Forget the little applicators and brushes that come with eye shadows, blushers and powder compacts and invest in some good make up brushes. This can be the difference between an OK make up result and a professional result.
Probably the most important is a big, soft brush for blusher, powder, bronzer and highlighter. You will be amazed at the difference using something like this will make. Use gentle sweeping strokes for natural, velvet soft effects.
Also very useful are eye shadow brushes. You will need a large, soft brush to cover the whole eye area, a chisel shape and a small brush.
A lip brush can help make your lipstick last longer so may be worth a try and an eye brow brush is a must.