When the Tools category was introduced to the Allure Best of Beauty Awards, times were simpler. For years, you could expect the winning products to include a blow dryer, flatiron, curling iron, hairbrush, a pair of tweezers (always Tweezerman), and a handful of makeup brushes. That was it. A revolutionary product would pop up every few years: First, the Beautyblender, then the clampless curling iron, followed by the curling iron that spins itself. In general, the Tools category never really changed all that much. Fast forward to 2018, however, and the category has exploded, and not just with all the fancy new makeup brushes designed to help us recreate today’s most popular makeup trends. (I can tell you that, back in 2008, no one wanted or knew how to use a contouring brush unless they were a professional makeup artist.) Technology has brought us a whole range of skin-care devices meant to mimic in-office procedures, smart flatirons that self-adjust based on your hair type, and brushes with bristles that won’t snap through delicate snarls. With such a fast-growing and sometimes pricey category, it’s hard to determine what’s worth the investment, which is why we spent months of testing and consulting the experts to determine which of these new-fangled tools are really going to change your beauty routine for the better. And don’t worry, as always, we're still calling out the best classic makeup brushes — it’s just this year, every single Best of Beauty-winning brush is vegan. Now how’s that for progress?
MAKEUP BRUSHES: Foundation
The densely packed hairs of the Shiseido Daiya Fude Face Duo seamlessly blend liquid, powder, and cream foundations; the squishy, gel-like nub on the other side stipples to perfection.
$40 (Shop Now)
MAKEUP BRUSHES: Concealer
For under-eyes, Sephora Collection Pro Airbrush Detail Brush #57 blurs fine lines and shadows.
$24 (Shop Now)
MAKEUP BRUSHES: Concealer
Any brush can conceal the top of a blemish, but the curved edge of Lancôme Camouflage Brush #8 reaches all around its base.
$28 (Shop Now)
MAKEUP BRUSHES: Powder
When a brush deposits too much powder, streaks happen. Kat Von D Beauty Lock-It Setting Powder Brush #20 has long, feathery bristles that breeze over the face to prevent pileups.
$38 (Shop Now)
MAKEUP BRUSHES: Blush
The soft slant of IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe French Boutique Blush Brush #4 is ideal for swirling pigment over apples and along cheekbones.
$35 (Shop Now)
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MAKEUP BRUSHES: Bronzer
With its airy tips, the BareMinerals Supreme Finisher Brush picks up just the right amount of pigment and spreads it beautifully across the face and chest.
$28 (Shop Now)
MAKEUP BRUSHES: Contouring
The rounded bristles of EcoTools The Wonder Color Finish Brush glide over curves and enhance every angle.
$7 (Shop Now)
MAKEUP BRUSHES: Highlighter
Plush and pliant, the Sigma Beauty F03 High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush diffuses pearly pigments on the high points of the face.
$20 (Shop Now)
MAKEUP BRUSHES: Eye Shadow
The M.A.C. 242 Synthetic Shader Brush covers lids in shadow for one-step evening eyes.
$25 (Shop Now)
MAKEUP BRUSHES: Eye Shadow
The longer, more tapered tip of the Moda Metallics Crease brush fits into creases for intense definition.
$7 (Shop Now)
MAKEUP BRUSHES: Brows
Anastasia Beverly Hills Duo Brush #12 is the archenemy of unruly brows. The tiny, slanted nib targets sparse areas, while the spooley at the other end keeps hairs in place.
$18 (Shop Now)
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MAKEUP BRUSHES: Lips
The Sonia Kashuk 2-in-1 Retractable Lip Makeup Brush spreads color for a luscious finish; the slim point on the other side sharpens peaks and softens edges.
$12 (Shop Now)
MAKEUP SPONGE
The egg-shaped Beautyblender Original has a pointy tip for hitting tiny targets and a round base for allover buffing.
$20 (Shop Now)
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TWEEZERS
The precise steel tip of the Tweezerman Slant Tweezer separates strays from the rest of the eyebrow pack; it grabs unwanted hairs, not unintended extras.
$23 (Shop Now)
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EYELASH CURLER
The Shiseido Lash Curler snuggles thisclose to the lash line to produce a full-figured curve — without the slightest pinch (and we tested it on every eye shape).
$20 (Shop Now)
LASHES
We have found all you need for false-lash perfection — truly. The wispy tips and different hair lengths of Kiss Blowout Lash in Pixie mimic the pattern of natural lashes (or the priciest extensions).
$5 (Shop Now)
LASHES
The small, angled grippers on the Tweezerman Lash Assist False Lash Applicator let you position the strips (or flares) directly on top of the lash line.
$18 (Shop Now)
LASHES
House of Lashes Eyelash Adhesive holds those fakes in place longer than any of its peers. Available in both black and clear, the latex-free formula goes easy on sensitive eyes.
$8 (Shop Now)
HOT TOOLS: Blow-Dryer
The T3 Cura Luxe will relieve you of $250. It will also relieve you of frizz, flatness, and labor-intensive blowouts, thanks to the ion setting and digitally controlled heat.
$250 (Shop Now)
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HOT TOOLS: Flatiron
The GHD Platinum+ Styler is one clever gadget. A sensor that runs the length of each plate guarantees consistent heat — and consistently sleek results — from root to tip.
$249 (Shop Now)
HOT TOOLS: Curling Iron
The Hot Tools Professional CurlBar is positioned at a right angle (literally, at 90 degrees), so even the chronically uncoordinated can produce flawless waves.
$100 (Shop Now)
HOT TOOLS: Curling Iron
For the more accomplished curler, there’s the Sultra The Bombshell 1.5 Inch Clipless Curling Rod. The sleek barrel emits ions and distributes even heat for the glossiest spirals and bends.
$130 (Shop Now)
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HAIRBRUSHES: Round
The bristles on the WetBrush EPIC Professional Helix Graphite Round Brush form a helix pattern to encourage smoothness and volume. And we have the extra bounce in our blowout to prove it.
$19 (Shop Now)
HAIRBRUSHES: Paddle
The boar and nylon bristles in the Harry Josh Pro Tools Premium Oval Brush impart body and boost shine; the powdery green color turns brushing into our new favorite ritual.
$50 (Shop Now)
HAIRBRUSHES: Detangler
The Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler has all the bendy, flexible bristles of the original packed into a paddle shape. It glides through wet hair without a snag or a snap.
$14 (Shop Now)
SKIN-CARE DEVICE
The precise electric edge of the Dermaflash 2.0 Luxe Facial Exfoliation & Peach Fuzz Removal gadget skims the face, eliminating flakes, dullness, and unwanted hair. After one use, our skin positively glowed — and our makeup practically applied itself.
$189 (Shop Now)
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