Devon Martin: Makeup Hack #3 : £5 Beauty Blender Alternative

This Makeup Hack instalment is perfect for any makeup lovers Ballin’ On’A Budget. I am a huge advocate that anyone can achieve a flawless complexion, regardless of your spending limits. It is simply the case of knowing how to use your products to get the most out of them. I know I'm not alone in my obsession with the Beauty Blender; a fuchsia pink sponge that creates an immaculate, seamless coverage. However at £16 a pop, for many it will seem an expensive investment of better spent money. Well, I have a £4.95 alternative for you as well as a little trick that I have relied on for years to seamlessly apply my makeup.

No7 Flawless Finish Sponges

I invested in this little duo on a whim in Boots one day, needing to spend a couple more pounds to earn the free gift that No7 was offering. I quickly spied the cheapest item on the shelves, grabbed it and ran to the checkout thinking nothing of it. Little did I know that this pair of sponges I had mindlessly picked up would become my favourite foundation applicator.

(This sponges are clean! Just stained, but I hope this is a sign of how much I have loved and used them!)

These sponges are amazingly soft, smooth and apply your foundation seamlessly to give the appearance of a second skin. Even better, with my little trick for less than a fiver you will end up with four makeup applicators and the versatility of three different types of application.

The way I use them is to tear (not cut) each sponge in half so that you are left with 4 sponges each with three different sides for applying your foundation. The pointed end of the sponge is perfect for precisely blending in concealer around your nose, blemishes and under your eyes. The smooth side is ideal for pushing the foundation into your skin. Finally, the rough end that has resulted from tearing the sponge creates the effect of a stippling brush and it is my favourite way to apply product for a seamless finish.

To use these sponges, I first ensure that they are entirely soaked in warm water. I run them under a tap, squeeze out the excess water and repeat this three times before patting it dry with a towel. It is then ready to use and the warm, slightly damp sponge will help your makeup to blend flawlessly.

I would recommend these sponges to anyone; whether you are looking for an affordable way to improve the appearance of your foundation or want to experience using a sponge applicator before investing in your own Beauty Blender. I hope this helps anyone loving makeup on a budget and I would love to hear what you think.