Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge Review

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge Review

Hey lovely ladies,

Recently, the Beauty Blender got reviewed on IMBB and it reminded me of its cousin from Real Techniques, which has been lying in my vanity for months. Introducing to you the Miracle Complexion Sponge from Real Techniques.  So, let’s see how this one fared. Is it as good as the RT brushes? Lets find out.

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Product Description:

  • Your Base/Flawless.
  • High Definition Results.
  • Reveal Your Inner Expert.

Great looks start with a flawless base.  Redefine your skin with our miracle complexion sponge. Its versatile design evenly blends makeup for a smooth, enhanced finish.

Price:

$6 in US, post conversion, customs duty and shipping charges, cost about INR 850 or so.  Still, to put it in perspective, the Beauty Blender costs $20 each.

Packaging:

It comes packaged in a hard plastic transparent box, just like the other RT brushes. It has a small plastic holder on which the sponge rests.

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My Experience with Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge:

Everyone knows that the Beauty Blender took the makeup world by storm; however, considering its price point, it did deter a lot of people (like me) from buying it. So, when I came across this while seeking the RT brushes, I said why not?

A declaration first – Honestly, I am not into makeup sponges. A little phobic concerning them. I have skin which breaks out at the drop of a hat, so feel very phobic using something which has more probability of harboring germs. I know its unfounded if you clean them properly, but still!

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The sponge is bright orange in colour and shaped similar to the beauty blender except for the fact that Samantha has given it a cut providing it with a flat surface as well which allows for smooth application over larger area more quickly. Refer to the pics because its difficult to explain the shape in words.

As per Samantha Chapman’s (the person who has designed the sponge) video, the sponge can be used for:

1. Foundations – all types – liquid, cream or powder. This means your BB cream as well.
2. Cream blush.
3. Concealer.

I first tried the sponge with liquid foundation, cream blush and concealer.  I didn’t try using powder foundation with it because of two reasons, I never get result with using a sponge with powder, not even the ones which come with the compact. The other being that, the sponge needs to be damp when used, it kind of grosses me out to use it on a powder foundation compact.

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I soak the sponge in water and squeeze the sponge so that it absorbs the water. Post it, I squeeze about 50% water out, leaving the sponge damp and expanded in size. Taking the foundation on the back of my hand, I dipped the sponge in the foundation and applied on the face. You can use two application methods for this purpose. Either you can use the sweeping motion or the dab-dab motion, either one works. Sweeping motion gives sheerer coverage while the dabbing motion gives medium coverage. You can combine the two motions to ensure application as per your requirement in various areas, effectively hiding blemishes/marks.  This one provides sheer to medium coverage depending on the application.  I felt there to be a certain luminosity/moistness to the appearance post application with the Miracle sponge. The coverage itself was flawless, beautiful and even. I loved it, no two ways about it. It definitely felt like a miracle worker.

For Concealer – it worked okay but I would prefer using my brush because I can see where the product is going. In case of the sponge, post water retention and swelling, the top becomes a little bulbous to be able to do an effective job of reaching the hard-to-get areas. Plus the worst is, not being able to see exactly where the product is getting applied, the sponge is round.

In case of blush – I used it to apply my Chanel creme blush, it worked like a charm, a slight dab and a couple of brushes and you are done. I could get same effect using fingers, so no miracle there. But yes, it eases the process as you use one tool for all applications.

The difference facets of the sponge aid getting into the nooks and crannies of the face but not as effectively as a brush.

As per Samantha, the sponge can be cleaned with any shampoo. Thank God, one doesn’t need to buy a separate sponge cleaner like for the Beauty Blender. On the flip side, the foundation and creme blush stains were washed away with washing; however, the concealer ones did not.

Post washing, I generally put it on the plastic stand itself to dry and it is ready to use again the next day.

To sum this up for you:

  • Foundation – excellent results.
  • Creme blush – okay results.
  • Concealer – not so great results.

One last thought – a question a lot of non-sponge users would ask – does i tcause product wastage? Does a lot of product get soaked up? I would say, yes, it does use up more foundation than I normally need with a brush, I have to use one extra pump. I feel it soaks up more if the foundation is more fluid than if it is creamy.

Pros of Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge:

  • Easy to use, even by a makeup beginner.
  • One tool, multiple uses, excellent for travel.
  • Gives absolutely beautiful, flawless foundation coverage.
  • Applies cream blush effectively.
  • Soft on skin.
  • Gives more control over the application.
  • Portability for travel.
  • Convenient packaging.

Cons of Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge:

  • No great results with application of concealer.
  • Difficult to remove concealer stains upon washing.
  • Not available in India.

IMBB Rating:

Yes, a 4.25/5 product.

I absolutely love the finish the sponge gives – its perfect! I don’t mind picking a couple and keeping but maybe not at the hiked up price. For someone who likes using sponges, this would be a boon! Love the effect of it with liquid foundations.

 

IMBB RECOMMENDS

25 thoughts on “Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge Review

  1. anda sponge *hihi* I do not use sponges much because of similar reasons as yours, fearing breakouts. Also, I think I lose a lot of product that way *nababana*

    1. True! True! JOmol! It gave such fantastic finish but difficult to get over my phobia! Sochti bhi hoon to breakouts ho jatein hain! *hihi* *hihi* *hihi*

  2. I have beauty blender… absolutely love it *happydance* excpt fr d same reason dt it absrbs a lot of pdt n leads to pdt wastage….

    Grt review kk… v detailed and segmented brilliantly.. *clap* *clap* *clap*

    1. *thankyou* Niharika! Glad that you liked the approach! I haven’t tried Beauty Blender so couldn’t really draw comparisons but this one gives awesome finish! *hifive* *hifive*

  3. Awsome review KK *happy dance* even i have super oily skin and anyday prefer brushes over sponges *powder* but would like to try this blender soon *happydance*

  4. I was just thinking of buying this…vs the beauty blender. Good to know it works well with liquid foundations. Nice review, KK. 🙂

  5. i am a bit apprehensive of trying out sponge applicators because they soak up a lot of product 🙁 but I think I have to give it a try for the airbrush finish .. nice review KK

  6. i bought this a month a go, but i should say finish wise as well as work wise, my beauty blender is better according to me, compare both of them once KK *duel* , nice review, this one is a good product

    1. Thats great Sravanthi – good to have a comparative on this and the BB! I wanted that to make the article complete. So you prefer the BB….hmmmmm.

      I’d love to try the BB Sravanthi but considering my phobia of sponges and the cost involved, i’d rather pick up another good brush with that amount – which will last longer too! You know what I mean?

      1. ya i understand that, but if u use BB u vl change ur mind i think *shy* , the dewy finish it gives makes u to use BB than brush

        1. for cleaning try this way, which i do with my BB, mix equal amounts of olive oil and head and shoulder shampoo(must this one only) and then wash sponge with it, even ur concealer marks will also go without living stain, as u know oil-oil concept, let me know how it works for u *scared*

          1. Thanks Sravanthi – i’ll definitely try that. ‘Appreciate your help coz the stains just don’t look nice! And on your recco – I’ll try to get my hands on BB! If its better than this one, that sure must be a miracle worker!

    1. Oh! U must Rashmita! They are a great value for money – especially if you can get them without paying customs and shipping. You Must try their Expert face brush and the Stippling brush! Game changers, both of them!

  7. I cant seem to spend on BB yet. *whistle* *whistle* I want to try this since its cheaper and works well too. Thanks for the heads up. 😀

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