Empowered Traditionalist

Eyelash curler: I know Eyelash curlers may look like medieval torture instruments, but they really  do what they claim! They curl the lashes, which opens up the eyes and makes them look bigger–and you look wider awake! they’re cheap and easy to find in the drugstore. Just make sure the curler has foam padding, which is the most gentle on the lashes.

An old toothbrush: Recycle your old toothbrush! Use it to brush any excess mascara from your lashes so that you don’t get little raccoonlike “paw prints” under your eyes, or use it to brush unruly eyebrows into place.

Baby wipes/face wipes: Keep a travel pack of wipes in your purse! They’re especially handy on airplanes and cars. Use to remove smudges, take makeup off your hands, and clean your face for a spot touch up if you’re going out straight after work.

Makeup bag: Even if you travel light, with just a lipstick and powder compact, find yourself a small makeup bag to carry them around in. That way you’ll avoid fumbling for your lipstick at inopportune moments!

Note: Caring for your brushes is probably the most important thing to helping them last as long as they should (forever)!  Makeup brushes as well as sponges, powder velours, and puffs should be washed and air-dried thoroughtly on a regular basis, because they can harbor bacteria!! a dirty brush can cause skin breakouts, and cause makeup not to go on evenly. Usually, since sponges are so cheap, i just discard mine after two uses (one on each side) to avoid bacteria buildup or having to clean them.

Soak your brushes in a mix of hot water and antibacterial soap for 10 to 15 minutes and lay them out to air dry. Between cleanings, use tissues to wipe off you brushes. Also, if the bristles begin to stray off in different directions after prolonged use, simply trim them back.

So there you go…the Tools of the Trade! A complete list and description of all your basic essentials!! hope it helps clear up any excess in your life:)

~maresah~

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What brushes are essential?
I know, there are zillions of brushes out there, but over my bit of experience and after much observation backstage at fashion shows and on photo shoots, I’ve concluded that you really need only three of four good brushes and a few basic tools. Your fourth finger, the best tool a person could have, will do the rest!!

Blush brush: Invest in a good medium-size brush with a rounded tip.

powder brush: A large, soft brush will apply face powder or bronzing powder flawlessly. also, use the same brush to remove any excess powder from your face or any eyeshadow fallout that made its way under your eyes to keep from looking like you have dark circles.

Eye shadow brush: A small brush with bristles angled on one side will help you get the line you want when you use powder eye shadow to lne your eyes or shade your lids. it also fills in spotty brows.

lip brush: A lip bursh is tapered on both sides to a rounded point.It not only gives you a perfect lip line and an even applicaion but also prevents waste by scraping the last smidgens of color out of the tube!(that’s the main reason i use mine!) Be sure to look for one with a protective top/cap.

Ok, so now that you have you’re basic brushes, here is a short list of the rest of the tools that will help you apply your makeup easily and more effectively!!

Triangular makeup sponges: these spread foundation or concealer evenly and take it into all those nooks and crannies around the eyes and under the nose.

Circular sponge or velour: the sponge or belour applies pressed pwder lightly and evely. because it pick sup the oils on your face, you should replace it when it looks shenny or caked.

Tweezers: A tweezer last forever, so buy a good one! The best would be one with a pointed or slanted tip, because it is the most versatile and grabs hair easily.

Pencil sharpener: Keeps your eye and lip pencils ready to work! Be sure to periodically clean it out and wipe it down with a bit of rubbing alcohol to disinfect it!

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Good makeup tools are absolutely essential!!
In my opinion, a good brush set is what a good set of knives is to a chef: indispensable. The biggest  makeup hazard to afflict women “the stripe” is literally caused by a bad brush!!

Any woman who wears makeup should make a small investment in a few good, natural-bristle brushes. Seriously, good brushes (if well cared for) will literally last a lifetime. They’ll also help your makeup go on more easily and look a lot better no matter how “cheap” it is!

The best brushes are made of natural bristle such as sable, goat, or squirrel. All have a common cuticle on the hairs that “grab” the powder or blush and allow it to go on more evenly.  Synthetic brushes, though cheap, aren’t supple enough for a smooth application. They usually cause streaks, and are almost impossible to clean!

Note: Soft bristles work best for a soft look. but if a brush is too soft, it won’t be able to pick up and put down color. If  it’s too hard, it won’t feel good and could irritate your skin.

To find a good brush, try before you buy!
1) If a brush sheds more than a few bristles when you run it along the back of your hand, the quality is bad.
2) Gently pull on the bristles, if more than a few come away in your hand….don’t buy it!

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