Sponge - how to choose and how to use for cleansing and makeup?

What is a sponge?

The sponge is a small soft sponge.
Due to its compact size, the product takes up minimal space, but after wetting with water and lotion, it swells and increases in volume. Sponges are used for a variety of purposes, including:

• applying compact, less often, loose powder;
• distribution of foundation over the face;
• makeup removal;
• washing;
• carrying out other cosmetic procedures (applying masks, etc.).

Sometimes a sponge is used to apply blush or correct makeup errors.

The material from which the sponge is made can be either natural or synthetic. It all depends on the procedure it is intended to perform. For example, products made from natural cellulose and sea sponge are used for washing, and foam rubber or latex are used for applying makeup.

Sponges also vary significantly in shape. Thus, round and spherical ones are suitable for applying powder, sponges in the form of geometric shapes are suitable for foundation. Small drop-shaped and triangular products are convenient for applying shadows.

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Materials

To choose the right sponge for each cosmetic product, you need to know its properties and the material from which it is made:

• Latex is gentle for foundation. Its forms are varied, and you need to choose them based on your own preferences.
• Cellulose has a porous structure and is more suitable for gentle makeup removal.
• A silicone makeup sponge is needed for fine application of foundation (contouring).
• Konjac massages and cleanses the skin. The use of various natural materials (green tea, bamboo charcoal, red clay, turmeric extract) adds a healing effect to the sponge.
• Cotton is suitable for single use.

Sponges for washing and removing makeup

The best sponge for cleansing the skin is a cellulose sponge with a porous structure and large holes. It is usually round and large, soft enough, so it is not capable of injuring the skin. This product performs several useful functions at once:

• removes oil and impurities from the skin surface that clog pores and lead to the formation of blackheads;
• acts like a scrub - exfoliates dead cells, which stimulates the renewal of the epidermis;
• Gently massages the skin, improving microcirculation.

Recently, Japanese konnyaku sponge has been widely used along with cellulose sponge. It is made from the tubers of an exotic plant common in Asia. Konnyaku deeply cleanses and pleasantly massages the skin, as a result of which its surface is smoothed and the cells are saturated with oxygen and nutrients.

Nowadays sponges are produced with various impregnations from colored clay, with extracts from medicinal plants, enriched with minerals. To wash yourself, just moisten such a sponge with water. There is no need to apply cosmetics for cleansing - everything you need is already in the impregnation of the sponge.

Types of sponges

The stores offer a wide range of different sponges for cleansing the skin. Perhaps because a modern woman’s makeup bag should have at least three types. Sponges are different in shape, color, material: respectively, white, yellow, pink, round, oval, triangular, natural and unnatural.

For example, oval sponges are ideal for washing your face, and triangular sponges are ideal for gentle care of the skin around the eyes. Soft ones are for sensitive skin, and harder ones are for scrubbing.

The easiest way to consider sponges is based on their material.

Cellulose

The most popular option is cellulose sponges. They are made from natural plant materials and have a pronounced porous structure. When dry, it is a rather hard sponge that needs to be thoroughly wetted with warm water, then applied with a drop of cleanser. The sponge swells, becomes soft and flexible. It cleanses the skin very well without damaging it at all.

The advantage of such sponges is their budget cost, natural composition and long shelf life - up to one and a half months with daily use and proper care of the accessory.

Rice. 2. Silicone and cellulose sponges

Silicone

Silicone sponges (Fig. 2) are particularly soft and delicate. Short elastic bristles on their surface allow you to cleanse the skin of even the deepest impurities. With this sponge you can forget about flaking and blackheads. The traditional design involves the presence of a small suction cup on the back side, which is convenient for holding a slippery sponge when washing your face and storing it afterwards by attaching it to the bathroom mirror using the suction cup.

Unlike other sponges, silicone ones are extremely easy to use and durable. By preventing the possibility of bacteria forming on its surface, you can extend its operation to several months.

Japanese sponge Konnyaku or konjac

Rice.
3 Konjac and cotton sponges The mega popular Konjac sponge is made from the roots of a plant growing in the subtropical forests of Asia. The substance contained in this plant enhances the antibacterial and cleansing properties of the sponge. This is an absolutely natural and safe sponge that is suitable for any skin type and practically does not cause allergies.

Now there are several options for konjac sponges for different skin types and to solve different skin problems. Manufacturers add natural ingredients to sponges (aloe extract, red clay, etc.), so sponges come in different colors and shapes.

