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When the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge first came out, I never even considered swapping out my much loved beautyblender. However, a few weeks ago I was at Ulta and I spotted these on sale, and since I was thinking about tossing my (very, very old) beautyblender, I thought I should give these a try.
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So far, I find the performance to be very similar. Like the beautyblender, the Real Techniques sponge puffs up when wet, and I think it applies foundation just as well. (YAY!) The shape of the sponge is quite different, however, and so far I think that is a good thing too!
The bottom of the Real Techniques sponge is an angled, flat surface, that initially seems strange. In reality, I am liking how that angled side gives me more surface area to work with when applying foundation, and it seems to make the process faster. I also occasionally use my beautyblender for cream or liquid contour or highlight, and I feel that this side of the Real Techniques sponge may be quite handy for that. (Why didn't I think of this before??)
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
On the pointy side of the sponge, you can see that both are quite similar as well. I do feel that the Real Techniques sponge is just slighty pointier, which I like better for blending in undereye concealer. However, I don't have a new beautyblender to compare this against, so it could be that my beautyblender was pointier when I first got it. I do think that having this more precise end on the Real Techniques sponge negates any need for the micro.mini version of the beautyblender, though!
The only negative of these sponges that I ever remember reading in reviews was longevity. A lot of bloggers mentioned that the Real Techniques sponge didn't last as long as the beautyblender, and since I haven't had mine very long yet, I really can't compare. However, I will say that I have had my beautyblender for at least 3 years and I wouldn't expect the Real Techniques sponge to last that long. Even if I didn't use my beautyblender everyday, you can see that it is looking pretty beat up!
Anyway, I'll have to report back if I see any unexpected/major wear and tear on these Real Techniques sponges. Since these were so inexpensive, at this point I'm willing to take the risk!
I bought 2 of the sets of two sponges for $10.99 (here) with Ulta's buy one get one 50% off sale and a coupon. I ended up spending about $15 after tax for FOUR sponges, which really is way more economical than spending $20 before tax on just one beautyblender. However, if you are particularly attached to the beautyblender, Sephora does have a set of two for $28 (here), which is one of the better values I've seen.
I'm happy with my purchase so far and don't feel like I need to splurge on a beautyblender anytime soon. Are you a beautyblender fan? Have you tried the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge? How did it compare for you? I'd love to know! :)
I don't know about you, but I am definitely not ready to say goodbye to summer. The weather is cooling down, but the sun's still out and I'm holding on to every reminder of summer that I can grab on to. Thankfully, I have a whole stash of self tanners and the beautyblender Body to delay thinking about fall!