BEAUTY

50 Essential Makeup Tips

Everything you need to know about applying makeup like a professional artist.

Makeup tips and tricks can be helpful for both beginners and experts. They can assist in achieving a smooth application and correcting mistakes. For instance, using eyeshadow can create a perfect wing or cat-eye. Additionally, the same eyeshadow palette can be used to contour cheekbones, fill brows, or highlight the face. Take a moment to review your cosmetic products and consider the possibilities for creating a masterpiece. With easy tutorials and hacks, this article will be your ultimate gateway to stunning beauty looks. Try out these genius makeup tips to achieve your best look with primer, foundation, blush, or a color correcting palette. Keep reading to learn more!

 

Tips for Applying Makeup Primer

1. Make Sure Your Primer Complements Your Foundation.

If they do not, they may repel each other or slide off your face, making it difficult to blend. To ensure a clean and subtle look, it is important to make sure that your primer and foundation share the same base.

2. Make Crow’s Feet Disappear.
Additionally, dabbing a small amount of primer around your eyes can dramatically minimize the appearance of crow’s feet. Marin McCarthy, a professional artist and founder of Marin Eve Makeup, suggests using a hydrating primer instead of a silicone-based product like pore-filling primers. She advises that less product should be used around the eye area, especially on thinner skin with fine lines. If more coverage is needed, it is recommended to work in thin layers. For mature under eyes, I recommend using moisturizer, a moisturizing primer, thin layers of concealer (without foundation underneath), and a small amount of loose powder pressed into the skin with a powder puff.

Makeup Tips for Applying Foundation

3.The Right Application for the Right Coverage.

It is commonly believed that for sheer coverage, using your fingers to apply foundation is recommended. For full coverage, a foundation brush is a better option. However, it is important to note that the formula of the foundation plays a crucial role in achieving the desired coverage, regardless of the application method. Marin McCarthy notes that there are some sheer coverage foundations, such as Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin or a tinted SPF, that may not be able to provide full coverage even with a brush. She recommends applying foundation by smoothing it over the skin with fingers or a brush and then blending out any lines with a sponge.

4. Avoid Peach Fuzz

It is important to avoid applying foundation against the direction of peach fuzz. Most people have fine hair on their face, and applying foundation in an upward stroke can make the hair more noticeable. However, even with flawless makeup, peach fuzz may still be visible in certain lighting. The most effective solution is to remove facial hair. You can choose to undergo dermaplaning or use a small facial razor with oil to remove peach fuzz and achieve a natural and flawless glow.

Tips for Applying Concealer

5. Create A Conical Shape.

To achieve optimal results when concealing under-eye bags or puffiness, apply concealer in a conical shape extending from under the eyes to almost the end of the nose. This technique not only provides better coverage due to its ease of blending but also helps contour the sides of the nose. Marin McCarthy suggests this pro tip: To lift the face without using too much product, apply a small amount of concealer near the inner corner under your eye and draw an upward angled line following the outer corner of your eye.

6. Know The Important Focal Points.

When in a rush or feeling lazy, focus on the important focal points by dabbing concealer under your eyes, on the corners of your mouth, and near your nose with a brush. According to Marin McCarthy, it is ideal to highlight the center of your face.

7. DIY Color Correcting Palette

You may have heard of a color correcting palette, which is used to cancel out flaws on your face. For instance, a green concealer cancels out redness, lavender cancels out yellow-toned discoloration, and peach cancels out bruises or blue-toned under-eye circles. If you find yourself without your color correction palette or want to save money, mix an eyeshadow of the desired color with your normal concealer. This creates a smart and cost-effective color corrector concealer. However, be aware that mixing powder into a cream formula can alter the consistency of the concealer. Marin suggests using lipstick as an alternative to eyeshadow.

Face Powder Application Tips

8. Choose The Right Brush.

It is important to choose the right brush. The effectiveness of any makeup product heavily relies on the applicator, particularly for powders. For optimal results, always use the fluffiest brush available to apply your powder.

9. Know The Correct Function.

There are two main types of face powder: loose powder and pressed powder, both available in dewy and matte finishes. It is important to use the correct type for the intended purpose. Loose powder is used to set makeup and make it long-lasting. Although available in both tinted and translucent forms, it is recommended to use the colorless translucent option to set your makeup. This will prevent any disturbance to the color of your foundation and concealer. Pressed powder is best suited for on-the-go touch-ups. Additionally, a dewy finish provides a glowing appearance to the skin, while a matte finish offers a porcelain look with fine textures.

