9 Best Makeup Sponges for Foundation in 2023

Aside from the foundations that pair well with a certain tool, choosing a foundation application method usually comes down to personal preference.  In addition to brushes or simply using your fingers, sponges are also a very popular choice.  Besides foundation, sponges can also be used to apply concealer and set your makeup with powder.  After testing various makeup sponges, from beauty blenders to silicone sponges, we chose the following 9 products as the best makeup sponges for foundation!

How to Apply Foundation with a Sponge

Here at foundation-finder.com, we are major proponents for damp sponges as opposed to using a sponge dry.  This is because water expands the sponge and “fills” it, meaning less product is getting absorbed by the sponge.  It must be damp, though, and not full-on wet.  We usually run it under the faucet and then press it against a paper towel a few times.  The only time you might want to use the sponge dry is when you are wanting full coverage for your makeup.

We prefer to first apply the product to the face by dabbing it with fingers or a brush and then use the sponge to blend the product and pat it into the skin.  However, you can also put the foundation (liquid ones) directly onto the sponge to then apply to the face.  For powder foundations, we recommend lightly dampening the sponge and dipping it directly into the product.  For egg shaped sponges, the round bottom is for forehead and cheeks, while the pointed top is for harder to reach areas, such as creases in the nose and around the eyes.

Best Makeup Sponges for Foundation

1.  BEAKEY 3pc + brush set – $6.99

Our #1 Choice!

This set gives the most bang for your buck!  It includes three good quality sponges and a kabuki brush for right under $7.  The different shapes of the sponges allow you to focus on specific areas, like the nose or eyes, due to the sponges’ various edges.  The brush is also surprisingly great!  This set is an incredible value.

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2.  the original beautyblender – $20

The beauty blender at this point is iconic.  If you have never tried a makeup sponge before, this one is perfect to try first.  Besides being one of the best makeup sponges, it is easy to use, and you will love how it gives a seamless blur affect to your foundation.  The key is to keep it clean!

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Ulta Sephora Amazon

3. PÜR Pillow Blend Collection – $39.00

Our Choice For:  Liquid Foundation

We are not sure whether to classify this applicator as a sponge or brush, so we included it on both of our lists because it is truly amazing!  Unfortunately, we could not find these tools being sold individually, but the set is perfect for all your application and blending needs.  They are made of silicone, meaning they do not harbor bacteria, and they absorb less makeup.  To use, apply a drop of liquid or cream foundation onto the applicator and spread the product across your skin.  Then, use a tapping motion to press the foundation into the skin.  These applicators can be easily cleaned with soap and water or makeup wipes.

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4.  Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge – $8.97 (2-pack)

There is a lot of debate as to whether Real Techniques is as good as the beauty blender.  There is no question that the beauty blender is a fantastic makeup sponge, but the Real Techniques sponge is also very high quality yet for a more reasonable price.  The difference between the two in our opinion is that the beauty blender is a little softer and the size is a tad bigger.  But the Real Techniques ones get the job done just as well – they blend beautifully and are long-lasting.  These are not of cheap quality and will not tear on you.

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Amazon Ulta

5. Sano Naturals Silicone Makeup Sponge – $12.00

Silicone sponges seem to be all the rage lately in makeup Instagram videos.  We gave this one a shot and completely understand the hype!  There are several advantages to silicone over a traditional sponge:  it is easy to clean, it is more sanitary (which means less bacteria and breakouts!), and it conserves your foundation!  You will use less product with this sponge because it all stays on the sponge to use rather than absorb inside.

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6.  Monrocco round makeup sponges set – $6.99 (25-pack)

Our Choice For:  Pressed Powder Foundation

This is an inexpensive and ever-reliable choice for a makeup sponge.  For only $6.99, you get 25 of these sponges.  For reference, they are the exact kind that come with a pressed powder compact.  If diligent about cleaning, these sponges will last you a long time!  You really can’t go wrong with these for both powder and liquid foundations.

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7. Koh Gen Do Face Powder Puffs – $29.00

Our Choice For:  Loose Powder Foundation

While not technically a sponge, we could not leave these powder puffs off the list.  They are soft, the perfect size, and give a flawless finish to loose powder foundations.  Best of all, they are easy to clean and do not lose their shape after washing.  A case is included, too!  For a cheaper alternative, check out these!

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8.  Base Blue Cosmetics AirSponge – $6.00

Base Blue Cosmetics is a newer company, having been founded in 2018, but they knocked it out of the park with this makeup sponge!  We are 100% confident in declaring this as a “beauty blender dupe”.  They even have another sponge specifically designed for applying full coverage foundation! Check it out here.

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9. ULTA Super Blender Sponge – $4.99

Our Choice For:  Best Value

This sponge’s shape makes it versatile in applying foundation to the different areas of your face.  The pointed tip is for blending around the nose and eyes, and the round bottom is great for smoothing makeup along the jawline.  ULTA recommends using it dry if you want full coverage and dampening it to achieve sheer coverage.  The high quality of this sponge makes the price unbelievable!

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