A beauty sponge that swallows less product? Great idea, but the realisation leaves a lot to be desired
24/7/2024
Translation: machine translated
When a beauty product can pass as a meatball AND the sole of a shoe at the same time, it raises questions. No wonder Real Techniques' "innovation" is subjected to relentless cross-examination on social media.
Innovations that make people frown are my favourite, if only for the entertainment value. The latest example is the make-up sponge that Real Techniques has launched: the "Makeupsaver Blending Sponge" with - watch out now! - fingerprint technology. I'll get to what bothers me and many others about it.
A sponge to the rescue
Make-up sponges are used for liquid or creamy textures and are popular because they enable a streak-free result. One disadvantage that lies in the nature of a sponge: It's thirsty. So if you reach for a sponge, you will always waste some of your foundation. The "Makeupsaver" from Real Techniques promises to swallow up to 90 per cent less product (tested on water-based foundations). This means that more foundation should end up on your face instead of inside the tool. A truly useful approach. Only the implementation leaves something to be desired.
Source: Instagram @realtechniques
Source: Instagram @realtechniques
The sponge is covered with a thin, flexible plastic. This in turn is covered with fine lines that are reminiscent of a fingerprint and are intended to imitate application with the fingers. But couldn't you just use your own fingers? And don't the structures leave traces on the face, which would again negate the purpose of a sponge? Objections that can also be found in the Trendmood1 comment column on Instagram, where beauty news is presented and hotly debated:
It's no longer a sponge 😂
I thought it was meat 🥓
Not a single person asked for this
....except sponges are supposed to help avoid the texture from applying with your fingers and create a smoother/blurred effect so.... if it was April, I'd assume it's an Aprils Fool joke
I thought this was the bottom of a shoe....
OR...hear me out...just use your fingers.
This is the most gimmicky thing I've ever seen 🤣
fingerprint <em><strong>technology</strong></em>
Isn't the reason some people use their fingers also beacause it heats the product too?
At the risk of making hasty judgements: I am only too happy to subscribe to the above criticisms. Apart from the fact that finger application is something that I deeply dislike. First and foremost because the result is never as perfect as with a brush or sponge. So why buy something that imitates finger application with all its disadvantages? What's more, the "Makeupsaver" eliminates the only aspect that legitimises finger application: the warmth of the fingertips, which ensures that the make-up bonds better with the skin.
Currently, the sponge is only available in the USA in Ulta stores and online. The fact that the price has already been reduced is certainly no surprise to anyone.
Header image: Real Techniques
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.