Makeup is an art, and you can’t underestimate the impact that application tools can have on the end result. But with so many options for the face, eyes and even specific products, it can be difficult to decide which to add to your kit. But sticking to the tools that celebrities and their on-call makeup artists can help you narrow down the list, and we’ve done the legwork for you.

BeautyBlender
Celebrity fans: Nina Dobrev, Allison Janney, Emma Roberts, Selena Gomez
With a cult-like following of celebrities, makeup artists and women around the globe, a damp BeautyBlender is the not-so-secret weapon for a flawless foundation finish—and the key to professional-grade results is using a gentle bouncing action. The brand started with just one hot-pink foundation sponge, but thanks to its wild popularity, the range has expanded to include different colors, sizes and makeup-application accessories.

MakeupDrop
Celebrities it’s been used on: Natalie Portman, Priyanka Chopra, Kate Bosworth, Chrissy Teigen
There’s Team BeautyBlender and there’s Team MakeupDrop—but many celebrities consider themselves members of both. The original that started this unique makeup applicator craze, MakeupDrop is made from solid silicone that doesn’t absorb any product, which means you need less to get the look you want—and it’s easy to rinse so you never have to worry about staining or bacteria.

Artis brushes
Celebrity fans: The Kardashian sisters, Kelly Rowland, Karlie Kloss
This range of high-quality, luxurious brushes may look different than the ones you already have—but don’t knock them until you try them. Designed to better fit the contours of your hand for easier application when doing your own makeup, these brushes also feature super-soft, high-tech synthetic bristles that hold powders and creams on the surface—which means less product gets trapped within the brush and blending is an absolute breeze.

Shu Uemura eyelash curler
Celebrity fans: Miranda Kerr, Charlize Theron, Blake Lively, Nicole Kidman
Engineered to deliver the perfect curl without pinching, this award-winning favorite has become an icon in and of itself. In addition to a unique angle that precisely curls every lash regardless of eye shape, its patented hinge ensures just the right amount of pressure needed for long-lasting lift. Just remember to use it before applying mascara—and you may find you don’t need any mascara at all.

Laura Mercier Velour Puff
Celebrity fans of the brand: Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Garner, Lauren Conrad, Kristen Bell, Florence Welch
Imagine closing your eyes, stroking your face with your softest, coziest cashmere sweater, opening your eyes and seeing a flawless complexion. That’s basically what using this unique powder puff is like. With a soft texture that picks up just the right amount of powder, the puff itself molds to your facial contours so it can reach those small spots like under the eyes and around the nose. And don’t forget to use Mercier’s signature “press and roll” technique for a seamless finish.