Even I, a self-proclaimed beauty junkie, often get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of beauty tools available out there. It’s hard to not buy every. single. one you see, especially when there areso many different kinds with colored bristles and pretty handles calling to you. But don’t give in! Not only will you end up with a bunch of stuff you don’t need, but you’ll end up with a bunch of really expensive stuff you don’t need (some brushes can be over $50 each!).

To help you look flawless and keep some extra money in your pocket, I’ve rounded up the 10 essential tools that every girl needs in her beauty arsenal. You get these little guys and you’re good to go.

That being said, it’s not necessary to have all of these tools!  These are just ones that I use most frequently and that I think are worth picking up.  Also, many of my tools are from Sephora or high-end brands, but that doesn’t mean you need to purchase from there!  While higher end brand tools typically last longer, I also have a ton of tools from budget-friendly brands like EcoTools and Sonia Kashuk.  I even use paintbrushes from the craft store!

Please don’t feel like you need to spend a ton of money on these products; this video is really just to show you the types of tools I recommend!

Got something you want me to cover? Post it in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow us on YouTube and check out my other videos right here! And for more beauty related tips, check out my website and follow me on Twitter!

Is it just me or is there another “revolutionary” new makeup product introduced every freaking day?! Just walking into Ulta or Sephora (or even Walgreens!) sends many chicas into fits of hysteria, reaching for the nearest brown bag to regulate their breathing. It’s all so overwhelming.

So how can you know which product – among the sea of thousands – is the best? Which does what you need it to do? Which ones are worth the extra money? Let me help. I don’t know every beauty product out there, but I’ve tested a lot of them and I’ll let you know which are worth the money and which are not.

(Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for review purposes)

What it is: Sigma Complete Brush Kit

Why this should be in your bag: Makeup brushes are essential for any girl who wears eyeshadow, blush, bronzer, etc (read: EVERYONE). Like most, I started out with cheap brushes from the local drugstore, but quickly realized that if I’m buying quality makeup, I should also be investing in quality brushes. A brush of exceptional quality will have soft bristles, little fall-out and pick up lots of product. It’s amazing how much of a difference a brush makes in your application. Good brushes will allow you to look polished and your best, blending when they should and depositing just the right amount of color! However, I have a pretty hard time parting with 50 of my hard earned dollars for one measly MAC brush. I’ve been searching for an affordable alternative to MAC (and other luxury brands) and I think Sigma might fit that bill!

How to use it: This section is going to be a bit longer than usual. This set comes with 12 brushes, but I’m just going to review a few of my favorites here! Don’t get me wrong, the whole set is a good buy (you save $73!), but I only have space for standouts!

F40 – Large Angled Contour

This is a great brush for applying brush and highlighters to cheeks. I bought the infamous MAC Stereo Rose and was absolutely dumbfounded with it. It just didn’t look that great on! I never even thought that the brush I used to apply it would make such a huge difference. F40 was perfect for this! It deposited the most color on the apples of my cheeks and then faded back into my hairline. I’ve tested this out with other blushes and used it with contouring bronzer in the hollows of my cheeks with equally great results.

E70 – Medium Angled Shading

I had never tried an angled eyeshadow brush before this one (I know, terrible!). It’s great for not only applying color in the crease, but it’s my favorite for highlighting on the browbone and blending out smokey eyes. It’s soft and holds it shape.

E30 – Pencil

This eye brush is perfect for precise applications of color, like in the crease and along the lashline. It’s great for finishing off a look with some smudging to the lower lashline and has quickly become an essential for me.

CC Rating: B+
Although I find a couple of the brushes in this set inferior to my current collection (for example, I will not be replacing my Kabuki brush with F15 anytime soon), it’s still a great deal. You’re getting near-luxury quality for rock-bottom prices. I give my picks A+, but some of the brushes really aren’t up to snuff. Another one of my favorite things about this set is the brush roll! It’s super high-quality, durable and fits a whole load of brushes. It’s perfect for travel and neat storage of your prized brushes, be them Sigma or other. I think anyone looking to start a brush collection or beef theirs up will be quite happy with Sigma!

I know that all of you out there wash your faces every morning and every night, but do you ever think about the germs and dirt you’re sweeping across those freshly exfoliated cheeks every time you apply your makeup?

It’s disgusting.

Our makeup brushes get really dirty with use, and cleaning them is perhaps the most important yet overlooked step in beauty these days. Think about it: when was the last time you cleaned your brushes?

Well it’s time to start, ladies! And it’s a lot easier than you think. You don’t have to be fancy and buy the most expensive brush cleanser you can find. In this vid, I’ll show you the cheaper way to clean your brushes (which you really should be doing!).

I know a lot of girls are confused about what brushes to buy and what tools they should have lying around their bathroom counter so I wanted to give you all some insight on what I use regularly. I’m not telling you to go out and buy a $100.00 brush kit full of stuff you’ll never use. Instead, I’m going to explain what everything is and allow you to decide what you need for your daily beauty regime.