THE MAKEUP TOOLS WE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

by Veronica Jones

Makeup tools may be small items, but they are heavy-duty lifters when it comes to your daily beauty routine. For this roundup we reached for our favorites that get the job done—and stand up over time. Some are classics, and a few are new surprises. Here are our most beloved brushes, curlers, tweezers and more.

Best Lip Brush: Jane Iredale Retractable Lip Brush ($20)

For a more even application than applying straight from the tube or with a finger, try applying lipstick or gloss with a brush. We like one with a point for nailing the perfect swoop of your cupid's bow, and you can use the fatter side of the brush to apply on the rest of your lips. Jane Iredale's option has both and is retractable, meaning no sticky mess in your makeup bag or purse.

Best Foundation Brush: Giorgio Armani Designer Foundation Expert Shaping Brush ($51)

For the smoothest, most natural, glowy skin, a foundation brush is key—and Giorgio Armani's version is best. It's big, so you don't have to keep redipping it into your foundation, but it's also tapered so you can get into tricky areas like the hairline and into fine lines to camouflage them. Plus, the mix of natural and synthetic fibers means they won't wilt under even the most heavy-duty foundation formulas.

Best Eye Shadow Brush: Bobbi Brown Angled Eye Shadow Brush ($29)

The difference between a great eyeliner/brow brush and a great eye shadow one is all about stiffness. A softer, more giving fiber is more comfortable and makes for a smoother, better blended shadow, which is why we love Bobbi Brown's version. It doesn't pick up too much powder, and the angled edge makes it ideal for getting into the creases and corners of the eyes.

Best Blush Brush: YSL Blusher Brush ($43)

The worst blush brushes you could possibly use are, ironically, the ones that come packaged with blush. A longer handle and a dome shape help you sculpt cheekbones and add a soft wash of color, not a streaky line. YSL's blush brush is pricey, but it makes blush look natural and it feels luxuriously light and as soft as a kitten.

Best Eyeliner Brush: MAC 263 Small Angle Brush ($19)

Some makeup artists like a flat brush, some a skinny pointed type and others an angled version. We're firmly in the latter camp. Angled brushes are simpler to use—especially with a less-than-steady hand—and get cream, gel or wetted powder liner perfectly down into the upper lash lines. This MAC one is easy to hold and wield precisely. It also works well for drawing individual eyebrow hairs.

Best Foundation Sponge: BeautyBlender ($19.95)

Nothing looks grosser in a makeup bag than a foundation-splotched, used-to-be-white foam triangle. The BeautyBlender sponge is hot pink, which makes it harder to see foundation stains, and its teardrop shape makes it easy to blend around tough spots like the nose or the jawline. Other benefits: it's hypoallergenic, odor-free (just remember to wash it regularly) and won't break down and crumble after multiple uses.

Best Tweezers: Slice Slanted Soft-Touch Tweezers ($19.99)

We've long hailed Tweezerman for super-grabby tweezers and an awesome policy where you can return yours for a free sharpening if it ever gets dull. Plus, partnerships with fashionistas like Cynthia Rowley make for tools so cute you'll want to keep them outside your medicine cabinet. That said, we've fallen for the new kid in town: Slice tweezers, which are designed by architect Michael Graves and spent two years in development. These are ergonomically comfortable to hold. They can also grab even the teeniest-tiniest hair. They're seriously tweezer-magic.

Best Eyelash Curler: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler ($20)

The reason the Shu Uemura eyelash curler is what you find in every makeup artist's kit is because its patented hinge means it never gets stuck, clamps down too hard or generally makes you feel like you're pulling on your delicate eyelids. The silicone pad also never clings to lashes (unless you make the beauty no-no of curling after you've applied mascara), so you won't lose any fringe when using it. But most of all, it gives a visible, intense curl without any janky 90-degree bend.

THE SECRET TO A PERFECT MANICURE

by Deven Hopp

Polish chips are one thing, but we’ve all had those days when we look down at our hands in horror—ragged cuticles, splitting nails­…basically a manicurist’s worst nightmare (ours too). While we don’t recommend letting your nails get to the point of no return, when it looks like all hope is lost just know you turn to these tips to turn things around.

