Taking Eyes to the Next Level

It's impossible to do great eye makeup without the right tools. Here, my list of the eye tools you should have in your makeup bag. Not sure what all of these gadgets look like? Print out this list and ask for help at your nearest beauty supply store.

Sharpener: Gets to the point with different sized pencils. Indispensable.

Eyeliner Brush: Draws a perfect thin line. Also great for filling fine wrinkles and noticeable pores with concealer.

Small Eye Shadow Brush: The perfect brush for smaller, more controlled areas. Great when shaping outer corner of lid.

Medium Eye Shadow Brush: Use when you want color across the lid and in the crease -- or only in the crease. If you're contouring, this brush is key.

Spoolie: Use alone to brush brows into shape (then leave brows natural or add brow gel). Use before brow pencil to find where to fill in. Use after brow pencil to soften pencil lines and pull color through brows. Can also be used on eyelashes.

Brow Brush/Lash Comb: This combo tool does double duty. A great groomer.

Eyelash Curler: A must before applying mascara. It lifts and separates lashes and opens up the eyes. Even if you aren't wearing mascara, lashes will look fuller. Tip: instead of one big crimp, do a series of small curls moving upward and out.

Angled Eye Shadow Brush: Gets close to the upper and lower lashline to apply eyeliner or shadow. Also great for brow color. Can be used for smudging, too.

Concealer Brush: These are typically made of nylon instead of natural hair (creamy products like concealer adhere to nylon better). Use to apply and blend any cream product -- concealer, cream eye shimmers, and cream shadows.

Scissors: Trims brow hairs. Also shapes false eyelashes.

Tweezers: Keep brows in shape and take care of that (shhh) secret of the sisterhood: unwanted facial hair! Also great for applying false eyelashes.

Eyelash Comb: Made of metal and incredibly sharp -- use this to comb through lashes after applying mascara. Corrects clumps and distributes thickness evenly.

Large Eye Shadow Brush: Covers the upper eye area in one sweep. Use when setting upper or lower eye makeup with powder. Also use before eye application to deposit protective powder below the eyes.

Toothbrush: In lieu of a brow brush, this works, too. (I also use one to very gently scrub dry skin from the lips before conditioning them with lip balm and applying color.)

Fingertips: They're easy to clean. They never wear out. And they're free! What's not to love? Try dabbing and patting on undereye concealer with your ring finger and your pinky -- these two adorable digits give you the lightest touch (important for delicate facial skin) and get into small areas.