A tried-and-true staple in makeup artist Erin B. Guth's kit is the original BeautyBlender. "This innovative sponge changed the game when it was introduced in 2007," she says. "Prior to its development, sponges were typically triangular and expendable. Its teardrop, edge-free shape and water-activated material makes it so versatile for applying makeup—plus, it's reusable, so the eco-friendly quality is always a plus!" If you're looking for a sponge that won't leave you streaky, she says there's no better bet than this one. Also, she recommends avoiding any of the knockoffs on the market, as nothing compares to the texture of the original.
While most people use a concealer in addition to a foundation, makeup artist and hair stylist Ulla Gaudin finds this cream cover foundation good enough to use for both applications. "Not only do they have a large variety of colors to choose so you can match your skin tone, but it is like three products in one: primer, foundation and concealer," she says. "It's extremely easy to manipulate to achieve the perfect coverage needed on each spot of your face—plus, it can go from super sheer to full coverage." Other aspects she loves include the hydrating vitamin E ingredient, its cruelty-free promise and how light it feels on your skin.
Healthy, vibrant skin makes applying makeup a whole lot easier. Not only is there less to clear up, but there's less of a need to apply colors since the skin is naturally vibrant. To help her clients achieve a naturally dewy and invigorated look, makeup artist Jessika Bekteshi turns to Odiele Rose Serum. "It's 100 percent organic and contains argan, rosehip, almond, jojoba and primrose oils, which help calm irritated skin and also act as an antibacterial," she says. "I also love the fresh scent of rosemary and rose oil." According to Bekteshi, all of her clients comment on how it makes their skin feel, which is all thanks to the nourishing ingredients, she says.
You'll be hard-pressed to find a makeup artist who doesn't use a primer before applying eyeshadow. It creates a seamless canvas upon which to apply the rest of your eye makeup and helps keep everything in place throughout the day. Mindy Green, makeup artist and owner of MG Beauty, has applied eyeshadow with this primer for years and claims that each time it lasts at least a full 24 hours. "It contains antioxidants and dries to a matte finish and keeps cream and powder eyeshadow smudge-proof and crease-free," she says. "This product is ideal for anyone with oily eyelids or during the hot, humid summer months."
Unless you're familiar with "drying lotions," you might be wondering what the heck they are—and do for your skin. Well, if you've ever used a spot treatment, drying lotions are one and the same. Hillary Kline loves this product from Mario Badescu, which she says helps dry up pesky pimples in a flash. "I cannot tell you how much I have struggled to find a quality spot treatment (and one that won't break the bank)," she says "After a friend recommended this one, which actually works, I have not looked back!" The key ingredients, salicylic acid and zinc oxide work together to dry and shrink whiteheads virtually overnight, she claims.
