Shop The Most Innovative Makeup Trends Of 2017

Molly Cosmetics SiliSponge, $10 ; Artis Brushcraft Oval Collection, $18-30 ;  Sigma 3DHD Kabuki Brush, $25 ; Beauty Blender All About Face, $38

We can go on for ages about these amazing applicators, but we'll keep it short. The silicone sponge is the newest addition to our collection for the sole reason that it's more hygienic. Let's weigh the pro's and con's. Pro: BeautyBlender gives you the perfect finish and the makeup acts like a second skin because it's so diluted and it's going on with a sponge, it looks more natural and it's easier to apply. Con: Unless you clean it after every single use with the special cleaner, it's bound to be a sesspool. Think about it - weeks, if not months of makeup absorbed into the sponge along with the oil from your face every time you use it. Pro: Silicone is more hygienic because you can wipe off the makeup and it doesn't absorb any of the oils or dead skin from your face. No special cleanser or time spent getting all the water out, it's rub and go. Con: It doesn't blend the foundation into your skin the way BeautyBlender does. You have to start minimal and layer the makeup to get a more covered look. Or you can alternatively apply the makeup and then go over it with a stippling or kabuki brush. 

Speaking of brushes, Artis developed a new kind of applicator, an evolutionary design that takes the brush to a new level. The curved aesthetic allows you to draw easier, although blending can be difficult at first. It takes time to get used to the new design but it's overall a much more effective way of putting makeup on. We love the Oval Collection - the foundation brush doubles as a powder brush and is ultra plus with tens of thousands of Artis exclusive Nufibre.