Tips for Applying Blush

10. Be Careful With Shimmery Blushes.

When it comes to blush, it’s important to be cautious with shimmery options. Shimmery blushes can be difficult to apply flawlessly, and if you have large pores, pimples, or other skin issues, it may be best to avoid them altogether.

11. Use A Tissue Paper For Blotting.

Instead of using powder to blot your blush, try using a tissue paper. After applying the blush, lightly press it onto your cheeks and finish off by using a makeup sponge or beauty blender for the perfect flush of color.

12. Blush Under Foundation.

Another technique is to apply the blush under foundation for a unique effect. This technique ensures that the blush blends seamlessly with the foundation. To achieve a natural glow, apply cream or liquid blush before foundation. Avoid using powder blush under foundation as it may cause patchiness.

Applying Bronzer: Tips and Tricks

13. DIY Bronzer.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own bronzer using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Mix cinnamon powder, cocoa powder, nutmeg powder, and cornstarch to create a natural alternative to store-bought bronzers. However, it is recommended to conduct a patch test first to ensure that there are no inconsistencies or adverse reactions to the ingredients during application.

Additionally, for better blending, it is suggested to apply the bronzer in a triangular fashion by drawing two inverted triangles on your cheeks instead of just applying it on the hollows of your cheeks with a fluffy brush.

14. Apply In A Triangular Fashion For Better Blending.

For better blending, it is suggested to apply the bronzer in a triangular fashion by drawing two inverted triangles on your cheeks instead of just applying it on the hollows of your cheeks with a fluffy brush. This technique is particularly effective for achieving cool-toned contouring. To achieve perfectly chiseled features, blend the bronzer thoroughly. When applying bronzer, it should be placed on areas where the sun would naturally hit the face, such as the forehead, temples, and middle of the cheeks. Optionally, it can also be applied on the nose and chin. A useful tip to bring the face together is to use the bronzer as eyeshadow in the crease.

Brow Makeup Tips

15. Instant Eye Lift.

For an instant eye lift, use your highlighter just above the arch of your brows and blend it out.This will define your eyebrows and have a dramatic impact on the appearance of your entire face.

16. Feathery Strokes.

Use feathery strokes to enhance the natural look of your brows.
Always use light, feathery strokes when filling in your eyebrows with a pencil to achieve a more natural look.

Eyeshadow Application Tips

17. Proxy For Eyeliner.

Use eyeshadow instead of eyeliner on your upper lash line for a natural and breezy look. On days when battling with eyeliner seems impossible or when you want a softer look, take an angled brush and apply eyeshadow. This is perfect for summer.

18. Get The Pop.
Create a white base by filling in your eyelids with a white eyeliner pencil first if you are using an eyeshadow with less pigment or want an extra pop of color. To achieve the same effect, wet your brush with water or setting spray before application.

19. Donning Many Hats.

Eyeshadow is a versatile tool in your makeup arsenal that can be used as blush, bronzer, highlighter, or to slightly alter the color of your base makeup. Choose an eyeshadow palette with shimmer and glitter for best results.


In her blog, Mary, a licensed makeup artist and blogger, recommends doing eye makeup before applying foundation, powder, or highlighter. This way, if there is fallout from eye shadow or if there are mistakes while applying eyeliner or mascara, it can be easily cleaned up without affecting the rest of the makeup. She explains, “I can very easily clean it up without affecting my foundation/powder/highlighter and consequently having to replace it all.”

Tips for Applying Eyeliner

20. Scotch Tape Method.
To achieve a perfect winged eyeliner every time, use the Scotch Tape Method. Simply place a piece of Scotch tape at an angle on the sides of your eyes and use the edges as a guide. A straight edge, such as a spoon, business card, or debit card, can be used as a guide.

21. Dots And Dashes To The Rescue.
Dots and dashes can be used to assist in drawing straight lines.
While some may find this technique unappealing, for those who struggle with drawing straight lines, such as myself, it can be quite helpful when applying eyeliner. To achieve a quick and easy eyeliner look, draw small dots or dashes with your eyeliner on the lashline and connect them.

