Sarah Simpson must-have tools, from left to right: Tangle Teezer Salon Elite, Clarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Cleansing Brush
Sarah Simpson
Our in-house expert Sarah has been a beauty editor for more than 10 years.
Tangle Teezer Salon Elite, $28.
The heavens sang when this ingenious brush was invented. Knots are annihilated in a second thanks to its cleverly designed bristles, which ensure hair is smooth and silky. I like to use it after I have washed my hair, spritzing in some leave-in conditioner before use. I have never used another brush since finding this one.
Clarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Cleansing Brush, $225.
I love my skin when it’s freshly cleansed and this tool takes all the hard work out of the job. I team mine with a cream cleanser, using the brush to buff the cleanser into the skin. It works to remove make-up and impurities in a flash. I then rinse the brush and give my skin another burst for a really smooth result.
Leisa Welch must-have tools, from left to right: Crown C439 Round Deluxe Buffer, Kevin.Murphy Loves Cortex 4-in-1 Curling Iron
Leisa Welch
Leisa has been a hair and make-up artist for more than 20 years, starting her career in Hollywood before moving to New Zealand.
Crown C439 Round Deluxe Buffer, $42.
This brush is the perfect foundation buffer, giving a flawless, seamless finish. I tend to apply foundation as needed rather than creating a mask-like effect. I gently buff to work it into the skin, and then upwards and outwards. The densely-packed bristles make this brush perfect to use with liquid or powder foundation.
Kevin.Murphy Loves Cortex 4-in-1 Curling Iron, $275.
I used to carry a bag-load of curling tools but the four-in-one interchangeable head and size of this curling wand is brilliant. I can create all types of curl with the one tool, which heats to the necessary temperature to achieve long-lasting results. Always brush the curls through after cooling to achieve a more natural-looking finish.
Melle Van Sambeek must-have tools, from left to right: ghd Tail Comb, Bobbi Brown Foundation Brush.
Melle Van Sambeek
With more than 20 years experience, Melle combines make-up artistry with hairdressing, and she also runs her own hair boutique.
ghd Tail Comb, $12.
This is probably the most underrated tool in my kit. It is great for sectioning hair when you are curling or straightening it, and fab for sectioning before using rollers and combing out buckled ends. It’s also awesome for backcombing.
Bobbi Brown Foundation Brush, $67.
A round-headed foundation brush ensures make-up goes on effortlessly. Buffing it into your skin gives a gorgeous, air-brushed look. I put a little foundation onto the back of my hand and dip my brush into it – the beauty of this tool is you use a lot less foundation.
Aimie Fiebig’s must-have tools, from left to right: QVS Eyelash Curler, M.A.C Wedge Sponge, $14.
Aimie Fiebig
Top make-up artist Aimie has worked both internationally and locally on everyone from supermodels and actresses to regular Kiwis.
QVS Eyelash Curler, $14.
For sky-high curved lashes, you can’t beat an eyelash curler. It not only gives length to lashes, it really opens up your eyes. I like to gently heat the curler with a hairdryer first and then curl. The heat helps to set the curl and make it last.
M.A.C Wedge Sponge, $14.
This steadfast tool is a favourite thanks to its cost effectiveness and ability to blend foundation seamlessly. Although there are other products on the market, I still love the wedge sponge. I wet mine with warm water, which helps to warm up the skin and foundation, ensuring a better finish.
