How to Use Makeup Sponge: A Complete Guide

By Jami Stansfield

May 09, 2022

Benefits of Using Makeup Sponge

Using a makeup sponge is helpful. Sponges help for applying both liquid and cream makeup products. Along with liquid and cream products, it also makes it easy to apply powder products too. Unlike makeup brushes or fingers, the sponge helps makeup blend seamlessly into your skin for a natural, airbrushed finish.

The sponge's pointy end makes it easy to get makeup into small spaces near your nose and eyes. The round parts let you spread makeup evenly across larger areas like cheeks and forehead. Sponges are simple to wash and reusable, which saves money and is better for the environment. The soft, bouncy texture prevents your makeup from looking too heavy or cakey. Instead, it leaves you with a fresh, flawless complexion every single time.

[Recommended to Read: How Often Should You Replace Makeup Sponge]

Choosing the Perfect Makeup Sponge For Your Skin Type

Before using the makeup sponge, you should have a clear idea of choosing the right one. Choosing the right makeup sponge is crucial for achieving flawless results tailored to your skin type. Consider factors like material, shape, and texture when selecting the perfect sponge. For dry or sensitive skin, opt for a soft, latex-free sponge that won't exacerbate irritation. Those with oily or acne-prone skin may benefit from a sponge with a firmer texture to help control excess oil. You can find makeup sponges in different shapes and sizes in the market. So, consider the shape of the sponge while choosing it. A teardrop or rounded shape is versatile for blending, while a flat edge is ideal for precise application. By selecting a makeup sponge tailored to your skin type, you can ensure seamless blending and a flawless finish every time.

How to Use Makeup Sponge

Using your versatile beauty sponge is easy. Just follow the mentioned steps and you will achieve the flawless makeup application every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Sponge
Before diving into makeup application, it's crucial to prep your sponge properly. Start by dampening the sponge under running water until it expands and feels soft to the touch. Gently squeeze out any excess water, ensuring the sponge is damp, not dripping wet. This step is essential for ensuring seamless blending and preventing product absorption.

Step 2: Apply Your Product
Once your sponge is prepped, it's time to apply your favorite makeup products. Whether it's foundation, concealer, or cream blush, the technique remains the same. Dab a small amount of product onto the back of your hand or directly onto the beauty sponge.

Step 3: Blend with Bouncing Motions
Now comes the fun part, blending! Using the dampened sponge, gently dab the product onto your skin in a bouncing motion. Avoid dragging or swiping, as this can result in streaks or uneven application. The bouncing motion helps blend the product seamlessly into the skin for a natural, airbrushed finish.

Step 4: Build and Layer
For areas that require more coverage or intensity, you can build and layer the product using the same bouncing motion. Start with a small amount of product and gradually add more as needed, blending each layer seamlessly with the makeup blending sponge.

Step 5: Clean and Maintain Your Sponge
After each use, it's essential to clean and maintain your beauty sponge to ensure optimal performance and hygiene. Rinse the sponge thoroughly with warm water and gentle soap, squeezing out any trapped product until the water runs clear. Allow the sponge to air dry completely before storing it in a clean, dry place.

Congratulation! You've mastered the art of makeup sponge application. By following these simple steps, you can achieve flawless, airbrushed results every time. Whether you're perfecting your everyday makeup look, daily morning skincare routine, or glamming up for a special occasion, a makeup sponge is your secret weapon for achieving a flawless finish.

How to Use Makeup Sponge to Apply Foundation

If you want to know how to apply foundation with a sponge, here’s a quick guide for you!

Start Fresh: The very first step to apply foundation with sponge is to begin with a clean, moisturized face. Your canvas should be smooth and hydrated.

Dot and Dab: Apply small dots of foundation all over your face. Think of it as your artistic palette.

Blend: Now, start blending your foundation using a makeup sponge in gentle tapping motions. It's like a mini dance party on your face! The best way to blend foundation is by tapping or dabbing, not dragging or swiping. Your beauty blender is your partner in crime for this.

Use Different Sides: Using a sponge for makeup for larger areas like your cheeks and forehead, use the rounded side of the sponge. It covers more ground in less time. Use the pointed triangular tip of the sponge for those nooks and crannies around your eyes and nose. The pointed edge of a beauty sponge helps to apply makeup products even in a hard-to-reach area effectively. It's like your beauty blender's secret weapon.

Work Your Way: Start from the center of your face and work outward. This way, you'll get a seamlessly natural finish without any harsh lines. If you need more coverage, add more foundation in areas that need extra love.

How to Use Makeup Sponge to Apply Concealer And Contour

If you want to know how to use cosmetic sponges for applying Concealer and contouring, here’s a quick guide for you!

Concealer:

Dot Your Troubles Away: Apply concealer in tiny dots under your eyes, over blemishes, or on any areas that need a little extra love. Start with a small amount of concealer or contour, and build it up gradually. You can always add more, but taking away excess product can be trickier.

Sponge It in: Using makeup blending sponge can be a good choice to apply concealer as they can blend it smoothly and create a natural look. Take the triangular end of your beauty blender and gently tap (not swipe) to seamlessly blend the concealer. Gentle tapping and blending with your sponge are the keys to success. No need to Hulk-smash your makeup.

