8 essential beauty tools: what you need in your cosmetic bag to help perfect your makeup technique - beauty in action

Shape, Nov, 2003 by Daniella Brodsky

Lash curler Lash curlers are the secret eye-opening weapons found at every photo shoot. Try Sephora's Go Curl Eyelash Curler, $14, an on-the-go tool about the size of a tube of lipstick, or opt for the choice of makeup artists, Sbu Uemura Eyelash Curler, $15, both at sephora.com. You also can give your curler an extra boost by adding heat: Use your blow-dryer to heat your metal eyelash curler for a few seconds (be careful that you don't burn your eyelid; test the metal with your finger before using), then apply to eyelashes and allow them to cool before applying mascara. If you're looking for a less-complicated option, try Talika's heated eyelash curler, which uses gentle heat to seal in the curl ($30; skinlogic.com).

Tweezers Most makeup artists find tweezers to be indispensable for getting rid of stray facial hairs--everywhere from brows to chin--to complete a polished look. New York City-based celebrity brow queen Eliza Petrescu has two types of tweezers in her Eliza's Essentials line: a slanted version used for longer hairs and perfect for novices, and a pointed set for use on stubborn, short or ingrown hairs ($20 each; 800-EYEBROW). Other favorites: the full line of tweezers--from slanted to round-tipped--from Tweezerman ($18-$20 for most; tweezerman.com).

Daniella Brodsky is a freelance beauty writer in New York City and author of The Girl's Guide to New York Nightlife (Harper-Collins, 2002).

quick cleansing tips

"With the right care, your brushes can last 20 years," explains Shu Uemura's Lisa Okesson, who offers these brush-care suggestions:

* Brush off any excess powder after each use, or use a brush cleaner like BeneFit Makeup Remover & Brush Cleaner Baby! ($21; benefitcosmetics.com) or Awake Brush Cleaner ($25; sephora.com) to help eliminate all traces of makeup.

* Wash your brushes at least once a week in a gentle shampoo (if you don't use a brush cleaner), making sure to rinse well afterward. (Dirty brushes can carry bacteria, causing eye infections and blemishes.) To dry, reshape the brush with your fingers and lay it flat on a towel.

Shape giveaway a makeup-artist favorite ... FOR FREE

We're giving away 500 Sonia Kashuk Covered Lip Brushes (a $7 value)! Log on to Shape.com/lipbrush from Oct. 1-20 for your chance to win this professional-quality brush designed by makeup artist Sonia Kashuk. The pointed tip of the brush not only helps you outline your lips and blend color to perfection, but also guarantees that you get every last bit of lipstick from your favorite tube. Log on, and good luck!