B00AFU6252 EBOK (20 page)

If you aren’t using quality brushes, sponges, and other tools to apply your product, you might as well throw your credit card down the drain—because even the best-quality cosmetics will look like hell if you’re spackling them on with cotton swabs and thumbs. (Well, sometimes finger painting works . . . if you’re going for a bohemian look.) Professional makeup artists invest serious dough in their tools because they know how crucial they are. Lauren and I put together this list of favorites.

• SHU UEMURA EYELASH CURLER.
  This is The Only eyelash curler I will use—it’s world famous for a reason. The only bummer is that you have to order it online unless you’re going to be in Asia anytime soon; I’d order two and a pack of refill eye pads while you’re at it.
  
• BEAUTYBLENDER.
  The best makeup sponge ever—it’s shaped like an egg, so you can stipple and twist with the narrow end and blend, blend, blend with the round end. Also I love that the company will recycle your old Beautyblenders for you if you mail them back in once you’re done through their “blendersender” program.
  
• ECO TOOLS.
  This is a great, comprehensive line of tools that won’t break the bank, and their brush sets are second to none. If you are willing to spend a little more, Hourglass brushes are extra-soft, PETA-approved (no animal hair!), and have nice weighted handles that make them easy to work with. Also, I’m fanatical about washing my brushes after every use. It doesn’t have to be a big ordeal—just swish them around in some warm water, natural hand soap, and tea tree oil to kill bacteria, then air-dry.
  

WHAT TO DO:

START:
Brush a nude shadow on your lids, then contour with a soft brown shadow in the crease.

NEXT:
Add a touch of golden glitter on the lid for extra sparkle. (Mac makes a loose glitter that you can press on the eyelid with a small brush.) For a classic wing tip, use a black liquid or cream liner and draw a thin line starting from the inner corner of the eye at the lash line to the outer corner, flicking the line upward.

FINISH:
Keep the lips and cheeks a soft peach, letting the eyes be the focus. Apply mascara.

WHAT TO DO:

START:
Apply cream metallic black eye shadow from the base of the lid to the crease of the eye. Blend a warm brown into the crease to soften up the edge.

NEXT:
Trace a black coal eyeliner along the top lash line and the bottom water line, blending it in with a small brush. To extend the smoky eye outward, place a folded tissue under the eye and use the edge as a guide while blending a black eye shadow at the outer corners of the eye. Curl lashes and apply black mascara.

FINISH:
Keep lips and cheeks neutral with a soft peachy blush and a nude lipstick and gloss.

So what do I actually do, day in, day out, to get out the door every morning? I keep it simple—because Honest Beauty isn’t really about the slew of products you’re painting on. It’s about being comfortable in your own skin and showing your inner glow.

WHAT TO DO:

1. Apply tinted moisturizer and sunscreen.
   Mix them together in the palm of your hand if you’re really time pressed; then go finish your hair or whatever so the moisturizer and sunscreen have a few minutes to absorb into your skin.
   
2. Spot conceal any breakouts, dark circles, red spots.
   I always go under my eyes and along the sides of my nose and use a little angled brush to blend, blend, blend it smooth.
   
3. Curl lashes.
   Shu Uemura. Enough said.
   
4. Apply mascara.
   If needed, use a lash comb to quickly comb out clumps.
   
5. Tap cream blush onto the apples of your cheeks.
   
6. Apply a tinted lip balm.
   Always dab the center of your lower lip; that’s where light hits first.
   

PS. 1 or 2 minutes more?
Use a brow pencil to perfect the brows. Boom—done.