Makeup Tips - Makeup Supplies

6 Basic Tools and Tips for Perfect Make-up

Advice Seeker: Dear April,

I have a small bathroom with a tiny make-up drawer that's so crammed full I can't find anything. Do you have any tips for how I can get organized?

Sincerely,

Messed Up Makeup

April Masini's advice:

Dear Messed Up Makeup,

If you’re like many women, opening the make-up drawer can be frightening -- even for the most organized women, the kind with everything in place in the rest of their life -- they often have messy make up drawers that hold such treasures as that old lipstick from several seasons ago, a dried out mascara and old, dirty Q tips. Straightening out the makeup drawer is usually the last thing that’s on a woman’s mind. It’s a good thing to periodically give the drawer a thorough cleaning. Like a well-stocked closet, you want your bathroom to have all the supplies you need to make yourself beautiful. Do inventory and re-stock every month. This is your treasure chest. Men detail their cars with meticulous care. Learn from them. You must be sure your make up supplies are as cared for as a man's treasured wheels.

Time may be a great healer, but it’s a lousy beautician.

Shopping for beauty supplies to replace old ones that are no longer good can be time-consuming, but relax. I have good news, and that good news is online beauty supply companies make the shopping easy. With a few clicks of your computer keyboard you can shop, comparison shop and find whatever you need without leaving your makeup mirror.

Here are the basics that you need:

Brushes
You should have a collection of brushes that you can use for eye shadows, foundation, powder, blush and eyeliner. You should also have a brow brush – a clean toothbrush works fine.

Cotton Swabs
It’s a good thing that cotton balls come in large bags and are inexpensive. This staple is great for removing make up as well as applying astringents.

Eyelash Curler
There are a number of excellent eyelash curlers available. If the classic curler is difficult for you to use, you might consider using the wand style. Light weight, compact, and easily portable, these battery operated curling wands can be tossed into a purse or cosmetic bag for that instant refresher.

Tweezers
Invest in a good pair of tweezers. Not only will they last longer, but they’ll be more effective to use.

Sharpener
Have several sharpeners available. Separate them for lip, eye or concealer pencils and crayons.

Latex Cosmetic Wedges
These are handy, inexpensive, and great for applying make up. Smooth and gentle to the skin, no make up drawer should be without them.

Trick: Purchase makeup brushes in a good art supply store; they are much cheaper and are better quality.

And last, but not least, now that you have this beautiful face -- not just naturally beautiful, but beautifully made up, too -- use it! Laugh! Smile! Send a million flirtatious looks and enchant him.