The Makeup Sponge Guide: How to Choose, Use, and Clean One Without Wasting Money

A makeup sponge is a porous foam tool used to apply and blend liquid and cream complexion products. That definition is accurate and almost useless on its own, because the difference between a $4 sponge and a $20 sponge is not “quality” in the abstract. It is foam density, pore size, shape geometry, and how much foundation the thing quietly drinks before it touches your face. Most buying guides skip that part. This one does not.

The US market in 2026 has more sponges than it has sensible reasons to own them. Beautyblender still sets the reference point at roughly $20. Real Techniques sells a genuinely competent alternative for about $4 to $7 depending on the pack. Juno & Co. occupies the microfiber niche at around $6. EcoTools pushes compostability. Fenty sells precision. e.l.f. sells access. The correct choice depends on the finish you want, the formula you use, and how honest you are with yourself about washing the thing.

The Makeup Sponge Buyer’s Guide: What Actually Matters

Sponge marketing is a graveyard of adjectives. “Ultra-soft,” “airbrushed,” “flawless” — none of these words tell you whether a blender will soak up half your foundation or leave streaks across your nose. The technical variables underneath the adjectives are fewer than the labels suggest, and they are worth understanding before you spend anything.

Foam density is the first real variable. A denser foam holds its shape under pressure and pushes product into the skin with less absorption. A softer, more open-cell foam expands when wet, becomes bouncy, and sheers out coverage rather than packing it on. Neither is “better.” A dense sponge suits fuller coverage and cream formulas; an open-cell sponge suits sheer, skin-like finishes and liquid foundation. The mistake is buying a soft sponge for full coverage and then blaming the sponge when the foundation disappears into it.

Foam Density and Why It Predicts Half the Result

Open-cell polyurethane foam — the material behind the original Beautyblender and most credible alternatives — has interconnected pores that let water and product move through the structure. When you soak the sponge, those cells fill with water. A properly damp open-cell sponge has less empty space for foundation to occupy, which is why wet application wastes less product than dry application with the same tool. The water is doing structural work, not cosmetic work.

Density determines how that structure behaves under pressure. High-density foams feel firmer and absorb less liquid, which translates to more coverage per pump of foundation. Lower-density foams compress easily, distribute product in a thinner layer, and produce that diffused, second-skin look that made the category famous. Juno & Co.’s microfiber-hybrid sponge is a useful outlier here: the microfiber flocking sits on the surface and holds product closer to the skin, reducing absorption by roughly half compared with standard foam, according to the brand’s own positioning and reviewer consensus.

The practical takeaway is unromantic. If you wear a lightweight skin tint and want a natural finish, a softer open-cell sponge is the correct tool. If you wear a full-coverage liquid and want it to stay full-coverage, buy a denser sponge or a microfiber hybrid. If you buy one sponge and expect it to do both jobs perfectly, you are asking a kitchen sponge to behave like a paint roller.

Latex-Free, Silicone, Microfiber — Decoding the Material Label

“Latex-free” is the most important label on a sponge for anyone with a latex sensitivity, and it is also the most over-read label in the aisle. Most reputable beauty sponges sold in the US are latex-free polyurethane foam. Latex-free does not automatically mean hypoallergenic, vegan, or better-performing. It means the foam does not contain natural rubber latex. Real Techniques, Beautyblender, e.l.f., EcoTools, and Fenty all sell latex-free options, but their foams feel completely different because density and pore structure vary.

Silicone is a separate category wearing a sponge costume. A solid silicone applicator does not absorb product at all, which sounds like a dream until you use one and realize it applies foundation like a spatula: it spreads product across the surface without pressing it into texture. Silicone-core sponges try to split the difference — a silicone center reduces absorption while a foam outer layer blends. The result is a tool that wastes less foundation but requires more blending pressure than a pure foam sponge. It is a legitimate option for people who use expensive foundation and resent watching it disappear into foam. It is not a replacement for a blender in the traditional sense.

Microfiber is not a foam at all; it is a surface treatment. A microfiber-flocked sponge has a fuzzy exterior that grabs product and holds it near the surface. That produces higher coverage with less product, but the texture can drag slightly on dry or textured skin if the sponge is not damp enough. Sensitive-skin users should patch-test any new sponge material the same way they would a new foundation, because “latex-free” does not mean “irritation-free.”

