Essential Makeup Tools: A Professional’s Checklist
Creating a flawless makeup look is not just about the products you use, but also the tools you use to apply them. As any professional makeup artist will tell you, having the right set of tools can make all the difference between an average and an exceptional look. Here’s the ultimate checklist of essential makeup tools every professional should have in their kit.
1. Makeup Sponge
I used to swear by applying my foundation with a brush for many years. I once experimented with a ‘dry’ sponge and quickly decided it wasn’t for me. However, when someone suggested using a damp sponge, it completely transformed my makeup routine.
If you haven’t tried using a makeup sponge yet, I highly recommend giving it a shot. It’s truly a game-changer for achieving that dazzling, flawless complexion. As someone with large pores, I’ve found this tool to be the only thing that provides full coverage over them.
Here’s how to use it – After spreading your primer, dot your foundation all over your face. Soak the sponge in warm water and wring out the excess. Then, use the damp sponge to dab and blend the foundation across your face, ensuring not to overlook your jawline and neck.
Next, apply concealer under your eyes and on any spots or blemishes. Gently blend it in using the sponge. After that, dip the same sponge into some loose powder and press it onto your nose, cheeks, undereye, chin, and forehead.
This method not only saves time but also helps to minimize pores and absorb any excess oil. Finally, use a large makeup brush to sweep away any residual powder.
2. Brushes
let’s delve into that! Do you have a moment? As I mentioned before, there seems to be a brush designed for each minute detail of your face. You might be wondering, “Do I genuinely need every single one of them to achieve impeccable makeup?”
NO!
In my career as a makeup artist and hairstylist, you’re presented with an array of brushes to choose from, but here’s a little secret – we always gravitate towards our favorites! To create a full makeup look, you really only need six key brushes.
Large Powder Brush: This brush has soft bristles that are perfect for applying loose powder.
Contour Brush: This is my all-time favorite brush. The angled bristles make it much easier to contour with cream or powder, and I also use it to apply highlighter.
Small Flat Concealer Brush: If you struggle with under-eye circles or occasional breakouts like me, this brush will provide the extra coverage you need.
Eyeshadow Brush: This smaller, flat, rounded brush allows for precise eyeshadow application either on your eyelid or beneath the lash line.
Eyeshadow Blending Brush: This tapered, fluffy brush is your ticket to a perfect smoky eye. It allows you to easily soften harsh lines with its soft bristles.
“Pro-Tip: hold the brush towards the end and use a “windscreen wiper” motion to get a professional blend and don’t forget to smoke out under your bottom lashline”.
For enviable eyebrows, a dual-ended brow brush is your best friend. It simplifies the process of shaping and defining your brows. The spoolie end helps to tame and groom your brows, while the angled brush end facilitates easy application of brow powder for well-defined brows.
“Pro Tip – You can also use the angled end to apply your gel eyeliner for the perfect feline flick”.
3. Eyelash Curler
The most underappreciated makeup instrument, the eyelash curler, is probably already in your possession, likely forgotten at the bottom of your makeup drawer. It can significantly enhance your lashes, making your eyes appear brighter and more open, and it only takes a few seconds to use.
Simply position the curler at the base of your lashes, apply some pressure, and hold for about 10 seconds. Repeat this process on both lashes for an added curl. Remember to do this before applying mascara or eyeliner – I’ve learned the hard way that doing it afterwards can lead to a messy situation!
After curling both sets of lashes twice, apply a volumizing mascara for an immediate lash lift.
“Pro-Tip – Voluminsing Mascara is the best mascara to use for a stronger hold of the curl”.
4. Tweezers
A pair of high-quality tweezers, such as those from Tweezerman, can be an absolute lifesaver when it comes to dealing with those pesky stray hairs. The importance of a good pair of tweezers should not be overlooked. I suggest always having them in your makeup bag, as you never know when you might need to tackle an unexpected stray hair.
5. Pencil Sharpener
Regardless of whether you’re using a black eyeliner or a red lip liner, maintaining sharp and precise edges is crucial. A makeup pencil sharpener is the ideal tool for this job (unsurprisingly). It’s important to avoid using a regular pencil sharpener, as it can shorten the lifespan of your makeup pencils.
6. Flannel
Now that you’re equipped with all the essential makeup application tools, let’s talk about the most effective way to remove it: using a traditional flannel cloth. This method is not only efficient at removing all your makeup in one go but is also the most eco-friendly option.
Here’s how to use it – Wet your face with warm water and apply a cleansing balm. Gently massage it onto your skin in circular movements, then use the flannel cloth to wipe everything off. If you often wear heavy makeup or full-coverage foundation, I would recommend doing a double cleanse for thorough removal.
