BEAUTY TOOLS MEET THEIR MATCH II

Upon first compiling last month's edit of beauty tool duos I realised that I could not stop at just five such pairs. As I planned the post and in the days [and weeks] that followed, more and more pairings sprung to mind and I soon found myself with a rather lengthy list in the Notes section of my phone. Et voila, part two!

Laura Mercier Ponytail Brush + KIKO Longlasting Stick Eyeshadows
I'm so obsessed with these eyeshadow pencils that you're probably sick of hearing me extol their virtues in near enough every makeup post I write! Nevertheless when a product is both outstanding and affordable, it deserves recognition. The formula is super pigmented and creamy, and unless blended instantly it becomes steadfastly smudge-proof. For this reason, I find the best tool with which to broach such a formula the Laura Mercier Ponytail Brush. With its long, gently tapered shape and soft, loosely packed bristles this brush allows for flawless blending, and precise and controlled application. It's ideal for fading out the product as well as concentrating it into the crease.

Head Jog 50 Backcombing Brush + Bumble & bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil*
When plagued with flyaways [usually in the winter months] these two are my tried and tested weapons against frizz. Bumble & bumble's sweetly scented Hairdresser's Invisible Oil range contains six oils designed to tame and smooth frizz, leaving locks silky soft and weightless. The beauty of using the oil itself is that it can be used on both dry and wet hair, meaning it has fast become a handbag beauty staple of mine, to be whipped out and applied whenever necessary. The Head Jog brush has likewise been a handbag regular for years - initially living up to its name as a backcombing brush before eventually turning its hand to smoothing my roots instead. I adore it as it does so without flattening them or suppressing any previously added volume.

Clarisonic Aria* + La Roche-Posay Physiological Cleansing Gel
I find that a Clarisonic performs best and shows most significant results when used with a gel-textured cleanser. I know that both are frequently disapproved upon by many in the skincare world, but personally the above products have done nothing but good for my skin. Despite being a gel cleanser this LRP offering is both nourishing and hydrating, and works wonders when it comes to calming aggravated skin and preventing blemishes. Likewise, my blemish scars fade so much faster when I'm using my Clarisonic on a regular basis. Together, the two are a foolproof skincare duo.

Birchbox Pencil Sharpener + Nars Lip Pencils
Anyone who has ever purchased a Nars lip or eyeshadow pencil on counter will be familiar with having been informed that Nars' own sharpener is the only one to fit their products. Do not be fooled by this commonly practiced sales tactic! Most makeup sharpeners contain a hole wide enough to accommodate both Nars' and any other brand's pencils. Way back when a Birchbox dropping through my letterbox was a monthly occurrence, I received this rather unassuming sharpener in the mix and it's served me well ever since. Ideal for spending your Birchbox points on if you have a few spare!

Zoeva 127 Luxe Sheer Cheek Brush + Nars Blush in Douceur
For those who like to do a little contouring with their blush, these are the best duo for the job. The gently tapered Zoeva Cheek Brush is super soft and delicate so applies product lightly and carefully, rendering a satisfyingly natural effect. I adore the shade of this [sadly discontinued] Nars blush; a dusky brown toned pink which deposits a delicate and muted hint of colour, ideal if you're pale or prone to redness and wary of applying too much colour to your face.

What are your favourite beauty duos?