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. Here is a list of favorites.

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

This is The Only eyelash curler many people 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 – it’s shaped like an egg, so you can stipple and twist with the narrow end and blend, blend, blend with the round end. The beautyblender rocks! 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. Get yours from Sephora here.

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 swicsh them around in some warm water, natural hand soap, and tea tree oil to kill bacteria, then air-dry.

The Honest Life Tips