$3 Drugstore Makeup Sponge Review: The Creme Shop Blending Swirl

Today, I spotted a new drugstore makeup sponge at Walgreens from The Creme Shop. Not only were the colors adorable and ice-cream themed, the sponges were only $2.99. I feel like there has been a rash of new beauty sponges coming to the market recently (Eco-Tools, Loreal, Ulta, NYX, etc.) and they all seem to be around the $7-$10 range. Obviously, those drugstore options are cheaper than the Original Beauty Blender ($20 is still mind-bending to me), but a $3 sponge would be amazing if it works! Keep reading to hear my thoughts.

Shape

I picked up the blue sponge because I think it’s the only color makeup sponge I don’t already own. I knew this would make it easier for me to keep track of as it got absorbed into the collection of makeup sponges filling my bottom drawer. The shape of the sponge is well done. The top of the sponge comes to a very fine point which I find I really want for blending out concealer under my eyes. I don’t care for flat edges or more rounded surfaces.

But Is It Soft?

The moment of truth when testing a new beauty sponge is always how much it expands in water. I’m happy to report that this one definitely doubled in size and got much softer when wet. Unfortunately, I still feel like it’s denser than what I prefer, especially under my eyes applying concealer. It reminds me most of the the E.L.F trio of white makeup sponges from their Beautifully Precise collection. It’s definitely softer and more usable than Target’s Up & Up Super Blender. (That thing was a rock!)
In the end, do I think this is the worst sponge on the market? No, not at all. I was able to do apply foundation and concealer with no issues. I didn’t even feel like this soaked up a ton of foundation which is a frequent complaint I have with some drugstore sponges. However, when you can pick up the Real Techniques Sponge for less than $5 at Target, this one just isn’t worth saving the $2. For me, this is a pass.