22. Go Natural With Tightlining.
For a natural no-makeup look, try tightlining by applying the eyeliner beneath the lashline instead of on top. Ensure you use a waterproof eyeliner for this.

23. Use A Shadow To Lock It In.
Use an eyeshadow of the same color as the eyeliner to set it in place.

Tips for Applying Kohl/Kajal Makeup

25. Easy Removal Of Kajal
Removing kajal from your eyes can be a challenging task. To make it easier, dip a Q-tip into a cleansing lotion and carefully remove the kajal.

26. Prevention From Smudging.
Be careful not to poke yourself in the eyes. Additionally, here are some tips to prevent smudging.
When it comes to preventing smudging, kajal can be a challenging product to work with. To ensure your kajal stays in place for hours, apply eyeshadow over it once you are done. Alternatively, you can use an eyeliner to draw a line over your kajal. This technique will lock the kohl in place and give a neat appearance, perfect for a night out.

27. Hassle Free Smokey Eyes.
Applying kohl on your upper and lower lash lines and waterline, smudging it, and drawing a sideways ‘V’ on the outer corner will create a quick and hassle-free smokey eye look. Remember to avoid adding new content or changing the original meaning of the text.

Mascara application tips

28. Use baby powder for thicker lashes.
If you want to plump up your lashes, try this technique. First, apply a coat of mascara and then dust a little baby powder on top. Then apply a second coat. This will instantly give your lashes dramatic volume.

28. Use tissue paper to prevent clumping.
To prevent mascara from clumping, blot excess product on a tissue paper before each application. Marin McCarthy has an alternative approach and says, “I work in thin layers and use a lash comb in between.

30. Save your mascara applicator.
When you are finished with a tube of mascara, do not throw away the applicator. You can use the applicator as a spoolie for your eyebrows.

31. Contact lens solution is the answer.
Instead of throwing away your flaky mascara, add a few drops of the same solution you use to clean your contact lenses. This will bring the formula back to a usable consistency. You can also place the tube in a glass of warm water to liquefy the formula.

Lip Liner And Lipstick Tips

32. Practice overlining with caution.
If you want to make your lips look slightly larger, you can consider overlining your lips, i.e. applying the lip liner outside the lips. But be careful. If you go too far, it will look too obvious and extremely sticky. For best results, apply along the outer edges of your lips. Be careful not to overdraw the outer corners of your lips! Overlining only the inner third of your lips will look much more natural.

33. Start in the middle.
For a defined cupid’s bow, draw an ‘X’ where you want your cupid’s bow to be and then apply lipstick normally. Even if you are not planning to accentuate your cupid’s bow, start from the centre of your lips and work outwards for a flawless finish.

34. Apply lip liner after your lipstick.
I know it sounds a bit strange, but some experts say that if you apply your lipstick first and then your lipliner, you will know exactly how to line. Plus, when they start to fade, they will fade together.

35. Make it last longer.
To keep your pout looking perfect for longer, dab a little translucent powder on your lips after you apply your lipstick. You can also use a colourless eyeshadow for this purpose. If you use a shimmery eyeshadow, it will double as a highlighter and give your lips that extra dimension.

36. The rule of thumb.
Getting lipstick on your teeth is probably not the look you were aiming for, but it happens more often than we care to admit. To avoid this, put your thumb inside your lips, purse your lips and pull your thumb out.

Makeup Brushes

37. Clean your brushes.
There is absolutely no excuse for not cleaning your brushes, unless a serious breakout is the look you are going for. Unclean brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria and make-up residue will also affect their performance. Clean them at least once a week with a mild shampoo.

38. Know your brushes.
No matter how exclusive your products, it all comes down to application. Marin McCarthy reiterates, “Using a different brush for each product (large fluffy brush for powder and bronzer, medium fluffy for blush, small fluffy for highlighter) allows for precision and avoids smudging”. Brushes are therefore extremely important. Knowing which brush to use for which purpose. Yes, with so many options, remembering which brush does what can be daunting. Take the time to figure it all out, and in the meantime, remember that fluffy brushes are good for diffusing products like powder or blush, and small brushes are used for products that require precision, like eyeliner and lipstick.

