Hands Off!

Warm weather is here and the layers are slowly being peeled off—both clothing and makeup. We all want that ethereal and light-weight sun-kissed look as soon as the thermometer rises above 65 degrees, but we make that vision hard to achieve if we’re still using dated and dirty makeup applicators.

This roadblock on the way to a fresh face can be avoided with the right makeup tools and cleansers.

Tool Time
Your hands may be your best tools in the kitchen, but at the vanity there’s no shame in getting a little help from technology. Makeup artists have developed foundation sponges and brushes that glide and groove against the curves of your face to give you a seamless finish the way your mitts never could.

1. With Hollywood under their belts and a black book that includes Kerry Washington, Carmen Electra, and Tyra Banks, makeup artists Rea Ann Silva and Veronica Lorenz decided to take on the beauty product industry with the invention of Beautyblender. The pretty in pink and biodegradable sponge applicator’s elliptical shape allows users to cover hard-to-reach nooks of their faces while eliminating lines and streaks. www.beautyblender.net.

2. From a brand originally created in founder Marissa Shipman’s kitchen, theBalm’s The Assistants are a package of five sponges intended to blend you to a perfect complexion. These sponges are a labor of love—Shipman reportedly read book after book on makeup production (11 in all) before launching her cosmetics line. www.sephora.com.

3. I’ve been a faithful user of Prescriptives’ Foundation Brush ever since my mom took me to the Prescriptives counter at Nordstrom for my first tube of foundation. The bristles are silky soft against your skin—think high thread-count Egyptian sheets—and non-absorbent so they won’t soak up excessive amounts of your $50 a pop foundation. $30, www.prescriptives.com.

The Spin Cycle
You wouldn’t dare touch your face without washing your hands, so why are you rubbing filthy makeup brushes and sponges against your precious skin?

4. Think of it as rich Kerastase for the hairs of your makeup brushes. Vincent Longo’s Hygienic Professional Brush Cleaner is designed to disinfect all types of tools and brushes, allowing you to achieve the freshest and cleanest results. www.sephora.com.

5. Blendercleanser is a dye and irritant-free lavender scented cleanser that should never leave your Beautyblender’s side. Reduce your chance of unsightly breakouts by cleansing your makeup sponge daily—and when it has finally seen its last day, the sponge is recyclable through the company’s Blendersender program. Good for your face and the environment! www.beautyblender.net.

6. Sephora has created disposable Kleenex for your brushes. Their Make Up Brush Cleansing Wipes are both quick-drying and safe to use on both synthetic and natural brushes. $9 for 20 sheets, www.sephora.com.