Due to their great popularity, it is important to purchase Konnyaku sponges only from reputable manufacturers, as there are many counterfeits.

Cotton pad

By and large, cotton pads used for washing can also be classified as sponges. They are similar in shape, but absorb much more product and practically do not massage the skin, with the exception of those that have a relief side.

Nevertheless, every girl has this type of disposable sponge in her arsenal. And in the absence of another option, a more complete one can help thoroughly cleanse the skin.

Natural sea sponge or loofah

For those for whom naturalness and environmental friendliness are fundamentally important, a sea sponge and a loofah sponge are suitable.

The sea sponge is made from hypoallergenic natural sea plant material and has a natural antibacterial effect. When in contact with water, the sponge becomes softer, making it easy to massage your face. According to some cosmetologists, substances in the sea sponge also help smooth out wrinkles. This option is great for daily facial and body skin care.

Loofah sponges have a rigid fiber structure and are suitable for deep cleansing and exfoliation of facial skin. They are especially recommended for use on oily skin with comedones, as well as for those who often and a lot use foundations and other pore-clogging cosmetics.

Loofah is not suitable for daily use - maximum once a week - and for dry sensitive skin - there is a high risk of irritation and minor injuries.

Foam or latex

Rice.
4. Sponges made of foam rubber and natural sea sponges Synthetic sponges made of foam rubber and latex are more often used by makeup artists to apply cosmetics.
But thanks to their softness and flexibility, such sponges are also suitable for washing delicate sensitive skin. The structure of latex and foam sponges has very small pores; they do not injure the skin at all, acting only superficially and without stretching.

How to use

How often to use a cleansing sponge depends on your skin type:

• if the skin is oily or combination - every day;
• if dry - 1 time every 2-3 days;
• if skin sensitivity is increased - 1-2 times a week.

Before use, you need to wet and squeeze the sponge, then apply cleanser to it and lightly knead it with your fingers to form foam. The skin should be cleansed along the massage lines. A makeup remover sponge is used in the same way, only in this case a makeup remover is applied to it.

You can use a sponge to remove a cosmetic mask. The algorithm will be the same - wet the sponge, squeeze it and move it along the face along the massage lines, removing the remnants of the cosmetic product.

It is prohibited to use a sponge and a scrub at the same time to clean your face. This can easily harm healthy skin.

Which sponge should you choose to cleanse your facial skin?

The most suitable for cleaning facial skin would be a cellulose sponge with fairly large pores - its softness allows you to avoid extremely unwanted stretching of delicate facial skin during cleaning. After moistening such a sponge in water and squeezing it lightly, apply a cleanser to both sides. Then, having whipped up a small foam, the cleanser is applied to the skin of the face, doing this with light stroking movements. There is no point in stretching the skin, much less putting pressure on it.

The popular Japanese konnyaku sponges, made from the natural components of an exotic plant growing in Asia, are also perfect for washing. These sponges not only perfectly cleanse the skin, but are also rich in all kinds of nutrients!

Makeup sponges

To apply makeup, sponges are used to help evenly distribute foundation, compact powder, eye shadow and blush. Products made from natural materials are attractive because they absorb cosmetics less, so they are used frequently. When dry, the sponge is similar to pumice - it is hard and rough. But after wetting it becomes soft and voluminous.

Foam and latex sponges are also popular. The products are soft to the touch, elastic and bend easily. Unlike sponges made from natural materials, they are dotted with small pores rather than large ones. Therefore, they can be used to apply foundation of any consistency. This is convenient, because every girl has a variety of cosmetics in her arsenal.

Both foam rubber and latex absorb moisture well, so even very liquid foundation can be applied without problems. You don’t have to wet the sponge often, so you save on cosmetics. The shapes of products can be very different, but practice shows that geometric shapes with pointed edges are more convenient than others. They allow you to gently apply concealer to the skin around the eyes.

Sponges for compact powder are usually round and made of foam rubber. Loose powder is usually applied with a brush, and sponges are rarely used for this. Still, sometimes it’s better to take a large silicate-cotton sponge in the form of a ball. This is especially convenient if the powder is transparent or shiny.

How to use beauty sponges

The rules for using makeup sponges depend on what effect you want to achieve. Wet application of cosmetics:

1. Wet the sponge with water and squeeze out excess moisture.
2. Apply the product precisely to the desired areas of the skin and blend it with a sponge.

