17 Fresh Beauty Essentials

For Makeup

Shown clockwise from upper left:

Spot-cleansing wipes. "A cloth can remove makeup from just one part of your face, which saves you from having to start all over again if you slip up," says Tina Turnbow, a makeup artist for Beauty.com. It also can give skin a full refresh when you're on the go, perfect for traveling. Try L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Rich Restorative Wet Cleansing Towelettes.

Photo: Beatriz Da Costa

Brow tamer. A clear gel neatly grooms rogue hairs into place; a tinted one can lighten or darken brows for added definition. Consider Bare Escentuals Finishing Brow Gel.

Multipurpose brushes. Experts rely on these inexpensive disposable wands to remove mascara clumps deftly from lashes and smooth eyebrows and the baby-fine hairs around the face. Use Mattese Black Spoolies ($8 for 20, Ricky's, 888-574-2592).

Modern makeup sponge. Spherical ones, like the Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge, are easy to maneuver. And they "lay foundation on so thinly, skin looks flawless," says Fiona Stiles, a Los Angeles makeup artist. Bonus: Wash and reuse them.

Pointy cotton swabs. Their dainty tips can touch up lipstick, mend eye-makeup mistakes, and fix nail-polish blunders. They're also great for dotting concealer on blemishes. Try Micro Point 2 Sided Cotton Swabs.

No-pinch lash curler. "A curler is a must, and one with a colored pad helps you see if you've caught your lid before clamping down," says Troy Surratt, a makeup artist in New York City. Enlist the Kevyn Aucoin The Eyelash Curler, which has a bright red cushion.

Tip: "To tamp down flyaways or a frizzy part, use an eyebrow brush in a new way," suggests Matrix stylist Mark Townsend. Lightly spritz it with hair spray, then brush down the hairs.

Photo: Beatriz Da Costa

For Skin

Shown clockwise from upper right:

Antioxidant treatment. "Products with vitamins C and E, coffeeberry, or green tea can help prevent and repair skin damage and lighten dark spots," says Kenneth Beer, a dermatologist in Palm Beach, Florida. Smooth one on each morning after cleansing your face. A top pick: SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF.

Pearlescent cream. Backstage at fashion shows, many makeup artists wake up models' tired skin with a few dabs of light-reflecting MAC Strobe Cream. Apply a dime-size dollop on cheekbones to brighten skin.

Powdered sun protection. Most sunscreens break down during the day. To bolster protection midafternoon, apply powdered sunscreen, like Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30, right on top of makeup.

Power cleaner. Paired with your cleanser and used on damp skin, an electric face brush is gentle enough even for sensitive skin. "Its vibrations pull grime out of pores and prevent breakouts," says Anne Chapas, a New York City dermatologist. Try the Clarisonic Skincare Brush.

Souped-up sunscreen. Unlike old products, today's protect against UVA and UVB rays. And the best contain light-stable ingredients, such as Helioplex (found in Neutrogena products) and Mexoryl SX (in La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 40.

Chemical peel. "At-home glycolic or salicylic acid peels refine skin's texture and clarity," says Laurie Polis, a dermatologist in New York City. Try MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Facial Peel.

Tip: Most people don't put on enough sunscreen for adequate protection. "To help compensate for a skimpy application, always wear a higher number, like SPF 30," says Miami dermatologist Leslie Baumann.