There are always some kind of "revolutionary" tools that become available, often sprouting as fads that fizzle out into oblivion, but some are successful and game-changing. We all know those little beauty hacks, such as using household items to do perfect winged liner; but then there are tools that are made specifically for the task, like the original Beauty Blender sponge – the most popular tool for applying foundation, based off the old faithful, disposable makeup triangles.
In today's post, I will be testing out some tools I picked up that are meant to make applying (and removing) makeup easier. But do they *REALLY* work?
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REAL TECHNIQUES // EYES
MIRACLE MINI ERASER SPONGES 2PK
RRP $16.99AUD - Real Techniques Australia
CLAIM
"From flaking mascara to eye shadow fallout, these little miracles help sweep away your makeup mishaps. Use damp to blend harsh lines or dry to pick up makeup." - Real Techniques
DESCRIPTION
The size of these sponges make them ideal for the eye area, which can be tricky to blend around with a regular sized blender.
The round edges (when used damp) are recommended for blending out liquid and cream product around the eye area, such as under eye concealer.
The flat edges are recommended (dry use) for erasing makeup.
USE
I tried this sponge to remove some eyeshadow from the edges of my eyes. I cannot describe the irritation that occurred. I possibly could have made the mistake of using a very sticky eye primer underneath, so that could have added to the pain and discomfort I felt, however, upon attempting to remove some mascara off the back of my hand, the dry sponge merely just smudged it across. I had to use significant force to actually remove anything with the dry sponge.
However, in light of failing my eyes, these blend out foundation quite well.
DOES IT WORK?
Not unless you want severe irritation. It actually hurts and I can get a far better clean up with a cotton tip or pad soaked with some micellar water. If you're after some blenders for around the eyes, these are otherwise perfect.
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REAL TECHNIQUES // EYES
DETAIL + DEFINE DUO
RRP $19.99AUD - Real Techniques Australia
CLAIM
"The eye detail + define brushes are designed for precision eyeliner looks. Use with liquid, cream, gel or powder liners and shadows." - Real Techniques
DESCRIPTION
This set comes with two brushes and a liner template.
The Definer brush is angled and fine, much smaller than the RT Brow Brush.
The Square Detailer Brush is probably the smallest brush I own, even beating my Bdellium Tools 762 (angled liner brush) in size.
The liner template has actual wing shapes in it, as opposed to the Beauty Blender Liner Designer (which I once owned but passed on to a friend, because it did not work for me).
USE
I have had zero luck with winged liner and liner in general due to my very deep set and hooded eyes. My hoods are so bad, they actually make me look sad. Having my eye shape means that even with these tools, there's little to no way that I can achieve winged liner. I've tried everything, trust me.
The first thing I tried was a cake liner mixed with some rose water mist. I prefer using cake liner rather than gel, because I never have to worry about it drying out or going rancid. I used the Square Detailer Brush and drew my liner in alright, but then upon using the middle template for my wing, it didn't make it very well.
I tried it with the Detailer Brush, after removing the horrid mess, and again, I failed.
Eventually, I was smart enough to get a liquid liner pen and use that. Minor success, the results were better, however, I needed to clean up a fair bit and extend the wing slightly. I have no skills in this department anyway.
DOES IT WORK?
The brushes are nice and fine, they do their job, but again, the templates do absolutely nothing when it comes to doing winged liner on my eye shape. Who wants to pay for my blepharoplasty?
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AUSTRALIS COSMETICS
JELLY BEAN SILICONE MAKEUP SPONGE
RRP $9.95 - Priceline stores only, otherwise SOLD OUT
CLAIM
"This little beauty will help you apply your foundation flawlessly using much less product than traditional sponges. Not to mention it's super easy to clean - simply wash with warm water!" - Australis Cosmetics
DESCRIPTION
The original "Silisponge" got heaps of attention through the beauty community, so eventually, the dupes came out. The Jelly Bean is a silicone "sponge", and unlike the original version, this one has glitter throughout it. The function of this tool is to minimize the use of product by not allowing it to be absorbed, like a traditional sponge.
USE
I went ahead and did half of my face with a traditional blender, and the other with the Jelly Bean. I clearly used too much product because I was totally not expecting it to work. It didn't.
DOES IT WORK?
I felt that I couldn't control the amount of product I put on. Even when I wiped off some of the product, I couldn't quite get finish I wanted – not having the foundation sit on top of my skin and slip away.
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THE ULTIMATE VERDICT
This was the final look after everything was done. It looks okay, but it's not my best.
Eyeliner is Kat Von D Ink Liner in "Baudelaire" [GIFT]
Lipstick is NudeStix Lip + Cheek Cream in "Sin" [PR SAMPLE]
I feel that the tools were gimmicky, at best, and couldn't give much of a practical benefit to me, personally. I hope that anybody else that tries these tools have better luck!
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SPECIAL MENTION
I had to remove all the makeup, too.
THE VINTAGE COSMETICS COMPANY
MAKE-UP MELTS 3PK
RRP £14.95GBP - Purchased for $9.95AUD at TK Maxx
RRP £14.95GBP - Purchased for $9.95AUD at TK Maxx
CLAIM
"Each single Make-Up Melt in this perfectly pink trio pack will remove all traces of make-up using only a splash of water. This specially formulated polyester is dual-sided , for both make-up removal and exfoliation so you’ll always be fresh-faced and squeaky clean." - The Vintage Cosmetics Company
"Each single Make-Up Melt in this perfectly pink trio pack will remove all traces of make-up using only a splash of water. This specially formulated polyester is dual-sided , for both make-up removal and exfoliation so you’ll always be fresh-faced and squeaky clean." - The Vintage Cosmetics Company
DESCRIPTION
This three pack comes with one polka-dot pattern and two plain pastel pink cloths, made from 100% polyester. It washes easily with warm, soapy water at the basin, or you could be lazy like me and throw it in with the general washing.
This three pack comes with one polka-dot pattern and two plain pastel pink cloths, made from 100% polyester. It washes easily with warm, soapy water at the basin, or you could be lazy like me and throw it in with the general washing.
USE
I have tried a dupe for the Original Makeup Eraser before, and yes, it worked. I simply wet this with warm water and gently massaged it over my eyes and face.
DOES IT WORK?
I was pleasantly surprised when I went over my face with a toner water and no makeup transferred to the cotton pad. It really did get everything off with just water!
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Have you tried any of these products? Let me know in the comments or on Instagram!
Products featured in this post were purchased myself, unless otherwise stated. These circumstances don't affect what has been featured in this post; this story is unsponsored and 100% honest. RRPs are accurate at time of publishing. For more information, please read my Disclosure Policy.
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Have you tried any of these products? Let me know in the comments or on Instagram!
Products featured in this post were purchased myself, unless otherwise stated. These circumstances don't affect what has been featured in this post; this story is unsponsored and 100% honest. RRPs are accurate at time of publishing. For more information, please read my Disclosure Policy.
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