Tools | Make Up Tips, Tricks and Techniques

Having the right make up won't get you anywhere if you don't have the right tools for the job. Make sure you have what you need.

The Tools 

Although you might change up your make up all the time, tools are something you can stick to because you know them and how they work best.

Sponges

I usually apply my foundation with a brush or my fingers but I really love to use the beauty blender sponge. It's so handy for blending foundation, especially in the inner eyes and around the nose. If the sponge is damp, the foundation becomes sheer. Perfect for if you don't want heavy coverage. 

Tweezers

Make sure you have some high quality tweezers. Cheap tweezers will only lead to frustration. You'll need to pair with a flat, angled edge for minor brow touch ups.

Cotton Buds

Using a cotton bud is the quickest way to perfect eyeliner or clean up any make up that's fallen to your cheeks. 

Eyelash Curler

Curling your lashes opens up your eyes and it's a subtle and pretty effect to have your lashes flare out from your lids. If you wear glasses and have straight lashes, you should definitely use one of these to avoid having that annoying feeling of the lashes touching the lenses.

Brushes

Good brushes (i.e. brushes that you can keep forever if you take good care of them) can be expensive. So I recommend building your collection little by little until you have everything you need. These brushes are going to be used on your skin, so make sure they feel soft and not scratchy. Although some brushes must be firm, depending on their use. You don't need to be buying the most expensive brushes out there to achieve the desired effect. For some, yes, it's worth the money - if you're going to splurge do it on a soft powder brush. Honestly, all price ranges offer brushes that get the job done. The more expensive ones just feel better and last longer. Brushes are either synthetic or natural and you'll want a combination of the two in your collection. Synthetic brushes are said to be best for cream blushes and eye shadows whilst natural brushes are best for powders. Professionals break those rules all the time, so can you. 

   There are over thirty different make up brush shapes out there on the market (and then variations within, depending on the brand) but you don't even need to know about all of them unless you're considering a profession in make up. You can get through by owning a handfull.. here's a guide:

FOUNDATION	A synthetic brush. Can also be used for applying a cream blush.
CONCEALER	A narrow synthetic brush with a slightly tapered edge.
POWDER	A big, soft, natural brush.
CONTOURING	A soft brush, with a flat, angled edge. Also used for bronzing.
BLUSH	A soft medium-full blush. Natural fibre is best.
EYE SHADOW	A tapered flat brush that is good for blending.
FAN BRUSH	A light brush that’s great for highlighter – it’s also good for brushing away fall out.
EYELINER	A narrow, angled blush for applying gel liner or shadow as liner.
EYELASH/BROW COMB	The side with a small, plastic comb is used for removing mascara clumps from lashes. The bristle side is for grooming eyebrows. You can also use a spoolie brush.
EYEBROW	A firm, angle brush used for filling in brows with powder. Go for something with coarse bristles.