Tools of the trade

Achieving the look you want isn't all about make-up - you also need to arm yourself with the best tools...

If you thought gorgeous Hollywood actresses and supermodels floated out of the house and onto the red carpet with very little effort, you'd be wrong. Behind every glamour goddess is an army of cosmetic assistants, all boasting a huge stash of magic-creating make-up and tools with as many canny tricks of the trade up their sleeves as A-listers on their speed dial.

Yet, although the chance of us mere mortals having the same kind of treatment lavished upon us is about as likely as gaining a front-row seat at the Oscars, fret not, dear pampering pals, for I, too, have a few tried and tested tips on cosmetic tools that will help you shine like a star.

Eye-openers

  All the tools you'll ever need If you haven't already got some, then dash out and stock up on a few cases of the excellent MAC Cleansing Tips (£9, MAC). Simply glide one of this pre-saturated swaps along the area you want to remove eye make-up from and hey presto! You're good to go. As I'm sure you'll agree, it's a lot more convenient than lugging big bulky bottles and endless cotton-wool pads around the place. Once your eyes are clean of make-up you can start to prepare them so they look flutter-fabulous when you next apply a lick of mascara or slick of shadow. For enviously long lashes there's only one eyelash curler experts, such as Gucci make-up artist Tom Pécheux, rely on - Shiseido's The Makeup Eyelash Curlers (£13, 020 7630 1515). The reason? 'Because they are foolproof and create an instant curl,' explains Pécheux. Tweezerman's curlers (£8.50, 020 7237 1007) are also worth checking out and are loved by the likes of Drew Barrymore and Chloë Sevigny.

When it comes to keeping unkempt or wiry brows under control successfully, every girl should reach for a Shavata Singh Brow Perfection Kit (£18, 0845 603 1603). Shavata, who counts the likes of Natalie Imbruglia and Elle Macpherson among her client list, has created this special set, which contains tweezers, three brow shades, a highlighter pencil and three eyebrow stencils. Simply by gently plucking and reshaping you'll help to tidy up those brows and give your face a subtle lift, too. Just make sure you've practised your sexy arched brow to perfection in the mirror before trying it out on an unsuspecting male!

Brush up
When defining your eyes, make-up artist to the stars and all-round beauty guru Bobbi Brown believes that 'the right tools are just as important in getting the look you want as the actual make-up'. As well as essential eye tools such as smudge, blender and contour brushes, Bobbi has designed applicators for the lips and face. Her amazing Foundation Brush (£25, 01730 232 566) will help you wave goodbye to blotchy-looking foundation and achieve picture-perfect skin. Bobbi's sleek leather case filled with 100 blotting papers (£16) is also a beauty bag essential, to make shiny, sweaty complexions a thing of the past.

The Clinique Essential Brush Set (£54, Clinique) is a swish four-piece artist's brush set for the eyes and face, and boast sophisticated anti-microbial technology that protects the bristles from gunky build-up and germs. All of these brushes are fantastic, but be sure to grab a Concealer Brush (£11, 01730 232 566) too, it's particularly good as it allows you to apply your anti-blemish product with perfect accuracy, thanks to the compact shape of the fine bristles. You can also ensure that all your new Clinique brushes stay nice and clean by disinfecting them every two to three months with Clinique's Makeup Brush Cleanser (£11).

Hair help
When A-listers glide down the red carpet with luscious locks, don't get green with envy - get a snazzy hairstyling kit instead. Morphy Richards' I Create Multi-Styler (£69.99, 0870 060 2614) has a myriad of attachments that'll help you create everything from sleek 'n' straight to Cupid's curls. You can also dry your hair with this appliance and, courtesy of its ceramic-coated plates and special heat sensors, it won't singe or damage your hair's delicate follicles. Toni&Guy's 1800W Ionic Palm Dryer (£39.99, 0870 070 8090) is a must-have for beautiful bouffants, as it has four adaptable speeds and heats. For instant sleek and subtly scented tresses, rub one of Umberto Giannini's Hanky Pankies (£4.99, Boots) - hair fragrance cloths - over your hair. I promise you'll look as though you 'just stepped out of a salon', honeys!

Fingers and toes
As any glamour goddess knows, perfectly manicured finger- and toenails add the final finishing touch to a gorgeously groomed look. If you can't spare the time or cash to nip out to a salon, then purchase a Ms Manicure 3-in-1 Smoothing Wand (£3.65, 0845 070 8090) to buff and tidy nails before slipping them into a pot of Ollie B's 60 Second Manicure & Pedicure Set (£21, 01978 666075). Finally, for a superstar smile, try the excellent home whitening kit, Tooth Wipes (£1.99, 0845 070 8090), which will clean, freshen and brighten in just one swipe. Simple and successful - just how we like our beauty routine to be!

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