My Review: Ulta Basically U Super Blender Elliptical Sponge

What is It? According to the packaging, this sponge's rounded edges and contours are designed to easily blend in liquid and cream foundation for a smooth, streak-free finish. Ulta Basically U Super Blender features a pointed tip for accessing tight areas around eyes and a rounded bottom for ease in smoothing along jawline. Foundation can be simply dotted on to the face and gently blotted with the sponge for superior blending.

Pricing/Availability: Retails for $ 4.99 at Ulta or at Ulta.com. 
Link: http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2210221&productId=xlsImpprod2200087&navAction=push&navCount=1&categoryId=cat80138%20cat970007%20cat1090001%20cat12006

Things to Rave About:


1) Stamping Capability: This sponge is very dense, allowing you to deeply press foundation into the skin by using the wide end of the sponge and then releasing, allowing the makeup to penetrate and not sit on the surface, look cakey, or appear noticeable. This application method is similar to the stippling motion, except using more pressure and applying with a very dense, almost solid tool.

2) Affordable: This sponge is easily considered a dupe for the BeautyBlender, as it clings to the same purpose of achieving an airbrushed finish and displays a similar egg-like appearance. The BeautyBlender retails for $20, while the Ulta sponge sells for 4.99! The Ulta sponge is readily accessible at nearby Ulta locations, while the BeautyBlender is NOT available in stores, only found online.


Things to Rant About:


1) Lack of Flexibility: This sponge is very tough and tight, and will not feel soft and foamy or change shape when played with. It is squeezable if pressed with force, but comes no where close to acting like a memory foam that is bouncy and has the ability to be teased with to acquire a perfect shape, something the BeautyBlender is notorious for.

2) Doesn't Expand: Unlike the BeautyBlender, which will expand to about 2x the size and become even more flexible once dampened, the Ulta sponge will stay the same size and still have that dense, tight feel after being placed under the faucet, showing no signs of absorption.  Being able to absorb water and expand is a huge plus for the BeautyBlender, for once the sponge is soaked in the water, it absorbs the water molecules and distributes the liquid micro-droplets evenly during makeup application, smoothing out any uneven or cakey areas by adding a faint touch of mist.

3) Stains:The sponge will be tainted with foundation and turn into an unpleasant, orange-oxidized mess. Of course you can sanitize by shampooing, but the stain will still remain and be obvious.

Brand New Sponge vs. Used Sponge

Ratings: 

Price: 9/10

Performance: 6/10

Durability: 5/10

Packaging: 5/10

Repurchase: No