1.14.2016

Beauty Blender Dupe Or Not?




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."


I have tested close to 20 so-called "dupes" and today I've got the Your Best Blend Sponge Applicator from the Renewal line at Rite Aid. It's on your left and is $4.99. The beautyblender is on your right, and is $20. So is the cheaper one a dupe, or not?


First, I am pretty sure, as with most "dupes" that this has latex, which my skin has a reaction to. It makes it itchy. They do look similar. This beautyblender has never been used--note: bb's can change color a little after much use/cleaning.

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.

And now for the test--this pic is unedited, minus brightening. On your left, I used the Your Best Blend (aka the knockoff) to blend out foundation (this is the new Maybelline matte foundation--review here).  On your right, the beautyblender. I hope you can tell the difference--the airbrushed finish and the less visible pores on your right. By the way I am wearing the latest Covergirl mascara--review on this post. These just don't compare to me. I didn't like this sponge.


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:


45 comments:

  1. MicaJanuary 14, 2016 at 6:58 AM

    Shame that it's not comparable, as it is a much nicer price! But it's good you have your original to continue using :)

    Away From The Blue Blog

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJanuary 14, 2016 at 7:25 AM

    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!

    Xoxo,

    Whitney & Blaire

    Peaches In A Pod

    ReplyDelete
  3. NadineJanuary 14, 2016 at 7:30 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Doused in Pink | Chicago Style BlogJanuary 14, 2016 at 7:52 AM

    Your 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.

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

    ReplyDelete
  5. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}January 14, 2016 at 8:15 AM

    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

    ReplyDelete
  6. kerri @ cheshire katJanuary 14, 2016 at 8:17 AM

    i 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!

    xoxo cheshire kat

    ReplyDelete
  7. little luxury listJanuary 14, 2016 at 9:13 AM

    I can't tell too well from the picture, but hey not everything is as good as the original!

    xoxo,
    little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elle SeesJanuary 14, 2016 at 9:39 AM

      Aw dang! It's obvious to me they are different.

      Delete
  8. UnknownJanuary 14, 2016 at 9:18 AM

    I 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!

    ReplyDelete
  9. RachJanuary 14, 2016 at 9:20 AM

    I haven't tried this dupe, but after trying the Target one I'm not surprised. Thanks for doing these posts, Elle!

    ReplyDelete
  10. BLovedBostonJanuary 14, 2016 at 9:34 AM

    I actually couldn't tell the difference at all - which is awesome dupe to the rescue! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elle SeesJanuary 14, 2016 at 9:40 AM

      You can't tell? I can. This one was rubbish--save your money :)

      Delete
  11. According to KikiJanuary 14, 2016 at 10:02 AM

    I 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!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Shireen L. PlattJanuary 14, 2016 at 10:03 AM

    I 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.

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

    ReplyDelete
  13. Amy's Fashion BlogJanuary 14, 2016 at 10:23 AM

    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.

    http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home

    ReplyDelete
  14. Maggie ZemanekJanuary 14, 2016 at 10:24 AM

    Thanks for this! I just got the beauty blender and am still trying to figure it out haha :)

    www.maggiealamode.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Rachel McCarthyJanuary 14, 2016 at 10:27 AM

    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!!

    Xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

    ReplyDelete
  16. MissyJanuary 14, 2016 at 10:51 AM

    Thanks for this post! I was wondering where to find a quality knock off to try!

    ReplyDelete
  17. IleanaJanuary 14, 2016 at 11:15 AM

    You can really see the difference! But I'm still worried about spending 20 dls on something I might not know how to use :S
    xoxo

    Novelstyle

    ReplyDelete
  18. Rebecca JoJanuary 14, 2016 at 11:20 AM

    Good to know! Its crazy how they made it look exactly like the other but it seems to be the worst dupe.

    Yeah... no winner here either. BOO!!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Laura BJanuary 14, 2016 at 11:27 AM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Tanya DufourJanuary 14, 2016 at 11:59 AM

    What a bummer that this didn't work out as a dupe!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Shea LennonJanuary 14, 2016 at 12:31 PM

    I'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!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Gretchen BraunJanuary 14, 2016 at 12:31 PM

    I swear, nothing compares to the real deal! It's worth the money for me :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Kerry @ Till Then Smile OftenJanuary 14, 2016 at 12:32 PM

    I think there is a notable difference. Just can't beat the original.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Lily (Beauty With Lily)January 14, 2016 at 12:32 PM

    I can't go a day with my BB! I love it so much and have tried some "dupes." But they just don't compare.

    ReplyDelete
  25. MeghaJanuary 14, 2016 at 12:34 PM

    I just love bauty blenders. it's a miracle in beauty world. Nice post :)

    http://perkymegs.blogspot.in/

    ReplyDelete
  26. Ashley LillisJanuary 14, 2016 at 12:59 PM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Natalia | Look-A-PorterJanuary 14, 2016 at 1:56 PM

    I 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

    ReplyDelete
  28. UnknownJanuary 14, 2016 at 2:05 PM

    I 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!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Veronica-VeroSays!January 14, 2016 at 2:07 PM

    It 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!

    ReplyDelete
  30. JesicaJanuary 14, 2016 at 2:58 PM

    Love 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!

    ReplyDelete
  31. AlishaJanuary 14, 2016 at 4:06 PM

    I'm allergic to latex which sucks! Dang I guess I'll stick to my fingers and foundation brush LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elle SeesJanuary 15, 2016 at 8:05 AM

      The beauty blender and the 2 ones I recommended are latex-free, so you're good. Just read the post, thanks! :)

      Delete
  32. Rowena @ rolala lovesJanuary 14, 2016 at 4:12 PM

    This is one of my favorite series that you do. Bummer this one wasn't a dupe. Nope I didn't win the Powerball either.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Head to Toe ChicJanuary 14, 2016 at 5:21 PM

    I'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!

    xo,
    Angela

    ReplyDelete
  34. AnonymousJanuary 14, 2016 at 6:05 PM

    Love the beauty blender. This is great info. You can tell the difference

    ReplyDelete
  35. Shannon JenkinsJanuary 14, 2016 at 6:39 PM

    wow definitely a big difference! Looks like the BB is worth the extra money!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

    ReplyDelete
  36. CarrieJanuary 14, 2016 at 7:57 PM

    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!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. willsingformakeupJanuary 14, 2016 at 9:15 PM

    I've really been liking the bb to apply concealer under my eyes. I can really tell a difference there.

    ReplyDelete
  38. PilarJanuary 14, 2016 at 10:24 PM

    Thanks for doing a comparison post! These type posts are very helpful!

    ReplyDelete
  39. EvelinaJanuary 15, 2016 at 12:02 AM

    The 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!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Emily @ Martinis | BikinisJanuary 15, 2016 at 4:33 PM

    I 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.

    ReplyDelete
  41. emilymaikoJanuary 15, 2016 at 8:39 PM

    I still use a knock off beauty blender that I get at TJ Maxx. I still haven't yet to use the real one.
    http://emilymaiko.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  42. NinaJanuary 18, 2016 at 10:20 PM

    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!

    <3 Nina
    http://curvymod.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

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