It seemed like I was the last person on the planet who hadn't tried the
Beautyblender - $26 - an edgeless, non-disposable, high-definition cosmetic sponge applicator meant to ensure impeccable, streak-free makeup application with minimum product waste that is great with any liquid face product - foundations, primers, blushes etc.
It features an open cell structure that fills with small amounts of water when wet. This allows the sponge to be “full” so that the makeup product sits on top of the sponge rather than being absorbed, allowing you to use less product every time. When wet, it doubles in size and becomes even softer, returning to its original size when it air dries.
I have never felt highly motivated to pick one up because I don't wear very much foundation - so all that wetting and cleaning and drying seemed like a lot of work for a couple of dabs of product. What inspired me to finally give one a whirl was that the experts at
Birchbox were sharing other clever ways to use it like creating ombre nails, the perfect matte lip and my kryptonite - an amazing smoky eye! I love a smoky eye, done properly it's sexy, smouldery and mysterious - when I do it, it looks like I've been punched in the eyes - a bunch of times...
For a non-punched look, wet Beautyblender until completely saturated, squeeze out the excess water.
Once you have set your eyeliner, achieve a more enhanced smokey eye by stippling the
smaller end of the sponge across your lid. Add a bit of contrast by using a lighter eyeliner shade to swipe along the
corner of your inner eye.
The end result is a perfectly smudged smokey eye. For a super-amazing look, use a shade from the
Smashbox Double Exposure Palette (I love the copper) - the colours transform when used wet making this the perfect application method for them!
If you've never tried the Beautyblender either and have also been meaning to get yourself signed up for a monthly beauty box with Birchbox then now's the time! Sign up by March 17th and your first box will contain your very own Beautyblender!
Go to
https://www.birchbox.ca for more details on the service or to subscribe!
- Lisamarie -
