Honestly I didn't understood why beauty blender is so popular. But after trying to apply foundation with this little friend, i finally got it :) It is so big difference! Foundation goes so smooth, like an oil over the glass... Of course it is hard to get, why you have to pay 30 bucks for a SPONGE, but after trying i will definitely repurchase it, when it gets old. What about the difference between this and beauty blender, i can't say, i haven't tried BB, but i think they are equally perfect. I am happy with mine black assistant.