The Makeup Dupe List

Have you ever purchased a beauty item only to find out there was a similar product for a much cheaper price? Well, Temptalia’s Makeup Dupe List is here to make sure that never happens again! For example, the beautyblender that I mentioned a couple of days ago has a dupe called the Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge, available at Target for around $10 (half the price). It really depends on your preference of what is important when purchasing knock-off beauty items. But regardless, I think this website is really helpful for those who are looking to buy a new beauty product, but want to research and explore their options first. You would never go to an exam unprepared right?

The website is pretty self explanatory, as you can sort by brand, shade, or type of makeup. There’s also a convenient search engine for those over-achievers.

Happy shopping!

Product Review: Beautyblender

So today I am going to do a product review on a very special item: the Beautyblender! Usually, I’m the type of gal who uses her fingers to apply makeup because, well, I’m old-fashioned and I like instant gratification. But after many messy applications and way too many hand washes, I realized that I had to use a sponge. After researching online several different types of sponges, I decided to splurge on the well-known Beautyblender every girl has to try once (it’s like the Nars Orgasm blush for sponges). I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed because it had countless positive reviews and it’s pink, for God’s sake! Why wouldn’t I want it?

Anyway, my Beautyblenders (I brought two on Amazon) arrived in the mail and I followed the directions very carefully off of this Beautyblender Training video. Here’s a quick summary:

1. Place the Beautyblender under the faucet and get it wet completely, then squeeze out the water. Now place the Beautyblender inside a paper towel and squeeze it again. This makes the sponge damp so it won’t eat up the foundation and can glide on your face for a natural look.

2. Dip the Beautyblender into your foundation/concealer (can be liquid, powder, etc.). Stipple (bounce) the Beautyblender against your face so the product goes on flawlessly.

3. When finished, immediately wash the product off the sponge using soap and water and let air dry. You can also wash it with the BeautyCleanser.

When I soaked one of the Beautyblenders, it really did double in size and became softer than the other one. I was pleased that everything I’ve read about it was accurate. Here’s everything I liked about the BeautyBlender:

-It saves time: After dotting liquid foundation all over, I found that bouncing something on my face was quicker than smearing it on. With fingers, you have to be careful of missed spots and lines.

-It saves makeup: If you get it damp before you use it, it ends up saving you more product as you can cheat with a sponge.

-It looks smooth: I thought using my fingers was the best way to control how I could glide my foundation across my face, but the Beautyblender actually does it even better.

-I feel clean: Since the blender does all the work of touching the foundation, I don’t have to worry about washing foundation off from under my nails.

-It’s fun to use: Washing the Beautyblender may be one of my favorite activities. The sponge feels so soft in your hand, and feels like a mini-stress ball when you squeeze it.

Honestly, I felt like a true professional makeup artist when I used the Beautyblender. There I was, bouncing a pink egg-shaped sponge against my face, feeling like I was getting prettier by the minute. It was a very empowering feeling.

So the final verdict? I really don’t mind using my fingers and I still do when I’m in a hurry, just because I don’t have time to wash the sponge right away. Like I said, fingers are instant gratification. However, if you have time to get ready, I recommend using the Beautyblender because it really will allow for smoother application and in the long run saves makeup (while keeping the germs out of your foundation).

You can purchase the Beautyblender at their main website or on Amazon, like I did. Have fun experimenting!