Week of Beauty -- The Tools -- Part 2

Note: As stated in yesterday's post, this is not a paid advertisement nor am I affiliated with any of these companies.

In Monday's post, I explained the importance of proper skin care in it's relationship to good make-up application. I have a few more thoughts on that before moving on to today's topic of the tools you need for beautiful make-up application.

The application of make-up will enhance your God-given natural beauty...it will NOT cover up bad skin! (just in case you missed that message on Monday)...Being diligent with cleansing and moisturizing EVERY morning and evening, and exfoliating at least 2x a week EVERY week...will help you achieve and showcase your God-given natural beauty.

So now, on to today's subject....The tools you will need for beautiful make-up application, and yes, EVERYONE that chooses to apply make-up needs all these tools...they don't have to be the same brand or necessarily expensive, but you will need them to make this job easier and gets the results you are going to want.

First up are make-up sponges, I use inexpensive disposable ones that I buy at Wal-Mart, use them a few times, then throw them away. Mostly for applying your make-up foundation, I like to wet mine just a tad first, then smooth the foundation all over your face including your eyes, mouth, making sure to go a bit below your jawline. You may prefer using your fingers or a foundation brush for this step, but you'll still need the sponges to get a proper blending,especially at the hairline and under your jaw. Mary Kay Cosmetic Sponges

Make sure that the brushes you use are made of natural materials, such as sable, they clean up easily and will last you years if you take proper care of them. I wash mine weekly with a good mild shampoo, rinse well and lay flat to dry. Again, they don't have to be expensive, but keep in mind that you will definitely get your money's worth if you are willing to take care of them. The ones you will need vary depending on the look you are going for...if you don't like to wear a lot of make-up, you might just need a blush brush...but if you like to wear eyeshadow, liquid eyeliner, powdered brow liner, etc, you'll need a variety.

If using a gel or liquid eyeliner, you'll certainly need an eyeliner brush, but if you like a pencil, you won't...same goes for eyebrows and what you choose to use.

If you like wearing eye shadow, you'll need at least 3 brushes, whether you're going for a natural look or a full glam look. You'll want one for your base color, one for the crease and one for the outside corner accent color. I'm not going to go into eye looks and their application here, that's something better learned in person with someone teaching and showing you how to get the look you want. For those wanting a natural look, you still need to use 3 colors, hence the 3 different brushes. Blending is the key in any look you are going for, and to blend properly, you really need at least 3 colors!

A blush brush is a must no matter the look you are going for, everyone needs at least a touch of color on the apples of their cheeks, unless you spend a lot of time at the beach, in which case I would say (sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen). Not to take a detour from our subject, but I just realized I didn't mention sunscreen in Monday's post and it is sooooo important!!!!!! Make sure if you are not using a sunscreen daily that at least your daytime moisturizer has it.

Mary Kay Brush Collection

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Brushes


And finally, for touch ups, blending, and correcting, I make sure to keep q-tips in my make-up drawer. Great for smudging eyeliner, blending shadow, wiping away any shadow that falls below the eyes and for when mascara ends up where it's not supposed to.
And the last most important step in make-up application is...

WASH IT OFF -- EVERY NIGHT BEFORE YOU GO TO BED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then be sure to use a nighttime moisturizer specifically for your skin type.