1.29.2014

This or That: BeautyBlender vs. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

 
I have a bit of a beauty blogger pet peeve with bloggers calling something a "dupe." I've found that majority of those who share dupes have never experienced the actual product, and then "this is a dupe for X" spreads like a virus. So naturally when I first saw the new Real Techniques sponge, I knew I'd hear "dupe alert." After a month of testing, I'm sharing my pros/cons and comparisions of these two makeup sponges. Enjoy this week's This or That.

 
 
The BeautyBlender changed the game when it was released a few years ago. Now, we had access to the same product as celeb makeup artists! There's a huge hype around this product and for good reason--it gives a professional finish and a flawless complexion. Let's check out the pros and cons of this makeup sponge:
 
PROS
  • Developed by makeup artist Rea Ann Silva
  • Provides a perfect blend with no streaks
  • Elliptical shape makes application fool-proof
  • Gets hard-to-reach areas and contours of face
  • Soft, suede texture
  • Latex-free, non-allergenic, odor-free
  • Comes in two sizes and three colors
CONS
  • Difficult to clean
    • I suggest using their solid beautyblender cleanser, or something similar
  • $20


 
 
I've tried just about every "dupe" out there, and minus this one, none of them are dupes, so I was skeptical to try Miracle Complexion Sponge from Real Techniques. However, many of the brushes from this line are so good I *had* to try it. I'm so glad I did.
 
PROS
  • Developed by makeup artist Sam Chapman
  • 3-in-1 tool (large, precision, flat edge)
  • Smooth, flawless finish
  • No streaks in foundation
  • I love the flat edge
  • Soft
  • Latex-free (couldn't find enough info to support non-allergenic, but no odors so far)
  • $6
CONS
  • A little harder to clean than the BeautyBlender
  • While very soft and spongy, it doesn't spring back as quickly like the BB. It feels more like a "memory foam" and this allows it to soak up more product. 
This or That?
Appearance and material-wise, the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is not a dupe for the BeautyBlender. I've not found anything that feels exactly like it (yes, many are tear-shaped, but not the same texture, and many of these are hard and have latex). However, the RT gives pretty much the exact same results as the BB. Since I've only had the RT a month, I cannot say yet if it is more durable, but it is still in great shape. The BeautyBlenders I have are still working very well, too. If you are looking to save money, I say go with the RT. I personally like the BB a little better, but I am completely pleased with the RT.
 
 

PS: BeautyBlender 101 (with video, too)
*Very soon I am sharing a post comparing/contrasting BB vs. facial brushes for makeup. Stay tuned!
 


 

45 comments:

  1. I have never try either blending product but that b/c I'm not a huge blender person. I don't wear much product on my face. So I just use my makeup brushes or q-tips.

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  2. Awesome post! I seriously have 2 (!) BB's and I never use them; I'm an apply-with-fingers or foundation/concealer brush girl. I really need to just force myself to use it! Okay, I think tomorrow I will! PS~I hope you're doing okay with the weather and the ensuing apocalyptic traffic you guys are suffering with down there. So crazy!
    xo ~ Lia | Smart n Snazzy

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  3. Very good review! I've been wondering about the RT sponge since I got the Beauty Blender. I just don't think I'm going to want to keep buying the BB when it needs replacing so I'll definitely give the RT a try!

    Ivy xx
    Style Life Lovely

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  4. I've been thinking about getting the BB, but I can't justify buying a sponge for $20.

    xo Denise
    lovelybohemian.blogspot.com

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  5. Thanks for doing this post!! I am a loyal beauty blender fan, but I do want to try the RT one since it's so much cheaper and I love their brushes. But I just can't see myself liking anything (dupe or not) better than the beauty blender lol!

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  6. good to know! i have seen these but i didnt really know what they did...or how the two differ! xo

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  7. I love the RT sponge and for the price think it's even better than the BB. Glad you enjoyed it as well.

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  8. Have you happened to try the "dupe" from Forever 21? I just ordered one because I got curious about it. I love my BB and I've been using the official ones for years, but it would be nice to get a break for my wallet. Most of the others I have tried have been duds, though. The Sonia Kashuk one being the absolute worst, it was like punching myself in the face to use it!

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  9. I've been seeing a ton of posts about the RT sponge recently, and I'm really interested in trying it now. I absolutely love my beauty blender, I'm on my 5th one! But if I could find something that works just as good for a fraction of the price, I'm sold! Thanks so much for sharing this comparison, Elle!

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  10. Totally agree with this!! Not a dupe but close as it can get!!

