It’s time to switch up your make-up kit with sponges — and embrace this year’s hottest beauty trend
Banish bad contouring, hotchpotch highlighting and cakey coverage with 2018's best cosmetic tools
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BANISH bad contouring, hotchpotch highlighting and cakey coverage with 2018's best beauty trend — the sponge.
The little wonders will fix up any imperfections and have your skin glowing all day and all night. Here's our five favourite new squeezes...
The glow-getter
Applying highlighter or cream blush with a brush that’s too big is never good.
NYX Professional Makeup Precision Blending Sponge, £6 for two, is perfectly shaped for dotting on product with the pointed end and pressing into skin with the curved one.
The queen of contour
Whether you’re into full Kim K or just a touch of definition, master your contouring skills with The Body Shop Complexion Blender, £5.
The pointed edge will define cheekbones, while its rounded side seamlessly blends creams.
The bod buffer
There’s nothing worse than a killer outfit let down by dull, pasty skin. That’s where Real Techniques Body Complexion Sponge, £7.99, steps in.
It’s perfect for blurring imperfections with foundation or tan for a bod to match that dress.
The precision perfector
Opt for a mini applicator such as Beautyblender Micro Mini sponges, £14.50 for two, for hard-to-reach areas such as the creases of your nose or inner corners of your eye.
Pressed for time? The curved edge can be used to smudge your eyeshadow, too.
The base acer
For full coverage, apply dots of foundation to your cheeks, forehead, nose and chin before spritzing Lottie London Blend & Snap Sponge, £5.49, with water.
Use a tapping technique to blend it into your skin. For a sheer finish simply add more water.
MOST READ IN HAIR AND BEAUTY
Ask Beauty Editor Lauren
It doesn't matter how much I try, my hair just won't grow beyond a certain length. Is there anything I can do to give it a boost? Catherine, Hull
Did you know the hair on your body stops growing after a certain time, stalling between two and six years?
Great for combating Chewbacca-esque arms, but rubbish for achieving a mermaid-style mane.
You can, however, boost your barnet by skipping your morning Insta scroll and giving your head a little rub instead.
"Massaging your scalp daily for 10 minutes has an incredible effect on hair," explains Zoe Irwin, GHD UK ambassador. "It relieves tension and also increases the blood flow."
Plus, once every three washes, use a scalp exfoliator to get rid of any dead skin that prevents hair from growing through. I love Salon Science Hydrofoliant Scalp Scrub, £12.
Apply to damp hair and leave on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Oh, and turn the heat down to 185C on your heated tools and hairdryer to improve the general condition of your locks.
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Stockists: Beautyblender (), Lottie London (), NYX Professional Makeup (), Real Techniques (), Salon Science (), The Body Shop ()