It feels like we are constantly buying the latest powders, creams, serums and lipsticks to upgrade our beauty routine. But much like a better hair tool will result in a better blowout, the tools we use to apply our makeup can make a big difference.
These are the beauty tools — from curlers and tweezers to brushes and brush cleaners — that celebrity experts swear by, and all can be found in your local drugstore beauty aisle!
"Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask is a great way to treat acne daily since it's chemical-free. It has a blue light, which is a safe and effective way to treat acne. The blue light kills the bacteria that causes acne and inflammation and helps reduce redness as well," says Dr. Debra Jaliman, a celebrity dermatologist in New York City. Back in November 2016, Lena Dunham posted about her love for acne-busting mask.
“I like the ProX because I find it to be much gentler than some cleansing brushes, and I always prefer taking a more gentle approach when it comes to exfoliation. I love that you can take it in the shower and use it to exfoliate your face, chest, legs, arms and back,” says Sonya Dakar, a celebrity esthetician who has treated A-listers like Jennifer Lawrence and Drew Barrymore.
For more face cleansing brushes, check out our round-up of the ones we love!
"The Amope Perfect Pedi Electronic Pedicure Foot File is a great buy and lasts for years! I would recommend using it before taking a shower, as dry buffing your heels and feet smooths out the heels evenly and softens at the same time. After you shower, don’t forget to use lotion to lock in moisture,” says Skyy Hadley, a celebrity manicurist who has worked with Liv Tyler, Janelle Monae and LaLa Anthony.
"Love this curler because it grabs the lashes with enough force to really curl them," says Hector Simancas, a celebrity makeup artist.
"These tweezers are great, the cut and angle on the tip of the tweezer is perfect for plucking," says Simancas, whose clients include Paris Hilton, Lisa Bonet and Sandra Oh.
"These are one of the most practical beauty tools in my kit. I rely on the pointy side along with makeup remover to create well-defined edges around eyeliner and shadow or to fix any mascara mistakes. The point is also precise enough to separate freshly applied mascara on lashes," said makeup artist Erin Guth, whose clients include Zendaya and Sofia Carson.
"The opposite end, which is flat and oval, is perfect for wiping off fallout from eye shadow under the eye area. In a pinch, Eye Tees are even suitable substitutes for makeup brushes. The pointy side can be dipped in water and eye shadow to create eyeliner, and the flat side can be used to apply shadow and lipstick. They really are indispensable!"
"I use this makeup brush-cleaning mat to keep my brushes ready to use between clients. It's great for all different shapes and types of brushes. And it's travel-friendly," says Janice Kinjo, who has worked with Mindy Kaling, Uzo Aduba, Isabella Rossellini and Mary J Blige.
When Buzzfeed's senior beauty editor stopped by TODAY last year, she gave us the scoop on this innovative makeup brush cleaner that comes with a built-in dryer. It's called the StylePro Cleaner and Dryer and it retails for $29 on Amazon.
"This foundation brush is a secret weapon found in almost every makeup artist's kit! The cruelty-free synthetic bristle practically does the blending for you. You can apply foundation, blend cream blush or highlighter, or buff out product already on your face with a clean brush. It's a multipurpose magic tool," says Mary Irwin, a celebrity makeup artist.
"These clothes are fantastic for removing heavy makeup and gently exfoliating the skin. They're reusable, too — simply put them in the washing machine!" says Kyriaki Savrani, whose clients include Viola Davis.
"Everybody should have these at home. In 15 minutes, the skin looks deeply moisturized and plumped up with a brightening effect that I find that lasts all day. A must have!" says Savrani.
This little device gives you the benefits of a professional facial in your own bathroom. It works to open up pores so you can get the deepest clean and is a favorite of Buzzfeed senior beauty editor, Augusta Faletta.
“I use non-invasive products and technology, like the Foreo Luna for face cleansing and invigorating. I apply cleanser on wet skin and gently massage in small circular movements with the device for about two minutes. The gentle silicone brush enhances cleansing — sloughing off dead skin and thoroughly removing makeup,” says Biba de Sousa, a celebrity esthetician, whose clients include Emily Blunt, Alison Brie and Michelle Monaghan.
"Your smile is really the finishing touch for your beauty look, so having white teeth is important. And it allows you the freedom to wear any lip shade. I put Crest Whitestrips on my client’s teeth right when they sit down in the chair. They’re easy to use and work while I’m doing makeup. And the new Crest Whitestrips with Light are even more efficient because the light adds a boost of whitening at the end of the treatment," says Kristofer Buckle, a celebrity makeup artist whose clients include Blake Lively and Mariah Carey.
This article was originally published on December 14, 2017 on TODAY.com.