Nothing silly about it

Manpriya Singh

Silicone sponges

So, it is a ‘siliponge’, as Hong Kong-based Molly Cosmetics (the first company to push this line of products) would have you believe or is it simply a ‘silly sponge’?

So, is it a fad or the future of make-up application?

Well, as the clever marketing term almost self explains, a silisponge is a silicone sponge, about the size and shape of a beauty blender and meant to do just what a beauty blender does. Make-up fads and beauty hacks are Internet old phenomenon, however, silicone sponges have created quite a stir in the world of beauty blogs.

Chandigarh-based make-up artists, however, aren’t as excited about the product.

Silicone sponge vs blender

While beauty blenders have already been compared to, competed with and proved their point and place vis a vis the make-up brushes, they are now pitted against silicone sponges. The kidney shaped, transparent, gelly like gooey looking, flat make-up applicators.

“Silicone sponge definitely uses lesser amount of foundation and concealer. There is also no wastage of the product since there is no absorption by the sponge. It’s also a little quicker when it comes to application. But I still, for several reasons, would prefer a beauty blender to it,” Apekksha Gill, Chandigarh-based professional make-up artist, gives the pros and cons.

Good, but not so good

It could be a big plus for those always hard pressed on time and with little effort to spare for the maintenance of a regular sponge. A wipe and clean is all that’s required to reuse the silicone sponge. Since it isn't porous, it doesn't soak up a thing. That could also mean there are no bacteria sitting on your sponge. Anyway, we’ve all hated the appearance of moldy looking beauty blenders. However, Lavanya, professional make-up artist with Femina Plus, wouldn’t use a silicone sponge on her clients.

“It’s good for people who want to save on the product considering how expensive base make-up products can be these days. But since the final finish and blending is compromised a little with silicone sponge as compared to traditional beauty blenders, I wouldn’t recommend it.”

Slightly inferior finish but zero product wastage and also much less bacteria; take your pick.