Beauty Blender 101 (Video!)

Hey you! Happy weekend to us! I hope you have exciting plans (relaxing totally counts as exciting!). Not sure what I'm up to, but it will involve enjoying some sunshine! When the weather's hot, my makeup routine changes--tinted moisturizer replaces my full-coverage foundation, for example. And a beauty tool I use to apply it with is a Beauty Blender. If you saw yesterday's post, I used it to apply my makeup. I've recommended these to friends/family/you, but some of you weren't pleased with the results. Hopefully, I'll answer all your questions today! This is a brief overview with more detail in my video below. Enjoy.

• What is a Beauty Blender?
• It's the brand name for a makeup blending sponge, loved by professionals and makeup lovers alike. I personally use the knock offs.
• Where can I get one?
• Sephora and online, $20+, comes in 3 colors
• Dupes?
• There are good and bad knockoffs. I've been pleased with mine (because they are latex-free like the original BB) that I've purchased on Ebay, TJ Maxx, Wal-greens, Wal-Mart. I find that they work similar. The ergonomically-shaped ones (Ulta, Target) gave me an allergic reaction, presumably from latex. If those work for you, then that's awesome, but they didn't work as well as the BB for me. 
• What does it do?
• Blends and sheers out makeup; gives a natural, flawless, airbrushed, finish; light-med coverage
• It works best with liquid and cream products, such as liquid foundation, tinted moisturizer, bb and cc creams, cream blush, liquid/cream highlighters, liquid/cream luminizers, concealers, and correctors,
• It helps to remove that cakey look from foundation 
• stops creasing under the eyes from certain concealers
• Who shouldn't buy one?
• those who need full-coverage
• those who don't like cleaning brushes regularly--a sponge harbors bacteria and this one needs to be cleaned after every use. The original BB is treated with an anti-microbial, but still needs to be cleaned after each use. Take note if you suffer from acne!
• How do I use it?
• Using distilled or running tap water, squeeze and release the Beauty Blender under the water until it fully expands. Squeeze out excess water until the sponge is damp.
• There are two techniques: dabbing/patting and the press-roll. These are demonstrated in the video below. My 10th video! :)
• The pointy end is great for around the eyes, nose, and lips. You can pat the BB onto skin that has product on it.
• The rounder end works best on the face. Either have product on the face or dip the BB into product. Then dab all over the skin. Remember your coverage will be light to medium, if more than one application is used.
• How do I clean it?
• Baby shampoo or brush shampoo work well, but they take awhile to clean the sponge. I've used rubbing alcohol in a pinch or to disinfect, but I fear this could cause breakage in the sponge. The Beauty Blender makes a cleanser that works well, but what I've found is the absolute easiest and fastest is the Beauty Cleanser Solid. It's around $16.50 and is a soap, sans the slip. Just wet the sponge and rub it into the soap. Rinse and remove excess water.

all pics via Sephora.com

Check out my video below for everything 

you've ever wanted to know about the Beauty Blender, with tutorials! 

And Charlie makes a cameo!

Have a great weekend!

Be safe, behave, and be well. Love, Elle