This or That: BeautyBlender vs. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

 

I have a bit of a beauty blogger pet peeve with bloggers calling something a "dupe." I've found that majority of those who share dupes have never experienced the actual product, and then "this is a dupe for X" spreads like a virus. So naturally when I first saw the new Real Techniques sponge, I knew I'd hear "dupe alert." After a month of testing, I'm sharing my pros/cons and comparisions of these two makeup sponges. Enjoy this week's This or That.

 

 

The BeautyBlender changed the game when it was released a few years ago. Now, we had access to the same product as celeb makeup artists! There's a huge hype around this product and for good reason--it gives a professional finish and a flawless complexion. Let's check out the pros and cons of this makeup sponge:

 

PROS

• Developed by makeup artist Rea Ann Silva
• Provides a perfect blend with no streaks
• Elliptical shape makes application fool-proof
• Gets hard-to-reach areas and contours of face
• Soft, suede texture
• Latex-free, non-allergenic, odor-free
• Comes in two sizes and three colors

CONS

• Difficult to clean
• I suggest using their solid beautyblender cleanser, or something similar
• $20
• I used this deal from Frends Beauty to get 2 for $28.95.

 

 

I've tried just about every "dupe" out there, and minus this one, none of them are dupes, so I was skeptical to try Miracle Complexion Sponge from Real Techniques. However, many of the brushes from this line are so good I *had* to try it. I'm so glad I did.

 

PROS

• Developed by makeup artist Sam Chapman
• 3-in-1 tool (large, precision, flat edge)
• Smooth, flawless finish
• No streaks in foundation
• I love the flat edge
• Soft
• Latex-free (couldn't find enough info to support non-allergenic, but no odors so far)
• $6

CONS

• A little harder to clean than the BeautyBlender
• While very soft and spongy, it doesn't spring back as quickly like the BB. It feels more like a "memory foam" and this allows it to soak up more product. 

This or That?
Appearance and material-wise, the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is not a dupe for the BeautyBlender. I've not found anything that feels exactly like it (yes, many are tear-shaped, but not the same texture, and many of these are hard and have latex). However, the RT gives pretty much the exact same results as the BB. Since I've only had the RT a month, I cannot say yet if it is more durable, but it is still in great shape. The BeautyBlenders I have are still working very well, too. If you are looking to save money, I say go with the RT. I personally like the BB a little better, but I am completely pleased with the RT.

 

 



PS: BeautyBlender 101 (with video, too)

*Very soon I am sharing a post comparing/contrasting BB vs. facial brushes for makeup. Stay tuned!

 





 

This week's giveaway: $75 Victoria's Secret giftcard

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