Where would we be without beauty tools? Fuzzy hair, mismatched eyebrows, and streaky tans - that’s where. Certainly not anyone’s ideal picture of beauty. As a professional make-up artist, I am always being asked what items I can't do without. I have to say that the most important thing is to have the the right tools,” says Manicare beauty expert Katie Goerlach. While we all have our go-to tools, it’s always insightful to discover what the professionals are using. Here, bd sits down with a range of beauty experts to discover their top tools of the trade and why they are a must-have in a beauty repertoire...
MAKE-UP
Manicare beauty expert Katie Goerlach
Personally I cannot live without my Manicare Ultimate Slant Tweezer for tidying brows at home or on the run and applying false lashes, Manicare Eyelash Curler for lifting and curling the lashes to open and define the eyes, Manicare’s Foundation Brush which allows you to buff foundation into the skin for a polished and flawless finish, Manicare’s Kabuki brush for beautifully-blended powder and bronzer, and the Manicare 4-way Nail Buffer to remove ridges from the nails and add gorgeous shine for beautiful natural nails. The 4-way buffer is the absolute essential as it shapes, buffs and shines the natural nail in four easy steps by simply following the numbers.”
Max Factor make-up artist Liz Kelsh
A few key make-up tools can make a world of difference to your make-up application. Try using a long-haired blending brush for eyes at the end of your eyeshadow application for a polished finish and pointed cotton buds are amazing for perfecting eyeliner flicks. Eyelash end curlers are great for tricky to get to lashes. I'm also a big fan of mechanical exfoliants like the FOREO LUNA and Clarisonic.”
Maybelline New York AU make-up director Nigel Stanislaus
My favourite beauty tools are my fingers. Not only does it allow a formula to warm to body temperature and allow for greater application, but I can literally mould and pad a formula into the skin for a more natural, flattering finish”.
CEO and founder Shelley Barrett
Your brows and eyes are the focal point of your face and require some important beauty tools to be sure they are framing and shaping your face correctly. An eyebrow kit like Eyebrows Designer Brow Kit includes two angled head brushes for defined application; a spoolie brush for easy blending; and precision slant tweezers for last minute touch-ups all in one chic compact to guarantee brow perfection. An eyelash curler is my other secret beauty tool that is essential to make my eyes appear wider and brighter. ModelCo Turbo Lashwand was the world’s first heated eyelash curler to market and lifts and curls the lashes without causing any lash damage. Who wouldn’t want a perfectly curled lash without crimping or burning?”
’s Victoria Fraser
A definite must and a very handy tool is always a foundation brush. A foundation brush is very versatile and allows product to go on the face flawlessly. From primer to foundation, it is a keeper!”
HAIR
guest artist Brad Ballard
"The number one item to have is a great blow-dryer. Look for one that has a professional AC motor – it may be more expensive but it’s worth it – a professional AC motor lasts longer and is more powerful, drying hair much faster. Also look for a dryer with ceramic technology to maintain even heat during drying and also ionic conditioning technology which conditions hair reducing static so it’s more silky and shiny. Some other items to have handy are: a medium and/or large round brush depending on your hair length, a good hair straightener (again look for one with ceramic technology for even heat distribution and better results), and a set of velcro or hot rollers to help achieve extra volume when you need it. Having a medium sized curling iron like the Ceramic Curler 25mm is also useful as it’s versatile - you can achieve a range of different looks. Lastly, a tail comb and sectioning clips help make styling at home easier."
national technical educator Grant Withnell
A wide toothed comb for wet hair and a ceramic-plated straightening iron.”
La Boutique celebrity colourist and Clairol ambassador Belinda Jeffrey
From a stylist point of view, I know a favourite of La Boutiques clients right now is the fabulous Tangle Teezer. A great invention for loosening and freeing up knots in the hair – it honestly glides through making long hair a pleasure to de-knot. It's small and easy to throw in the handbag – not to mention it comes in some great fluoro colours. The best part? It doesn't rip out your hair or pull – it actually feels amazing as it glides over your scalp.”
TAN
CEO and founder Shelley Barrett
When it comes to beauty tools and self-tanning, a tanning mitt is an absolute essential. It ensures a streak-free, flawless faux glow and prevents your hands and feet from tell-tale tanning signs. I recommend the ModelCo Blend Buffing Mitt as it buffs and blends the tan into the skin for an immaculate finish.”
RECOMMENDED TOOLS:
MeMeMe Concealer Brush
QVS (Quality.Value.Style) Angled Blusher Brush
Boom Boom Blink Curved Eyelash Curler
VS Sassoon AC Salon Professional Dryer VS5533A
Wotnot Vegan Cosmetic Brush Set
Newsletter image credit: Getty Images, Chanel backstage PFW F/W 2013