39. Moisten the tip before application.
To get the most out of your intense or shimmery shadows, lightly mist your brush with a little make-up setting spray. If you do not have a setting spray, simply dip the tip of the brush in water to achieve the desired intensity.

40. DIY fan brush.
Brushes can be expensive and the variety can be daunting. So if you’ve been eyeing that perfect fan brush but your wallet has been looking the other way, don’t despair. Just take a bobby pin and fix it where the bristles of your blush brush start, and there you have your perfect fan brush for nailing down contours.

Smart Tips And Hacks

41. Apply your make-up in natural light.
Try to apply your make-up in as much natural light as possible. Make-up looks different under different artificial lights. It is only in natural light that you can see how it really looks.

41. Follow the right order.
It is important to follow the correct order of applying makeup to ensure you get the best finish. Although it is common practice to start with your foundation, beauty experts suggest starting with your eyes and eyebrows. It is also a good idea to apply your foundation, concealer and powder last so that you can easily cover up any mistakes and achieve a flawless finish.

43. Step into the fog.
Your make-up is usually incomplete without a dash of your favourite perfume. But don’t empty the bottle yourself. If it’s a strong fragrance, instead of spraying it directly, spray it over your head, a little away from your body, and walk into the mist. This will spread the scent evenly and linger. Marin McCarthy recommends the same technique for setting spray, saying, “Spraying directly onto your face can leave unwanted wet patches that won’t go away.

44. Cool, warm or neutral?
Know your colour tone. There are basically three colour tones – warm, cool and neutral – and it is important to know yours in order to find makeup products that have undertones that match your colour tone. An easy way to find out which tone you are is to check the colour of your veins. If you have bluish or purplish veins, you have a cool shade. If they appear green, you have a warm tone, and if you have trouble telling, you probably have a neutral tone.

45. Heat your eyelash curler.
Blow your hair dryer on the curler before curling your lashes. The heat will help you get perfectly curled lashes instantly. Make sure your hairdryer is on low heat and test the temperature on your hand to avoid burns.

46. Make your own palette.
Whether it is a concealer palette or an eyeshadow palette, there are always only a few colours that we use. Palettes are usually expensive, so we recommend buying eyeshadow refills in the colours you like and putting them in an empty box to make your own palette from the products you actually use. Not only is this environmentally friendly, but it can also save you a lot of money as individual colours or refills are much cheaper than palettes.

47. Use waterproof products with care.
Although waterproof products are good for long wear and stay put, prolonged exposure to such products can be harmful to your skin. Because waterproof products require a lot of rubbing or special products to remove, they can wear away at the skin’s protective layer. If you do wear them, you can use oily or balsamic cleansers to melt away waterproof makeup. Coconut oil works too!

48. DIY BB cream.
Mix your own primer, foundation, sunscreen and pressed powder to make your own DIY BB cream. You can also make a version of this BB cream without the powder, especially if you want a more dewy look. Instead, after applying the powder-free BB cream, you can selectively apply powder to oily areas.

49. Rubbing alcohol wonders.
Next time your compact, blush or eyeshadow breaks, don’t worry. Just add a little rubbing alcohol and hold it in place. Make sure you press firmly with a flat object separated by a paper towel to absorb any excess alcohol. Let the alcohol evaporate and say hello to your restored cosmetics.

50. Sharing is not caring.
It is not hygienic to share make-up, even with your closest friends. The risk of spreading infection is high. Especially avoid sharing eye and lip products.

Infographic: 9 Makeup Tips for a Flawless Look.

Hey there! Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, I’ve got some simple tricks that can take your makeup game to the next level. With the right brush stroke or foundation shade, you can effortlessly accentuate your best features and make a statement that’s uniquely you!

Hey there! Check out this awesome infographic with the top 9 tips you need to know! Check out this awesome infographic with the top 9 tips you need to know!

The article provides makeup tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect look, regardless of your makeup expertise. By following these tips, you can achieve instant results. Select budget-friendly brands that suit your skin, choose the right makeup tools, and opt for soft looks instead of bold ones. You don’t have to rush to a salon or buy expensive products to achieve the perfect look. These tips will help you achieve a glamorous look and boost your confidence. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating well and getting enough sleep can work wonders for your skin and overall appearance.