Beauty Tools

"Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start." (Thanks, Julie Andrews)

Well, when it comes to beauty, you have to start at the beginning, with the basics. You can't successfully apply makeup, style your hair, or any of the things that us beauty fanatics simply must do if you don't have the right tools. Quality is also important, though some things can be stinged slightly. For example, quality brushes are always important, but you don't have to get all the different contouring brushes for eyes or cheeks; you can have your brushes multitask! Use your eyeshadow brush to highlight your cheeks, or use your powder brush for blush. As long as you take care of your tools, you can use them for more than one purpose.

So, what are the essentials? Here's a list of the basic tools that I keep in my makeup case:

• Compact pocket mirror


• Q-tips (e.g. for getting rid of those small mascara smudges)


• A couple cosmetic sponges (to fix bigger errors/apply foundation)


• A small pack of Kleenex or cotton pads


• Powder/Blush brush


• Eyeshadow brush


• Lip brush (if using lip gloss)


• Brow brush


• Nail clippers


• Nail file


• Small travel hairbrush

Some people may not find all of this necessary; for example, the brow brush, the lip brush, or the sponges. As long as you find what works best for you, make sure you keep track of what tools you need and make sure to always have them in good quality. This will ensure a good, smooth and seamless application of makeup, for example, and will prove useful in other beauty ventures.

And always remember to store your beauty tools well; this will keep them from becoming damaged and will keep them in good condition. Imagine finding out mid-blush-application that your favorite brush is losing hairs, right on your cheeks. No fun. So make sure that your tools are well kept.