SiliSponge Review: Or Really Thoughts On Beauty Blogging

Come with me as I tell of the tale of my SiliSponge fail, and subsequent feelings about the beauty blogging world.

It started simply enough. I heard about the SiliSponge, by Molly Cosmetics. I like to try new beauty gadgets (like this one) and share them on my blog. I wanted to try this sponge because I knew it would be popular soon, it isn't porous like a regular sponge, which means less product is needed, it's easy to clean, you get more coverage, and I had to be one of the first to share it. I ordered this new fangled silicone sponge and had expedited shipping. In the blogging world, being among the first to review something is a plus. I feel like there are so many beauty bloggers, that something as simple as reviewing a product in the early buzz of it helps with blog exposure.

Not my pic, keep reading to find out more

Normally, I take product pics first thing before I try them out. I didn't since this is essentially a clear makeup applicator and didn't feel like setting up the perfect shot. Over the next few days/weeks, I did try it out, thoroughly testing as I do. I took pics of me comparing it to other makeup application methods:

Pictured: no makeup, beauty blender, hands, brush, Silisponge

Click pic to enlarge

I found that while the Silisponge gave great coverage, it was really awkward to use. It was different, but doable. Not an essential, but fun to try. I don't think it will replace any current makeup methods out there. I definitely wouldn't whip it out when doing makeup professionally. I still needed to blend out the foundation using hands/fingers/sponge/brush/something.

Around this time I noticed the Silisponge was sold out, so I decided to see if I could find alternatives for my readers. This is the usual practice for me--I like finding dupes. I went through my collection of shoe inserts/pads from a past blog post. Yes, I found some that were similar.

via Ebay

The texture made me think of those chicken cutlets/bra enhancers. I went to the store and checked each possible contender out. I'm sure I looked crazy.

And then I decided to make my own. I knew this was made from silicone and thermoplastic polyurethane. I researched various silicones and decided silicone caulk might work. This also isn't unusual for me since I make my own DIY beauty products all of the time. I made a template, made various attempts, but wasn't satisfied.

via Ebay

Finally, after a three weeks of testing, I decided to take the pics for the blog. I had to be quick before this sponge was old news. I dumped out my makeup bag after my trip home for Christmas. I couldn't find the SiliSponge anywhere. I called my mom and sis in a panic. Had I left it back home?

I was almost, almost, almost in tears from frustration because all of my hard work was for nothing, when I realized I was being ridiculous. All of this over a post? The clear sponge was lost for good.

via Ebay

You see, since there are so many beauty bloggers out there, I always feel like I'm trying to keep my head above water. If you aren't producing good, consistent content, there will be a blogger ready to snatch your place in a half a second. I work hard and want people to read my blog. I enjoy what I do.

I've heard some crazy methods--the bloggers who buy all 23 shades of a foundation just for pics and swatches and then they return them to get their money back, thus making the products unavailable for consumers and in the end making products unsaleable, which drives up prices. I've heard of bloggers who buy all of whatever the new release is from a store, preventing competition from getting the review first. And of course, there are first impressions, which some people take as a review, instead of, well, a first impression.

Foundation applied using SiliSponge

I wondered am just as guilty? I paid extra to get the sponge here fast! I had to be among the first! I thought of the past few weeks--testing out shoe inserts and the chicken cutlets. Creating one from caulk. I mean, who would really use these as makeup applicators? To be honest, I've heard of people using socks to apply makeup and knives as a guide for contouring, so I'm sure someone would. And it gets even crazier, y'all, the stunts some bloggers to do get noticed. They will do anything! While I see myself as dedicated, I know that will never be me.

It made me think of the short story Contents of the Dead Man's Pocket, where a man nearly dies trying to save a piece of paper with info on it only to lose the paper at the end. All of these things that some bloggers do, just to get noticed, not to lose an audience. When will it stop? Is it only going to get worse? I don't know the answers, but I did learn a lesson. It's not worth it.

I had to laugh at the absurdity of it all. And then I wrote this post. So if you want your own Silicone Makeup Sponge, don't invest much. Try Ebay or Amazon.

Would you try the SiliSponge?