Makeup helps people feel more confident about the way they look. This may be why there’s no shortage of tutorials and videos showcasing how these beauty products can transform people.
But with all the YouTubers and influencers out there who seem to know every bit about the magic of makeup, it can be easy to feel left out. However, whether you love seeing makeup demos in malls or watching video tutorials while shopping for makeup online, there’s no reason to think you can’t learn.
To keep you from feeling like you’re the only one who can’t follow instructions on applying makeup like a pro, here are eight practical hacks beginners might find useful:
1. Heat Up for Better Gliding Pencil Liners
Here’s a fun fact: Makeup products with creamy consistency can blend better after they’re warmed up.
Have a kohl pencil that skips or tugs at your eyelids? Try melting it down a bit. This could help it glide effortlessly.
This hack can also be useful for pencil liners requiring multiple coats before achieving your desired pigmentation.
Simply hold the pencil tip under a flame for one second or until it has a gummy consistency. Let it cool for a bit and test the temperature on your hand. As you do so, you should see the consistency and pigmentation improve.
2. Don’t Ditch the Primer
Eye primers may not seem important, but these products actually serve as powerful tools professionals need when applying eye makeup. This is because primers help eye makeup stay on longer and prevent it from drying or creasing.
3. Replace Your Generic Eye Shadow Applicator
Still on the subject of eye makeup, experts also recommend using a different applicator than the one that came with your eye shadow.
Most applicators packed with these makeup products are poorly designed and cannot help you achieve optimal results in actual application scenarios. This is because the spongy material they are made with attracts too much pigment and provides you with little control during the application.
Fortunately, there are plenty of better applicators available in your favorite brick-and-mortar and online beauty stores. Just remember that every makeup brush has a purpose. When in doubt, ask customer service.
4. Use White to Make Color Pop
White has always been a great background for art, and the same is true for makeup. In fact, many expert makeup gurus recommend the use of white eyeshadow and eyeliner to make less pigmented or sheer eyeshadow look more vibrant.
All you need to do is apply white eye makeup over the eyelid, blend it in, and voila! You have an instant canvass for your eyeshadow.
Doing this will intensify and make the color pop. This technique can also be used for other things, like brightening or enlarging the eyes or highlighting certain parts of the face. Remember to store everything in your drawers for makeup to keep them secured and fresh again once needed.
5. Foundation and Concealer After Eye Makeup
The best foundation in Dubai and concealer are traditionally applied before everything else. But did you know that it would be better to use them after the eye makeup?
While this may sound counterintuitive, many experts swear by this hack.
Applying eye makeup can be a messy task that may even require a makeup remover. If you do it after the foundation and concealer are on and make a mistake, you may need to remove all the layers and start over.
If you put on eye makeup first, you won’t disrupt the other parts of the face that are already done. You can also purchase eye shields that can help isolate the eyes for easier makeup application.
6. Nail Your Winged Eyeliner with a Spoon
While that winged eyeliner does have a great effect on the eyes, it is a style of eye makeup that is almost impossible to perfect every single time. So, if you’re struggling with it, why not make your task easier by using a stencil?
There are plenty you can buy online, but in case you need one immediately, you can head to the kitchen and take a spoon instead.
Hold the stem against your eye’s outer corner. Then, using a liquid eyeliner, draw a straight line before flipping the spoon. Once it’s hugging your eyelid, use the rounded outer edge as a guide when making that perfect winged effect.
This is quite useful if freehand drawing just isn’t something you’re good at or have the patience for.
7. Hashtag that Smokey Eye
That smoky eye effect is to die for – but only when executed expertly. If you’re having trouble doing it, you can make things simple by beginning with a hashtag.
Using a creamy eyeliner, draw the symbol on the outer third of your eyelid. Don’t forget tip no. 1: Heat up the liner first for better application.
After the hashtag is done for both sides, start blending it outward using a smudging brush or sponge. This will keep the makeup application on both eyes symmetrical and prevent the eyeliner from getting sloppy.
8. Make Lipstick Last Longer with Tissue
Wondering why your stylish grandma always puts tissue over her lips after applying her lipstick? That’s not just some random routine. It’s actually part of a hack to make lipstick stay on longer.
Here’s how you do it:
Apply a coat of your favorite lipstick on both your upper and lower lips. Lay a tissue over it before dusting translucent powder. This will make the color of the lipstick set and last longer.
Do Makeup Like a Pro
There are plenty of tips and tricks available online that make certain tasks easier, and makeup application is no exception. Start learning how to do it like a pro with the practical hacks listed here.
AUTHOR BIO
Nick Vinckier is Head of Growth at Chalhoub Group, the largest luxury retailer in the Middle East. In his current role, he focuses on taking Faces.com from 0 to 1, transforming the beauty retailer into the fastest growing online beauty platform of the GCC.
Sources:
https://www.buzzfeed.com/melissaharrison/easy-makeup-beauty-hacks
https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/30-makeup-hacks-that-will-change-every-girls-life.html
application – https://www.bustle.com/articles/152687-11-eye-makeup-hacks-for-beginners-that-are-easy-to-master
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a6265/makeup-tricks-every-woman-should-know/
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/makeup/advice/g4827/eye-makeup-brushes/