Tools of the Trade

This new brush has become an instant favorite. Designed with a blend of artificial bristles, it's dense yet soft, with a slanted shape that lends itself to the natural contours of your face. Use it with either cream, liquid or powder formulas to get a smooth, even finish.SHOP NOW: Shiseido Foundation Brush, $30

Although it's a foundation brush, the firm and dense bristles makes it our pick for concealing blemishes and under-eye circles. Unlike your fingers, a brush can get into grooves and cracks for even coverage.SHOP NOW: MAC 190 Foundation Brush, $32

Ditch your foam-tipped applicators, which pick up too much pigment and make blending difficult. Instead, invest in this super-soft trio that let you line eyes and layer on shades.SHOP NOW: Too Faced Shadow Brushes, $39

An industry favorite, this eyelash curler gives lashes a lift—without leaving a bend—so eyes immediately appear more open. SHOP NOW: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, $19

Makeup artists know that good tweezers are indispensable for removing rogue hairs effectively. With a slanted tip, this longtime favorite plucks out strays at the root. SHOP NOW: Tweezerman Slant Tweezer, $20

A fan-shaped brush is the perfect pick for last-minute prepping—it blends in excess powder and sweeps away fallen eye shadow, eliminating the dreaded raccoon effect. SHOP NOW: Beauty Is Life Fan Brush; $70

While more abrasive files can break and split fragile nails, this smooth crystal glass version is perfect for carefully shaping a perfect ten. It's gentle enough that you can file polished nails without harming them. SHOP NOW: Priti Crystal Glass File, $11

The latest trend in nails is forgoing lacquer in favor of a natural look. These handy numbered buffers let you buff, polish and shine nails to perfection. SHOP NOW: Sephora Collection Nail Buffers, $8 for 3

This innovative new product is described as painter's tape for your nails. It provides a protective barrier around on cuticles and surrounding skin that peels off once you're done applying polish. Use it on nails to create a flawless French manicure or your own original designs. SHOP NOW: Liquid Palisade, $22

Put your best foot forward with the ultimate file. On one side, an intensive buffer tackles calluses, while the other gently smooths pads of the feet.SHOP NOW: Deborah Lippmann Foot Fetish File, $38

Even those committed to the natural look benefit from a top-notch hair dryer. This lightweight one, popular with hairstylists, combines ionic, ceramic and tourmaline technology for frizz-free, shiny hair. SHOP NOW: Solano Professional Super Lite Tourmaline Hair Dryer, $160

This pro quality straightener comes from the same brand that made waves (in a good way) with its clip-free curling iron. Made with ceramic plates, the straightener is gentle on strands, smoothing hair in one stroke. SHOP NOW: Amika Pulse Action Styler System, $99