Makeup tools that will make your life easier

Mascara Shield

No matter how careful we are, mascara always ends up where we don’t want it during the application process. This tool will prevent those awful smudges you might experience. All you have to do is line the shield up with your lashes on your lid and gently push up, exposing the waterline. Your lashes will be completely visible against the shield and your eyelid will be protected. Wiggle your loaded mascara wand back and forth against your lashes and then take a look at all the excess mascara that could have ended up on your eyelid. This technique can be used for both your upper and lower lashes.

In the same manner, you can line your waterlines more easily. The skin around our eyes is thin and very delicate. While we usually just use our finger to pull the skin around the eye down to better expose the waterline, this practice can be quite damaging since tugging on your skin can lead to premature wrinkles. Using the tool, gently place it as close as you can get to the waterline and gently push inwards. The waterline should pop out slightly, better exposing it for an easier eyeliner application. There are several versions of mascara shields on the market, in various shapes and designs from brands like ELF, Myrabelle, Lash Card and Tweezerman. All will essentially do the same thing, but I’ve also seen unbranded ones with added features such as having two sides or a lash comb. You can select whichever tickles your fancy.

Eyelash Applicator

If you’re a fan of false eyelashes but you struggle to apply them, this tool will make application a breeze. Lash applicators are usually designed to follow the natural curvature of your lash line. All you need to do is apply lash glue to the band of the lash, while holding it in the applicator, wait about 30 seconds for the glue to get tacky, then place the lash right onto your lash line while looking down into a mirror. It should fall right into place. Then you can use the tool to pinch your natural lashes and false lashes together, blending them together for a more seamless effect.

Beauty Blender

This is quite a popular product now. It’s an egg shaped sponge that almost doubles in size and gets soft and bouncy when wet. You can use it with liquids, creams and powders. This is such a versatile item, I’d never be able to cover all its uses in such a short description. I will elaborate on its uses in the near future. But for now, what you need to know

is that you run the sponge under water, squeeze the excess out, then stipple and bounce it on the skin to create an airbrushed effect with your foundation, seamlessly blend your concealer and set your makeup with powder, all with the same tool. Because the sponge is dampened, it won’t absorb or waste your liquid makeup and it won’t cause powder to look dry or caked on. You can wash it and keep reusing it for up to three months.

Makeup eraser

This is a soft, plush cloth that you can use to remove your makeup. I know at first that doesn’t sound too special, but what makes this cloth different is that you don’t need to use it with a cleanser. All you need is warm water and the makeup eraser will remove every stitch of makeup; even waterproof mascara and eyeliner. Did I mention it’s reusable? Just hand or machine wash it and you can use it up to 1000 washes. I was a sceptic before I tried it for myself. What’s especially great about this cloth is that you will save money on cleanser and if you have sensitive skin, you don’t have to worry about using unnecessary chemicals on your face. Better for you, your wallet and the environment. It’s an all-round winner.

Beauty Spoon

This tool is so brilliant, I think everyone can benefit from it. Have you ever wondered if you’ve gotten every last drop of product out of tubes, jars, bottles etc? Sometimes, we can’t even see what we’re losing when we toss a product that we think is done. With the beauty spoon, you can reach every last drop of your product, maximising its usage and essentially getting more bang for your buck. It’s a silicone spatula on a flexible stem that can reach down into packaging and scoop out the product that you couldn’t see and would have otherwise wasted.