Beauty Secret Weapons

The Most-Wanted List

Carol Straley, Ladies' Home Journal Beauty & Fitness Director, talked to the pros and gathered a collection of first-rate beauty tips. Here's what they had to say.

These are the eight great essentials that makeup artists and hairstylists count on at photo shoots and fashion shows. What works for top models can do the trick for you, too.

Makeup artists think of YSL Touche eclat ($35), a highlighter/concealer/makeup refresher, as a magic wand. With a quick click, the brush delivers enough product to hide lines, cover dark circles or retouch makeup. "The texture is so creamy it won't cake." --Matthew Sky, NYC-based makeup artist

"I never leave home without Bobbi Brown's Lip Pencil in Natural ($15.50; Bobbibrown.com). The neutral shade goes with almost any lipstick." --Maria Romano, NYC-based makeup artist

"Like most makeup artists, I'm never without a tube of Maybelline Great Lash Mascara ($5.95). It's inexpensive and easy to apply. The formula goes on clump-free and never dries up." --Eve Pearl, makeup artist for "The View"

"Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 [$5; to order, call 800-543-4571] uses natural humectants that make it extra-moisturizing. A little balm helps lipstick go on more smoothly and soothes any chapped areas." --Kat James, NYC-based makeup artist

"Mehaz Rubis Swiss Tweeze Slanted Tweezer ($33) grabs every stray hair -- even short ones -- without pinching your skin." For stores, call 888-225-6342. --Robyn Cosio, eyebrow expert in Los Angeles and NYC

Originally formulated to soothe minor skin irritations, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant ($14) leads many lives. "After applying makeup, I like to use a tiny dab to highlight lips, eyelids and cheekbones." --Tina Davis, NYC-based makeup artist

"My clients love Shiseido Puff For Face Powder ($9.50) so I order it in bulk. The velvety-plush texture of the puff blots shine without adding too much powder." --Troy Jensen, Los Angeles-based makeup artist

"The Mason-Pearson Junior Hair Brush ($70) is fabulous because it lasts forever. [To order, call 800-645-6503; in New York State, call 516-599-1776.] It is particularly wonderful for back-brushing [teasing] the crown, brushing out teased hair or blow-drying hair smooth. The special combination of nylon and natural bristles eliminates static." --Ward, editorial stylist for Bumble and bumble Salon, NYC