Review: The Beauty Blender

I first tried the Beauty Blender in June 2012 from my July Glamour Birchbox. I took a few months to test this product out because I wanted to make certain that I could give an honest, detailed review.

What is a Beauty Blender?

The Beauty Blender is a makeup sponge applicator that averagely retails at $19.00 for one or two for $25

What makes the Beauty Blender Unique?

The Beauty Blender is designed to give a natural, flawless texture. It has been advertised to prevent that "cakey, packed on" foundation look and the blending process is to be much easier as the shape of the this applicator  can easy fit into all the nooks and crannies of one's face.

How Do I Use the Beauty Blender?

I will admit that when I first had this product in my hands, I had no idea what to do. There was no brochure, or reading materials of any sort in my Birchbox to explain the how to's of this sponge. Luckily, Birchbox sends out email during the month with tips, tricks, and how to's for each product. With enough research, review reading, and YouTube exploration, I was finally able to master the Beauty Blender.

Step 1: Soak your Beauty Blender with water, then squeeze out the excess water

Step 2: Using the Beauty Blender, pick up a small amount of product

Step 3: Apply the product to your face in a tapping like motion to distribute to product evenly

Step 4: Start blending evenly

 Tips:

*Use the pointed end on the curves of your nose, mouth, and other small areas like the eyes

*Always use wet, because using it dry will make it difficult to clean

*Always make sure you ring out the excess water or a streaky look may appear

*To wash, use a mild soap and let air dry completely before using again

My Opinion:

I love the Beauty Blender, however, I do not love the price. It's quite expensive, but what isn't anymore? I did notice all the benefits that Beauty Blender claims to promise: a flawless, natural, look. Using this product is so easy I'm sure a beginner can easily master it with little practice. 

I've never really used a sponge before because I do not wear foundation, but rather tinted moisturizer, and this applied it so wonderfully!I truly noticed a more dewy, less cakey look. 

Washing is simple as well. I did not purchase the Beauty Cleanser because the price is just out of my budget. I always use mild soap or baby shampoo. The use of my normal cleanser did not harm my Beauty Blender whatsoever,

I rate this product a 10/10 because it true to what it advertises, and the quality is superb. This may be a bit pricey  but you get what you pay for.

Will I Purchase this again? 

Definitely  I will, however, find some sort of a promotion, sale, or use my Birchbox Points for this. My budget is so tight, but the quality and finished look of my face make me believe I cannot live without this!

Have you tired the Beauty Blender or any product equivalent? 

July 2012 Glamour Birchbox

Many of you fellow subscribers know already that Birchbox has teamed up with Glamour Magazine for the month of July. The theme is "The Senses; See it, Hear it, Taste it, Touch it, Smell it"

I honestly had no idea what to expect because I was not so thrilled with my May Gossip Girl Box. I really feel BB missed the great potential for that box, but this box really blew my mind. Teaming up with Glamour was the right choice!

The colors for this box are all bright summer filled shades of fun. I loved the unboxing because it was uplifting to see the bright blue and green tissue paper and awesome bright pink and green ear buds after a long day of classes and work.

Info Card:

(All prices are via the Birchbox Shop for full sized items)

(Double click to enlarge)

BeautyBlender - The Original Beauty Blender

Retails at $25.95 for a set of two

I've seen subscribers in past month receive these and I have to admit I was curious to see what they are like. I do not wear foundation, but I do wear tinted moisturizer. I'm sure you know that by now if your a regular reader of this blog. I've been wanting to start my quest again for the perfect foundation so this will come in use. I will be trying it out with my tinted moisturizer and I hope its everything it claims to be. (Which ensures smooth, even coverage every time) You can read more on that here.

Harvey Prince Hello

Retails at $55, but can be purchased other shops/sites 

for as low as $22 for smaller packages of course.

This smells absolutely splendid! I honestly cringe at the sight of a perfume in my box, especially as a regular item instead of a Lifestyle Extra, but, this fragrance is so lovely and fresh with just enough classy and girly kick to it. I honestly will be purchasing this sometime. Most likely not through BB because I'd prefer a smaller bottle since I'm living a budget type of lifestyle

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint

Retails at $38 

This will be my second tinted moisturizer from BB and I'm more than excited. I've had such great luck with the PUR Minerals 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer and I'm excited to try more. I'm particularly excited to try Jouer's because I've read many reviews about it's legitimate dewy finish that it claims to provide. 

Stila Lip Glaze

Retails at $12 for the "It's Go Time Lip Glaze Trio"

I've never actually used a lip glaze, however I'm so ecstatic that this item was in my box because Stila is a well known, quality brand. I've samples other Stila products and absolutely adore the brand. I received the color "Camera" which is a nice darker shade but still comes up with a great balance between shine and color. I like darker tinted colors because of my olive-tan skin. I am planning to but the set because of it's price and I want to use more of my points that I've been collecting.

LIFESTYLE EXTRAS

Tea Forte Minteas

Retails at $9.95 for 3 tins (75 mints)

These mints have the perfect minty, cocoa taste. I really enjoy these. They are in a fun, cute tin and I think really do give you that extra boost. I've been using them at school and work and believe me, I need them! Will I purchase these? Possibly, they are fun to have around. I like Lifestyle Extras like these!

Birchbox Exclusive Earbuds

Not for sale at BB, so no price. I have tons of earbuds and 

they range anywhere from $5-$15 for the basic earbuds.

I love these! The color is awesome and just "pops." They sound great  and really block out other noise. I use headphones on a daily as I walk to and from school, and have spare time at school to do work. I love that it came with a card to wrap them around because I often find mine tangled in my bag.

All in all, I am more than satisfied with this month's box! I rate this a 9/10 . I have been using each item! I love the samples sizes for everything but the Jouer Moisture Tint. That sample is honestly so tiny. I know i wont need much to test it out, but I'd like something I could use for at least week. Everything else is a hit. 

'

This is why I am subbed to Birchbox. I look forward to the August Box. I can't believe in September I will have been subbed for a whole year!In the mean time check out some of my previous boxes:

December 
January
February 
March
April
May

June
Birchbox Points
Join Birchbox

xoxo
mattabellax3