I was fortunate to be picked in testing out a blender, from the Salon Supply Store and then I got an e-mail, which stated I was upgraded to their newer gourd shaped one. Joy! I was so happy and after going through their inventory of products and supplies, I had to come back from my little day dreaming state. The Salon Supply Store carries everything you can think of and some items you did not know even existed (ahhh!). All beauty related and at economical prices. I can use that extra bedroom and save money just converting it into a salon but I don’t play well with scissors, so I stick to cosmetics and nails.
Cosmetic brushes is how I was first taught when it came to make-up application. My Mom gave me a set she did not desire and I played with them until I got the hang of what worked with what. Thankfully, each brush was labeled so I did not have to guess but I learned techniques and what powders worked with what brush, to what brushes performed best for wet applications. Fast forward to today and we have synthetic brushes to blended bristle ones that outperform some of the older versions I used back then. Sponges other than those wedges that you buy by the value pack, is all I knew in Junior High. I called them foundation foams and even though they were cheap, I always would use one until the tip would start to crumble before changing. How I did not get break-outs was a miracle. I then upgraded to a very expensive foundation brush that I treat super well and has lasted me years. So, going back to a sponge was sort of odd but familiar at the same.
I have used the Sephora tear-drop shaped one and liked it and disliked the price, so I was one and done. The Salon Supply Store seems to use a latex-free material that really feels just the same as the one I previously had purchased, but it’s just shaped different.
Retail Price Point: $4.35 for one unit via Amazon
Application: I was unsure about application until I sort of just started playing with it. My motto is to just jump in and hope for the best when trying new items out. 75% of the time I come out on top and I did with the Salon Supply Store’s Gourd shaped applicator. The sponge is smooth and has a nice texture when applying foundation. I use a liquid foundation and found that tip on the sponge was heavenly for the side of my nose to even dabbing little problem areas (i.e. old blemishes) until they could not be seen. I used the blunt bottom for what I call a finishing powder and this was my first time ever using a sponge for powder. The translucent powder quickly adhered to the sponge’s surface and I could apply an even layer without issues and faster than with a brush. I will say the brush I felt gave a better finish than the sponge when it came to dry applications but for wet, this little pink gourd does a beautiful job!
Cleaning: I never store brushes dirty and I wash them every time right after using. Just the idea of making a dirty brush touch a clean brush when stored, is not my kind of thing. I will wake-up 20 minutes early to make sure I have sufficient time to clean and store my brushes (plus make-up) as it should be because it’s not something I want to do when I get home after being out. The Salon Supply Store’s blender was easy to wash. I just used an antibacterial soap, the same I use for my brushes and washed it by hand. The foundation and powder came off quickly and it was left just like the day I received it. I left it on the counter to air dry on a clean soap dish. By the time I returned home, the blending sponge was dry and I just stored it away until next time.
Verdict: I like the price and performance matters most to me. I don’t want to waste expensive product on a so-so applicator, so the blender has to work well. The Salon Supply Store’s Gourd Blender did and I was actually happy with how well it applied my foundation. I did not have to use more product and I got a nice flawless affect after I was finished applying my base. It cleans up well and doesn’t break the bank, so it’s definitely a product worth adding to the beauty chest, whether you are new to sponge blenders and/or an everyday user.
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I received the above product(s) free of charge from The Salon Supply Store. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
WOM-derful 