Contouring:

Create Shadows: Apply contour cream or powder in the hollows of your cheeks, along your jawline, and the sides of your nose.

Blend Like a Boss: Use the flat side of your sponge to gently blend out those contour lines. Think of it as sculpting across your face without breaking a sweat. You can also use mini makeup sponge for the perfect contour effect.

Recommended to Read: How to Apply Concealer And Contour

How to Use Makeup Sponge to Apply Blush And Highlighter

If you want to know how to use beauty blender for blush and highlighting, here’s a quick guide for you!

Blush:

Smile Bright: To find the perfect spot for blush, give us a genuine smile. Those apples of your cheeks? That's where you want to focus.

Dab and Blend: Apply a bit of blush to the apples, then use the rounded end of your makeup sponge to dab and blend it in gently. It's like giving your cheeks a sweet little kiss!

Highlighter:

The Glow Zone: Apply highlighter on the high points of your face: cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and the cupid's bow (that little dip above your upper lip).

A Gentle Touch: Use the same rounded end of your beauty sponge with a light hand to tap and blend the highlighter. It's all about that radiant, lit-from-within look.
Applying makeup with a sponge offers a natural-looking finish and simplifies the application of various makeup formulas. Its versatility allows for effortless blending, ensuring a flawless appearance with liquid, cream, or powder products.

Set Your Makeup Using Makeup Sponge

If you want to know how to use a makeup sponge for perfectly setting the makeup, here’s a quick guide for you!

Prep the Canvas: Before getting to the setting, ensure your foundation and concealer are perfectly blended. You want a smooth canvas to work with.

Grab Your Setting Powder: Dip the flat side of your makeup sponge lightly into your setting powder. You don't need much; a little goes a long way.

Tap Away Excess: Gently tap the sponge on the back of your hand to shake off any excess powder. This step is your secret to avoiding over-powdered cake face.

Set It in Place: Now, press (don't rub) the sponge onto the areas where you applied foundation and concealer. Focus on the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and other areas prone to shine.

Blend and Buff: Using the same gentle tapping motion, blend the setting powder into your clean skin. It'll lock your face makeup in place without making you look too much powdered.

Using Makeup Sponge Dry Vs Wet

Using a makeup beauty sponge can significantly enhance your makeup application, and understanding the differences between wet and dry methods is crucial for achieving your desired look.

When using a makeup sponge in its dry state, it's essential to note that it will absorb less product than its wet counterpart. This method is ideal for achieving fuller coverage with your foundation or concealer, as the sponge will deposit more product onto your skin. To use a dry sponge, dab the product onto the sponge and then gently bounce it onto your skin in a stippling motion. This technique helps blend the makeup seamlessly, creating a flawless finish.

On the other hand, wetting the makeup sponge before application can provide a more natural and dewy finish. To do this, dampen the sponge with water and squeeze any excess moisture. The dampness of the sponge helps to sheer out the product, resulting in a lighter coverage. The water can also help blend the makeup more easily, giving you a smoother and more airbrushed appearance. Remember to start with less product when using a wet sponge, as the sponge will distribute it more evenly across your skin.

Recommended Sponge: StansOut Beauty Sponge

Having spent a decade in the beauty industry, I confidently recommend the StansOut Beauty sponge for flawless application. This versatile tool is soft and latex-free and uniquely effective when used dry, eliminating the need for water. Its innovative design effortlessly blends various makeup formulas, from liquid foundations to creamy concealers, achieving a seamless finish every time. Whether you're a makeup enthusiast or a professional artist, the StansOut Beauty sponge enhances your application technique, ensuring a flawless and natural look with ease.

StansOut Beauty Sponge features a soft, porous texture and versatile shape, ensuring seamless makeup application and minimal product wastage for a flawless finish.

StansOut Beauty Sponge | Makeup Blending Sponge

Price: $20

When to Wet Your StansOut Beauty Sponge?

You probably bought your StansOut Beauty Sponge after hearing you didn’t have to get it wet first, right?! While that is absolutely true, there are still times that it might be beneficial to wet it first. You must be asking, Should I wet my beauty blender sponge? Yes, but only on a few occasions. We will name a few for you!

When to Wet Your StansOut Beauty Sponge

Right after opening it.

If you aren’t much of an instruction reader (guilty!), it’s okay. We will give you the lowdown! We recommend getting your StansOut Beauty Sponge wet for the first 3-5 uses. Like a great pair of shoes, it needs to be broken in. Once it is broken in, it is the wonderfully soft and bouncy StansOut Beauty Sponge you can’t live without. Getting it wet in its first 3-5 uses will speed up the break-in process and have it mimic a broken-in sponge until it actually is a broken-in sponge!

Pro Tip: Wash it right after opening it, and that will count for 1 time of getting it wet!

You have dry skin.

If you tend to fight dryness, then using a damp sponge (not soaking!) can add some moisture back into your skin while it is blending.

[Recommended to Read: 5 Easy Ways to Know Your Skin Type]

Your sponge is cold.

