The best makeup sponges for a flawless base, plus tips on how to clean and look after sponges

Makeup sponges are an essential tool in any beauty lover’s arsenal. Perfect for buffing out a base for a flawless finish, makeup sponges are the perfect companion to your favourite foundations and holy grail concealers.

Though they may be modest, makeup sponges should not be overlooked when it comes to shopping for cosmetics, using a quality tool is the best way to achieve a long-lasting look while also caring for your skin. So, which makeup sponge should you choose?

Makeup sponges come in all shapes and sizes. From the iconic beauty blender to biodegradable options, we’re truly spoilt for choice, luckily, we’ve broken it down for you. We scoured the web to find the best makeup sponges and paired our picks with some tips and tricks on how to keep them clean and pristine (you’re welcome).

The best makeup sponges at a glance:

• Best makeup sponge set: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge Set
• Best makeup sponge with case: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Makeup Sponge With Travel Case
• Best rounded makeup sponge: Beautyblender Original Makeup Applicator Sponge
• Best sustainable makeup sponge: Ecotools Bioblender
• Best affordable makeup sponge: BEAKEY Makeup Sponge Set
• Best powder puffs: Patelai Powder Puffs
• Best angled makeup sponge: Aboat Make Up Wedges
• Best silicone makeup sponge: Boss Silicone Makeup Sponge

The best makeup sponges

Best makeup sponge set: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge Set

Versatile design

This pack of 4 makeup sponges feature a unique design and durable materials for long-lasting quality.

These makeup sponges combine a rounded design and precision tip with a flattened edge for varied use. These sponges are also made with micro-fine pores that help to limit product absorption, helping your cosmetics last longer.

Best makeup sponge with case: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Makeup Sponge With Travel Case

Less mess

This makeup sponge comes with a durable case that helps to avoid stains.

This Real Techniques Miracle complexion Sponge features an innovative, versatile design and trusted quality materials. The durable plastic case fits snuggly over the sponge and features a ventilation hole helping to protect your sponge when travelling while prioritising hygiene.

Best rounded makeup sponge: Beautyblender Original Makeup Applicator Sponge

Cult classic quality

This makeup sponge features the original beauty blender design and trusted quality materials.

This beauty blender is recommended for wet use and is super easy to clean for maximum longevity. Made with exclusive aqua-activated material, this beauty blender promises an airbrushed finish and minimal product absorption.

Best sustainable makeup sponge: Ecotools Bioblender

Biodegradable design

These two makeup sponges are made with biodegradable materials for a more sustainable beauty routine.

These makeup sponges feature a unique design that combines a rounded base with a flattened edge for versatile use. These sponges are easy to use and offer a sustainable alternative to traditional cosmetic sponges.

Best affordable makeup sponge: BEAKEY Makeup Sponge Set

Value for money

This set of 5 makeup sponges offers an affordable price point and classic rounded shape.

These makeup sponges are suitable for use with both wet and dry products and feature a 360-degree precision tip for controlled blending. The affordable makeup sponges are easy to clean and are designed for repeated use.

Best powder puffs: Patelai Powder Puffs

Soft and lightweight

These two powder puffs are the perfect tool to apply powder products and finishing touches.

These powder puffs are super-soft and lightweight and feature a strap design for ease of use. These products can be used with a variety of formulations and offer an affordable price point.

Best angled makeup sponge: Aboat Make Up Wedges

Traditional design

These classic cosmetic sponges comes in a large set of 40 and are designed for versatile use.

The angled design of these sponges allows for more precise application and detailing and can be used for both cosmetics and nail art. These lightweight sponges are easy to clean and are super soft for pleasant use.

Best silicone makeup sponge: Boss Silicone Makeup Sponge

Less product usage

This silicone blender promises a flawless base and long-lasting use.

In contrast to the porous design of traditional makeup sponges, this silicone blender promises to deliver a flawless base while using 50% less product than other applicators. This tool is also incredibly durable and easy to clean for long-lasting use.

How to clean a makeup sponge

So now you’ve found your perfect makeup sponge, how do you clean them for optimal hygiene?

• Step one: Start by wetting your sponge, and squeeze your sponge under running water until it is completely saturated.
• Step two: Apply a small amount of soap, face wash, or baby shampoo to your sponge and spend 2-3 minutes massaging your cleanser into the sponge.
• Step three: Rinse your sponge under running water until stains are removed and the water runs clear.
• Step four: Leave your sponge to air dry.

How often should you clean your makeup sponge?

You should clean your makeup sponge weekly and replace it every 1-3 months, depending on your use.

Want to read more beauty product round-ups? Check out our Cosmetics page for a full list of recommendations, including our list of the best fake tans and the best foundations recommended by professional makeup artists – and check out our guide to the best value beauty advent calendars of 2022.