Makeup is a lot like fashion. Once you have the basics, it’s nice to accessories. If you’re happy with what you have but want to take it up to the next level, these are the products, tools, and accessories that can really help your existing routine:

Filter Your Face: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

There is an extreme sticker shock with this product. You’re paying about $30/square for this little guy. But here’s why it’s worth it: It transforms your skin. No joke. The far left powder blurs imperfections (I use it to set foundation), the middle gives you that hollywood glowy highlight, and the far left is perfect for bronze up your complexion. You won’t look like a disco ball, promise.

Cover Up: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer 

I have some SUPER dark circles under my eyes. No amount of sleep can make them disappear. Nars Radiant Creamy concealer is amazing because it just gets the job done. I use a correcting peach colored concealer first and then dot this in the darkest shadow of my under-eyes and voila! It also blends beautifully over blemishes (make sure you don’t put the wand directly on them though because of bacteria). Basically, it’s the concealer that does it all and is worth the price tag. Visit a Sephora or Nars Counter to get color matched.

Soak it Up: Beauty Blender Sponge

There are a lot of knock offs of this sponge but quite honestly, none really compare to the BB. This sponge, which is meant to be used damp (load it up with water then gently squeeze out the excess) is perfect for giving your foundation, concealer, cream products, an airbrush touch. It’s super velvety, which is where the knockoffs fall short. Plus, if you have dry skin, it’s perfect for applying powder so it doesn’t look too dry. Yes, it’s intimidating at first, but no it isn’t difficult to master.

Seal the Deal: Setting Spray

S/O to the drugstore in general for stepping it up lately! L’Oreal’s new Infallible Setting Spray definitely rivals the coveted Urban Decay setting sprays. This quick and easy step really makes a difference in helping your makeup look the same at 5 pm as it did in the morning.

Look the Part: Acrylic Storage Unit

Acrylic storage units are amazing. It’s not excessive, there’s a logic behind them: You are going to use all of your makeup more. If you see all of the makeup you have organized and laid out in front of you, you’re more likely to rotate products and change up your look on a day to day basis. Also, makeup won’t go bad because it’s been siting in the back of a drawer and you completely forgot about it. As an added bonus, your makeup packaging is super cute so you might as well get to show it off on your dresser/vanity.

These units are creeping into Target but you can always be sure to find some at HomeGoods/Marshalls/TJ Maxx. I got mine from Muji (more pictures and a review of the Muji drawers here).

Hope some of these are helpful! Tell me, what makes you feel fancy with your makeup/products that have changed your face? I’d love to chat. xoxo Nicole