Beauty Blender Dupe: Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge

I'm all about a good dupe for something more high-priced. Before we get to that, let's talk about the Beauty Blender for a second.

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The Beauty Blender is a non-disposable sponge makeup applicator that claims for flawless liquid foundation application. It is meant to be used damp and said to provide an "airbrush finish."

Since I have so many makeup tools and there isn't really one way I apply liquid foundation (yeah, I guess I am that overachieving snobby makeup girl), I couldn't justify paying $30 for a darn sponge. I don't care if it's the most amazing sponge that graced this planet - like I said, I don't do the same routine every day so I'm not sure it's worth it.

Enter the Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge.

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I was browsing Target the other day (it seems like I'm there a lot now since it's a great place to walk around with the baby and get a Skinny Caramel Macchiato all at one time) and spotted this. I actually thought it was the Beauty Blender. Oh but it isn't - and it was only $10! I figured this might be a fun way to try this method of foundation application out. I had read a lot of reviews after picking it up that it is, indeed, a dupe for the Beauty Blender and there aren't much differences. The only thing I was warned about is that it might fall apart a little easier with repeated and continued use. I'm not really worried about that since I don't wear liquid foundation every day and I vary up the way I apply it, too (duo fibre brush, fingers, kabuki, etc.).

As you can tell, the sponge is pretty ergonomic and a good size for the hand. The point on the end is really good for getting into small areas and the other end is great for bigger areas of the skin. Let me bullet point my thoughts for you (since bullet pointed lists are da bomb).

Thoughts on the Product:
- My foundation did go on pretty flawlessly using this product.
- The sponge tends to soak up a bit of liquid foundation so it might be a little more difficult to get full coverage.
- I've found the best way to blend with this is to dot the foundation over the face and then blend.
- The sponge itself is a bit difficult to clean, requiring some effort to get all of the product out. I read about some soap that was good for this so maybe I'll try that or some baby shampoo. I'm not sure that the antibacterial hand soap was the best way to go about it.
- I have gotten similar results from using a dampened basic makeup sponge, but this does seem to blend it a lot better.

Here's a shot of my face after using it. I used Make Up For Ever HD, MAC Pro Longwear, and Revlon Colorstay mixed together (I'm weird and like to mix my foundations for giggles sometimes... does anyone else do that?). I haven't retouched this photo in any way.

Okay, maybe I should use this sponge more often.

Bottom Line: Worth it if you want to try a new way to apply your liquid foundation!

Have you found any good beauty dupes lately? Please do share!!