Tool time! what's the secret to perfectly applied makeup? All the makeup artists we know swear by the brushes, gizmos and gadgets. Here's a guided tour through the land of too-cool beauty tools… - Beauty Blast - Buyers Guide

Girls' Life, Oct-Nov, 2002 by Karen Bokram, Rachel Karceski

EYES

1. Cover Girl Eye Shadow Brush, $4

Apply shadow over your whole lid in two strokes.

2. Pupart Brush #N50, $9

This cute combo eyelash comb/brow brush lets you groom brows and comb off excess mascara flakes.

3. Benefit Get Bent Eye Liner, $13

If you line your eyes with powder, cake or liquid liner, this bent brush can help you draw a smooth line without poking your eye out.

4. Sonia Kashuk Mascara Spoolie, $2

If you have fine lashes, Spoolies work better than a lash comb and stiff brow brush.

Cargo Covered Lip Brush #17, $17

If you only buy one beauty tool, make it this brush. A lip brush helps you put the color or gloss right where you want it. Start at the top peaks of your upper lip, and fill out your lips from there. You'll be amazed at how perfect and natural your lips look.

tip

Caring for your new makeup brushes is pretty easy. Says makeup diva Heather Kleinman, "Wash them every two week with a moisturizing shampoo or body wash. Wet the brush bristles thoroughly, and work in the shampoo or wash. Then, rinse them clean--until you don't see any more shampoo or makeup coming off them. Very gently squeeze out excess water, and lay them flat on a towel to dry. Do this at night, and they'll be ready to go by morning."

Face

1. Bare Escentuals i.d. Retractable Powder Brush, $25

Leave a little extra powder on the brush, pop the cap on, and toss it in your bag for all-day touch-ups.

2. Lorac Cover Up Brush #103, $24

Use this to dab on coverup to conceal zits or dark circles.

3. Z New York Squirrel Blush Brush #6F

Look for a great flat-top blush brush, like this one, for a really natural look.

4. Max Factor Blush Brush, $6

Toss out that junky little brush that came with your compact, and use this one instead. No streaks!

5. Smashbox Foundation Brush #13, $32

Brush on cream-to-powder foundation for smoooooth coverage.

More

Bonne Bell Puffs, 3 for $3.50

The puffs that come with your powder can quickly get dirty and grungy Replace pooped-out puffs with these refills to keep powder. looking fresh.

La Cross Tini-Tote Eyelash Curler, $5

Looks weird, works great. Easy to use, even for beginners. Curl lashes before applying mascara. And even if you don't wear mascara, curl your lashes to make peepers appear bigger and brighter.

Cover Girl Make-up Masters Sponge Wedges, $3

Perfect for foundation and concealer. Sponges easily blend makeup (especially around eyes and nose) for a super-natural look.

Tweezerman Slant Tweezer, $18

These are just the best tweezers ever. Perfect for brows! We love the hot-pink color. True, they are a bit pricey but the high-quality tips hold on to hair better--fewer over-plucked brow incidents.