Real Techniques Miracle Finish Sponge Interesting But Not Perfect

I picked up the Real Techniques Miracle Finish Sponge at Target recently as I suddenly had a yearning to pat my concealer under my eyes with a sponge. This is terribly abnormal for me as I typically “paint” my concealer on with the E.L.F. Concealer Brush and I pat it into place. I’m a finger girl when it comes to foundation and concealer. I use my fingers for application as I find it easier to applies creams, fluids, and liquids on my face and under my eyes with fingers.

So, you see, my purchase of the Real Techniques Miracle Finish Sponge was a bit outside the norm.

What’s even more abnormal is the fact I didn’t end up using it for my concealer at all.

I was attracted to this because I know how great many of the Real Techniques products are and also because the slanted shape seemed ideal for fitting into the contour of my eye. I was in a rush at the time, popped it into my cart, got home and realize it wasn’t for use with foundation or concealer. This was actually created to use with blush.

Hmmm!

I decided I’d try it out as it was attended for and I could always clean it off and use it as a concealer sponge later. The idea is you can use it damp or dry to apply blush for an airbrushed, rosy glow. Ok, cool. You can also do so with creams, powders, or liquids. I decided I’d try it out with powder. Keep in mind I didn’t LOVE the idea of using it wet with my blush. I just feel like I’m ruining the texture and finishes of my blush by dabbing a damp sponge into it. I also feel this way about using a dampened eyeshadow brush. So, I rarely use this technique with eyeshadow. This is however, the first time I’m trying it with blush.

This reason this intrigued me so much is because I have drier skin and blush, powder, etc clings to drier areas on my face. I tend to prep myself to death to avoid issues like this but I thought the idea of using a dampened sponge with my powder blush might prove an interesting change and might just have a smoother finish.

I hauled out an older blush that I didn’t mind getting damp and went to work! You have to keep in mind that the damn sponge is going to intensify the color so a little goes a long way and a lighter hand to tab the blush on using the sponge is required less you end up with clown cheeks.

Now the idea is a great one! It should in fact give a beautifully soft and smooth finish. This is great if you have uneven skin texture or dryness. It should work to sheer out, thin, and creates a smooth wash of color on cheeks.

However, there is a bit of a problem.

It’s rough! The sponge isn’t smooth enough to create that soft focused wash of color that it was created to do. It’s has a very harsh texture that creates a patchy layer of color on cheeks versus the smooth one it should.

Real Techniques Miracle Finish Sponge is a great idea but the actual sponge doesn’t quite live up to that idea. A softer sponge with a smoother surface would successfully achieve the results that this sponge was created for.

Real Techniques Miracle Finish Sponge is available now at ulta.com and target.com.