Women (men too!) invest a lot of time and money in their appearance. We all have clothing and accessories, hair and makeup products. Why skimp on the tools necessary to make using these things more effective? Having and using the correct beauty tools can make the difference between a sensational knock out look or an okay look.

Yes it can cost you a couple hundred dollars to get the kind of tools the professionals use. You've already invested in the makeup and other beauty products so why not build a collection of the essential beauty tools that will help you further enhance your looks and give you a much greater payoff for your money. It's time to throw away those freebie sponges and brushes that often come with your makeup.

The all important brushes:

Brushes are absolutely essential and probably the most important tool in your makeup arsenal. Professionals always use makeup brushes. You'll find that you need different brushes for different applications, it's not a one-size-fits-all situation. You'll get great results if you choose the correct brush for what you are trying to accomplish.

Here they are; the must have Brushes:

A Concealer Brush. This brush is used with small amounts of consealer to cover up the imperfections, dark circles or blemishes. Normally a small tipped brush is excellent for applying small amounts of concealer to cover up blemishes without giving you that caked or bulid up look. When applying under eye concealer use a small tip brush that has a wider base. This way you can get a precise application with easy blending.

A Foundation Brush. Use this brush for a natural looking finish when you are applying a liquid or cream foundation. According to the experts, you should start with a small dot of foundation on the back of your hand. Dip the foundation brush into the foundation and use downward strokes to apply and spread ti out near the hairline and jawline. Natural-bristled brushes are more absorbent while the synthetic-bristled brushes will use less of your product.

A Blush Brush. Also known as the powder brush, should be large and have a dome-shaped head. This brush can also be used to apply blush, a bronzer and top off your look with a light coat of translucent face powder. This will give you a nice sheer effect. Experts recommend a sable hair brush for this use.

For Eye Shadow, a sable brush is recommended. By selecting a dense angled brush you can get vivid color. By selecting an all purpose brush you will get a much softer look.

For Eyeliner, super fine bristles will be superb for defining the top and bottom of your eyes with any kind of eyeliner. You'll find sable brushes best for powder eyeliner while the synthetic brushes will work the best for liquid eyeliners.

For Your Lips, a synthetic lip brush that is stiff will help you control and define your lips the best.

Other Than Brushes:

Of course there are more beauty tools available than you can imagine, thankfully we don't need majority of them. We know we need brushes and here are a few other essentials you will want to add to your makeup kit if you haven't already done so.

An Eyelash curler. Since most of us don't have those wonderful curly lashes, this inexpensive tool helps to make your eyes appear to be open wider and gives you a dazzling look. Try using a little heat which will improve the curl, and of course there are heated eyelash curlers on the market now if you'd like to go that route.

Don't forget the tweezers. Tweezers are great for getting rid of stray facial hair. Any basic pair will do just fine.

Brush and Tool Cleaner. You should clean your tools regularly. Makeup tools and/or brushes can carry bacteria. While brush cleaners are available you can always give your tools a shampooing. Be sure to re-shape your wet brushes then place them in a folded towel to dry. With weekly cleaning of your beauty tools you'll have bacterial free tools that will also last you for years to come.