Get the right tools
A great set of brushes is the main tool you need to put your makeup on easily and flawlessly, says Castagna. No matter which cosmetic product you use, there's likely a brush designed specifically to apply it. Brushes range in size and have special bristles and angles for applying various skin, eye and lip products. Prices vary widely, from less expensive store brands to artistry brushes with designer names, but no matter what you decide to spend, Castagna says it will pay off. "They're a great investment," she explains. "Your product goes on better and lasts longer with brushes, and if you treat them with care you'll have them for quite a long time."
Be prepared
So what tools should you never leave home without? Along with a mini brush set, Castagna recommends sponges because they're easy to travel with. Cotton swabs are great to fix smudges, while blotting paper, or even tissue, can take the shine off oily skin. If you're flying and have to check your cosmetics, or just want to carry as little as possible in your makeup bag, load up brushes in advance with the product you want to use. Wrap them in plastic, pop them in your bag and pull them out when you need a touch-up. Finally, Castagna says, don't overlook the obvious -- your fingertips will do just fine for makeup application and touch-ups when you're on the go.
Think seasonally
Finally, evaluate your makeup with each new season. Your skin feels different in January than in July, so change your skin-care regimen accordingly. You may also need to change the products you use. If you spend lots of time outside by the water, for example, consider switching from regular to waterproof mascara. As you move to new products, discard the old. Once a product is exposed to the air it's only good for a few months, says Castagna. Not only is it more hygienic to purge your makeup bag, you'll benefit from having better products, too. "You always want to get the next best thing," explains Castagna. "With the way technology's advancing, anything new is usually better for your skin and much more efficient."
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