The 7 Makeup Sponges Worth Your Money in the US (2026)

This is not a list of every sponge on the shelf. It is a list of sponges that solve different problems at prices that make sense in the US market. Prices move with sales, multipacks, and retailer promotions, so treat the numbers as ranges rather than scripture.

1. Beautyblender Original — The Benchmark, Whether You Like It or Not

The original teardrop sponge costs around $20, which is an absurd amount of money for a piece of foam until you use it and notice that it does not leave hard edges. The open-cell foam is soft, bouncy, and genuinely effective at pressing liquid foundation into the skin rather than painting it on top. The pointed tip reaches the sides of the nose and under-eye area; the round base covers cheeks and forehead in a few bounces. It is latex-free, vegan, and widely available at Sephora, Ulta, and Amazon.

The case against it is financial, not technical. Beautyblender itself recommends replacing the sponge every three months under regular use, and sooner if it tears, stains stubbornly, or smells. At $20 a pop, that is roughly $80 a year on sponges before you buy any makeup to put on them. The brand sells solid and liquid cleansers that work well, but the cleanser is another line item. If you use a sponge daily and you care about a polished, diffused finish, the cost per use is defensible. If you use a sponge twice a week, it is harder to justify.

2. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge — The $4 Reality Check

Real Techniques sells the Miracle Complexion Sponge for about $4 to $7 depending on whether you buy a single or a multipack, and CNN Underscored’s 2026 sponge test named it the best overall performer after comparing seven popular options. The three-point design — flat edge, rounded side, pointed tip — covers more ground than a plain teardrop, and the foam is latex-free, vegan, and cruelty-free. Used damp, it blends liquid and cream foundation smoothly and builds coverage without obvious streaking.

It is slightly more absorbent than premium foams, which means thicker foundations may require a touch more product. The foam also loses shape faster under frequent washing, so daily users should expect to replace it more often than a Beautyblender. That is the trade: you pay less upfront and more frequently. For anyone who refuses to spend $20 on foam, this is the rational entry point, and it outperforms several sponges that cost three times as much.

3. Juno & Co. Microfiber Velvet Sponge — For People Who Hate Wasting Foundation

Juno & Co. sells the Microfiber Velvet Sponge for around $6, and it solves a specific complaint: standard foam absorbs too much product. The microfiber surface holds foundation near the skin instead of letting it disappear into the sponge, so a single pump goes further and coverage stays fuller. Reviewers consistently describe a satin, opaque finish and noticeably less waste. The trade-off is texture. The fuzzy surface can drag on dry patches if the sponge is too dry, and it requires a slightly different technique — press and roll rather than bounce aggressively.

For anyone who wears medium-to-full coverage liquid foundation and resents the economics of watching product vanish into a tool, this is the most interesting sponge in the affordable tier. It is not the softest sponge on this list, and it is not the most forgiving on mature or flaky skin. It is the one that makes your foundation last longer, which is a different kind of value.

4. e.l.f. Total Face Sponge — The Beginner’s Safe Bet

e.l.f. sells the Total Face Sponge for about $5 to $6, and it is soft, bouncy, and competent both damp and dry. It handles cream blush, lightweight foundation, and tinted moisturizer without drama. The finish leans light-to-medium and natural. It is not the most durable sponge in this group, and it will not transform a full-coverage foundation into an airbrushed event. What it will do is let a beginner learn the bouncing technique without spending Beautyblender money on a tool they might abandon after two weeks.

The case for it is educational, not aspirational. Buy it, use it, wash it, and figure out whether you actually like sponges before you buy a premium one. If you already know you like sponges and you want the best sub-$10 performer, Real Techniques is the stronger pick. If you are buying your first sponge and you want a low-stakes entry, e.l.f. is fine.

5. L’Oréal Infallible Blend Artist — Drugstore Softness That Punches Up

L’Oréal’s Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender costs around $8 and has a velvety texture that feels more expensive than the price suggests. The larger round bottom covers quickly; the pointed tip handles detail. It suits medium coverage and a plush, satin finish, and it works well with liquid and cream formulas. It is a sensible middle option for anyone who finds Real Techniques too absorbent but refuses to cross the $10 line.

It is not a precision tool. The shape is less versatile than a three-point design, and the foam is not as dense as a premium blender. But for a straightforward everyday sponge at a drugstore price, it does the job without asking for applause.