The secret to the perfect manicure (whether polished or bare) begins with healthy nails. A little extra TLC will go a long way when your hands come up against chlorine, salt water, and sand in the coming months.

1. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. First and foremost, you must lotion up to keep your hands looking young and hydrated. Beauty Fact: your hands are the second place to start to show signs of aging (Number one? You guessed it, your eyes). We apply a layer of lotion with broad-spectrum UV protection to the backs of our hands every morning to keep them protected on our morning commute.
2. Use cuticle oil everyday. Apply it regularly to prevent tearing, cracking and the dreaded hangnail. Make it convenient so you have no excuse not to use it. We like to keep The Body Shop Almond Nail & Cuticle Oil in our desk drawer. You can also apply a generous coat, slip into a pair of moisturizing gloves overnight, and wake up to soft, supple fingertips.
3. Always file nails in one direction. Most of us are guilty of ignoring our manicurist’s advice about this, but going after a snag with a back and forth motion is the fastest way to tear a nail. For the perfect manicure, be sure to wear the right nail shape for you. Ideally, your nails should follow the shape of your half moon.
4. Invest in a good nail strengthener. Wear a coat of Julep Nail Therapy or essie Millionails alone (bare nails can be beautiful too, plus they allow for a little breathing time in between polishes) or as a base coat to put an end to splitting and peeling nails.
5. When you wear nail polish, always apply a base coat. For healthy, strong nails, make sure you always start your manicure with a base coat to help prevent polish staining. If you do end up with tinted fingertips, try rubbing nails will a lemon wedge or baking soda to remove the color.

COLORFUL FRENCH NAILS

by Deven Hopp

It happened again. Every now and then we fall head over heels for an entire new nail polish collection, which forces us to sit with our filed and buffed fingers indecisively picking up each bottle of lacquer unable to choose one to use. Essie’s summer 2013 collection did just that. After being temporarily paralyzed with indecision, we elected to turn this challenge into an opportunity in nail art. And thus, our colorful French manicure was born.

Supplies

• Base nail color (we used essie Master Plan)
• 5 bright nail polishes of your choice (we used the essie summer colors: Full Steam Ahead, Rock the Boat, The More the Merrier, Sunday Funday, The Girls Are Out)
• Top coat
• Tape

Directions

1. Paint your base color. We used a soft neutral shade so our punchy polish colors would really pop. Then pick out your five favorite French tip colors while you allow the base color to dry. (The six shades of essie’s new collection forced us to make a tough decision–sorry Naughty Nautical, next time it’s all you!)
2. Tape it up. Place a piece of tape across your nail, leaving the tip exposed. To avoid the extra mess, we also put a piece of tape under the nail to keep color off of our fingers when we start polishing.
3. Paint it up. Paint one coat of your selected shade on top of the taped off portion on the nail.
4. Remove and repeat. Peel the tape up (see how our nifty under-the-nail trick keeps the polish application mistake-free!), and repeat these steps on each finger.
5. Allow nails to dry, and finish with a layer of top coat.

10 SMARTER WAYS TO PUT ON MAKEUP

by Elizabeth Keefe

If there's one thing we've learned about makeup it's that there's more than one way to make it look HOT. Toe-may-toe. Toe-mah-toe. Right? Case in point: we interviewed a handful of top makeup artists for these ten genius (and completely different) ways to apply your makeup. Poe-tay-toe. Poe-tah-toe.

#1 Tap on mascara

According to makeup artist Stephen Sollitto, who works with celebs Hailee Steinfeld, Amy Adams and Emily Deschanel, long strokes of mascara aren’t actually the best way to amp up your lashes. “I like tapping deep at the base of the lashes, working outwards to the tips. That way you’re creating depth—the roots are dark and rich and the ends are soft, not clumpy,” he says.

#2 Soften pencils

Lip liner tends to be dry, which results in uneven coverage. Kayleen McAdams, actress Rachel McAdams’s sister and makeup artist, suggests dipping the pencil in sheer balm before applying. “It glides on much smoother, making it easier to accurately fill your lips,” she says. Warm the tip of a stubborn eyeliner pencil between your thumb and forefinger for a similar effect.

