Essentials for a Beauty Addict

Gen's Picks: Tool Kit by beauty cartel on Polyvore.com

(click anywhere on the set for product links and information)

These are some essential tools I like using when applying makeup.
Is it my everyday regime?
Absolutely not, but this is serious business ladies--focus.

1.) Sephora Brand Metro Train Case - Black Diamond, $110. Stylish and sleek. I use a double train on wheels--because I'm gangster like that, but this is quite pretty and well organized.
2.) Rosebud Salve, $6. Rosebud Salve--practically perfect in every way. The perfect way to prep lips or leave on dry, chapped lips all by itself. Not super greasy--lightweight with a lovely taste and fragrance. Apparently it can also be used for chapped skin and as a diaper cream, but I'm too afraid I'll mix up the lip tub from the bum tub to try.
3.)Unscented Facial Tissues, around $2.99 a pop. Any brand will do-ya--I've linked Walgreen's here (you're welcome). The key to a great facial tissue? The cheaper the better. Yep. Less lint to flake off on the skin, lashes, etc. Make sure your tissues are fragrance and lotion free.
4.)Evian Mineral Water Spray,$10. Oh Evian,
If I could give you the justice you deserve through verse I would, but you and I know your powers are magical and incomprehensible to the human mind. Seriously though--this stuff is amazing. A must use before applying makeup as a skin prep. It balances any skin type. Go ahead--challenge it. I dare you. It adds moisture where needed and wicks away any icky sweat, oils, etc. How? Magic. That's how. It's also paraben, sulfate, dye and fragrance free for all of my green goddesses out there.
5.) and 6.) Listen, some of you don't believe in a professional makeup brush. Ok, I get it--it's expensive, but listen to me--are you listening? It's an investment. Be good to your brushes and your brushes will be good to you. I've selected what I believe to be the most important brushes: A foundation brush and a powder brush. The others? I enjoy them, I do, but
these are 2 brushes I think you should invest in. Can you handle that? Maybe? Good. I'll get further in depth on the brush issue in a later post.
5.) Professionnel Platinum Natural Rounded Powder Brush #41, $38.
6.) Professionnel Platinum Foundation Brush #47, $30.
7.) Kevyn Aucoin, The Sensual Skin Enhancer, $45. When this product arrives (created by the late, great
Kevyn Aucoin), you may be wondering why they sent the sample size. Do not fret darlings. This is a multi-tasking skin perfector. Just a little dab'll do ya. Start with prepped skin. Apply as a concealer or foundation. You can work with the consistency to spread it out evenly with a brush. Perfects discoloration, uneven texture and more. This is for a serious application.
8.) shu uemura Eyelash Curler, $19. No excuses. Look in the dictionary under cult following and there's a picture of this eyelash curler. Well maybe there isn't, but walk into Sephora and ask them what their favorite eyelash curler is and they'll show you this. If they don't, feel free to laugh at them and shake your head condescendingly.
9.) Josie Maran, Bear Naked Wipes, $6. A nice alternative for those of you with super-sensitive skin. Paraben, sulfate, fragrance and dye free. MAC is another remover wipe favorite. If you're not super-sensitive, give them a whirl. You get more bang for your buck. Find them here.