Fashion

Strange Beauty Tools Your Makeup Bag Needs

by Sara Tardiff

Even if you like makeup a lot, sometimes strange makeup tools can be a little intimidating. I mean, if you just describe the process of the process of putting on makeup to someone who doesn’t actually wear, it sounds, well...really freaking weird. For example: "So first, I basically put dust all over my face to make sure the sticky lotion-type liquid stays put? And then I draw straight lines over my eyelids with charcoal. Trust me, it's going to look adorable." As strange as it may seem, I genuinely believe the world of beauty is all about being a little weird, and trying new things. The point is to experiment with whatever crazy products might just make you feel a little more confident.

With everything from beer facials to 24k gold lipstick being on the beauty menu, it's hard to consider any product or treatment truly strange. Fundamentally, we buy beauty products to boost our egos (in a positive way!) and express ourselves through our appearance—and there's nothing odd about that. But even the most seasoned beauty expert needs to liven up their beauty bag once in a while with something unusual. A new trick, a new method to try—there's nothing more exciting than channeling your inner Mad Scientist. Mix up that glam routine and try out some of these unique beauty tools.

1. If you want mascara to stay put

If you're one of those people who looks like they've tried to recreate a Jackson Pollock painting on their eyelid after applying a little mascara, this tool is for you. Simply hold it over the area you're trying to protect, and keep your concealer or eyeshadow perfectly intact while achieving those gorgeous lashes. Seriously, don't be afraid to paint away, because this mascara guard has got you covered.

No Mess Mascara Guard, $10.98, Amazon.com

CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT

2. If you're looking for more supple lips

This is one of those products that seems absolutely ridiculous to splurge on when, you know, lip balm exists (and costs $2). But trust me, after trying it once I was absolutely obsessed. What a Clarisonic does for your face, this does for your lips. You've never experienced such silky softness — the first huge step in taking those Kylie Jenner lips you've been experimenting with, from the privacy of your room (and Instagram) to the public realm.

Fabulips Pout-O-Matic Spa-Powered Lip-Perfecting System, $28-48

CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT

3. If you need a quick touch up

To a mere mortal these might just look like black Q-tips. And they kind of are, but that's part of what makes them special. Any beauty guru knows that trying to touch up light colored makeup on the go is practically impossible with white Q-tips, because you can barely see what you're doing. These sleek charcoal ones allow for you to see that light pink eyeshadow or illuminator clearly and with the rounded edges, you get some really great precision.

Detox It Out Charcoal Swabs, $14.65, Amazon.com

CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT

4. If you need to combat an oily T-zone

Portable adorableness? Indeed. Oil-free complexion? That too. This happy little bunny provides an on-the-go spritz whenever you're in need of a fresh face. This mist helps absorb oils while simultaneously setting your makeup, all while smelling like deliciously fruity undertones. You might as well pull this bunny out of a top hat, because this is some serious makeup magic.

Tony Moly Pocket Size Bunny Sleek Mist, $15

CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT

5. If you want cleaner brushes

Even those of us who sometimes forget to wash our makeup brushes frequently are aware of just how important it is to clean up your collection every now and then. Your time-saving, brilliant solution to that problem? This tool. It is the easiest and most efficient way to clean your brushes, despite the fact that when you first see it — yeah, I admit, it's hard to tell what it actually does. Sigma Beauty's Instagram account is a perfect way to check out exactly how to clean all your brushes ASAP, though.

Sigma Spa Express Brush Cleaning Mat , $25, Amazon

CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT

6. If you want flawless foundation

First thing you're thinking: What kind of adorable sex toy is this? Sorry to disappoint, but this is actually more of a life-changing makeup applicator. Want that sleek, airbrushed look that seems to only be achievable through Photoshop? This Sephora brand sponge is the answer. It gives amazing coverage, and makes you look like a poreless alien. A very hot, poreless alien, I might add.

The Perfectionist Airbrush Sponge , $12, sephora.com

CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT

7. If you want to make products last

You know it's going to be a rough day when you finally hit the last squeeze of concealer in that prized little tube. Delay the trip to your beauty counter a bit longer with the simple, yet genius, Beauty Spoon. Either open or cut the top of your favorite product that's on its last legs, and scoop out the remaining makeup at the very bottom. This is obviously only for beauty people who take their products very, very seriously.

Beauty Spoon, $9.99, Amazon.com

CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT

8. If you want balanced brows

Think of this as a compass for your face. It helps you keep your brows perfectly proportional when doing some DIY plucking or waxing. Sure, everyone knows that eyebrows are supposed to be cousins, not sisters, but this tool will help you turn them into at least BFF level relatives. Plus, it's pink—so I'm sold.

Billion Dollar Brow Buddy Kit, $16, Amazon

CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT

9. If you want quick and easy on-the-go lashes

There's no reason to bring your whole makeup bag with you everywhere you go. If you're a #producthoarder it's probably like carrying a cute tote bag full of plutonium. All you really need are a few key tools to keep your makeup looking fresh as ever! This portable, miniature eye lash curler should be one of those things you keep with you at all times. It's quick, simple, and people might confuse it with a weird nail clipper or tongue scraper. That's always fun!

Go Curl Pocket Curler, $13

CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT

Images: Courtesy Brands