#3 Master the art of stippling

Stippling is an artist’s word for shading with dots instead of solid strokes. (Think Seurat.) However, techniques of the old masters can work for you too. “Stippling your foundation creates the most natural finish,” says Sollitto. The technique also works for blush—build color at the apple of your cheeks, dotting back towards your hairline.

#4 Fight grease with gel, not powder

A dusting of powder is an intuitive way to blot away grease—but it can also dull your complexion. Sollitto likes finishing the face with a dab of mattifying gel along the T-Zone and under the eyes. “This ensures you’re not shiny in photoslater,” he says.

#5 Give your lips the middle finger

According to Sollitto, a smudge of lipstick on your middle finger is the best way to give your lips that perfect heart-shaped pout. “Put a dab on your middle finger and place it in the center of your upper lip, sweeping outwards to the left. Repeat towards the right,” he says. “There’s just something about the feeling of it and the way you will move your head that creates that perfect lipstick line.”

#6 Repurpose your lipstick

A smidge of peach or coral lipstick blended in with your concealer is an unexpected antidote to dark under eye circles. “The orangey red shade brightens and diffuses the darkness,” says makeup artist Robin Black, who works with Bryce Dallas Howard, Cindy Crawford and Demi Moore. Sollitto tells his clients to smudge whatever lipstick their wearing on cheeks and lids before stepping out the door. “That way, there’s a continuity of color on the face,” he explains.

#7 Line your lashes

The key to lush, thick lashes isn’t just in your mascara’s formulation. A steady stroke of ultra-thin gel liner along the base of your lash line is key to creating the illusion of extra lashes. “You want to fill that spot between your lashes and your lid,” advises Black. “Only when that line looks solid should you start applying mascara.”

#8 Clean up with foundation

For simple smudges of liner or errant swipes of mascara, eye makeup remover can whisk away more than you intend. A foundation dipped Q-Tip will wipe away any mistake—use a tapping motion to get the best results.

#9 Crimp in falsies

When it comes to false lashes, an eyelash curler is your best friend. After placing full strips or individual clusters and allowing them to dry, apply a few coats of mascara. Then crimp gently with an eyelash curler, rocking the device back and forth while you clamp. That way, your faux hairs will blend in seamlessly with your real lashes.

#10 Contour with highlighter

Luminizing highlighter can make your cheekbones pop—but not when applied directly to them. Instead, smooth highlighter in a C-shape starting at your temples and extending along the bone just below your eyes. A slim line of highlighter down the center of your nose can also create the illusion of straighter bone structure.

SUMMER-PROOF MAKEUP: HOW TO MAKE YOUR LIPSTICK LAST

by Deven Hopp

This summer we vow not to reapply our lipstick constantly. Between beach days, barbeques, and pool parties, we simply don’t see when we’ll have the time. Instead, we’re taking preventative measures: try these five quick tips and you too can kiss reapplying goodbye.

What You Will Need

• Lip scrub
• Lip balm
• Nude lip liner
• Your favorite lipstick
• Translucent powder

Instructions

1. Polish your pout. For a long-lasting lipstick application, first remove flaky skin to create a smooth base. We love Fresh Sugar Lip Polish, but gently scrubbing with a warm washcloth or soft toothbrush will also give you the exfoliation you need.
2. Soften the lips. Seal in the softness of your freshly polished lips with a hydrating lip balm. Allow the product to sink in for a few minutes before moving on to the next step.
3. Fill it all in. Line and fill in the entire lip with a pencil to create a base for the lipstick to cling to. Choose a shade that’s close to your natural coloring to avoid any visible contrast between your liner and lipstick. 

Expert Tip: If you’re going for something darker, makeup artist Gabriel Almodovar recommends first applying a long-lasting lip stain. Then fill in your lips with a pencil that is the same shade as the lipstick to create more intense color.

1. Apply. Blot. Repeat. Two layers of color deliver twice the staying power. Apply your first coat, blot with a tissue, and apply again.
2. Seal the deal. A light dusting of translucent powder will set the color in place so you can be on your way (feel free to leave your lipstick at home).

Quick Tip: In a pinch, you can skip steps 1-3. Just apply, blot, repeat and powder. 

