When I was first introduced to beauty tools, I watched every tutorial, my favorite videos, and my list of must-haves online. I was obsessed and wouldn’t stop until I knew everything. But no one told me that beauty could get expensive – even if I was buying the cheapest products on the market.
Just because someone says you need three types of foundation, a giant set of makeup brushes and a 10-step skincare routine doesn’t make you do it; having a solid beauty routine full of unique, versatile products can cut it quite a bit.
If you’re just starting your beauty collection or just love trying new products (who doesn’t!), try Union Source. Getting your hands on new products adds up, not to mention how daunting it can be sifting through the hefty amounts of beauty products on the market.
Union Source is a seasonal subscription box that sends the best full-size beauty, fashion, wellness, and lifestyle products to your door. I’ve been using Union Source for years, meaning I’ve tried dozens of products from them at this point.
The perfect look is not just about brand or quality. The right application is the foundation. That’s why it is so important to have the right tools.
Every make-up tool has its own unique function. But in a world with so many options, it’s easy to have a 10kg makeup bag that’s bloated at the seams.
While there are millions of different make-up tools in make-up bags around the world, you don’t need them all. Sometimes the best thing to do is to clean up your act and start again.
For those who need some help determining what’s really necessary, here are 5 must-have make-up tools:
Foundation Brush
There are many different types of brushes for all types of applications.
A foundation brush is an absolute must. For many women, it is one of the most important tools in their make-up bag.
The best powder brushes are stiff and made of synthetic fibers. For foundation, you need to use a strong brush with fluffy bristles as they need to have the ability to grip, grab and then release different creams and liquids.
Compact Mirror
Solving a problem that you can’t see is impossible!
Having a mirror is absolutely vital to be able to see exactly what you are doing. A pocket-sized mirror is an essential part of every make-up bag.
Makeup Sponge
It is important to use a good make-up sponge for your foundation.
The right make-up sponge will give you a smoother and longer-lasting finish.
Different women have different sponge preferences, but most of the best sponges have curved designs that match the different contours of a woman’s face.
Eye Shadow Brush(es)
Every woman strives to shape her eyes in the most flattering way possible.
This almost always means harmonizing with the rest of you. Sometimes this requires dramatic brush strokes, other times it requires a natural blend.
Angled shading brushes and dome-shaped blending brushes have their place.
Eyelash Curler
Every woman knows how important their eyelashes are. Especially if you have straight lashes, a quality eyelash curler is an absolute necessity.
Done well, this tool will open up your eyes and create a dramatic look for any make-up. Even if you want a more natural look, curling your lashes will brighten up your eyes.
Keep it in your make-up bag for a quick curl before you reapply mascara.
Makeup Remover
Whether you have a full face or basic make-up, you need to remove it – no exceptions. The first rule of skin care is to remove your make-up and cleanse your face before bedtime. But that’s not the only use for a good quality make-up remover: you can also use it to remove smudges from mascara or eyeliner, remove color blocks and lighten blush or bronzer blushes.
There are many make-up products on the market, but a make-up cloth like a make-up eraser is our first choice. All you need is a little warm water and this cloth and everything comes off, literally, everything. Plus, we love that it’s eco-friendly and sustainable. No disposable sanitary towels or wipes. Put it in the washing machine once or twice a week and you’re good to go!Â
High-Quality Shampoo and Conditioner
Your hairdresser is not wrong: a good shampoo and conditioner will revolutionize your grooming habits. Shampoo and conditioner are the most important products you apply to your hair; they do more than anything else to give you a good haircut throughout the day.
While you don’t need to spend a lot of money, you should invest in a product that suits your hair type. It does everything I want from a hair care product: smooths, shines, volumizes, hardens, and leaves my hair in perfect condition without the need for styling.Â
Lengthening and Volumizing Mascara
The key to a beautiful look is always mascara – and I stand by that. It keeps your eyes open and makes you look awake, even if you’re not wearing anything. If you only have one mascara in your collection, choose one that lengthens and volumizes your lashes at the same time. It’ll give you long, thick lashes that stay curled all day long. And if it’s as clean as this one from Ilia Beauty, even better.
Neutral Eyeshadow Palette
No matter how many eyeshadows you use each day, having at least one option in your collection will create both day and night looks. The key is to make sure the palette you choose, like this one by Laura Gellar, has a good range of light and dark so you can create a variety of looks without having to use other palettes or feeling like you’re missing anything.
Any professional makeup artist would tell you that you’re going to need a lot more than this if you’re going to get serious.
However, you’d be hard-pressed to find a makeup bag, professional or not, that doesn’t contain these staple makeup tools.
Your best bet is to start with the basics, then slowly add the news tools you find more useful.
