Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge


I want to begin by saying that I am a huge, huge fan of Real Techniques brushes like most are and own several sets but and here comes the but I don't like beauty blender type sponges and essentially that is what the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. 

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

However unlike the other types of beauty blending sponges the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is rather well made and thought out not to mention rather reasonably priced at £4.99. This orange foam sponge has three separate surfaces/angles for ease of use from a pointed tip to blend foundation in and around the nose, a bevelled edge for precise application and contouring and a large round surface to roll on any product to cover large areas at any one time. To use you run the sponge under water until it expands (it should double in size), squeeze out any excess water and then sandwich the sponge in-between a towel and again squeeze to soak up any remaining water. You are aiming for a damp sponge that is not dripping wet. An odd concept yes but it somehow works.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

What you use your Miracle Complexion Sponge is of course entirely up to you but I find it best for stippling on foundation and other cream products although some have claimed that the sponge is great when used dry for powder products. In my experience it gave a rather heavy and uneven finish but it is worth a try none the less. For a lighter than air finish with liquid foundations that does have a certain airbrushed quality I suggest bouncing/dabbing the sponge over the face and building up coverage as you go. Every product in my opinion has it's uses and although I am not the hugest fan of sponges of this type they work beautifully with illuminating foundations such as NARS Sheer Glow and L'Oreal Lumi Magic (two of my favourite foundations), nothing seems to encourage the radiance effect quite like this style of application and for that reason alone I do recommend them. 

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

However I doubt I will be fully on board with any Miracle Complexion Sponge model as they simply do not clean up well at all. It doesn't matter how thoroughly you may cleanse the sponge it will stain and it seems never ending with every rinse producing more remains of foundation. I have no word on wither the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is constructed of an anti-bacterial substance or not but yeah the hygiene factor is always at the back of my mind and puts me off somewhat. If you do try any beauty blender type product this certainly is not a bad place to start by any means.

 Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge* £4.99 via Cloud10Beauty - link
* PR sample sent for consideration of review.