FAQ: Makeup Tools and Accessories
What Are Tools for Makeup?
Makeup tools are essential for applying and blending makeup products to achieve a flawless finish. Here are some of the must-have tools for your makeup kit:
Makeup Brushes:
- Foundation Brush: Used to apply liquid or cream foundation.
- Example: Flat top kabuki brush, stippling brush.
- Concealer Brush: Small brush for precise application of concealer.
- Example: Flat, slightly tapered brush.
- Powder Brush: Large, fluffy brush for applying setting powder.
- Example: Dome-shaped brush.
- Blush Brush: Medium-sized brush for applying blush.
- Example: Angled blush brush.
- Contour Brush: Used for applying contour products to define facial features.
- Example: Angled or flat contour brush.
- Eyeshadow Brushes: Various sizes and shapes for applying and blending eyeshadows.
- Example: Flat shader brush, blending brush, crease brush.
- Eyeliner Brush: Thin, angled brush for applying gel or powder eyeliner.
- Example: Fine-tipped brush.
- Lip Brush: Small, precise brush for applying lipstick or gloss.
- Example: Tapered brush.
- Foundation Brush: Used to apply liquid or cream foundation.
Sponges:
- Beauty Blender: Versatile sponge for applying and blending foundation, concealer, and other liquid products.
- Wedge Sponges: Disposable sponges for applying and blending makeup.
Tools for Brows:
- Eyebrow Brush/Spoolie: Used to comb and shape eyebrows.
- Eyebrow Scissors: Small scissors for trimming brow hairs.
- Eyebrow Tweezers: Used to pluck and shape eyebrow hairs.
Eyelash Tools:
- Eyelash Curler: Curves lashes upwards for a lifted look.
- False Lash Applicator: Helps to apply false eyelashes precisely.
Other Essential Tools:
- Brush Cleaner: Keeps brushes clean and free from bacteria.
- Makeup Palette: A flat surface used for mixing foundations, concealers, or other products.
- Makeup Sponge Holder: Holds and dries makeup sponges.
- Pencil Sharpener: For sharpening eyeliners, lip liners, and brow pencils.
What Are Some Makeup Accessories?
Makeup accessories complement your makeup tools and help in achieving a polished look. Here are some essential accessories to consider:
Mirror:
- Illuminated Mirror: Provides good lighting for precise makeup application.
- Compact Mirror: Portable mirror for touch-ups on the go.
Makeup Bag:
- Travel Makeup Bag: A convenient way to store and organize your makeup while traveling.
- Brush Roll: Keeps makeup brushes organized and protected.
Cotton Pads and Q-Tips:
- Cotton Pads: For applying toner or removing makeup.
- Q-Tips: Useful for cleaning up small makeup mistakes or applying small amounts of product.
Makeup Remover:
- Micellar Water: Gentle cleanser for removing makeup.
- Makeup Wipes: Convenient for quick removal of makeup.
Facial Tissues:
- Blotting Papers: Absorb excess oil without disturbing makeup.
- Regular Tissues: For dabbing makeup or correcting mistakes.
Brush Guards:
- Protects brush bristles and helps maintain their shape during drying or storage.
Makeup Organizer:
- Acrylic Organizers: Clear organizers with compartments for storing makeup products.
- Drawer Organizers: Inserts for keeping makeup neatly arranged in drawers.
Hair Accessories:
- Headband: Keeps hair away from the face while applying makeup.
- Hair Clips: Holds sections of hair back during makeup application.
Tweezers:
- Precision Tweezers: For plucking stray brow hairs or applying false lashes.
Face Spatula:
- Silicone Spatula: Hygienic tool for scooping out products from jars.
Summary:
Makeup Tools:
- Makeup brushes (foundation, concealer, powder, blush, contour, eyeshadow, eyeliner, lip).
- Makeup sponges (beauty blender, wedge sponges).
- Brow tools (spoolie, scissors, tweezers).
- Eyelash tools (curler, false lash applicator).
- Other essentials (brush cleaner, makeup palette, sponge holder, pencil sharpener).
Makeup Accessories:
- Mirrors (illuminated, compact).
- Makeup bags (travel bag, brush roll).
- Cotton pads, Q-tips.
- Makeup remover (micellar water, wipes).
- Facial tissues (blotting papers, regular tissues).
- Brush guards, makeup organizer, hair accessories (headband, clips).
- Tweezers, face spatula.
These tools and accessories are essential for creating various makeup looks and maintaining an organized and efficient makeup routine.
FAQ: Makeup Brushes and Tools
What Makeup Brushes to Have?
Having the right makeup brushes is essential for achieving a flawless application. Here’s a list of must-have brushes for a complete makeup kit:
Foundation Brush:
- Use: Applying liquid or cream foundation.