A moistened sponge will soften the thick texture of the cream and distribute it more evenly. Keep in mind that the more moisture left in the sponge, the thinner and more transparent the makeup will be.

A dry sponge is needed for liquid foundations. The required amount is applied to a sponge and blended onto the skin. When used dry, the base is distributed in a thin layer.

Mistakes when using a sponge

If you don't like how the sponge works, you may have been using it incorrectly. What not to do when working with a sponge:

• apply creams with spreading movements, they must be driven into the skin;
• leaving it uncleaned after use leads to rapid wear and is also unhygienic;
• neglect soaking to remove heavy dirt; sometimes the accessory just needs to lie in a soapy solution for 2–3 hours;
• rub or stretch the sponge while washing, do this correctly with squeezing and unclenching movements;

Do not store sponges in a dry place, especially near heat sources - they will simply dry out and become unusable.

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How to use

Before use, moisten the sponge with warm water and then blot it with a napkin to remove excess moisture. Then you need to apply a cosmetic product to the sponge, and then distribute it over your face.

It is important to apply foundation directly to a moistened sponge. In this case, the product will lie evenly, fill all the unevenness of the skin and hide the roughness.

Disposable sponges

These sponges are made from natural cotton, without any impurities. They are most often used to remove makeup, but they can be used for a variety of procedures, including:

• fix makeup;
• apply and wash off cosmetic masks;
• cleanse your face with lotion or toner;
• remove cleanser;
• apply moisturizers;
• make medicinal compresses for damaged skin;
• cover areas of skin to which the medicine is applied.

Disposable sponges are convenient to take with you on the go. They are inexpensive and do not require special care. After use, the sponge is simply thrown away and a new one is used.

Recommendations for selection

Some people mistakenly think that a sponge is a simple sponge, but this is the wrong approach. Therefore, when choosing products, you should pay attention to some nuances. When using a rough sponge made from low-quality material, there is a risk of injuring delicate skin. This also risks uneven distribution of the cosmetic product. As a result, your makeup will be ruined.

Sponges, like all products, are divided into cheap and expensive. Therefore, you should follow the rule that the miser pays twice. Cheap sponges wear out faster and have to be changed more often. These sponges also interact worse with cosmetics. If it is not possible to purchase an expensive sponge, you should choose a product from the middle price category. Guidelines can be the manufacturer's reputation and reviews.

Experts advise choosing sponges with a large number of pores. This is a guarantee that the cosmetic product will be distributed evenly and correctly. To check the quality of the sponge, you should bend it and see how it regains its shape. If it immediately starts to crack, you should refuse the purchase. The only caveat is that it is not always possible to remove the sponge from the package and touch it in the store. In such cases, you will have to limit yourself to a visual inspection and carry out the check at home.

It is profitable to purchase products in packages of several pieces. This way you can save both money and time, because even high-quality products have to be changed periodically. And if the sponge is lost, you can take a new one out of the package, rather than running back to the store.

How to care?

You won’t be able to buy one product and use it all the time. Even the most expensive ones need to be changed periodically.

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To do this less often, you need to know the basic rules of care:

• Soak it periodically and wash it with soap.
• Dry in the sun to avoid germs.
• For difficult-to-rinse products, any oil will do. It is applied to the product and then soaked in soap for several hours.
• Soak the item in hot water for a few minutes weekly.
• Use a quartz lamp for disinfection.
• Do not store in closed cosmetic bags that do not allow air to pass through. A mesh or organza bag is best for storage.

Now you know how to use and choose a makeup sponge correctly. In the photo you can see how to properly apply this or that product using this product.

Tips for care and storage

Microparticles of skin and various bacteria can accumulate in the pores of the sponge, so you need to take care of the product. After each use, it should be washed with an antibacterial agent. This will remove excess dirt and sebum, which will help prevent infection of healthy skin in the future.

Liquid antibacterial soap and even the shampoo you use to wash your hair are suitable for cleaning the sponge. Do not use washing powder, laundry soap or other aggressive agents for this purpose. The product should not be washed either; it requires careful handling. After washing, the sponge must be carefully squeezed out. It should dry naturally. Only then will it be possible to use the sponge again.

The sponge should be stored in a paper bag or envelope. It should be in a dry place, so don't leave it in the bathroom. It is better to leave the sponge for applying compact powder in the powder compact.