tools of the trade

This is definitely not the age of Tammy Faye Bakker — and although long, lush, and voluminous lashes are sought after, so is a clean, defined, no-makeup makeup look. These contrasting worlds have no room for clumpy, lumpy lashes. With these relatively inexpensive and super-small lash combs, you won't have to worry about your lashes being a beauty faux pas.

Tweezerman Folding Eye Lash Comb ($6.99) is a thin and tapered gold-plated comb that has been designed to painlessly glide through your mascara-coated lashes and remove anything that is stuck together or clumpy. Use it when your lashes are still a little wet in gentle, upward motions (away from your eyes).

Eco Tools Bamboo Lash and Brow Groomer (on sale for $2.99) is a long and slender environmentally-friendly eyelash comb and eyebrow brush. It is made from synthetic bristles and the ferule is made from recycled aluminum. Check out the cost, too. At $2.99 a pop, you can keep one stashed in all of your primping locations.

For one more eyelash comb, read more

Paul Hanlon, the talented and insightful lead hairstylist that I met backstage at the Armand Basi fashion show, gave me a great professional tip on how to prevent your ponytail from drooping. He often uses Stretchrite Round Cord Elastic ($1.10), a five-yard piece of elastic that allows you to secure your hair tightly. Just snip off the pieces as needed, wrap it around your hair a couple of times and then knot it.

Paul claims that this thin elastic cord works better than a regular hair tie because you can create more tension; the result is that your ponytail stays perky. I can attest that all of the models did indeed have sprightly ponytails throughout the show, despite all of the product in their long hair that could have weighed it down.

Stretchrite products are sold in most crafts or sewing stores, and they're inexpensive. Think you'll give it a try?

Have you ever been on a trip and realized that all of your makeup is packed, but you've forgotten your brushes? This has happened to me one too many times, so now as a precaution, I always keep a few cream-based options on hand. But if you ever find yourself alone with a bag full of powder products, here are a few makeup application survival techniques that require nothing but your fingers and some toilet tissue.

• If you have a red or rosy colored lipstick, use that on your cheeks as well as your lips. Dab three dots on the apples of your cheeks. Using your index and middle fingers, blend the color upwards and outwards in small circular motions.
• Your eyes, however are a little bit trickier since they require more precise application. Place a square of toilet tissue on top of your pinky finger and secure it with a hair elastic or rubber band. Dampen your pinky and then dip it into your dark powder shadow. Next, rest the side of your hand on your cheek (for more stability) and begin to tap the shadow onto your upper and lower lashes with the side of your pinky (if you have a pinky nail that's even better). Repeat the process each time you approach a new lash line (so you will need to change the TP a total of four times).

For one more makeshift way to apply makeup without brushes, read more

I came upon this odd-looking little invention called TweezLight ($9.99) in a small, off-the-strip apothecary the other day and it gave me a good chuckle. Doesn't it look like something a doctor would pull out of her bag?

I make fun, but actually, I think this tool is cool. The hardware is made of water-resistant stainless steel and has a built-in LED light centered between the prongs for optimal visibility and accuracy. Also, the package said that you can get about 50,000 on-and-off clicks from the battery, so as you can see, this gimmick is made to last!

I like the shiny gold one best, but if you have a favorite color, there are many shades to choose from. And for just $10, it's a fun little gadget.

Raise your hand if you love those super magnifying mirrors that come out of the wall in hotel bathrooms. I consider then the ultimate treat. While CasaSugar has more household mirrors for you to explore, here are a few amazing magnifying mirrors for your vanity or bathroom that I think you'll love as much as I do.

Before you scream when you see how much this pricey piece costs, take notice of all of the gorgeous hand-done gold and detail. So yes, this is definitely a grooming mirror for the Ivanka Trumps of the world, but we can all appreciate beauty when we see it, can't we?

The Sophia Vanity Flip Mirror ($3,200) is apparently from the Winter Rose collection. I just love all of the multicolor Swarovski crystals that have been added as an elegant touch.

For two more makeup mirrors—including one for less than $20— read more

Talk about sparkles and glitter for the 2007 holiday season! New from London's famous chain of neighborhood nail spas, nails inc., comes the most dazzling and decadent nail file you've ever laid your eyes on. Each Diamond File contains 20 diamonds and is set on a glass emery board with a textured surface that is renewable by soaking it in warm water (which won't damage the bling).

The best part is that each file is custom made, so you get to design it yourself. The file was inspired by Bella Donna Marilyn Monroe's song "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend." For the woman who's got it all, this would make the most magnificent gift — that is, if you are in the market to throw down £1000 (which, at the current exchange rate, is approximately $2.000)!

While it comes packaged in a luxurious velvet box lined with black satin, still, that's a hefty price tag. If you had the money, would you spend two grand on a nail-shaping tool?

Sometimes the old stuff is still the best! Bandostick ($25–$65) is the first product that hair gurus Ted Gibson and Jason Backe ever created. These sleek hair sticks have a hole at the top where a rubber band is threaded through so that you can easily create chignons, french twists and buns that stay in place all day.

The testimonials I've read are fantastic, and this product is very popular in Ted's salon. So far the only complaint is that eventually when the elastic stretches out, you've really got to stretch it to the max so that you can get it around your hair two or three times if necessary.

Fortunately for those of us on a budget, Ted has also created a less expensive version of his designer hair stick. Working with drugstore brand Scunci, he has launched the Hairdostick ($3). For ideas and instructions on how to use Bandostick to secure a french twist, chignon or bun, check out these pictures:

For a complete price list and color selection, read more

Kabuki brushes originated in Japanese rituals of geisha and kabuki theater, because makeup is an integral part of both. Kabuki brushes are great for blending, contouring and highlighting—and they're popular because they provide great coverage. In general, kabuki brushes are soft and strong, making them excellent tools for creating a buffed, glowy look.

The Nars Ita Brush ($38.50) is made from extremely soft black goat hair. It has a small, flat and angular design ideal for blending and contouring. Any intermediate or advanced level makeup junkie will know what to do with this brush once they see it, since it lies perfectly flat along your upper cheekbones.

For two more cool new kabuki brushes, read more