Review and Comparison: Beauty Blender v Real Techniques Complexion Sponge

I was so excited to finally see the Real Techniques Complexion Sponge stocked at my local Priceline! I've been using the original Beauty Blender for a few months now and absolutely love it, so I thought I would do a comparison of the two most well known beauty sponges out there to see if the RT sponge is a good affordable version of the Beauty Blender.

For this post RT = Real Techniques Complexion Sponge and BB = Beauty Blender

Shape and Size:

The BB shape is what I would describe as a 'teardrop' shape, with one pointed end - perfect for dotting on concealer or blending under the eyes and around the nose - and the other end is rounded. The RT has a distinctly different shape. The overall shape looks more oval than round and whilst one end is pointed, the point isn't as defined as the BB. The RT sponge also has one flat edge which the BB does not. When they are both dry, the RT is slightly bigger than the BB, both in width and length.

Flat Surface of the RT sponge.

Texture:

On the surface, both sponges have the same sort of soft, porous texture. However the RT is much denser and not as soft and bouncy as than the BB when dry. When damp, the RT definitely does soften but is still much more firm than the BB

Soft, porous texture.

Application:

Overall both sponges are very similar in their application of foundation. Despite the RT sponge being much firmer you can get the same finish by using a bit more pressure. I definitely prefer how the BB 'bounces' and creates a really natural look in a small amount of time. The RT doesn't bounce so to get the same finish a pressing motion combined with a buffing motion is required. In my opinion the advantage of using a sponge over a brush for the application of foundation is that you can layer coverage much easier. With a brush, more product is picked up so its harder to apply thinner layers on top of each other.

I also prefer how the BB has a more pointed tip which is much easier for applying concealer over imperfections and for blending out around the nose.

However, sponges are not the best for all foundations. I mostly use either the RT or BB sponge to apply the Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 foundation and it gives the most flawless finish. Foundations or BB creams with thinner consistencies tend to be absorbed into the sponge result in quite a bit of product wastage. Both sponges are also really great for blending concealer.

Price and Availability: all prices are in Australian Dollars

Considering both sponges are pretty similar in the way they work, the most important point of comparison is the price. The BB isn't available in store in Australia but a number of online retailers stock them which means they are pretty easy to get a hold of. Two Australian online retailers I know which stock the BB are:

• Crush Cosmetics - $24.95
• Lipstick Republic - $19.95

Or you can purchase online from UK retailer beautybay.com where the BB retails for $24.20. BeautyBay has free shipping and both Crush Cosmetics and Lipstick republic charge for shipping unless you spend over a certain amount.

In comparison the RT is available in store at Priceline which also stocks other brushes from the Real Techniques brand for $15.99. The RT has just started to be stocked in store so it isn't available on the Priceline website just yet. Otherwise, the best online retailer for any Real Techniques products is iherb.com where the RT retails for around $6 depending on the exchange rate. iherb.com provides $4 flat rate shipping or DHL express shipping starting from $8.

Overall the RT is definitely the more affordable option with both sponges being easily accessible.

I think my favourite is the Beauty Blender but the RT sponge is very similar and a fantastic way to try a really great quality sponge at a cheaper price. Have you got either of these sponges in your collection? Let me know in the comments :)

xx Catherine