tools

A fan brush is one of the most practical makeup tool essentials around. It's often used to apply a setting powder for a soft-focus, weightless kind of finish, but that's not the only reason this multi-tasking makeup brush is so great. See five other reasons to become a fan of the fan brush.

1. Mistake eraser: By design, a fan brush fans away product. So if your powdered makeup products (especially eyeshadow) are leaving flecks behind, a light swipe of the fan brush can easily wipe away the excess.
2. Blusher/bronzer: If you want just a sheer touch of blush or bronzer on your cheeks — or you tend to have a heavy hand when it comes to makeup — a fan brush will enable you to create a softer look. In turn, use the brush's flat shape to assist in contouring where needed.
3. Powder foundation: Get a more precise powder foundation application when using a fan brush.
4. Diffuser of colour: Break out that fan brush to blend out harsh lines or to create new shades with your powder cosmetics. Tip: use it with darker shades to tone them down or with a highlighter to provide a luminous effect.
5. Skincare applier: Make a mask or peel go on all the more smoothly with a fan brush. Better yet, you'll get nice coverage without using a lot of product.

More St. Tropez...

When it comes to eyelash curlers, none are more iconic than Shu Uemura's offering. Found in the kits of the world's best makeup artists (Gina Brooke, who counts Madonna, Katy Perry and Gisele as clients swears by them) and responsible for making flutters the world over look flirtier, the must-have makeup tool is now getting a makeover of its own. Starting next month, a luxurious 24K gold-coated version of Shu Uemura's Eyelash Curler is available — for the same price. A little bit of luxury that we can all afford. Sign. Us. Up.

Shu Uemura's 24K Gold Eyelash Curler ($40) is available from July 2 exclusively at David Jones.

We couldn't help but ooh and ahh over these baby nail scissors from Rubis.  If you're looking for a gift for a new mum, these will make the perfect pressie. Practical — the Swiss company is famed for its serious skills when it comes to craftmanship so these baby nail scissors have been ergonomically designed with precision cut in mind — and pretty (what's not to love about a pink and blue leather elephant case? Exactly. Nothing), we can totally see Victoria Beckham using them on baby Harper and even Cruz. We're not against snapping up a pair for ourselves either for those hard-to-trim little toenails. They're too cute to miss out on. Wouldn't you agree?

Rubis Child’s Nail Scissors ($69.95) are available from Saison

Chances are you own a makeup brush or two. I'm not even going to tell you how many I own. (Oh, OK then, it's 32.) But when you spend as much time around makeup artists as I do, you learn to realise that makeup brushes perform magic. And they are without a doubt the one product that ALL experts tell you never to scrimp on.

Now think about it, you wouldn't go out and buy yourself an Alexa or a pair of Loubs only to leave them out in the rain, would you? (No, you'd buy them their own little chair and snuggle blanket.) It's the same for brushes; you need to give them lots of TLC so that they know how much you care and return the favour by making you look hot. And what better time than Spring Cleaning season to give them a little zhush and freshen them up?

MAC's senior artist, Nicole Thompson recommends investing in an alcohol-based brush cleanser. Use this after every application as it's a quick and simple way to give the brush a quick freshen up. Try MAC Brush Cleanser ($20). Then once a fortnight, wash your brushes with a pea-sized amount of shampoo and then lay them somewhere cool to dry overnight — Nicole suggests a windowsill. Shop more brush cleansers from Clinique and Napoleon Perdis:

More Clinique...

In this week's "Ask Bella" post, where we aim to make the cosmetics world a clearer place, we're talking makeup brushes. As in, out of the 2,657 varieties out there, which ones it is essential to own. Because our lovely reader Willowtree asked us. And because in the immortal words of Vanilla Ice: "If there was a problem yo I'll solve it." All you have to do is email mail@bellasugar.com.au.

"Question: With so many makeup brushes out there and usually they are quite pricey, could you advise which ones should be essential."

Do you know, Willowtree, that I once had a friend who had a new makeup brush for each individual eyeshadow shade . . . until I told her that it would be much more cost-effective to buy a good brush cleaner (I swear by Mecca's Brush With Success Conditioning Cleaner, $22, for ease of use) and STOP BUYING BRUSHES. Because they can be costly as you said. And, unless you're a pro makeup artist, the majority of them are unnecessary. Even Bobbi Brown says so. There's only really six brushes that your average person needs: a concealer brush, a foundation brush, a big blending brush, an eyeshadow brush, an eyeliner brush and a brow brush. This will take care of your basic needs and then add other fancy fan brushes to your Christmas List — I do.

Keep reading . . .

You're into organic beauty buys, but do you go so far as buying eco beauty tools? We're often told by our readers that they stick to synthetic buys are they're cheaper and more effective, but we've found a great brand that uses natural and recycled materials. EcoTools features an extensive range of makeup brushes (for which the brand is renowned), as well as loofahs, files and buffers. They're also doing their bit to save the environment, too — one percent of ecoTools' annual proceeds go to 1% for the Planet, an organisation that supports raising funds for environmental initiatives. Here are some of our favourite product picks from the brand!