It doesn’t take a battalion of brushes or an expensive makeup kit to polish a fabulous face. “With the right essentials, you can freshen up in minutes,” says celebrity makeup artist Billy B. Here’s everything you need.

Eyelash Curler

Every woman should own this little marvel. Hold the curler at the base of the lash line and squeeze lightly, gradually moving outward. Your eyes will instantly look more alive.

Cotton Swab

The secret to truly top-notch makeup application is to blend, blend, blend. Blur edges of color with a Q-tips® cotton swab, and you'll achieve that professional look each time.

Concealer Brush

You take care of your skin, so let it show! Instead of masking your face in a heavy foundation, use a concealer brush to cover up dark spots and blend away imperfections.

Slant-Tip Tweezers

Good tweezers are a must for maintaining a polished arch to your brows. Slanted tips make it easier to grab hairs at the root — just tweeze in the direction the hair is growing.

Big Powder Brush

An oversize brush is great for dusting on translucent powder as a finishing touch to your look. You’ll get a sheerer application than you'd get from an old-fashioned puff.

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7 Member Comments

1. Posted 05/26/2009 at 18:54 PM by hlespier

   SUNSCREEN is a must. I am surprised it was not included on this list. No make up is worth it if you are not protecting your light from the sun!

2. Posted 08/04/2009 at 15:53 PM by shayne3011

   I didn't notice any moisturizer either and that is a most definite must! It really does help keep wrinkles away longer, believe it or not.

3. Posted 09/17/2009 at 00:01 AM by ester

   I am a Beauty Advisor with a major chain drugstore. I always recommend to my customers to start first with a moisturizer (preferably with an spf of at least 15) before applying makeup.

4. Posted 09/17/2009 at 00:12 AM by classact911

   tips for "makeup application"

5. Posted 11/16/2009 at 11:18 AM by phondo2

   My can't live without brush is a double ended one. One is for eyeliner, you can wet the tip and rub it in eyeshadow and the brush works great to put it in the rims of your eyes. The other end is a small brush, I use it to highlight the inner corners with a light color.

6. Posted 11/16/2009 at 11:19 AM by phondo2

   I agree- I BUY moisturizers with SPF30- Ist thing I put on after washing and toning before makeup!

7. Posted 01/26/2010 at 17:34 PM by nnekaonyema

   An eyeliner is it also not important?

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