I never used makeup sponges before finding this one - I always stuck to brushes.  The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is available in Boots for €7.99.  It is apparently a dupe for the Beauty Blender but I can't compare the two as I have never been willing to fork out €20 for a makeup sponge...  By comparison, this Real Techniques sponge is great value.

As I said, I had never used a makeup sponge before trying this one, but I have officially been converted.  I bought my first Miracle Complexion Sponge in August and I don't think I've laid my hands on a foundation brush since!  Once you get the hang of it, it's much quicker to use than a brush.  You're left with no brush marks and as flawless a finish as possible without PhotoShop. 
The sponge can be used damp or dry but I personally always wet it first - it makes the process quicker as the sponge nearly doubles in size when wet, and I just find that it feels nicer on the skin.  I use the point at the bottom to apply my concealer and then I use the rounded side to apply my foundation.  I don't usually use the flat side but it is still handy to have and some may prefer to use the flat side than the rounded side so it's nice to have the option.

Sponge when dry and when damp

The only problem I have with this product is that it doesn't last nearly as long as a brush would.  It's recommended that you wash the sponge after every one to three uses.  On the Real Techniques website Sam Chapman says to wash it with "a bit of shampoo".  I don't know whether it's the fact that I'm washing it with shampoo instead of a specific cleanser or if it's the sponge itself, but I can never seem to wash all of the product out of the sponge.  No matter how long I spend cleaning it the sponge is still covered in stains from my foundation and concealer.  This doesn't really bother me but 3 or 4 months after I started using the sponge it started to fall apart.  Chunks started to crumble out of the parts of the sponge I use most often!  Replacing the sponge wasn't really a problem as it's fairly cheap and Boots happened to be doing a deal on Real Techniques products at the time so I bought two and got the 2nd half price.  I didn't open the second one until today and that was only to take photos for this post.  Hopefully I'll get another month or two out of the first one.
There is a special cleanser that can be bought with the Beauty Blender, maybe I'll invest in one someday!



Have you used the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge and/or the Beauty Blender?  What do you think of them?  Comment below and let me know!