyurethane, whilst the Miracle Complexion Sponge is made from a "revolutionary foam technology" - I can't find any more specific details unfortunately. Regardless, I do think I prefer the feel of the Real Techniques version, it feels softer and smoother on my skin; I've also found it washes a lot better. (You can read about how I wash my beauty sponges
here.) The Beautyblender seemed to stain really quickly, whereas my Miracle Complexion Sponge cleans up really nicely with a bit of antibacterial handwash and warm water.
The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is priced at
£5.99 at Boots, or you can buy a
twin-pack for £9.99 to give yourself a strategic spare! Have you tried this Beautyblender dupe? What's your favourite method of applying base products?
xo
I have only tried the beauty blender, I will have to try the real techniques sponge next then after reading this
ReplyDeleteLauren | www.laurenapowers.blogspot.com
I love the RT sponge!
ReplyDeletei adore this little sponge!! i just wish it was easier to clean, but it is an essential in my makeup bag :D
ReplyDeleteI'd love to give this a try, maybe 2016 is the year! :D xx
ReplyDeleteelizabeth ♡ ”Ice Cream” whispers Clara | (doing follow for follow on bloglovin or instagram)
I prefer the Real Techniques sponge too, the flat side is brilliant! x
ReplyDeleteI much prefer the Beauty Blender, but I love using my RT sponge when my BB is damp after washing! xx
ReplyDeleteGemma ♥ | Miss Makeup Magpie
I have a couple knock-off beauty blenders and loving my sponge to apply my BB Cream xx
ReplyDeleteI've got the one by Sephora but I'm not overly excited about it. It does the job but I'm sure these two would be much better. Have you ever tried it?
ReplyDeleteMika | www.la-french-connection.com
I haven't tried Sephora's, sorry! xo
DeleteI might give this a try, I'm terrible I just slap it on with my fingers!
ReplyDeleteKirsty Fox
I have the BeautyBlender and it's good but it really didn't blow me away, I think the RT one does practically the same job! xx
ReplyDeleteJasmine Talks Beauty
Ive never tried a beauty blender, I have a RT one but havent used it, I always use brushes x
ReplyDeleteI have a beauty blender but I like the look of the RT one, I think the flat side would just blend foundation a lot more flawlessly than the BB!
ReplyDeleteDo you have any tips for cleaning them? I always end up putting mine in the washing machine after trying to clean it with shampoo or brush cleanser XD
Hannah
BananaBeauty
x
I really like the flat side! I might do a post on how I wash mine - but basically, I run it under warm water until it expands, then add a little bit of antibacterial handwash and kind of roll it between my hands for a minute or so, then rinse until all the soap is out, and repeat if it doesn't look clean. Usually once is enough though! Hope that helps. xo
DeleteI liked this sponge till I tried the Beauty Blender. I just like the material of the beauty blender more x
ReplyDeleteLaura
Pink Frenzy