The advent of high-definition (HD) and social-media photography has changed the game for the cosmetics industry, spurring the development of innovative complexion products and application tools.
In 2002, Hollywood make-up artist Rea Ann Silva invented the Beautyblender, a sponge that outperformed airbrushing to ensure her celebrity clients looked great whether in HD movies or TV shows.
"In conventional filming, actors wore heavy make-up but the light blasted out everything so you wouldn't see it. For HD filming, the make-up can't be as thick for natural-looking skin," she said.
The Beautyblender, handcrafted from a non-latex foam, allows for effortless make-up application on set. When wet, the sponge doubles in size and becomes soft and bouncy.
The packaging is designed with a reservoir for dispensing and blending make-up. photo: photographer
Its open cell structure means that, while it is filled with water, the complexion product sits on top of the sponge without being absorbed. This results in minimum waste. Bouncing the sponge deposits the make-up without tugging the skin for a streak-free application.
"At first, I intended to create the Beautyblender for professionals but following the 'wet, squeeze, bounce' mantra, anyone can easily use it," said Silva. "Its large, rounded surface ensures a quick application while the contoured tip offers precision in hard-to-reach areas."
Over the years, the make-up sponge has been released in different sizes and colours.
A violet version with a swirl pattern was named "Best Make-up Tool", while the original pink Beautyblender won "Iconic Consumers' Choice" at the 2018 Cosmetic Executive Women Beauty Awards.
The latest interpretation, Beautyblender Joy, which comes in a lemon-yellow hue, symbolises happiness.
Non-toxic, water-soluble dyes are used to give the sponge its vibrant colour, explained Silva, and squeezing out the water removes excess dye.
Beautyblender Joy.
"The Beautyblender sponge may shed dye for the first couple of washes -- similar to a pair of blue jeans," she said. "When it eventually fades, which normally takes three months, this indicates the time to change to a new sponge."
Over the years, the egg-shaped applicator has become a beauty staple, but typically used with complexion products made by other brands. The Los Angeles-based Silva has now created her own primer, foundation and make-up setting spray.
The Pre Touch Primers include The Leveler Pore-Minimising for normal to oily skin, Opal Essence Serum for normal to dry skin, and Selfie Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 38 Dry Oil for all skin types.
The quick-absorbing dry oil provides protection from UVA, UVB and HEV (High Energy Visible) light to help fend off damage from both the Sun and tech devices as well as neutralise pollutants.
The primers create a smooth canvas for applying Bounce Liquid Whip Long Wear Foundation, enriched with hyaluronic acid and antioxidant-rich white birch extract.
A HyperWhip process results in a lightweight formula with a velveteen matte finish, which glides and bounces easily when layered on the skin.
Selfie Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 38 Dry Oil Primer. photo: photographer
The packaging has been functionally designed with a reservoir on the bottle for dispensing the foundation, which can be easily picked up by the damp Beautyblender sponge.
The Bounce collection comes in 40 shades, allowing users to pick the perfect match for different undertones and skin tones, for a natural look.
"Foundation is like the spanx of make-up, it supports everything but you don't want everyone to know you have it on. The best foundation is the one you can't see at all," Silva said.
Beautyblender products are available at Sephora online and stores.
