With all the travel we do, you’d think we’d have our travel essentials down to a science. Alas, we do not.

For our trip to Paris last week, we just could not leave our full size brushes at home (not all of them, just a few ten or so) and once again felt like packing light is something we’re just not capable of.

However, had we had this Shu Uemura Mika Portable Brush Set, red on the outside with a special Mika red rose photograph lining the inside with four Shu Uemura brushes, each handmade in Japan by professional artisans, we likely would have left our bulky long-handled collection at home.

Also, the pouch is large enough to add a few more of our favorite short-handled brushes to easy our makeup-brush anxiety.

Shu Uemura Mika Portable Brush Set is $85 at nordstrom.com.

This illuminated mirror by Irving Rice is gorgeous.

With 5x magnification and a polished brass stand this has to be the most handsome makeup mirror we’ve ever encountered.

If it weren’t for the $450 price tag it would be a Makeup Bag must-have.

Last month we had the incredible opportunity to visit the Anastasia Beverly Hills brow studio with some of our fellow Total Beauty Blog Community members.

After being in her space, we can totally see how Anastasia has become the industry expert on brows. She explained eyebrows as if they were a research project, how the hairs under the arch grow up and support the hairs growing down from the top, and each hair basically supports the entire shape of the brow. For this reason, be very conscious of which ones you pluck, girls!

We left her shop with a sample of her All About Brows brow kit:

The deluxe set of six tools includes Tweezers, Brow Powder Duo, four Brow Stencils, Duo Angle/Spooley Brush, Brow Gel, and an Eye Lights highlighting pencil.

We are especially impressed with the sharp, precise points of the hand-sharpened tweezers.

The most popular shade of brow powder for brunettes is Medium Ash, which looks great on our dark brows. Add the brow gel to hold in place and some highlighter on the brow bone to define even further and we have the perfect pair of do-it-yourself eye brows.

Anastasia All About Brows is available at Sephora for $75.

EcoTools is a new mass market line of eco-conscious bath accessories and cosmetic brushes. Made from bamboo, natural loofah and recycled plastic, this earth friendly line is plush yet practical.

In the bath accessories collection, you can find a machine-washable bamboo bath sponge ($3.49), a natural straw shower and bath mitt ($2.99) and a recycled bathing sponge ($2.99).

In addition, EcoTools has partnered with 1% For the Planet, an organization that provides financial support to environmental initiatives. This means that 1% of all annual sales per item will be donated to this terrific cause.

EcoTools can be found at select Walgreens, Kmart and Ulta stores or online at ecotools.com.