5 Essential Beauty Tools You Need Now

Whether you are experienced with using makeup or not, there are so many tools to choose from in order to achieve the look you want. It's easy to be overwhelmed when you walk into a beauty store like Ulta or Sephora and see the multitude of beauty tools, but there are just a few you could get away with having and still create many of the looks you love. Here are 5 of the essential tools that should be in every cosmetic bag:

Sponge - A foundation sponge comes in a variety of shapes, including circles, wedges, and even ergonomic sponges that are easy to hold and help blend foundation into the skin. The shape you choose is a matter of preference, but select latex-free sponges because they are soft and help give you plenty of control when applying foundation around the face.

Powder Brush - After you apply liquid or cream foundation, use a powder brush to set the foundation with translucent powder. A powder brush, such as Bare Escentuals Full Coverage Kabuki Brush, offers a light coverage so you don't appear to have powder caked onto the foundation. A Kabuki brush is also a great tool to use when applying bronzer to the skin and neck because it offers plenty of sheer coverage.

Eyeshadow Brush - There are three sizes of brushes you should add to your cosmetic bag: small, medium and large. A small, eyeliner brush allows you to get your color up close to the lashes, while a medium brush is perfect for applying different colors over the entire lid or contouring colors in the crease. A large eyeshadow brush is helpful for blending colors together quickly and easily.

Eyelash Curler - In order to show off your eyes and help them appear more open, an eyelash curler is an essential tool in any makeup kit. Use an eyelash curler whenever you apply mascara to look livelier and finish off with your favorite formula of mascara.

Concealer Brush - When shopping for a concealer brush, look for a synthetic blend. A synthetic brush allows the concealer formula to easily go on the skin and won't clump up on the bristles. Use a concealer brush to dab cream under the eyes or around trouble areas after you apply foundation, then dust with translucent powder to set everything in place.

Here are just a few of the most useful tools you could purchase and add to your cosmetic bag. Once you get more familiar with the various tools or makeup applications, you can purchase additional tools to build on your basic collection.