Tool Time, Part 1

The next few entries go out to my Beaute 101 readers who enjoyed the "how to wear red lipstick" article from last time and have asked for more "how to"/tutorial pieces. On a side note to my brilliantly diligent friend Amber: I'm still working on how to write html coding that will link mentions of previous topics directly to that post. If any of my readers know how to do this please help the Beaute Guru. Ok back to the matter at hand. Here's a quick peek at what's coming up. Today and Friday we will focus on the tools you need for next week's eye makeup demos showing you how to create this season's smoldering looks. So stay posted!

As a beaute lover I'm not only obsessed over the products I use but also about the tools that support them making their efficacy so spectacular. Think about it. Where would we be without our tools? Imagine for a second a land with no blackberrys or IPhones...(gasp!) mon dieu as the French would say! We would have to actually pay attention to our surroundings forcing us to walk around actually making eye contact with that cutie across the street instead of click, click, click bbm'ing our friend. Think about it. You could be missing the chance to meet your one and only Romeo all because you're permanently glued to your mobile phone!

To create that perfect eye look that will make the guy across the street fall head over heels in love (just kidding...not really, a girl can always dream!) I rely on a tapered blending brush. Whether it's natural and light or smoky and sexy this brush gives you the perfect control to apply the contouring and defining eye shadow to the crease. Seriously every eye look needs some sort of high/low contrast to give your eyes depth instead of a monochromatic washed out look. I know that the naturalite, barely there makeup lovers may be skeptical...trust me! I don't lie and I search high and low for the very best for you. This brush will take your makeup application to the next level. The tapered brush allows for maximum control ensuring that you deposit the color right in the crease. Now flawless makeup is all about blending. Thanks to the dome-shaped bristles you can really work the eye shadow into the curves and cervices of the crease (yes I just stole that line from a Ludacris song!) so that you get a continuous, accurate coverage. Now most makeup brands have this brush so depending on your budget you can splurge and buy the Rolls Royce version with boar hair or purchase an equally effective version like the one from MAC at $28 (which I use!). Whatever you do invest in one...NOW!

Usage tip: Clean your brush once a month with warm water and gentle soap (I like Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo) to maintain its condition. Remember to always tap your brush after dipping it into the shadow to remove excess powder and use brush in small circular motions instead of the traditional sweeping technique.

The result: Professional eye makeup right from your very own bathroom!