6. EcoTools Bioblender — The Compostable Option With a Catch

EcoTools sells the Bioblender for around $6, and it is the only sponge on this list with a credible end-of-life story: the brand states that the material is compostable and biodegrades in approximately 180 days under home composting conditions. It is latex-free and performs like a standard soft open-cell sponge — natural, light-to-medium finish, best with liquid and cream formulas. For readers who care about the environmental cost of replacing a foam tool every few months, it is a meaningful alternative.

The catch is that “compostable” only matters if you actually compost it. A Bioblender thrown in the household trash behaves like any other sponge in a landfill. The performance is good but not category-leading, and the foam is not as durable as a denser premium blender. Buy it for the material story, not because it will out-blend a Beautyblender.

7. Fenty Beauty Precision Sponge 100 — The Detail Workhorse

Fenty’s Precision Makeup Sponge 100 costs around $16 and has a three-sided shape — slanted edge, mini-moon edge, and rounded side — that makes it unusually good at correcting makeup rather than just applying it. It smooths over foundation applied with fingers or a brush, presses out cakiness, and reaches under the eyes and around the nose without smearing the rest of the face. It is latex-free and works with liquid, cream, and powder formulas.

It is not the first sponge you buy. It is the second sponge you buy when you realize that one shape cannot do everything, or the travel sponge you keep in your bag because it fits into corners that a full-size teardrop cannot. At $16 it is a supplement, not a staple, and that is fine as long as you know which role it is playing.

Makeup Sponge vs. Foundation Brush: A Decision, Not a Religion

The sponge-versus-brush debate generates more heat than light because people argue as if one tool is universally superior. It is not. A brush gives you control, speed, and fuller coverage. A sponge gives you a softer, more diffused finish and better control over how much product sits on the skin. The correct question is not “which is better” but “which finish do I want, and which formula am I using?”

Coverage and Finish: The Real Trade-Off

A dense foundation brush buffs product into the skin and builds coverage quickly. It is the faster tool for a full-coverage look, and it gives more precise control over where product lands. The downside is that brushes can leave visible bristle streaks if the technique is sloppy, and they can make foundation look heavier than intended on textured or dry skin. A sponge does the opposite: it presses and bounces product into the skin, sheers out the formula, and produces a finish that looks more like skin and less like a layer.

The trade-off is coverage and product consumption. A sponge typically absorbs some foundation, especially if it is too dry or too porous, so the same amount of product delivers less coverage. A brush wastes less product but can apply it unevenly. According to L’Oréal’s own makeup editorial, brushes are the better choice for controlled, fuller coverage, while damp sponges are better for a sheer, natural, “second-skin” effect. That is a useful summary, but it leaves out the part that matters for daily users: a sponge is more forgiving of bad technique. You can bounce a sponge haphazardly and still get a decent result. A brush rewards precision and punishes haste.

Why a Sponge Drinks Your Foundation (and How to Limit the Damage)

Product absorption is the sponge’s original sin. Foam has empty cells; foundation fills them; less foundation reaches your face. The fix is not to buy a denser sponge necessarily, but to use the sponge correctly. A dry sponge absorbs more product than a damp one because the empty cells are hungry for liquid. Soak the sponge fully, squeeze out the excess until it is plump but not dripping, and then apply. The water occupies the foam’s internal space, leaving less room for foundation to disappear.

Technique matters too. Wiping or dragging a sponge across the face pushes product around and encourages absorption. Bouncing and pressing deposits product onto the skin. If you are using a very thin, watery foundation, even a well-dampened sponge will absorb some of it; that is physics, not a product defect. If waste is your primary complaint, a microfiber-hybrid sponge like Juno & Co. is a more direct solution than switching to a brush you do not enjoy using.

Shapes and Edges: What a Teardrop, Wedge, and Round Sponge Are Actually For

Sponge shape is not decoration. Each geometry solves a different access problem on the face, and buying a shape that does not match your routine is a reliable way to conclude, wrongly, that sponges do not work for you.

Teardrop and Egg Sponges

The teardrop is the default for a reason. A rounded base covers cheeks, forehead, and chin in broad bounces; a pointed tip reaches the inner corners of the eyes, the sides of the nose, and the crease between the nose and cheek. An egg-shaped sponge is essentially the same idea with a more symmetrical body. For most people using liquid foundation on the entire face, a teardrop or egg sponge is the most versatile single tool. If you only own one sponge, make it this shape.

