Update: A press representative for Beautyblender has said that its team is investigating the video. She shared the following statement with Refinery29 over email:
"We are unable to verify the authenticity of the video or to confirm whether the sponge shown in the video is in fact a genuine Beautyblender purchased from an authorized retailer. Often imitated, but most certainly never duplicated, the Original Beautyblender is produced in an ISO Certified U.S. manufacturing facility that upholds the highest standards in quality control. As a result, it would be impossible for a sponge to come from our facility in the condition depicted in the video. Regardless of whether the video is legitimate, instances like this reconfirm how important it is for consumers to purchase their Beautyblender products only from an authorized retailer to ensure that they receive the level of quality and performance that the Original Beautyblender is known for. To find a list of authorized retailers in your area please visit Beautyblender's website."
This article was originally published September 2, 2015.
Prepare for your Wednesday afternoon heebie-jeebies. Stevie Miller, a young beauty professional in the U.K., found some unwelcome (and, frankly, disgusting) visitors in her new Beautyblender: four — count 'em — four tiny bugs with legs AND wings. Cue the shuddering and dry-heaving. Miller says she discovered the intruders by way of a tiny hole in her brand-new makeup sponge.
Now, before you run out and burn every single one of your beloved pink sponges, it's important to note where Miller purchased the Beautyblender. According to an interview with Mashable, she says that she received it from an "authorized reseller." And that's where the story starts to make sense. According to our recent deep-dive into the beauty gray market in the U.S., resellers often get their haul from actual brand relationships, but then sell them outside of their intended channels. How does that impact you? Brands can't control the environments that those products are housed in — since they aren't authorized retailers — and that's likely how Miller's little creatures found their spot. (It should also be noted that cleaning your makeup sponges regularly is absolutely essential, as warm, damp environments are breeding grounds for bacteria.)
The lesson here? Even though resellers are typically cheaper, it's better to buy your products directly from the source. You may shell out a few more bucks, but isn't that worth the peace of mind knowing you won't wind up with a family of bugs in your cosmetics?
We've reached out to Beautyblender for comment, and will update this post when we hear back.