Sounds odd, right? Well, the material was designed to react with the warmth of your skin to become soft and ready to go, so it loves to be warm! If you left your makeup bag in a cold car overnight, for example, your sponge might feel really stiff. The best thing to do is dampen it with warm water to help it return to its soft and bouncy state. You can still use the warmth of your skin if you aren’t near water, but it will take a bit longer!

Your face looks too “powdery.”

This can happen to the best of us! It can be easy to go overboard with powder, but you can easily fix this and be on your way! If your look seems dry and powdery, try lightly dampening your sponge with some facial mist (even with a setting spray) and then very gently press the sponge around your face. This will pick up any excess powder and leave you with a flawless and airbrushed finish!

How to Clean Makeup Sponge: Maintenance and Cleaning Secret

Think of your best makeup sponge as your favorite outfit. You wouldn't wear it day in and day out without washing it, right? Your sponge deserves the same love and care. Bacteria love hanging out in damp sponges. Cleaning it regularly keeps your skin safe and prevents breakouts. A clean sponge performs better. It'll apply makeup more smoothly, so you can achieve that flawless finish every time. Regular cleaning helps your makeup sponge last longer. You'll get more bang for your buck! So, how to clean makeup sponge? Here’s how:

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:

Step 1: Gentle Cleansing with Makeup Sponge Cleaner:

To begin cleaning your makeup sponge, use lukewarm water and a light soap bar. Your sponge will remain in pristine condition if you use this moderate method. How should I wash my makeup sponge? To avoid snags or rips, just work the soap into a lather while being cautious not to twist or pinch the sponge.

Step 2: Rinse Thoroughly for Your Beauty Sponge:

Squeeze gently while you rinse your beauty sponge under running water. This helps get rid of any last-minute soap and makeup traces. Looking for a thorough cleaning method for a beauty sponge? Your makeup sponge will be left clean and fresh if you keep washing and squeezing it until the water is clear.

Step 3: Air Dry for Instant Use:

After thoroughly cleaning, let your StansOut Beauty Sponge air dry. Once it has dried, you can use it straight away. Our makeup sponges are perfect for this since they are always ready when you are. This is a step-by-step process of how to clean a makeup sponge.

Final Thoughts On Using a Makeup Sponge

By the end, you understand how to use makeup sponge to achieve a smooth and even finish by blending and diffusing products seamlessly into the skin. But don't be afraid to experiment and have a blast with your makeup sponges! They're versatile tools that can help you unleash your inner makeup artist. So, get creative, and let your makeup sponge be your canvas. Makeup is about self-expression, and there are no rules—just endless possibilities. So, have fun and slay that makeup game with confidence!

Also Read: 10 Makeup Tips and Tricks For a Flawless Finish

Like this article? Share it with your friends by clicking the icons below!

FAQs on Using Makeup Sponge

Can I use a makeup sponge with both liquid and powder products?

Yes, the StansOut makeup sponges are versatile tools that can be used with both liquid and powder products. For liquid products, dampen the sponge slightly before use to help blend the makeup seamlessly. For powder products, use the sponge dry for a more controlled and precise application.

How often should I replace my makeup sponge?

It's recommended to replace your makeup sponge every 2 to 3 months, depending on how frequently you use it and how well you maintain it. Signs that it's time for a replacement include visible wear and tear, a change in texture, or difficulty in blending makeup effectively.

Are there any special cleaning techniques for makeup sponges?

Yes, cleaning your makeup sponge regularly is essential for hygiene and longevity. You can clean it with gentle soap and warm water, or you can use a specialized sponge cleanser. Gently squeeze and rinse the sponge until the water runs clear. Allow it to air dry completely before using it again. You can also checkout our Makeup sponge cleaning video on Youtube.

Can I use a makeup sponge for skincare products like serums or moisturizers?

Yes, makeup sponges can be used to apply skincare products like serums and moisturizers. However, it's important to clean your sponge thoroughly after using it for skincare to prevent any product buildup or cross-contamination with makeup.

How do I use a makeup sponge for foundation?

Apply a small amount of foundation to the back of your hand or directly onto the sponge. Dab the sponge onto your face, starting from the center and blending outward in a bouncing motion.

Can I use a makeup sponge to apply powder?

Yes, a makeup sponge can be used to apply powder. Press the sponge into the powder, then gently pat it onto your face to set your makeup or control shine.

Can I use a makeup sponge to apply cream blush or highlighter?

Yes, a makeup sponge is great for applying cream blush or highlighter. Dab a small amount of the product onto the sponge and blend it onto the desired areas of your face.

What's the best way to store makeup sponges to keep them clean and hygienic?

To keep your makeup sponges clean and hygienic, store them in a clean, dry place away from dust and direct sunlight. It's a good idea to keep them in a breathable container or pouch to protect them from external contaminants. Avoid storing them in a sealed container as this can trap moisture and promote bacterial growth. Remember to wash and dry your sponges before storing them.

About the author

Jami Stanfield, the founder of StansOut Beauty Company, is a renowned makeup artist and beauty expert. With a talent for designing popular beauty products like the StansOut Beauty sponge, Jami shares her knowledge and experiences to provide practical makeup tips.