In order to create a work of art on your face, you need the right brushes and tools. Your makeup bag might be overflowing with zillions of products, but when it comes to applying them, do you fall short? Sure, those eyeshadows, blushes and lip glosses come with their own applicators, but they may not be right for the job, depending on the look you're going for. Sometimes your finger will suffice, but to get a truly polished look, there are a few basics in which you should invest. For foundation users, sponges are a must. Look for either triangle-shaped wedges or round sponges - whichever you prefer is fine. Invest in latex-free sponges, which soak up less liquid and blend makeup more evenly. These ensure even coverage of liquid and stick foundation, and they're handy for concealer as well. A large, fluffy brush is useful for smoothing on powder, and smaller ones are great for applying powdered blush.
For eyes, invest in a small, soft and wide brush for all-over coverage. If you like to add accents to contour or line, then look for a brush designed for that purpose. A simple, effective way to remove any excess eye makeup or correct errors is to dab a little eye makeup remover on the tip of a Q-tip. Don't forget your brows when applying eye makeup. A small, stiff brush can help with eyebrow powder application, and a mascara wand can smooth down brows with a bit of gel. An eyelash curler applied before mascara can really help eyes pop. Be sure to clean and replace old brushes, especially those used around the eyes, regularly to prevent breakouts and infections.