Three Tools Every Woman Needs for Great Makeup Application

That’s right, there are just three things in this world that will dramatically change your makeup application. If you have your prom, wedding, or any big event coming up, I would highly recommend checking out these tools.

They can make expensive makeup, or affordable makeup look professional, regardless of your skill. So, whether your a makeup newbie or seasoned wearer, these three tools will guarantee you a better over all look.

The Makeup Sponge:

How to Use: For all cream products, completely submerge the sponge in room temperature water, and wring out, leaving the sponge damp, pick up small amounts of product and bounce on to the skin. For dry products, such as powder, use the sponge dry to press small amounts of powder over the face.

If you can get your base right, then everything will come eventually. I promise. I would recommend some type of beauty sponge to anyone out there looking to where makeup on an everyday basis, or just on special occasions. Used damp, they apply your foundation, concealer, powder, blush, cream bronzer, highlight (the list goes on) perfectly, for a flawless face. The Beauty Blender has been hugely popular, and for good reason, in past few years. The original domed shape allows you to bounce product onto the skin ensuring seamless blending, and the pointed tip allows for more precise work such as concealing blemishes and highlighting the cheekbones.

But the sponge that has been standout for me is the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. Like, the original Beauty Blender, there’s a rounded edge for bouncy product on, and a tip for getting into those hard to reach areas. But the Miracle Complexion Sponge also has a flat edge, which I think is perfect for pressing powder over your makeup, or taking away extra blush if used clean.

The magic of a sponge is that it slowly deposits small amounts of product, so you are able to build coverage or intensity easily. They also allow products to mesh with your skin, whilst still creating the illusion of near perfect skin. Beauty Sponges really are a very versatile tool, and I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed if you pick on up.

The MAC 217 Brush:

How to Use: Blend out the edges of eyeshadow with small circular movements, or apply shadow in the crease of the eye with light window wiper motions. Use around the face for powder work too.

A cult classic, the MAC 217 brush is famous for a reason. It is one of the best, widely available eye brushes out there. Made from natural goat hair bristles, it is designed with eyeshadow work in mind.

If your struggling with your eyeshadows, maybe they’re skipping across the eye? Or always looking uneven? This is the tool to help you out!

Sure it can’t make cheap eyeshadows apply like a dream, but it can makes sure you make the best of what you have.

Mine I’ve used to death, so it’s a little fluffier than it should be. Even after years of abuse, it’s still my go to eye brush, and it still applies product beautifully. That’s surely a good investment, no?!

You can also use this brush to spot apply powder to the areas you need it most, apply a shimmery highlight right where you want it and softly carve out cheekbones with it and a contour powder.

If you’re really in a bind it also blends concealer under the eyes perfectly, but as its natural bristles this will speedy up their deterioration so be careful.

Eyelash Curlers:

How to Use: Gently clamp the top lashes into the curlers and hold for a minimum of 30 seconds. For more lift, slowly and carefully move the top of the curlers into the socket line of the eye, with the lashes clamped and hold for a further 30 seconds- not for the squeamish!

I really really wish someone had told me about eyelash curlers a few years ago! I’ve only been using them for about a year, and they are honestly my most treasured item in my makeup collection. I could never work out why, despite my efforts, wearing eye makeup always just made my eyes smaller in pictures. And it wasn’t until I had been using my Shu Uemura for a few weeks until I realised my whole face looked different. The lift they give your lashes mean that your eyes look brighter, wider, more awake and it definitely gives any look more drama.

Not all eyelash curlers are created equal, and I would recommend the Shu Uemura for those looking for a decade long investment and the best quality out there. I’ve also heard good things about the Tweezerman and Shiseido offerings.

From one beauty junkie to another, these are tools that will improve your technique and your overall look. They are regulars on my dressing table, but what about yours? Have you already picked these up, or are you rushing out right now?

Sam

Follow my blog on Bloglovin’