My Thoughts | Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge vs. Original Beautyblender

A couple of months ago, as my well-used Beautyblender was starting to look decidedly worse for wear, I decided to pick up one of Real Techniques' Miracle Complexion Sponges to see how it compared; I do wholeheartedly feel that beauty tools are worth investing in, as even cheap make-up can be made to look good with the right tools. That said, the original Beautyblender is pretty expensive, so if something that's less than half the price can do as good a job, you can consider me sold!
The obvious difference is that the Real Techniques sponge is orange, whilst the Beautyblender is hot pink; not really an important difference, but it's easy to tell you're not using a Beautyblender just from that fact. The shape is also slightly different; whilst the original Beautyblender is egg-shaped with a pointed tip, the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge features a flat edge. I actually prefer the shape of the Real Techniques sponge as I find the flat side far easier for blending my base in over the majority of my face, whilst I still have the pointed tip which is perfect for blending concealer around the eye area, or blending out liquid highlighters.
Like the Beautyblender, the Miracle Complexion Sponge is designed to be used damp; it doubles in size once you've run it under clean water and squeezed out the excess (my photos show it damp). I haven't really noticed any difference in how my base goes on; both sponges give a smooth, even application of liquid base products, and allow you to build up coverage as necessary. The Beautyblender is made from latex-free hydrophilic Polyurethane, whilst the Miracle Complexion Sponge is made from a "revolutionary foam technology" - I can't find any more specific details unfortunately. Regardless, I do think I prefer the feel of the Real Techniques version, it feels softer and smoother on my skin; I've also found it washes a lot better. The Beautyblender seemed to stain really quickly, whereas my Miracle Complexion Sponge cleans up really nicely with a bit of antibacterial handwash and warm water.
The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is priced at £5.99 at Boots, or you can buy a twin-pack for £9.99 to give yourself a strategic spare! Have you tried this Beautyblender dupe? What's your favourite method of applying base products?

xo