- Types: Flat top kabuki brush, stippling brush.
Concealer Brush:
- Use: Precise application of concealer.
- Types: Flat, slightly tapered brush.
Powder Brush:
- Use: Applying setting powder.
- Types: Large, fluffy dome-shaped brush.
Blush Brush:
- Use: Applying blush to the cheeks.
- Types: Angled blush brush.
Contour Brush:
- Use: Defining facial features with contour products.
- Types: Angled or flat contour brush.
Highlighting Brush:
- Use: Applying highlighter to the high points of the face.
- Types: Fan brush, tapered highlighting brush.
Eyeshadow Brushes:
- Flat Shader Brush: Packing eyeshadow onto the lid.
- Blending Brush: Blending eyeshadows seamlessly.
- Crease Brush: Applying shadow to the crease.
- Detail Brush: Precision work on the inner corner or lower lash line.
Eyeliner Brush:
- Use: Applying gel or powder eyeliner.
- Types: Thin, angled brush.
Brow Brush/Spoolie:
- Use: Filling in and shaping eyebrows.
- Types: Dual-ended with an angled brush and spoolie.
Lip Brush:
- Use: Precise application of lipstick or gloss.
- Types: Tapered brush.
Professional Makeup Tools
For a professional makeup kit, the tools need to be versatile, durable, and of high quality. Here are some additional tools that professionals often use:
Airbrush Machine:
- Use: Applying a fine mist of makeup for a flawless finish.
- Popular Brands: Temptu, Dinair.
Professional Brush Set:
- Brands: Sigma, MAC, Zoeva.
Makeup Palettes:
- Use: Mixing foundations, concealers, and other products hygienically.
- Material: Stainless steel or acrylic.
Multiple Types of Blenders and Sponges:
- Use: Blending foundation, concealer, and cream products.
- Popular Brands: Beautyblender, Real Techniques.
High-Quality Eyelash Curler:
- Brands: Shu Uemura, Shiseido.
Tweezers:
- Precision Tweezers: For brow grooming and applying false lashes.
- Brands: Tweezerman.
Disposable Applicators:
- Use: Maintaining hygiene with disposable mascara wands, lip brushes, and sponge applicators.
Sanitizing Sprays:
- Use: Disinfecting tools and palettes.
- Brands: Cinema Secrets, BeautySoClean.
Makeup Light:
- Use: Ensuring proper lighting for accurate application.
- Types: Ring lights, LED panel lights.
Storage Solutions:
- Use: Keeping tools organized and accessible.
- Types: Rolling makeup cases, brush holders.
Makeup Tools for Beginners
Beginners should start with essential tools that are easy to use and versatile. Here’s a basic kit for those new to makeup:
Basic Brush Set:
- Foundation Brush: Flat top kabuki or a blending sponge.
- Concealer Brush: Small, flat brush.
- Powder Brush: Large, fluffy brush.
- Blush Brush: Medium-sized, angled brush.
- Eyeshadow Brushes: Flat shader brush and a blending brush.
- Spoolie: For brushing brows.
Blending Sponge:
- Use: Applying and blending foundation and concealer.
- Popular Brands: Beautyblender, Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge.
Eyelash Curler:
- Use: Curling lashes for an open-eyed look.
- Popular Brands: Revlon, e.l.f.
Eyebrow Tool:
- Use: Filling in and shaping brows.
FAQ: Types of Makeup Brushes and Tools
Types of Makeup Brushes
Makeup brushes come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for specific tasks. Here are the different types of makeup brushes and their purposes:
Face Brushes:
- Foundation Brush:
- Flat Top Kabuki Brush: Ideal for buffing and applying liquid or cream foundation for a seamless finish.
- Stippling Brush: Dual-fiber brush for a light, airbrushed application of foundation.
- Concealer Brush:
- Flat Concealer Brush: Small, flat brush for precise application of concealer under the eyes and on blemishes.
- Tapered Concealer Brush: Slightly pointed for blending concealer into hard-to-reach areas.
- Powder Brush:
- Large Fluffy Brush: For applying loose or pressed powder all over the face.
- Kabuki Brush: Dense brush for applying powder products with full coverage.
- Blush Brush:
- Angled Blush Brush: Fits the contours of the cheeks for precise blush application.
- Round Blush Brush: Offers a diffused, natural finish to the cheeks.
- Contour Brush:
- Angled Contour Brush: Perfect for defining cheekbones and sculpting the face.
- Flat Contour Brush: Provides sharp lines for more dramatic contouring.
- Highlighting Brush:
- Fan Brush: Lightly dusts highlighter on the high points of the face.
- Tapered Highlighting Brush: Offers more control and precision in applying highlighter.
