Makeup Brush VS Beauty Blender

Because it’s always been a great debate…

When it comes to applying foundation, we have a lot of choices. There’s the traditional makeup brush, of course, but then you also makeup sponges like the iconic Beauty Blender, a kabuki brush, silicone sponge, etc. It can be a little overwhelming, right? Here’s a breakdown on the makeup brush vs the beauty blenders…

P.S. I wrote a post on how to properly clean your makeup brushes HERE. VIP info.

MAKEUP BRUSH

The makeup brush that you choose when applying foundation is, of course, crucial. When you want a full coverage look, or if you have dry skin, the makeup brush can make or break applying foundation. Here are a few of my favorite makeup brushes…

BEAUTY BLENDER

The Beauty Blender is a makeup artist favorite, and for good reason; it makes makeup application a breeze and blends the foundation into your skin in the most flawless (and creaseless) way. Rea Ann Silva is a makeup artist who just so happened to also create the now infamous makeup sponge; she was looking for a makeup sponge that worked better than those traditional white triangle sponges of the past, which is when she decided on an egg/teardrop shape for the sponge, with one side tapering to a fine point so makeup artists could use that point for sensitive areas, like eyes, etc.

What’s even cooler about the Beauty Blender is that it works when it’s wet, and that was another goal of Silva’s. According to an Allure interview, Silva has said “That’s one of the big secrets about why Beauty Blender works so well,” says Silva. “It’s like laying your makeup all over your skin without any lines of demarcation. It melts into your skin as you bounce it.”

Oh, and I also wanted to mention that the company also has a recycling program – all you have to do is wait until you have three Beauty Blender’s (no other makeup sponge brands are allowed) and you send them in. They partnered with Top Rock Renewables to keep used Beauty Blenders out of landfills. Instead, the blenders will go to a 22 MegaWatt waste-to-energy power plant that powers approximately 14,000 homes per year and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by around 249,100 tons per years (the equivalent of 48,000 passenger cars per year).

PROS AND CONS

Pros of Makeup Brushes

Lots of variety! Makeup brushes come in tons of different shapes and sizes, not to mention materials and price points.

Cons of Makeup Brushes

For those who are beginners, that “variety” (mentioned above) can also be a little overwhelming. Which brush do you choose?! Also, not every makeup brush is going to work well, especially if you have dry skin or other skin issues.

Pros of Beauty Blenders

The Beauty Blender is makeup artist-approved, not to mention easy to use. The water-activated sponge gets larger and absorbs less product than a makeup brush does. And, when wet, the super-soft material provides an even, smooth blend and bounce. The large, rounded surface area ensures a quick application while the contoured tip offers precision.

Cons of Beauty Blenders

There’s honestly not much to complain about when it comes to the Beauty Blender. The only issue might be that it does need to be wet to work properly and that means you absolutely need to wash it more often than you would a traditional makeup brush (ewww bacteria).

Which Is Better?

I hate to choose because, honestly, I think they both work well and it just depends on personal preference, you know? I use both! If I absolutely HAD to choose one? It would be the Beauty Blender, and only because I feel like it’s easier for beginners in terms of less choice. It really is hard to decide between the hundreds (if not thousands) of makeup brushes on the market, and having one go-to way for applying foundation? Well, it just simplifies everything.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Tell me – do you prefer a makeup brush or a Beauty Blender?