What makes the Beauty Blender the toast of the makeup town? The first of its kind and a revolutionary beauty tool, the latex-free egg-shaped sponge is known to add that beautiful airbrushed finish without absorbing or wasting too much product.
Created by Rea Ann Silva, a makeup artist who thought “cutting corners” from her usual makeup sponges helped in making makeup application much easier, the sponge is today the winner of multiple awards, and has seen no (real) successor. No surprise then that it is the star product in the kits of makeup artists, celebrities, and influencers. The one reason it occupies prime space in one’s closet? The cone-shaped tip works most effectively on contours, eyes, nose, and cheeks.
At a price of Rs 2,000, there’s no denying a bit on the higher side for India. Not that we’re complaining, though a few alternatives won’t hurt. Especially if they come with a side of affordability and access. And we’ve found some – Real Techniques is a crowd favourite, Forever21 has a few known versions, Miniso is still popular thanks to its price point, and Nykaa and PAC Cosmetics sell their own versions. Heck, even NYX and Colorbar have some that could work well. But in all honesty, we want better quality at a competitive price point and what caught our eye were these premium, homegrown labels that came out with their own sweet versions of the makeup sponge. Some that can give the invincible Beauty Blender a run for its money.
Plume
Launched in June this year, this is the newest baby on the block that brings to the forefront well-made, high quality makeup sponges featuring the highest quality latex – free microfibre that can help create the perfect base without letting your sponges absorb too much product. The company makes sure the packaging is durable and attractive. Plus, there are luxe sponge holders that are so Instagram-friendly. Currently, the brand only makes sponges, and that means one product that everyone is working towards getting right.
Price: Rs 850
Roumer Cosmetics
As far as labels targeted at millennials go, Roumer’s Marshmallow Sponge is slowly becoming a cult product among Instagrammers. The purple beauty aims to airbrush your makeup in the simplest way possible, and works towards making sure the foundations sink in naturally without looking cakey.
Price: Rs 580
YBP Cosmetics
The OG blender in India, YBP is already a big name in the beauty tool business and they only have one black version. With the right amount of softness, texture, and density, this sponge gives your skin HD-like coverage and immediate results, and comes highly recommended by every beauty vlogger.
Priced at Rs 999
Latha Sunadh
Deputy Editor
When she's not trying on a new serum, researching on yet another classic fragrance and sharing lip balms with her 5-year old daughter, Latha Sunadh keeps it reined in with a nice song and a good book. Special skills include obsessing over handmade, home-made and handcrafted luxuries.