Triangular, Wedge, and Round Sponges

Triangular and wedge sponges are the detail and control shapes. The flat surfaces press product into the skin; the sharp corners reach around the eyes, nose, and mouth with more precision than a round sponge allows. They are the classic disposable sponge shape, but reusable wedge-shaped foam sponges exist too. Round sponges have a broad surface for blending across larger areas and are less useful for precision. They suit powder application and quick all-over blending, but they are not the shape to buy if you want one sponge to do concealer, foundation, and contour.

Mini and Precision Sponges for Concealer

Mini sponges are not miniature versions of a full-size blender with the same job. They are targeted tools for concealer, under-eye correction, and cleaning up edges around brows and lips. A mini teardrop or a dual-ended precision sponge reaches areas that a full-size sponge smears. Fenty’s Precision Sponge 100 and Morphe’s One & Done Mini duo are built around this use case. If you wear concealer daily and you are still using the tip of a full-size sponge, a dedicated mini is a small upgrade that makes a visible difference in control.

How to Use a Makeup Sponge Without Looking Like You Fought Your Foundation

Most sponge problems are technique problems. The tool is fine; the hand is rushing. Three variables decide whether a sponge produces a diffused finish or a patchy mess: moisture level, motion, and product pairing.

Wet vs. Dry: The Only Rule You Need

Use a damp sponge for liquid and cream foundation, concealer, and cream blush. Soak it until it expands, squeeze out the excess, and wrap it in a clean towel to remove surface water. Use a dry sponge for powder products — setting powder, powder foundation, highlighter — and for baking or pressing powder into specific zones. A damp sponge and a powder product do not mix; the moisture causes the powder to clump and patch. A dry sponge and a liquid foundation do mix, but badly: the dry foam absorbs more product and distributes it less evenly.

Bounce, Don’t Drag: The Technique in Plain English

Dot foundation on your forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose. Then bounce the sponge against the skin in short, quick presses, starting at the center of the face and working outward. Do not wipe. Do not drag. The bouncing motion presses product into the skin without pushing it into the sponge’s pores or leaving streaks. Use the rounded side for broad areas and the pointed tip for the sides of the nose and under the eyes. Build in thin layers rather than applying a full pump at once; layering gives you control over coverage and prevents the dreaded cakey finish.

Powder, Cream, and Liquid: Matching the Sponge to the Formula

Liquid foundation is the sponge’s home turf. A damp open-cell sponge sheers it out, presses it into texture, and produces the most skin-like finish. Cream foundation is thicker and works better with a denser sponge or a brush; a soft open-cell sponge can move cream around without blending it fully. Powder foundation is the odd one out. A damp sponge will make powder patchy; a dry sponge or a powder puff is the correct tool. If you use multiple formulas, you need either multiple sponges or a sponge plus a brush, and pretending otherwise leads to bad makeup and unnecessary frustration.

How to Clean a Makeup Sponge (and Why “I’ll Do It Later” Is a Bad Strategy)

A makeup sponge is a damp, warm, porous object that collects oil, dead skin cells, pigment, and bacteria. Leaving it dirty is not a cosmetic problem; it is a skin problem waiting to happen. The good news is that cleaning a sponge takes about two minutes, and the method that works best is also the cheapest.

The Hand-Wash Method That Actually Works

Wet the sponge thoroughly with warm water until it puffs up. Apply a small amount of mild liquid soap or baby shampoo directly to the sponge. Massage and squeeze the sponge under running water until the suds turn from tinted to mostly clear. Keep rinsing until the water runs clean and no more makeup comes out. Press the sponge between a clean towel to remove excess water, then let it air-dry in an open, ventilated spot. That is the entire method, and in a side-by-side test of popular cleaning tricks, plain hand washing with mild soap and warm water outperformed soaking, microwaving, and washing-machine experiments.

Clean the sponge after every use if you can, and at minimum every two to three uses. If you are acne-prone or have sensitive skin, daily cleaning is the safer default. A weekly deeper clean with a dedicated sponge cleanser or fragrance-free soap helps remove buildup that quick rinses miss.

