Basic Makeup Tricks That Always Work

Did you forget how to put on makeup in this last year just a little bit? Same. For many of us, it’s been a minute since we’ve had a reason to do a full face, let alone a dab of concealer or whatever we could muster.

And while we haven’t had much public reason, sometimes wearing even jut a little makeup can make us feel more pulled together, in control, a little more normal, and even a tad powerful, dare we say. Whether you’re a beginner, an aficionado who never stopped, or you just simply forgot how, we rounded up some of our top, essential makeup tricks that will always work - whether you’re going for a full face or just 5 minutes of effort. Check out these tips to look flawless every time.

CLEAN AND MOISTURIZED

The best time to apply makeup is after you’ve washed and moisturized your face. The warm water and your choice of serum, lotion, or cream add hydration and eliminate flaky skin, giving you a perfect canvas. Your face will hold the makeup easier, and you’ll already look radiant.

EYE MAKEUP FIRST

It’s better to apply eye makeup before foundation or any face makeup. Why? If powder or liner streaks onto your cheek, you can easily wipe it away without streaking away any highlighter, blush, or foundation. But prep your eyelids with a primer to make the application smooth and even.

GEL LINERS

Do you have a hard time with liquid eyeliner? Gel liners provide the stability of a kohl pencil but with more saturation. There are some ways to ensure even lines:

• For a steadier hand, you can rest your elbow on a surface.

• Raise your chin and lightly sketch the wing along the upper lid in a back-and-forth motion

• Begin at the outer eye and work inward

• Fill in any gaps near the eyelashes

• Create a tight line by pressing on your brow bone to line the underside of the eyelid

• For a dramatic eye, you can line the lower lid

CURLED EYELASHES

Spend your money on a quality eyelash curler, not mascara. You should throw your mascara away every three months. Luckily, you can purchase either beauty product online to save money and time. Apply mascara by wiggling the wand at the roots as you work towards the tips.

MEMORABLE BROWS

Don’t forget your brows! They are crucial for your killer facial expressions. With a brow pencil, apply in tiny strokes in the direction of the hairs. Fill in gaps with powder and use an old (but clean) mascara brush to blend.

GO BRIGHT

You want to enhance your natural beauty, not cover it up! When looking for a foundation, find products labeled luminance. They will reflect the light and give your skin a glow—something that matte and total coverage foundations can’t do.

These essential makeup tips that always work highlight your assets and keep you from looking like a different person.