Tools of the Trade

Ms. New Beauty is a professional student. She has always been in school, working on some kind of degree or diploma. There has never been a time when she hasn't been a student. There's also never been a time when MNB wasn't working with a student's budget. Every month of her life involves figuring which bills get paid from which account, every purchase requires the forethought of which credit will get pulled from her wallet, her personal card or the one Mr. New Beauty (aka Daddy) pays the bill for. Ms. New Beauty has gotten quite adept at fitting life necessaries- weekly hair appointments, new mascaras, and the occasional facial - into her balance sheet. But, these things get purchased often at the expense of other items. Particularly, MNB saves money when it comes to the tools she uses to apply the cosmetics she devotes valuable room in the budget to. And thus we have the latest installation of Cheap & Chic - The Beauty Tools Edition.

Eyelash Curler














Talika Heated Eyelash Curler, $34
vs.
Shu Uemura, $18

For the ultimate curl in your lashes, heated lash curlers give the best results. However, the Shu Uemura eye lash curler is considered the granddaddy of lash curlers and is almost half the cost. Plus, if you really need the heat to give your lashes a bump, blast the metal curler with your blow dryer for a few seconds.

Powder Brush
















Kevyn Aucoin Large Blush & Powder Brush, $65
vs.
Sonia Kashuk Tools Contoured Powder Brush, $20

I've written about the wonders of the Kevyn Aucoin Blush Brush before. A large fluffy brush is the key to blending bright blush and not looking like a clown. But, you don't have to pay a lot for one. Sonia Kashuk's brushes are high quality without the high price.

Foundation Brush













Lancome Foundation Brush #2, $32
vs.
E.L.F. Foundation Brush, $1

Flat foundation brushes are great for applying and blending liquid and stick foundations. Better than sponges because the bristles don't absorb all your expensive foundation. Both brushes will keep your skin looking flawless, but the E.L.F. will leave you with enough cash to buy some foundation to use it with.

Ceramic Flat Iron













T3 Tourmaline Professional Ionic Wet or Dry Iron, $200
vs.
Farouk CHI Ceramic Flat Iron, $81.99

Ceramic flat irons exploded onto the hair scene a few years ago and are now part of the regular arsenal of many New Beauties. The ceramic plates on the iron distribute heat more easily and allow you to straighten and smooth your hair with one tool with less heat damage. The tourmaline on the T3 iron allows it to dry and straighten your hair at the same time, but the CHI is the original ceramic iron and I have yet to meet a woman who has used it without falling completely in love it.

Spend your money on great products, but save on the tools you'll use to put them on, just don't forget that Ms. New Beauty told you!