Deep Cleaning, Drying, and What Not to Do

For a deeper clean, work a small amount of cleanser through the foam with your fingers, rinse thoroughly, and repeat until the water runs clear. Do not use harsh detergents, very hot water, or twisting and tearing motions; they break down the foam and shorten the sponge’s life. Do not store a damp sponge in a closed container or a sealed makeup bag. Mold and bacteria thrive in trapped moisture, and a musty smell is the sponge telling you it has already lost the argument.

When to Throw It Out

Replace a makeup sponge every one to three months under regular use, depending on how often you use it and how well you clean it. Beautyblender recommends every three months; other brands and dermatology-adjacent guidance suggest replacing every one to three months, and sooner if you notice tears, persistent staining, loss of bounce, or an unpleasant odor. A sponge that smells like a gym bag is not going to improve your foundation. The three-month rule is not a marketing conspiracy, even if the companies selling sponges benefit from it. Foam degrades internally, and once the structure breaks down, you cannot fully disinfect it.

Disposable, Silicone, and Reusable Sponges: The Trade-Offs Nobody Puts in a Table

The sponge aisle is split into three product philosophies, and each one solves a different problem. Reusable foam blenders are the default for daily makeup. Disposable wedges are the hygiene and backstage option. Silicone and silicone-core tools are the anti-absorption play. None of them is universally superior; they are different answers to different questions.

Disposable Wedges and Triangle Sponges

Disposable wedge sponges are cheap, latex-free in most reputable versions, and useful for powder, cream, and liquid application in situations where washing a reusable sponge is impractical. Makeup artists use them for hygiene between clients; travelers use them to avoid packing a damp sponge; anyone who has ever tried to clean a sponge in a hotel sink understands the appeal. The trade-off is waste. A 100-pack of wedges is convenient and generates more trash than one reusable blender. If you use them, buy latex-free versions and use each wedge for a single session rather than stretching it for a week.

Silicone Sponges and Silicone-Core Blenders

A solid silicone applicator absorbs no product, which means every drop of foundation ends up on your face or in the sink rather than inside the tool. The catch is that silicone does not press product into skin texture the way foam does. It spreads and sits on top, and it can make foundation look patchy over pores or dry patches. Silicone-core sponges are the compromise: a silicone center reduces absorption, while a foam exterior blends. They are a reasonable choice for expensive foundation and for people who hate waste, but they are not a direct replacement for a standard blender. Expect a slightly firmer feel and a bit more blending effort.

Reusable Sponges and the Replacement Math

Reusable sponges are the most common choice and the one with the clearest long-term cost. A $4 Real Techniques sponge replaced every six to eight weeks costs roughly $26 to $35 a year. A $20 Beautyblender replaced every three months costs roughly $80 a year. A $6 Juno & Co. microfiber sponge replaced every two to three months costs roughly $24 to $36 a year. Those numbers are estimates, not invoices; your replacement frequency depends on how often you use the sponge and how well you clean it. But the math is worth doing, because the cheapest sponge is not always the least expensive one over twelve months.

US Return Policies and Buyer Protection for Makeup Sponges

Makeup sponges are a low-stakes purchase until they are not. A sponge that tears after two washes, smells strange out of the package, or irritates your skin is a defective product, and US retailers have different policies for opened beauty tools. Knowing the rules before you buy saves an argument at the counter.

Sephora

Sephora accepts new or gently used products, including opened makeup, within 30 days of purchase for a full refund to the original payment method, in most cases. The official policy explicitly covers “gently used” items, not just unopened packaging, which is unusually consumer-friendly for a beauty retailer. If a sponge arrives damaged, tears immediately, or causes a reaction, return it within the 30-day window with proof of purchase. Do not wait until the sponge is heavily used and then argue that it was defective from day one; the policy protects gently used items, not exhausted ones.

Ulta Beauty

Ulta’s return window is longer on paper: 30 days for a refund to the original payment method, and 31 to 60 days for a merchandise credit, with opened and gently used makeup accepted within that window. The practical difference matters. If you bought a sponge, used it twice, and hated the absorption, Ulta gives you more calendar room to return it than Sephora does, though the refund method changes after day 30. Keep the receipt or the order confirmation; proof of purchase is required in most cases.