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  11. Thanks for sharing! I'm always really lazy and just use my fingers. : /

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  12. They both sound great! The Real Techniques sponge sounds like a great bargain.

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  13. I've never tried a beauty blender before!

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  14. I never knew Real Techniques has this now. TBH, I do love my BB, but it's quite expensive so I don't use it much to preserve it....hehe

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  15. I love that you found the good and bad in each product! It's often hard to decide whether you should give something a try for yourself after reading so many negative reviews, but so many of my favorite products are ones others never liked!

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  16. Honestly, I have never blended any beauty products before, but if I ever had to, I think I probably would have used my fingers LOL.

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  17. i'm a fingers girl, but only because i'm not good with makeup like you....but when the time comes, i will keep this post in mind!

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  18. I love the beauty blender but I do switch from the BB to makeup brushes from time to time too.

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  19. Shows how much I know. I had no idea what dupe was before this. Opps.

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  20. Elle, good to know about an alternate (& more affordable) product that is comparable to the Beauty Blender. Very informative post! Thnx

    x, Mary

    LaylonBeauty.blogspot.com

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  21. you are a sweetheart Elle i so wanted to try BB but was delaying it due to the price now im getting RT sponge! thanks for sharing!

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  22. Hi Elle, thanks for this, do you only use it for liquid foundations or can it be used for concealer too? I have only seen one brand here so far.

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  23. Yay! Love this post! I've been debating investing in the original Beauty Blender since my current "dupe" sponge needs replacing, but now I'll try the RT one :)

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  24. Have wondered how they compare as I have been using the RT and really like it!

    mybeautysleuth x

    www.mybeautysleuth.com

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  25. Is it weird that I've never heard of these before? I don't really wear face makeup though (only eye makeup) so maybe that's why...

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  26. The clean-up part was what I was guessing would be a "con." Otherwise, sounds like a great product--even the more pricier of the two. :) T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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  27. I keep telling myself I'm going to get a Beauty Blender, but I still haven't done it! Now, I think I might get the one from Real Techniques :)

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  28. Elle, I am so sold on my BB! I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for. However, for $6, I will try the Real Techniques one when I need a replacement for my BB. I hope you're making progress with rebuilding your lost data :(

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  29. This is very interesting. Since I've not tried a blender such as these, I would choose the $6.00 one. Thank you for your review!

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  30. Hmm. Based on your post, I think it is hard to select which one is better. Although they both have a great list of pros, there cons are also similar. I think at the end of the day, it depends on how much you can afford.

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  31. Oh thanks so much for reviewing something similar to a BB but way cheaper because I've been so tempted to buy one but it's a lot of money. I know some beauty bloggers that have linked imitation BB but I was skeptical if they work the same. But I like how you reviewed the two and compared them. I will definitely check out the RT one because it's in my budget! :)

    Nina
    http://curvymod.blogspot.com/

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  32. I want a BB so bad!!!! I've tried other sponges and none of them have worked. I'm willing to shell out the extra dough at this point.

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  33. Oh, wow, almost scientific! :) I don't use sponges myself - used to years ago, but then stopped. I think partially because I prefer either powder or something very light I can apply with my fingers and also because I worry about bacteria in case the sponge is difficult to clean (and they truly can be). Thank you for the review, Elle. Very informative, as always. x

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  34. I tried the Beauty Blender and I loved it, never heard about the other one :(
    Xxx doll

    Carolina

    www.the-world-c.blogspot.com

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  35. My friends swear by the beauty blender! Guess I need to try it! (=

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  36. Hmm for 6 bucks I think I'd go with the RT one!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

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  37. I have the Real Techniques beauty sponge and LOVE how it applies my makeup. Sweet to see that it's a close dupe to the BeautyBlender!

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  38. I love my beauty blender! My opinion is you pay for the quality. I bought two BB on amazon and it was actually cheaper. I don't know how I ever lived without this product. Happy I found this. Great post, as always!

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  39. i've watched videos where beauty blenders were used, and i'm definitely curious. i heard someone mention it was "better because it was moist"...is it? or is it a dry sponge that you can wet if you wanted a wet application?

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  40. Thanks for this great comparision. I've been wanting to get the real techniques sponge to compare it to my beauty blender and I think I still may even though it isn't a dupe its a heck of a lot cheaper to replace!

    katespitz.blogspot.com

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  41. The Beauty Blender is fantastic! My favorite!

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  42. Awesome review!! Good to know <3

    http://www.cindyslittleblackbook.com

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  43. I've only ever used my fingers... I tried the "wedge" sponges beck before the Earth's crust cooled, and I just hated it. Could you explain the difference in result using BB vs. fingers?

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