After discovering beautyblenders last year I fell in love and have been using these sponges on a regular basis to blend my foundation and cream-based makeup products. The latest from beauty blender is a small duo called the micro.mini ($17.95 for a pack of 2). These are ultra cute baby-sized sponges designed for detail application like the inner eye corners, brow bones, sides of nose, and cheeks. According to beautyblender, the micro.mini is 1/4 the size of the original version and made of the exact same material. Online reviews are mixed on these, many state that it’s simply too small to even fit in the fingers, but I think the key to using these is to use them damp. When you get these wet they expand and double in size and become more bouncy. The expanded/damp application blends cream products flawlessly and smoothly versus a dry sponge.
micro.mini vs. original:
glass canister from Crate and Barrel
I’ve been testing the micro.mini for a few days now and I’m a fan. I really like these for applying makeup under the eye or blending products around the nose. I’m always twisting the full size version when I blend concealer under the eyes to get a more precise blend, the mini is the perfect solution for those tiny areas you want to blend where a sponge is too big but a brush is too detailed. I’m one who doesn’t like to use the same tool for foundation and concealer (I just don’t like mixing two products on one tool), so the micro mini is perfect for me. I know many like tools that are multi-purpose. If you don’t mind using the same sponge for concealer and foundation then this won’t be a necessary tool.
Above: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealers in Custard and Ginger, review + thoughts here
When the micro.mini is dry it’s ultra tiny making it difficult to hold even in small hands or fingers. The best way to use these is damp where they expand to double the size. Below shows the size difference dry vs damp. Even when they are damp they are still small. If you find it slips out of your fingers try squeezing the excess water out with a paper towel. The first couple times I used it I found I needed to dry it more.
The uses are endless with the beautyblender sponges. You can apply product on the face and then blend with the sponge. Or you can mix products on the back of your hand (or makeup palette) and dip the sponge in and then apply to the face. There’s no one method I use for applying concealer. Sometimes I like to dab straight on the face. Other times I’ll apply it to the back of my hand first.
on the nails: Burberry Hydrangea Pink
I really like the micro.mini. For someone who like to keep separate tools for concealer and foundation this is perfect. I’ve been one who usually blends concealer with fingers, a clean end of a sponge or a small makeup brush. I find if there is excess foundation on a sponge, the dewiness or luminous texture of the foundation will sometimes dilute or mess up the pigment of concealer if it’s mixed with the same tools. It’s not always a bad thing but sometimes I really want concealer to cover up areas, so using a clean tool is a must for me. The small size of the micro.mini works really well for me for concealer, although I don’t suspect it will be a must-have for all. Some will probably prefer a brush, fingers or just use a regular sponge. They are ultra tiny so I suspect they might be difficult to hold for some (it’s just the right size for me but I have smaller-than-average fingers).
There are multiple uses listed for the mini version which includes contouring and highlighting, but for me I think it’s too small for either of those purposes. I prefer powder for contour and for cream or liquid highlighters I prefer brushes. If you’ve tried these I’d love to hear how you use them.
You can find the micro.mini beautyblenders in packs of two for $17.95 now at Sephora and Nordstrom. Have you tried these yet? What did you think?
The micro.minis were provided as press samples for review consideration.
As always, all opinions my own.
I am still yet to get the normal size of the beauty blender they look like they blend the makeup really well, usually I just use my hand which is probably not fantastic!
http://apathtotheunknown.blogspot.co.uk
This looks best for concealer! Nice review and photos.
Erin | Erin and Katherine Talk Beauty
I ended up returning the micro minis. I found them to be too small to be useful even when damp, and I got better results even in tight spaces with the original. I think if they were maybe 1/3 the size they'd be more useful, they're just too small.
I'm still loving my Dior Backstage Blender and I use it for concealer just as easily as I use it for foundation, so it's not as if I actually needed these. However, I find it hard to resist cute little things! If I get them, it'll probably more because they are cute than anything else 🙂
As always, your photography styling is impeccable. Can you share a source for the crystal storage jar on your counter?
Thanks Nicole! So sweet of you to say! The glass jar is from Crate and Barrel, there are multiple sizes, the one shown is the smallest option:
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/glass-canisters/f37250
Really looking forward to trying these out! : )
I'm yet to try any form of beauty blender, but I think this post may have finally convinced me to try one out. I love using my brushes, but sometimes I do feel as though a sponge application could be slightly better. I think i'm going to have to give it a whirl!
Heather, porcelainbeautyx
I highly recommend it, the pink one is my favorite!
I currently am loving the RT version of the Beauty Blender and wasn't convinced about the mini version but this review has definitely swayed me. May have to pick this up to aid flawless concealer application.
Thank you!
Leanne xx
nailsandteapots
I've heard the RT is a good dupe but haven't tried it yet.
I have yet to get a big one but I really need to! The little ones are so cute!
I'm such a sucker for minis 🙂
Amazing review, thnks.definately gonna check these out as I found the original to big for my under eye area. what nail polish r u wearing in this post, it is gorgeous?
Thanks Rachelle! I'm wearing Burberry Hydrangea Pink, review here:
http://www.thebeautylookbook.com/2015/03/burberry-beauty-runway-nail-collection.html
This looks so cute, I really want to try the beauty blenders out!
Maddy, xo // UNSTITCHEDD
I think they are definitely worth trying 🙂
I previously used for quite some time but now a complete convert to the Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Foundation brush and the Real Techniques Setting brush for concealer.
I use the little ones – I am 40 with 5 kids, one is a baby, so I use two tones of concealer with the blender. My second concealer is Nars honey and it also makes a great shadow primer, I use the little beauty blender on my lid after applying my concealer. Love them but you can't skip the step of using water.
I ordered the mirco mini a while back but was sent the full size pack. I didn't bother returning and now have a stockpile of fresh full sizes. I will get around to re-ordering the micro soon!!
thebeautybloss.com
I have these and love them for blending super opaque concealer and a bit of MAC Careblends Essential Oil out on the back of my hand before applying the mixture to my under eye area! You really get a beautifully blended look and the smaller sponge reaches better into the little crevices of the face – especially if you have small eyes! Gorgeous photos as always, Sabrina!
I agree..this is so perfect for concealer and foundation. Its a must have indeed!
These look so handy and cute and I really like this green color. They kind of remind me on mini chocolate eggs
sparklygoddess.blogspot.com
Just finished using one of these to blend my concealer – works great! I can't imagine them being too small to hold when expanded with water…perhaps a very large hand would have issues…
The mini beauty blender is just soooo cute
CANDICE | BEAUTY CANDY LOVES
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I absolutely love the original so I went out and got a pack of these too. I was surprised at just how tiny they were in person. Just too cute! I need to actually use mine soon though lol
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