9 Essential Beauty Tools: What They Are And How To Care For Them

Nine Essential Beauty Tools:  What They Are and How to Care For Them

Similar to an artist creating a stunning painting, proper tools and brushes can produce a beautiful outcome with makeup too!  Below is a list of essential beauty tools and why they're helpful for achieving a polished makeup look.
 
Makeup Sponges - Used for application of liquid, cream or powder foundation.  These disposable sponges are available in large bags so you can use a clean fresh one each time.
 
Eyelash Curler - Show off and wake up those eyes with help from an eyelash curler!  Eyelash curlers are available in several shapes and sizes, but all have the same goal of adding a nice curve to the eyelashes, making them more visible.  Curling the lashes before mascara application is recommended and helps avoid eyelash pulls from sticky mascara.  To use, place the curler at the base of the eyelashes, squeeze together and hold, then slowly release the crimping hold and slowly remove the curler from the eye; avoid doing both steps too quickly or a few eyelashes could be pulled out in the process.  The curling pad will eventually wear out with use, so if the lashes are not curling as easily, replace the pad for best results.
 
Sponge-Tipped Eye Shadow Applicators - These are tiny sponges with a short handle specifically for blending eye shadows.  The sponge tip helps to apply a maximum amount of eye shadow color onto your eyelid quickly.  Try the dual-ended applicators that contain both a round sponge and pointed sponge...the pointed end is great for blending eye shadows in corner areas or for smudging eyeliner. 

 
Angle-tipped Eyeliner Brush - Use to apply eye shadow over eyeliner for a soft or smudgy look.  The angle tip provides control while drawing a smooth, straight line. 

 
Angle-tipped Lip Brush - A lip brush can be used to apply lip gloss or lipstick directly onto the lips.  A lip brush allows better control while applying the color, and the angled tip is preferred by makeup artists.  It is also helpful for blending two or more lip colors, especially when contouring the lips for a fuller, pouty appearance. 

 
Blush Brush - For easiest powder blush application, a medium-sized blush brush provides a smooth and even finish, giving the cheeks a subtle glow.

 
Powder Brush - A large, fluffy brush to be used with a loose translucent powder for setting foundation products.  Also used with powder to tone down any shiny areas on the face or for diffusing a too-bright blush.
 
Eyebrow Brush - Some eyebrow color products have an attached eyebrow brush.  Single eyebrow brushes look similar to a skinny toothbrush and are used to tame unruly brows and groom their appearance.  Eyebrow brushes are also available as a combination eyebrow brush/eyelash comb.  The eyelash side of the combination brush is helpful for untangling clumpy eyelashes.
 
Pencil Sharpener - Use frequently to keep a pointed tip on lip liner pencils and eyeliner pencils.  A sharp-tipped pencil will help achieve a precise, professional-looking application.

 
 
 
Makeup Brush Care:
 
 
Be sure to wash all new brushes before you use them.  
 
Cleansing makeup brushes is very simple!  No special cleaners are needed!  Just use either hand soap or shampoo, wash thoroughly, rinse several times with water, then smooth out the excess moisture in the brush.  Form the brushes back into their original shape and let them dry by laying them on a towel or paper towel.  Slightly propping up the wet brushes will help them dry faster.  Cleansing your brushes in the evening is a great idea - they should be dry by morning, ready and waiting for the next makeup application.  It is recommended that brushes be cleansed at least once a week.