Sephora Beauty Blender -VS- Real Techniques Sponge!

Disclaimer: This is NOT sponsored. Nothing I've ever done has been sponsored except for giveaways. I did not receive this at a discounted price or free for my review. Real Techniques has no idea I'm doing this review. i purchased this with my own money, on my own time, on my own free will. Now that that's out of the way, let's move on shall we!

For all of you who have seen a recent-ish makeup tutorial, you've probably noticed that most people use one of two things. Either a makeup brush - kabuki, stipple, etc. - or a blending sponge. Majority of the times you'll see an orange sponge or a pink one. The question is, is there really a difference?

I personally own a Sephora Beauty Blender and swore by it from day one. I was absolutely in love with how easily it blended my foundation, without soaking up the product. I purchased it for $20 - I cried sad tears the day I left with it, but I was still extremely eager to use it. Once I realized the stupendous nature of this glorious product, I quickly forgot the price tag and simply enjoyed the sponge for what it was. A makeup miracle. 

Now I'm not a "foundation brush" person. I just don't like how it spreads the foundation on me and I can't seem to get it to work for me. Perhaps I'm "foundation brush" handicapped, but regardless, I just don't like it. I've used makeup sponges from the start of my makeup adventures and still do. Granted I hardly wear makeup anymore, but when I do I prefer to use something that will give me even coverage. I mean, who doesn't right?

Within the last few months however, I've heard more and more about how Real Techniques has created their very own version of a makeup blending sponge. I'm pretty sure it's been out a lot longer than a few months, but I don't tend to keep up with the special makeup products these days. Like I said, I don't wear it that often so why bother. 

Well my Beauty Blender from Sephora has started to see the end of it's days. After numerous cleanings and trying to sanitize it, it's just not as amazing as I first purchased it. This made me mourn my $20, because I was a little sad that my prized possession wasn't going to stand for much longer. Seeing as how I was in the market for a new makeup sponge, I decided to test out this supposedly beloved Real Techniques makeup sponge. Especially after I realized it's only $7. SERIOUSLY??? 

I was intrigued and extremely hopeful, so I made my way to the local Ulta and decided to take my first step into this makeup store that I had never ventured before. I will admit, I am slightly in love with it. The fact that they have drugstore makeup, their own brand, AND high end makeup, makes me really happy. I can "ooh" and "ahh" over the $50 makeup that everyone raves about, while holding my $9 makeup with confidence. Yay. 

Once the lady told me they have a return policy that makes practically any and all purchases extremely easy, I was sold! I mean, I can try out new foundations and products without any concern on whether or not I can return it?! Yes, yes, yes! 

Once I found the Real Techniques Beauty Sponge - and forcing myself to walk away from the beautiful dark lipsticks that they have and all the glorious makeup - I made my purchased and left for home, avoiding any financial issues. If you know what I mean. 

After I got home, I inspected this newly purchased product, trying to distinguish any sort of distinct difference between the Real Techniques sponge and my Sephora Beauty Blender. To be completely honest with you all, there are two differences. Curious are you?

Real Techniques makeup sponge is orange and has a flat edge to create easier blending for under the eyes and crevices. The Sephora Beauty Blender is shaped like a perfect tear drop with no flat edges and is pink. That. Is. It. No other differences. 

I tested it out with my foundation and it's absolutely IDENTICAL to the Beauty Blender. In fact, I actually PREFER the Real Techniques makeup blending sponge. The flat edge gives me a wider surface to perfectly blend my under eye concealer. The Sephora Beauty Blender only has a tiny tip for under eyes and I don't feel like I can blend as easily. 

This was really hard for me to admit you guys. I really wanted to come on here and say "Beauty Blender for the Gold!" but I can't. The Real Techniques is soft, equally as fluffy when wet, has a better under eye blending surface, and costs more than half the Sephora Beauty Blender! I couldn't believe what I was experiencing and I'm absolutely amazed. Cleaning it was also just as easy and I couldn't be happier. 

So if you guys are into makeup, you prefer sponges over brushes OR you want to test a blender out, GET THE REAL TECHNIQUES ONE. Of course you could test both out for yourself and simply return the one you don't like, but I'm trying to save you all a few trips. The Real Techniques makeup blending sponge won't let you down. I warn you though, if you haven't already ventured into Ulta, you may put yourself in a dangerous situation by purchasing an over abundance of makeup. You should totally buy this sponge, don't get me wrong, just be careful! 

If you don't have an Ulta near you, you can always order it online HERE! Also, some Targets sell it in stores. I've noticed that only a few Targets around me have them in stock, but majority of the time it's a rare sight.