We can watch beauty bloggers and video bloggers do their thing all day long (and let’s be honest – we almost do), but for some reason, our work is never as amazing as that of the professionals. Sure, makeup artists dedicate their lives to perfecting their craft, but they also seem to possess a bit of makeup magic.
But is it really magic, or just some insider information? It could be both – but we’re unveiling some pro tricks that will take your makeup game to the next level. Try these tips. You won’t regret it.
1. Create a glowing base with Embryolisse Moisturizer
A staple in every professional makeup artist’s kit, Embryolisse’s Lait-Crème Concentré is a rich moisturizer for all skin types that hydrates and prepares the skin, leaving a gorgeous, hydrated glow.
2. Remove redness with eye drops
Eye drops contain ingredients that constrict the blood vessels in the eyes, thus making the redness disappear. The same principle applies to acne or other redness on the face. Simply soak a cotton swab with some Visine Original Eye Drops and pat it onto the specific area. In a few minutes, the redness will disappear.
3. Brighten your skin tone with a peach or apricot foundation
Peach and apricot primers, such as Smashbox’s Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer in Apricot, are perfect for brightening dull and tired skin, especially if you have a darker complexion. The colored tones in the primer help correct hyperpigmentation and are also great for offsetting dark circles in blue or purple tones.
4. Powder between primer and foundation
One way to ensure your makeup lasts all day is to prime with loose powder before applying foundation. This may sound strange (because we’re always told never to apply liquid over powder), but it does work. Apply your regular face primer and sprinkle a light, translucent powder on top. By doing this, you lock it in place and ensure that the primer doesn’t slide and interfere with your foundation. But remember, moderation is key-applying too much powder can make your foundation caked.
5. Apply foundation with BeautyBlender
If you check out any makeup artist’s kit, you’re almost guaranteed to find BeautyBlender. The patent-pending shape of this revolutionary makeup sponge gives you access to every contour of your face. It is suitable for wet application, applies perfectly and ensures that makeup doesn’t look heavy. It also comes in a variety of colors and even in mini sizes.
6. Make the “peach fuzz” disappear
Every woman can struggle with applying foundation just to emphasize all the baby hairs on her face. If you don’t like shaving, there’s a trick you can use to make sure that peach fuzz isn’t visible. After applying foundation and powder, take a makeup brush and brush down over your entire face. This will ensure that these baby hairs are flat against your skin. 7.
7. Apply blush, bronzer and highlighter under your foundation
But doesn’t that defeat the purpose of applying it? Not exactly. By applying bronzer, blush and/or highlighter under a light foundation, you can create that natural “inside out” glow we all so desperately want.
8. Use less HD loose powder
Ever seen a photo of a celebrity that looks like someone sprinkled baby powder on their face? This is what happens when flash photography is mixed with too much HD powder. Some would say it should be avoided altogether in these scenes, but in reality it is not. HD powders are made from light-reflecting 100% silicon dioxide. When they are applied to dry skin and flash photos are taken, they give off the white color cast that we have seen so many times before. The trick here is to use these types of powders carefully in areas where there is moisture, such as our oily T-zone. This allows the powder to dissolve into the skin and ensures that flashback doesn’t become a problem.
9. Color theory
Color theory is the foundation of good makeup application. Most of the time, we actually use the wrong colors and undertones for our skin. To master color theory, check out the color wheel. Opposite colors, such as red and green, will cancel each other out. So, if you have a red bump, it will be 10 times easier to cover it up by applying a green-toned concealer first. It’s also important to consider your skin’s undertones, your eye color, and the colors that work best for them. For example, purple makes green eyes stand out, while gold is best for warm-toned skin tones.
10. Use thin hair strokes to create natural looking eyebrows
When hair is sparse, the best way to create natural-looking brows is to use fine strokes that mimic natural hair. Use a small, thin angled brush, a small art brush, or even a thin eyebrow pencil such as Anastasia Beverly Hill’s Brow Wiz to draw small strokes in the direction of the growing eyebrow hair. Pair it with a thick textured brow gel, such as Benefit’s Gimme Brow, to create a fuller, more natural look.
11. Eye shadow placement for large eyes
If you have small eyes, eyeshadow placement is key to pretending to open your eyes wide. Avoid using dark shadows on the eyelid and waterline as they can obscure the eyes and make them look smaller. Instead, use lighter colors in the inner corners of the eyes and nude pencils in the inner rims. Also, when applying crease color, try blending it upward to the inner corner in front of your eyebrows. This will open up the inner part of the eyes and make them look bigger.
12. Fake slender cat eyes
Everyone wants sexy cat eyes, but unfortunately, not all of us are born with the shape of our eyes. However, there are several ways to fake it. The classic winged eyeliner is the go-to method for creating beautiful slender eyes. If you have round eyes, try using a dark pencil at the lower waterline and dragging it all the way to the inner corner of your eye. Another tip is to use a dark eyeliner pencil (black for drama, brown for a more natural, everyday look) and follow the natural shape with a small triangular dot in the inner corner of your eye.
13. castor oil grows eyebrows and eyelashes
Admit it, you probably over-trimmed your eyebrows in your teens and are now kicking yourself for it. But now, a natural and effective way to grow out eyebrows and eyelashes has been discovered. Castor oil, rich in ricinoleic acid and Omega-9 fatty acids, nourishes the hair and aids in inhibited growth. Simply use a disposable mascara wand or cotton swab to apply a few drops to your eyebrows and lashes each night and watch them grow longer and stronger.
14. Rose Bud Salve for a healthy, radiant look
What’s the secret behind Rose Bud Salve? This versatile product is great for soothing irritation and can be used on basically any part of the body. Use it as a lip balm for smooth, slick lips, or apply it to your eyelids and cheekbones for a healthy, hydrated glow.
15. Blot and use powder to make lipstick last
The key to making any lipstick last is layering. Start by lining and filling in your lips with a nude lip liner or a lip liner that matches your lipstick. Then, use a lip brush to apply a thin layer of lipstick. Cover your mouth with a tissue to absorb the color, then sprinkle a thin layer of translucent powder on top. Repeat this process once or twice to obtain a non-discolored lip color.