Make-up sponges 101

While there are many ways to apply foundation, one of the most popular ways is with a make-up sponge. With so many different sponges on the market, choosing the right one can sometimes be a daunting task.

On your hunt for the perfect sponge, you will notice that there are 3 basic sponge shapes available:

Round / rectangular flat sponges
Due to the shape of these sponges, they are ideal for applying foundation to larger areas of the face such as the forehead and cheek area. As they don’t taper down into a sharp point, they make applying foundation to less accessible areas such as around your nose, a bit trickier.

Triangular sponges
While these sponges are generally smaller than round / rectangular sponges, they are still suitable for applying foundation to your whole face. Thanks to their size, they allow for precise foundation application as you can target smaller areas.

Dome-shaped sponges
The domed-shaped sponge has seen an increase in popularity in the last few years and has certainly become our go-to sponge. With a broad base and tapered top, the dome-shaped sponge offers the best of both worlds, making it a handy tool to have on hand.

We’ve rounded up a few of our favourite sponges to help you narrow down your search:
QVS Luxurious Foundation Sponge, R39.95
UBU Doll-Face Dozen, R51.95
MAC Wedge Sponge, R85
My Non-Latex Elipse Make-Up Sponges, R44.99
QVS 20-Pack Make-Up Wedges, R89.95
UBU Blender Baby, R87.95

BEAUTY TIP: If you prefer sheer foundation coverage, lightly dampen your sponge before blending in your foundation for a flawless “barely there” finish. To prevent the spread of germs, it’s important to wash your sponges regularly.

Stockists: QVS – Selected Woolworths stores | UBU – Selected Clicks stores | My – Selected Wellness Warehouse stores

Other articles you may be interested in:
How to: Clean your make-up brushes
Ten make-up brushes to invest in
Foundation types explained: Powder
Choose the best make-up brushes
Spring clean your make-up bag