Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge vs. Beautyblender

Here's my take on the two blending sponges now that I've had my Beautyblender for almost a month. I'll review the Sonia Kashuk one first, followed by the Beautyblender.

I bought my first one during my birthday back in 2009 and in my true procrastinating fashion, I forgot to ever get around to actually reviewing it. Silly me. I have since repurchased and I believe I am on my third one. Granted, I don't use mine heavily everyday. If you were to use it everyday, I'd assume that you'd need to repurchase around the third month of use.

The shape of this sponge makes it very easy to hold. If you are using this to stipple on your foundation and then blending it out with your fingers or a brush, then the round end is sufficient. It's not as efficient in blending, as I find it is easy to create streaks. What do I mainly use this sponge for? The pointed end. It's perfection lies in applying concealer. It reaches all of the small spaces and covers like a dream. Another plus is that this sponge is dense even when wet and I find that it doesn't suck up the foundation. What is on the sponge goes on the face.

This sponge retails for $9.99 US at Target. I get mine when I make trips to the States. Sadly, I don't believe there is anywhere that sells Sonia Kashuk in Canada. I do believe that this sponge is worth the $10 and is a suitable drugstore dupe to the beautyblender.

I waited so long to give this a try, because I was satisfied with the Sonia Kashuk version. I'm glad I finally took the dive, because this sponge is worth the investment. While the above sponge is dense when dry and wet, this one is very bouncy and really expands once it's wet. Like the SK one, this one will need to be replaced around the third month with heavy use. Unlike the SK one, the company offers a recycling program where you can send in your old sponge to have it recycled.

The egg-shape makes this one easier for blending out foundation using a rolling method. I don't notice any streaks, though this one soaks up a lot of product. The application is a dream and provides me with a smooth and even finish, which doesn't come easy with my dry skin. The point isn't as evident on the BB, so I don't find it as good at applying concealer. Also, I don't do my makeup near a sink so I actually spray mine with MAC's Fix+ to wet it and it works just as well.

One of the best parts of this product is that it can be purchased on Sephora, so it's easy to buy. It's price tag is a little heftier than the SK, costing $19.95 US for one. If you're attending a future IMATS, wait to get it then at a discount! Even better if you buy a combo pack, as you'll save more money that way.

Conclusion: Both sponges have pros and cons. I feel like both are worthy of praise but for two very different reasons. I'm happy to have both, since I find one better at concealing and one better at actually blending foundation. The BB can do it all with minimal, if any, brushwork needed. The SK one will need a little extra effort to prevent streaks. I give the BB a slight advantage over SK. It all boils down to what you want to use it for and how much you're willing to spend. That's just my two cents, of course. :)

Note: I am aware that Sephora has a version of a blending sponge, but having read many negative reviews I've been less apt to give it a try. :/