The thing that makes Sam Chapman’s sponge different from the others out there, is its three distinct surfaces that are meant to make your foundation application even easier and more flawless:
- The rounded sides to blend large areas of the face
- The precision tip to cover blemishes and imperfections
- The flat edge for contours around the eyes and nose
Well, that’s what it says anyway. I personally find the flat edge better for layering up on areas which might need a little bit more coverage, and the precision tip much more convenient to get right into the contours of the nose and so on. Not sure how the flat edge is supposed to make getting into those tiny crevices easier! The versatility of the different surfaces makes application a breeze though, I can be done with my base in about 90 seconds which is pretty good going, right? And I love the poreless, flawless finish it achieves – just one reason why I’m preferring sponges to brushes these days!
I do really like the ease of application using the Miracle Complexion Sponge, but there is one thing that’s bugging me. It seems to absolutely drink foundation, absorbing way more product than a brush or other sponges I’ve used, particularly if used dry. Using the sponge wet does combat the problem a bit, but this is definitely the thirstiest sponge I’ve ever used.
So while it’s not quite a miracle, I do like this sponge a lot and am pleased that the different surfaces are actually useful rather than just a novelty feature. If you prefer a sponge (or even if you’ve never tried one!), I’d recommend giving this one a try because at £4.99 it’s less than a third of the price of a Beauty Blender and provided you dampen the sponge before using it, it shouldn’t drink up too much of your foundation. It will start to appear in Boots and Superdrug stores that carry Real Techniques around September time – keep an eye out!
Are you a sponge advocate or a brush lover when it comes to foundation? I don’t think there are too many sponge slaves out there!
I love a brush but really want to try a sponge! Think i might opt for the beauty blender though after reading this, i don’t fancy all my foundation being soaked up into a sponge! Thanks for the review!
Oh my gosh I’ve never even thought of using my Avene Thermal water to dampen the sponge! That’s such a clever tip, I do like a foundation sponge I find the finish a lot more natural, but it takes a long time to get my make up even when I do use one :)
Jamie-Lee | Glitter Infatuation | Beauty & Lifestyle Blog!
Definitely want to try this!!
I find them too wasteful. They waste your foundation and they waste your money replacing them constantly — I haven’t tried a sponge I was comfortable still using after cleaning there just to much crap in there.
So I’ll keep sticking with my brushes (and freshly washed hands for lighter foundation days). While the application method definitely matters I’ve found the most important thing effecting how natural your foundation looks… is the foundation.
I know sponges leave a nicer finish but you can’t beat using your fingers and brushes aren’t bad either. Sponges should really only be used in a make-up artist’s kit for saving time in cleaning and for hygiene purposes otherwise they are just a bitch from sucking up so much foundation.
I want to try this but I may try one from eBay first for about 50p even though £4.99 is reasonable.
http://elrbx.blogspot.co.uk/
Ah, but the quality though.
I adore the Beauty Blender, it converted me away from brushes except for the eyes! I can’t wait to find out how this will fare against the Blender.
My Beauty Junction
I love my beauty blender but this sounds great might have to see if I can pick one up in Oz.
Jac x0x
Thank you for your review. Another great product from Sam Chapman. I love Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
Sadly the “miracle” sponge didn’t survive drenching & squeezing underwater… it didn’t expand at all and actually lost completely the shape. It
behaved like a plasticine and shrunk… Not good at all.
You probably got a dud. Contact RT; they’re really good with sending out replacements.