Every soldier in the beauty war needs a field kit and a home arsenal. These are the basic tools for your home vanity and bath, with a few tips on care and maintenance.

You can buy any or all of these inexpensively, or splash out for the top of the line models. You do get what you pay for when it comes to the basics, so buy high-end, high quality items whenever possible – they’ll last longer and work better.

Tweezers - Tweezers come in several sizes and shapes. Keep a few pairs in your bathroom, one in your purse and one in your bedside table. You never know when you’ll need them. Wipe clean and sterilize with rubbing alcohol. Replace when dull.

Cosmetic Brushes - There are thousands of options in all sizes, functions and price ranges – you’ll likely have years of mismatched brushes hanging out your bathroom drawers. Wash with gentle soap and water, air dry. Replace when worn out, or bristles start to break off.

Eyelash Curlers - If you’ve never tried them, or are afraid of the old fashioned steel curlers, there are many ouchless silicone options available. They work miracles. Try them. Clean often with make up remover and a cotton swab, and then wash with warm soapy water to remove any residue.

Haircutting Scissors - You may want to trim your ends at home, or prolong the layers you paid a fortune for at the salon. Good haircutting scissors will last for years if taken care of properly. Some come with home sharpeners, or take them into a shop every year and have the edges maintained. Wipe clean and sterilize with rubbing alcohol.

Manicure Set - You do need all the little things. Two sizes of clippers, cuticle trimmers, files and buffers. These sets are inexpensive and absolutely essential, whether you wear nail polish or not. Nail clippers are known to rust, so store in a clean, dry case.

Exfoliator - Loofahs and pumice are the cheapest options, and should be a permanent fixture in your bath or shower. Scrub off all those rough edges and emerge baby soft and glowing. Take care to hang your loofah - they’re known to grow mold if left waterlogged.

The Perfect Hairbrushes - The reality is, none of us know which hairbrushes we need when confronted with a wall of options. Ask your hairstylist which models will work for your hair type, length and budget, and only buy those models.

Brushes with the wrong bristles or materials that are great for one hairstyle can mangle someone else, buyer beware. Maintain your brushes by cleaning out the hair and storing away from dust and moisture.