Break Up with Your Beauty Blender: Signs It's Time to Toss Your Makeup Sponge

Who can truthfully say there has been a beauty tool to change the makeup game in recent years quite like the beauty blender? Since its launch in 2007, many companies have followed suit and came out with their own versions of the iconic beauty sponge which has proven to be a staple in makeup bags across the world. My top pick for a sponge that matches the quality of its predecessor would definitely be the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. Rihanna's Fenty Beauty Precision Makeup Sponge holds third place in my book. These three have found a home in my plethora of makeup tools and I have a tendency to hold on to old ones even though I purchase replacements. If you do this you may be doing yourself more harm than good. An "expired" beauty sponge not only causes you to waste product, it can be harmful to your skin as well. My reluctance to let go of my sponges have taught me these lessons the hard way. Here's how I know when to say goodbye:

(1) The sponge has become too porous- If you use a sponge long enough, you'll start noticing the pores becoming more visible. With prolonged use and constant washing, these tiny openings start to get bigger and bigger causing the density of the sponge to wear down. If you notice the sponge starting to absorb more product than usual and the blendability is not like it used to be then it's time to say goodbye.

(2) It's breaking apart- This is usually a consequence of the sponge becoming too porous, however, beauty sponges can be broken or ripped by accident. So whether your beauty blender is just old or your dog tried to eat it, don't use it. A broken sponge is not going to evenly apply and blend your makeup, just throw it away.

(3) It does not come clean when washed- If there's so much product buildup and stains in a sponge that it can't get clean after soaking and washing, can you imagine how much germs are in there? Nobody wants to be pouncing bacteria and dead skin cells on a freshly washed face, ESPECIALLY if you're acne prone. As soon as you realize your beauty sponge is beyond repair toss it, burn it, throw it out and run!

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