Drugstore and Mass Retail

Target, Walmart, and similar mass retailers generally require unused products in original packaging for a full refund, though store-level discretion varies. A sponge that has been opened, used, and washed is a harder return than a sealed one. If you are buying a sponge at a drugstore and you are not sure about the material, keep the packaging until you have used it once. “Gently used” is a friendlier standard at beauty specialty retailers than at general merchandise stores, and that difference is worth factoring into where you buy.

How We Picked (and What We Refused to Ignore)

This guide is based on published product specifications, retailer listings, independent editorial testing, and reviewer consensus across major US retailers. We prioritized four criteria: whether the sponge is latex-free, how its foam density affects absorption and coverage, whether the shape actually serves a distinct application purpose, and whether the price makes sense for the replacement schedule the brand recommends. We excluded sponges with unclear material disclosures, products that only exist as dropship listings with no stable retail presence, and any tool that claims to do every job while doing none of them well.

We did not invent statistics or laboratory results. Where a number appears — a price, a return window, a replacement interval — it comes from a retailer, brand, or published editorial source. Where the evidence is qualitative rather than quantitative, the text says so. The goal is not to declare a single winner. It is to give you enough technical context to choose the sponge that matches your foundation, your skin, and your tolerance for washing foam.

FAQ: Makeup Sponge Questions People Actually Ask

What is a makeup sponge?

A makeup sponge is a porous foam or microfiber tool used to apply and blend liquid, cream, and powder complexion products. Most are latex-free polyurethane foam, used damp for foundation and concealer and dry for powder. The shape and density determine whether the sponge produces sheer, diffused coverage or a fuller, more opaque finish.

How do you clean a makeup sponge?

Wet the sponge with warm water, apply a small amount of mild soap or baby shampoo, and squeeze and massage it under running water until the suds run clear. Press it in a clean towel to remove excess water, then let it air-dry in an open, ventilated spot. Clean it after every use, or at minimum every two to three uses.

How often should you replace a makeup sponge?

Replace a reusable makeup sponge every one to three months under regular use. Replace it sooner if it tears, develops a persistent smell, loses its bounce, or retains stains that will not wash out. The three-month rule is the upper limit for a sponge used daily and cleaned regularly.

Is a makeup sponge better than a foundation brush?

Neither is universally better. A brush gives more control, faster coverage, and fuller payoff. A damp sponge gives a softer, more diffused, skin-like finish and is more forgiving of imperfect technique. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize coverage and speed or finish and blendability.

Can you use a makeup sponge dry?

Yes, but only for powder products. A dry sponge is useful for pressing setting powder, powder foundation, and highlighter into the skin. For liquid and cream foundation, use the sponge damp. A dry sponge absorbs more liquid product and distributes it less evenly, which wastes foundation and produces a patchier finish.

What is the difference between a teardrop and a wedge sponge?

A teardrop sponge has a rounded base for broad areas and a pointed tip for detail, making it the most versatile all-over shape. A wedge or triangular sponge has flat surfaces and sharp corners for controlled application and precision around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Teardrops are better for full-face foundation; wedges are better for detail and powder work.

Are latex-free makeup sponges better for sensitive skin?

Latex-free sponges are essential if you have a latex allergy or sensitivity, but “latex-free” does not guarantee that a sponge will not irritate sensitive skin. Foam texture, dye, and cleaning residue can also cause reactions. Patch-test a new sponge on a small area before using it on your full face, and wash it before first use.

Can you return a used makeup sponge to Sephora or Ulta?

Sephora accepts new or gently used products, including opened makeup, within 30 days of purchase for a full refund in most cases. Ulta accepts opened and gently used products within 30 days for a refund to the original payment method and up to 60 days for merchandise credit. Keep proof of purchase, and do not wait until the sponge is heavily used.

Do silicone makeup sponges absorb less foundation?

A solid silicone applicator absorbs no foundation at all, which reduces waste. The trade-off is that silicone spreads product across the surface rather than pressing it into skin texture, so it can look patchy over pores or dry patches. Silicone-core sponges reduce absorption while adding a foam exterior for blending, but they still require more pressure than a standard foam sponge.

How long does a Beautyblender last?

Beautyblender recommends replacing the Original sponge every three months under regular use. With daily use, some users replace it sooner if the foam tears or loses its bounce. At around $20 per sponge, the annual cost is higher than drugstore alternatives, which is the main trade-off for the brand’s finish and durability.