If you read my post on beauty tools that deserve a second chance (read it here), I mentioned my love for the beauty blender (or beautyblender, as it is really spelled). And I found that many that didn't love the bb was because they either didn't know how to use it (video here for that) or they were using a knockoff, or a "dupe."
YBB is very hard, and difficult to squeeze. In the picture above, you'll see where I attempted to saturate both sponges, and the Your Best Blend didn't increase in size or softness. The sponges work best when damp so that they don't absorb your makeup, which would be a waste.
The knockoff was hard to work with and didn't feel comfortable on the face. It was hard to blend out foundation, leaving it a cakey mess. Need proof? Check out the pic below.
While this was not a dupe, I do love the Real Techniques Miracle Sponge for $6.99. This one is the closest I have found to the bb. See also: Real Techniques VS. beautyblender
SoHo Beauty makes one that is pointy on both ends for $5.93 at Walgreens (they have a Disney version too for $9.99 that is the same) that is pretty decent as well. Unless I hear otherwise, I think after testing nearly 20 of these sponges, they just aren't as good.
Can you tell a difference in the knockoff vs. the real thing?
Extra Elle:
- Did you miss this post? Precisso Vs. Beauty Blender
- I didn't win the Powerball, so back to work I go! ;)
Shame that it's not comparable, as it is a much nicer price! But it's good you have your original to continue using :)
ReplyDeleteAway From The Blue Blog
I for some reason am just not jumping on the bb train, I can tell a difference between the two, so maybe I'll pick one up on my next trip to saphora. Love your dupe posts!
ReplyDeleteXoxo,
Whitney & Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
I can see the differences. Damn! Haha! I wanted something that costs less to be just as good. I do miss my beauty blender after a month without it. I will probably cave and purchase again.
ReplyDeleteYour dupe posts are always my favorites! You can definitely see the difference. I use my beauty blender everyday and it's well worth the price.
ReplyDeleteJill
Doused In Pink
I need to get back into using a beauty blender. I was for awhile then just completely stopped but it makes your foundation look so flawless! Loved hearing what you thought about the dupe! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
ReplyDeletei have heard great things about the OG one and never heard that a dupe could match up. and boo for not winning the power ball either!
ReplyDeletexoxo cheshire kat
I can't tell too well from the picture, but hey not everything is as good as the original!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living
Aw dang! It's obvious to me they are different.
DeleteI can definitely see the difference in the picture. I have a BB dupe and it works pretty well. I have the Real Technique sponge as well and I really love it. I want to try the new Dior BB type sponge that has a flat edge. It looks really interesting!
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried this dupe, but after trying the Target one I'm not surprised. Thanks for doing these posts, Elle!
ReplyDeleteI actually couldn't tell the difference at all - which is awesome dupe to the rescue! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteYou can't tell? I can. This one was rubbish--save your money :)
DeleteI can't see a huge difference in the above photo, other than a slight differ texture wise. I totally know what you mean by the feel of some of the sponges out there though. I tried one earlier this year that was so hard it felt like a rock hitting my face. lol I wouldn't want this YBB sponge if it didn't get soft, and from what you sad it's like harder than hard. Good review!
ReplyDeleteI have yet to jump onto the BB train and I doubt I ever will. I might pick up RT sponge which is much cheaper and pretty decent from what I have read but I much prefer using my fingers and buffing brush.
ReplyDeleteShireen | Reflection of Sanity
I have only use the real beauty blend. I know you can find them on Amazon sometime on sale. I have thought about using the BB that are on a brush but haven't yet.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home
Thanks for this! I just got the beauty blender and am still trying to figure it out haha :)
ReplyDeletewww.maggiealamode.com
I love these dupe posts, Elle! I have been thinking about buying the beauty blender or something like it for a few weeks now. I'm glad I waited to read your review!!
ReplyDeleteXo, Rachel
A Blonde's Moment
Thanks for this post! I was wondering where to find a quality knock off to try!
ReplyDeleteYou can really see the difference! But I'm still worried about spending 20 dls on something I might not know how to use :S
ReplyDeletexoxo
Novelstyle
Good to know! Its crazy how they made it look exactly like the other but it seems to be the worst dupe.
ReplyDeleteYeah... no winner here either. BOO!!!
Wow! I really see a difference with the finished look and how smooth your skin looks. I think you've finally convinced me to get a BB.
ReplyDeleteWhat a bummer that this didn't work out as a dupe!
ReplyDeleteI've never used either a dupe or the real thing, but I've heard so many good things about the beauty blender. Maybe I need to splurge and get one!
ReplyDeleteI swear, nothing compares to the real deal! It's worth the money for me :)
ReplyDeleteI think there is a notable difference. Just can't beat the original.
ReplyDeleteI can't go a day with my BB! I love it so much and have tried some "dupes." But they just don't compare.
ReplyDeleteI just love bauty blenders. it's a miracle in beauty world. Nice post :)
ReplyDeletehttp://perkymegs.blogspot.in/
That sucks that this one doesn't compare very well to the original BB, but it sounds like there are a few that are ok. I also love that the one comes in Disney!
ReplyDeleteI think I'd still stick with the original. Not only because it's better, but because I sort of feel as if all other people stole the idea and are making money on it, which is just so so so wrong. x
ReplyDeleteI like the real techniques sponge, but still not as much as the BB. I tried one dupe, it was from target, and I gave up after that!
ReplyDeleteIt would be sweet to know who won the powerball! Haha.. Working over here too! Haha thanks for the review, I could tell the difference! Nice job!
ReplyDeleteLove my beautyblender! I'm always tempted to get the cheaper ones though, but after reading this I'm soooo glad I didn't. I really do notice a difference in your comparison photo!
ReplyDeleteI'm allergic to latex which sucks! Dang I guess I'll stick to my fingers and foundation brush LOL
ReplyDeleteThe beauty blender and the 2 ones I recommended are latex-free, so you're good. Just read the post, thanks! :)
DeleteThis is one of my favorite series that you do. Bummer this one wasn't a dupe. Nope I didn't win the Powerball either.
ReplyDeleteI've never used a beautyblender, but I've wondered if it's better to just get a cheaper version. After you post sounds like it's best to stick with the real deal!
ReplyDeletexo,
Angela
Love the beauty blender. This is great info. You can tell the difference
ReplyDeletewow definitely a big difference! Looks like the BB is worth the extra money!
ReplyDelete<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
That is a big difference and who wants pores to show! I love my beauty blender and I've had it for over a year and it is still working as good as it did on day one! So worth the $20!
ReplyDeleteCarrie
curlycraftymom.com
I've really been liking the bb to apply concealer under my eyes. I can really tell a difference there.
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing a comparison post! These type posts are very helpful!
ReplyDeleteThe only time I use a beauty blender is for my cream contour and to be honest, I don't really love it. Maybe because I use a dupe? I should try the real thing!
ReplyDeleteI use the knock off blender and find that it works for me. Maybe I should see what I've been missing with the real thing.
ReplyDeleteI still use a knock off beauty blender that I get at TJ Maxx. I still haven't yet to use the real one.
ReplyDeletehttp://emilymaiko.blogspot.com/
I use the real techniques one and it works pretty well for me. I want to try the real one but I cant justify paying that much for it because I'm always on a budget. But I really love how you compare the different ones!
ReplyDelete<3 Nina
http://curvymod.blogspot.com/