Your daily toilette should be a pleasing ritual. Those few minutes in the morning are so much more than playing “dress up.” Every morning you get the opportunity to enjoy some time to yourself before heading out into the world. But if you do find yourself hampered by your routine, you may be using the wrong beauty supplies. Using the right tools or keeping something as simple as Q-tips on hand makes a world of difference when it comes to keeping up appearances.

Skincare

Using the wrong products can also lead to dry skin and breakouts, leading to tussles with acne cream and concealer… not good. Above all else, invest in a cleanser, day moisturizer with sun protection, and a night cream. These should match your skin type. The key is to get rid of dead skin, makeup and impurities while replacing the necessary amount of moisture. After cleansing your face should feel smooth, not tight. When you've discovered the right facial routine, makeup application will literally become a smoother process.

Foundation

For a flawless face, you need a foundation with a nice finish, a reliable brush or beauty sponge, and a translucent powder. Foundations come in many tones, coverages and finishes, from light to heavy, dewy to matte, and from warm to cool tones. When choosing a foundation, take your skin type and tone into account and work from there. Although applying foundation with your fingers is perfectly acceptable, using a clean brush or sponge can provides an even finish and helps you avoid the acne-causing oils sitting on your fingertips. Set your makeup with a light dusting of translucent or skin-toned powder.

Makeup and Makeup Remover

While most women want to play up different features, the number one goal of makeup is to look awake. Before applying eye makeup, use redness-reducing eyedrops to refresh your eyes. Using your fingers, apply a neutral-toned cream shadow or eyelid primer to reduce the appearance of veins and bluish shadows. Then, tightline your eyes with a waterproof eyeliner pencil. Using an eyelash curler, curl your lashes and apply a lengthening-formula mascara. At the end of the day, remove your makeup with a makeup remover. You don't want this stuff accumulating around the sensitive eye area!

By using these basic beauty supplies and techniques, you're on the way to a healthier, simpler beauty routine that reduces the annoyances of acne and premature aging.