What We Used

• Fresh Sugar Lip Polish
• Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1
• Sephora Collection Nano Lip Liner in Native Nude
• Lancôme Color Design Lipcolor in Corset
• Dermablend Loose Setting Powder

MASTER THE ART OF EYELINER

by Adina Zilberman

Lining your eyes is an art form, with many techniques available to attain that stroke of perfection. Having a proper working knowledge of those techniques—from smudging to creating a cat eye—and the right tools to achieve them are all that's needed to become a master painter. Here are the essential tips you need to know to apply eyeliner.

Smudged Eye

What the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, smudged liner is to the smoky eye. To achieve this über-sexy look, makeup artist Nick Barose recommends starting with a pencil that is sharp and pointy “to really get into that lash line.” Try: L’Oréal Extra-Intense Liquid Pencil Eyeliner in Carbon Black. Simply skim your pencil along both top and bottom lash lines, not worrying too much about precision (this is the one makeup look where a steady hand doesn’t particularly matter). Then immediately smudge the color into your lash lines with a sponge-tipped smudge brush, taking great care to work quickly before your liner sets. Clean up any excess with a Q-tip dipped in makeup remover to ensure the look doesn’t get too messy.

Cat Eye

The classic cat-eye liner is perfect for giving you that coy, flirty look. While liquid liner is the obvious go-to (try Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner), beginners can benefit from using a flattened angled brush and a gel eyeliner, such as Lancôme Liner Design Long Wear Calligraphy Gel Eyeliner.

“For perfect cat eyes, the key is making the right shape,” Barose says. Sit in front of a mirror, preferably one with a table or flat surface in front of it. Dip the angled brush into your pot of gel eyeliner, plant the elbow of the arm holding the brush onto the table (to steady your hand), and proceed to paint a thin line starting from the outer corner of the eye and working your way in. To make the process easier, be sure to look forward and slightly down as you apply. Always avoid tugging on your skin while lining. Constant tugging can leave a crooked line when you release the skin and can eventually cause wrinkles.

To create the signature flick at the tail, angle the flat tip of your brush slightly up and out. Press the tip into the skin to create the guideline for the flick and slowly sketch the wing at a slant. Then proceed to connect the end of the flick to your lash line, about one-fifth of the way in from the outer corner. You can choose to connect the line closer to the middle of your lid for a more dramatic look. Fill the flick in with gel eyeliner, and you are done. “Add some extra mascara on upper lashes, too, because that lifts the eyes,” Barose says.

Tightlining and Waterlining

For instantly defined eyes and thicker-looking lashes, line the inner rims of your lower lash lines—which is called "waterlining"—and the inner rims of your upper lash lines—which is called "tightlining." A swipe of basic black waterproof liner (try Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in Black) is all you need here.

A Note on Types of Liner

While there are many different types, finishes and colors of eyeliners available, what you choose to go with should be based on the final effect that you’re seeking. Looking for something to complement your green eyes? Go with a purple-based liner, like YSL Dessin Du Regard Crayon Yeux Haute Tenue Eye Pencil in Smoky Purple. Want something more sparkly for a night out? Opt for a glitter liner, like Too Faced Starry-Eyed Liquid Eyeliner.

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<3 by outofmycloset featuring frayed denim shorts

5 HAIR-CARE MYTHS TO RETHINK

by Karina Giglio

Whether you heard it from your mother, your best friend or your stylist, chances are you’re following somebody’s advice when it comes to managing your tresses. And just like with every other area in your life, some of the guidance might not be working out so well. If you're frustrated with your locks and can’t figure out what you’re doing wrong, it may be time to get some beauty information straight. Here are five common hair-care myths and why it's time to rethink them.

Myth #1: Brushing 100 Strokes a Day

Why you should rethink it: Instead of making your mane shinier and stronger, this old wives’ tale can actually lead to greasy locks and split ends, especially if your hair is thin. “When you brush your hair, the bristles rub hard against the scalp, opening oil glands,” says Nicholas Penna Jr., hairstylist and owner of SalonCapri. To avoid the oil slick, gently stroke your hair a few times to remove tangles and knots. You can avoid breakage by making sure your hair is completely dry.

