What is a sponge and how to use it?

Today, in any cosmetic store, you will be able to find a wide range of makeup sponges. All these devices, as a rule, are very popular with customers due to their versatility, ease of use and ease of maintenance.

In fact, a face sponge is a compact, porous sponge that can be used to perform all sorts of cosmetic manipulations. The name of this device comes from the English language, in which the word sponge is translated as "sponge". Sponges can be used both for removing make-up and for deep cleansing of the skin with a light peeling effect. This miniature sponge is indispensable when applying a make-up, mainly of a tonal base of any consistency. To create sponges for cosmetics, only artificial materials, such as latex or foam rubber, are suitable, but natural raw materials can also be used for washing.

It is worth mentioning that initially, these devices were created only from cellulose or latex, and therefore had a rather high cost and were chosen only by professional makeup artists. The appearance on the market of foam rubber sponges made the product generally available. A cosmetic device has many benefits. The porous structure allows you to save on cleansers or make-up, as well as evenly distribute the substances. When creating a make-up, a sponge, unlike a brush, does not leave streaks and blends cosmetics better.

In fact, all existing sponges can be correctly divided into two groups: those that are used for skin care, including washing, and those that are intended for the distribution of cosmetics.

For cleansing the dermis, as well as applying care products, a cellulose sponge is most often used. This large pore sponge has a convenient round or rectangular shape. Its soft surface ensures a comfortable application and distribution over the skin.

It is customary to apply foundation, eye shadow or contouring agent using foam or latex sponges. In principle, you can also use a device made of sea sponge, which must be pre-moistened with warm water. A sponge brush is often chosen for applying eyeshadow: a makeup brush with a thin sponge at the tip.

In the first place among all cosmetic sponges, of course, there is a popular female unit called a beauty blender that looks like an egg. This non-absorbent sponge can be used to wash, apply and blend cosmetics. There is no latex in its composition, which means that it belongs to hypoallergenic.

Depending on what the sponge is made of, it can be disposable or reusable. It is customary to refer to disposable cotton pads that are suitable for removing or adjusting makeup. They contain only natural cotton that absorbs moisture. Reusable sponges can be made from both natural and synthetic components. For example, we are talking about a universal fine-pored foam rubber sponge. The latex sponge has an elastic texture that is tactilely pleasant to the touch, but can provoke allergies. A silicone or gel device is not a complete sponge, but is also a beauty sponge. Its homogeneous structure without pores allows for the formation of a light layer of cosmetics on the skin, as well as economical use of cosmetics.

The same can be said for rubber sponges with elastic bristles, usually used for removing makeup. Egg-like beauty blenders are made of synthetic hypoallergenic materials. Sponges made from natural ingredients - loofah or sea sponge, or konnyaku in dry form are similar to pumice, and therefore require soaking for comfortable use. It is believed that they absorb much less funds, allowing them to be used more rationally, but they are much more expensive.

Sponges of different shapes have different purposes. To cleanse the skin, a flat cotton pad can be used, as well as a round or rectangular sponge made of natural ingredients or rubber. Triangular sponges allow you to evenly distribute foundation: wide side - on the forehead, cheeks and chin, and narrow - in hard-to-reach places.

Square and round sponges are indispensable for applying powder, and sponge brushes are indispensable for using eyeshadow. The circle also helps in feathering the borders. Small oval specimens are ideal for distributing concealer under the eyes. A drop sponge, also known as an egg sponge, is considered universal.

In the assortment of many brands, it is possible to find high-quality sponges for cleansing the skin and applying makeup.

• For example, Beautyblender offers a set of two matting sponges that look like flower petals. They can be used not only for applying cosmetics and shading the borders of tonal products, but also for matting the surface and eliminating oily sheen. The same manufacturer is responsible for the production of the popular pink egg sponge.

• Korean company Konjac is engaged in the production and supply of Konnyaku sponges that provide intensive skin cleansing. In the brand's lineup there are even models for the stronger sex, which can be used while shaving.

• DE brand. CO introduced to the Russian market a silicone sponge made in the form of a small sponge on the handle. Suitable for applying eyeshadow, foundation, concealer and highlighter.

• H&M and Faberlic are manufacturers of budget foam and polyurethane sponges, respectively.

• The Italian brand Nature in the assortment you can find a natural sponge with a cotton sponge for cleansing the face. In addition to cotton, it also contains flax.

When buying beauty sponges, it is better to focus on the condition and characteristics of the skin, as well as the functionality of the models in question. For example, latex sponges allow you to make long-term and long-lasting makeup, but they are not particularly suitable for everyday use, since, despite the high cost, they fail quite quickly. It is better to choose such a sample for use on special occasions. Silicone sponges are inexpensive and very easy to maintain, although you have to get used to using them. Versatile beauty blenders are suitable even for beginners. They are also characterized by ease of use and ease of cleaning.

Cellulose sponges have to be changed very often - almost every time after washing. Konnyaku sponges are more durable, and therefore more expensive, although the effect of use is similar.

To cleanse the skin, sponges are used together with a gel substance, mousse, foam or oil. The device must first be impregnated with warm water in order to soften. It is recommended to first cover the face with the product, and then gently, without pressure, treat the skin with a sponge, moving along the massage lines. You can also squeeze the gel or mousse directly onto the sponge, which you then have to squeeze out slightly to create a lather. It is recommended to move the sponge from the center of the forehead and wings of the nose to the temples, and from the chin to the ears. The product is washed off with running water without a sponge, after which the face is blotted with a towel. The sponge itself is necessarily washed and left to dry.

As for creating a make-up, it is advised to distribute liquid products with a sponge slightly moistened with moisture. At the same time, the skin is immediately covered with a foundation or foundation. If a dense texture is required, then the product is applied with a dry applicator. Powder and blush are used only with a dry sponge.

Most reusable sponges still need to be replaced every three months, as bacteria can build up in them even with proper care. The rest of the time, the sponge requires regular cleaning and high-quality drying, especially when it comes to copies for applying makeup. The device is washed in a circular motion with liquid soap or shampoo, and then dried naturally. It should be squeezed out carefully so as not to spoil the porous structure. For additional disinfection, it is suggested to leave it in the sun.If the cosmetics are not washed off the sponge, then it will need to be covered with a thin oil layer of the body product and kept in soap solution for 6-8 hours.

In addition, to destroy microbes, it is worth keeping the sponge in hot soapy water for a quarter of an hour every 7 days, or dipping it in boiling water for 20 seconds. Another preventive measure is the use of a quartz lamp, under the rays of which the devices are kept for about a couple of minutes.