Brushes, Liners and Wands ... Oh My!

So many tools for so many purposes. Here is a simple guide for which tool to use where for what purpose.

Here is the first thing you should know: Using makeup tools with makeup application is your number one partner. These wonderful tools work to give you the look you are seeking - whether it is a daytime or an evening look. This fact also applies to using tools for your hair and skincare as well. Take a look at some of the items below that our editors love and swear by for insight or an introduction to a new tool to add to your arsenal.

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Makeup

The Foundation Brush

Arguably the most important brush of them all - with so many different foundation types, using a good quality brush makes all the difference in the world in terms of application. You don't want your base to look cake-y, so buff the product into the skin gently to get a streak-free application. The biggest advantage of liquid foundations is that they can be applied in thin layers and are build-able, hence the opacity can be varied. These fluid foundations work naturally, without the mask effect and are suitable for every skin type.

The Beauty Blender

Not exactly a brush but provides the same utilization when it comes to foundation application. Use the sponge's broad sides to smooth out product on your face. Use the tip to reach creases around the nose and to pinpoint small areas. It is also great for blending out harsh makeup lines and removing excess product.

The Concealer Brush

As the name suggests, the concealer brush is perfect for spot correction. While using a concealer brush, never blend it out - pat the product onto the skin to conceal the area for the best result.

The Stippling Brush

The stippling Brush is a complimentary tool to the foundation brush and gives you an airbrushed look. If you carefully observe the brush, you would see that the ends of the brush are very light and feathery when compared to the base. The light fibers of the brush help you in achieving a flawless, airbrushed finish.

The Angled Blush Brush

An angled blush brush enables the precise application of the blush. The angled shape of the brush allows it to pick up the product and dust it onto the cheeks ever so softly so that it looks natural.

The Powder Brush

The primary aim is to use this brush to dust your face with loose or compact powder - a good brush will let you set or touch up your makeup without removing any makeup previously applied. Alternate use: Sweep blush from the apples of your cheeks along your cheekbones.

The two-in-one product combines silky compact makeup and a powder. It's versatile and handy to have in your bag. Applied dry, it gives the skin a smooth finish with a matte complexion, and for a greater opacity with a dewy finish, the compact powder is applied moist.

The Contour Brush

Contouring is one thing that, at any cost, cannot be done without a brush - a counter brush will have firmer bristles than a blush brush, and a more angled tip. It is specially designed to help you target the areas that you want to contour and shape.

The Highlight Fan Brush

The bristles in a fan brush are specifically designed for highlighters. The bristles are spread out so that the brush picks up a small amount of the product. It is then slightly dusted on the top of the cheekbones and other areas of the face that needs to be highlighted. It is best to go in with a light hand to avoid using too much product. You can also use this to clean up fallen product.

The Blending Brush

Another key essential as you can't use your finger for this. A good blending brush will help you to soften out any harsh lines after the application of the eye shadow. The rule of 3 for a crease-free eyelid applies here: blend, blend, blend!

The Eye Liner Brush

Winged eyeliner is our best friend as equally our worst nightmare. It all depends on the brush. The eye liner brush is designed to pick up and deposit the required amount of product while giving you maximum control that you probably would not find elsewhere - precision and perfection.

The Eye Shadow Brush

Use an eye shadow brush to evenly apply powder and cream shadows. A good eye shadow brush will pick up a decent amount of the product and will allow you to pack it onto the eyelid with minimal fallout. Alternate Use: Dab on shadow under the lower lash line for a smokier eye.

The Bronzer Brush

A bronzer brush is rounded and distributes the product evenly. A big fluffy brush for bronzing helps you achieve that natural, sun-kissed look. Alternate use: Buff out harsh lines by swirling the brush around your face. You can even get retractable ones which let you retract and cover the brush so that it can be kept in any bag.

The Lip Brush

A must-have if you are after that tutorial-perfect lined lip. To ensure precision application and a perfect touch-up tool, make sure you invest in a lip brush. You won't regret it.

The Eyebrow Brush

No look is complete without attending to your eyebrows. Whether your are grooming your eyebrows or applying eyebrow powder, attending to your eyebrows help to frame you face and enhance your makeup look.

The Eyelash Wand

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Hair

Boar Bristle Brush

Curling Wand

Hair Dryer Brush

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Skincare

Whether you are looking to hydrate dull looking skin or keep your moisture at its peak, you will want to invest in a great tool. All skin types benefit from a great tool. Find the best one for the issue that you would like to tackle, well, head-on!

Facial Tools

Body Tools

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Need more self-care care products to choose from with a little insight from our editors? Click here to view our #EditorsPick of items and products that our editors love!