- Foundation Brush:
Eye Brushes:
- Eyeshadow Brush:
- Flat Shader Brush: Packs eyeshadow onto the lid with dense bristles.
- Blending Brush: Soft, fluffy brush for blending eyeshadow seamlessly in the crease and along the edges.
- Crease Brush: Slightly tapered brush for applying and blending eyeshadow in the crease.
- Smudger Brush: Compact brush for smudging eyeliner or eyeshadow along the lash line.
- Eyeliner Brush:
- Angled Eyeliner Brush: Thin, angled brush for creating precise lines with gel or powder eyeliner.
- Fine-Tipped Liner Brush: Thin brush for detailed, precise eyeliner application.
- Brow Brush/Spoolie:
- Dual-Ended Brow Brush: Angled brush for filling in brows, with a spoolie for grooming and blending.
- Eyeshadow Brush:
Lip Brushes:
- Lip Brush:
- Tapered Lip Brush: For precise application of lipstick and lip gloss.
- Lip Brush:
Types of Professional Makeup Tools
Professional makeup tools are designed for high performance and versatility. Here are some common professional tools:
- Airbrush Machine:
- Use: Sprays a fine mist of foundation for a flawless, long-lasting finish.
- Brands: Temptu, Dinair.
- Professional Brush Set:
- Use: Comprehensive set of high-quality brushes for various makeup applications.
- Brands: Sigma, MAC, Zoeva.
- Makeup Palettes:
- Use: Stainless steel or acrylic surfaces for mixing foundations, concealers, and other products hygienically.
- Multiple Blending Sponges:
- Use: Versatile sponges for applying and blending foundations, concealers, and cream products.
- Brands: Beautyblender, Real Techniques.
- High-Quality Eyelash Curler:
- Use: Curves lashes upwards for a lifted look.
- Brands: Shu Uemura, Shiseido.
- Precision Tweezers:
- Use: For brow grooming and applying false lashes.
- Brands: Tweezerman.
- Disposable Applicators:
- Use: Maintaining hygiene with disposable mascara wands, lip brushes, and sponge applicators.
- Sanitizing Sprays:
- Use: Disinfecting tools and palettes.
- Brands: Cinema Secrets, BeautySoClean.
- Makeup Light:
- Use: Ensuring proper lighting for accurate application.
- Types: Ring lights, LED panel lights.
- Storage Solutions:
- Use: Keeping tools organized and accessible.
- Types: Rolling makeup cases, brush holders.
Types of Makeup Tools for Beginners
Beginners should start with essential, easy-to-use tools. Here’s a basic kit for those new to makeup:
- Basic Brush Set:
- Foundation Brush: Flat top kabuki or a blending sponge.
- Concealer Brush: Small, flat brush.
- Powder Brush: Large, fluffy brush.
- Blush Brush: Medium-sized, angled brush.
- Eyeshadow Brushes: Flat shader brush and a blending brush.
- Spoolie: For brushing brows.
- Blending Sponge:
- Use: Applying and blending foundation and concealer.
- Brands: Beautyblender, Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge.
- Eyelash Curler:
- Use: Curling lashes for an open-eyed look.
- Brands: Revlon, e.l.f.
- Eyebrow Tool:
- Use: Filling in and shaping brows.
- Types: Dual-ended brow pencil with spoolie.
- Tweezers:
- Use: Plucking stray brow hairs.
- Brands: Tweezerman.
- Compact Mirror:
- Use: On-the-go touch-ups.
- Makeup Bag:
- Use: Storing and organizing tools and products.
- Cotton Pads and Q-Tips:
- Use: Cleaning up mistakes and applying products.
- Brush Cleaner:
- Use: Keeping brushes clean.
- Types: Spray cleaners for quick cleaning, solid or liquid cleaners for deep cleaning.
- Setting Spray:
- Use: Setting makeup in place.
- Brands: NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray, Urban Decay All Nighter.
Summary:
Types of Makeup Brushes:
- Face Brushes: Foundation, concealer, powder, blush, contour, highlighting.
- Eye Brushes: Eyeshadow, eyeliner, brow/spoolie.
- Lip Brushes: Tapered lip brush.
Types of Professional Makeup Tools:
- Airbrush machine, professional brush set, makeup palettes, multiple blending sponges, high-quality eyelash curler, precision tweezers, disposable applicators, sanitizing sprays, makeup light, storage solutions.
Types of Makeup Tools for Beginners:
- Basic brush set, blending sponge, eyelash curler, eyebrow tool, tweezers, compact mirror, makeup bag, cotton pads, Q-tips, brush cleaner, setting spray.
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your makeup routine, whether you are a beginner or a professional.