Myth #2: Shampooing in the Shower Is All You Need to Clean Your Hair

Why you should rethink it: To get rid of hair spray and other heavier styling products that are loaded with harsh chemicals, it can take more than just sudsing up in the shower. Dennis Roche, hairstylist and owner of Roche Salon,recommends this weekly treatment to keep your mane from becoming knotty and brittle from all that buildup: Before stepping into the shower, comb dry hair to break down the buildup. Then apply your regular shampoo while your hair is still dry. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing. “This helps break down the stubborn polymers they’re leaving behind, and leaves hair truly clean and shiny,” Roche says.

Myth #3:  Blow-Dry Your Hair in the Bathroom

Why you should rethink it: Just because it’s convenient doesn’t mean it’s the best bet for your locks. “The leftover shower steam actually creates frizz,” Penna says. Instead, move to a dryer and cooler place, such as your bedroom. Hair can then get the voluminous and smooth look of a blowout without becoming a puffy mess.

Myth #4: Apply Product From Your Roots to Ends

Why you should rethink it: Starting at the top is a surefire way to overapply product and leave locks looking limp. “Your ends are the most damaged and usually require the most product,” Roche says. He recommends applying a small amount of product to towel-dried hair, starting at the bottom and working your way up to the roots so that the top of your hair can retain its volume. If you need more, just start all over again. “This reduces wear and tear and friction," he says. "Plus you’ll get consistent results every time, without bare patches.”

Myth #5: Turn Down the Heat

Why you should rethink it: Lowering the temperature setting on your flatiron sounds like a safer bet for your strands, but it can actually do more harm than good, Penna says. A lower setting forces you to keep going over the same section of hair again and again, which weakens and dulls locks. Instead, apply a heat protectant spray like Matrix Biolage Thermal-Activating Spray each time you reach for your iron. Set the iron to its highest setting (400 degrees or so), and slowly apply pressure from roots to ends. With this technique, you should only need to take one pass per every 2-inch section.

How to - Black Maxi dress

How to - Black Maxi dress by outofmycloset featuring a straw hat

5 EXPERT TIPS FOR FLAWLESS LIPS

by Ashley Rebecca

Hi everyone, this is New York-based freelance makeup artist Ashley Rebecca and today I am going to share some of my best tips for creating a flawless lip...

One of the most common conversations I have with clients is about lipstick. Every woman who has ever sought out to purchase cosmetics knows the power and excitement that a new lip color can provide: It is an inexpensive, cheap thrill that can brighten any rainy day or lift any melancholy mood.

Lipsticks come in all shades, textures, pigments, finishes, and formulas. So how do you know what is best for you? With so many brands and colors to choose from, here are 5 simple tips for flawless lips:

1. Create a visual. See a lip color you like or want to try in a magazine? Rip the photo right out and keep it in your purse. That way when you are shopping for new lipstick you can have photos easily accessible.

Product Pick: I love Maybelline ColorSensational Vivids in Pink Pop and Fuchsia Flash.

2. Play with the finish. You really don't know what you prefer until you try it. Test sheer textures all the way to mattefinishes. See what feels best on your lips and find what would be most comparable to your daily makeup routine.

3. Experiment with color. Always wanted to try a red lipstick? Look at a few different shades of red from blue undertones to orange undertones. Find what looks best with your skin tone and the level of color you are most comfortable with. The same goes for all shades when looking for the right tone, from pinks, to berries and mauves.

Quick Tip: "You can easily turn a bold colored lip into a more sheer tone by blending a small amount of lipstick on the lips with your fingers. Apply a lip balm, such as Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 on top for moisture and you have two great ways to wear one lip color!"

4. Ask an expert. Makeup artists come with a wide range of knowledge when it comes to products and color. If you are shopping at a makeup counter, don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion. You can always learn from the pros and walk away with a few new and exciting recommendations.

5. Exfoliate and condition. Once you've picked your favorite color, exfoliating and conditioning are the most important things to do when it comes to lips. Exfoliate the lips gently with a quality lip scrub, to get all the dead skin cells off. Then follow up with a conditioning and hydrating lip balm. This is best to do at night before bed.

Quick Tip: “Take a small amount of petroleum jelly and mix with white table sugar. Apply all over the lips in a scrubbing motion and rinse with warm water. Apply your favorite Kiehl's lip balm on top for added moisture.”

The most important tip of all? Whether you opted for a sheer nude or a shocking pink, the most beautiful accessory of all is a smile!