Over the years, I’ve learned the dos and don’ts of makeup, and I’m excited to share some of my all-time favorite tips with you — which apply whether you’re just starting a makeup routine or wanting to refine your look. Everyone’s skin is different, so some of these tips may work for you while others may not.
- Apply your moisturizer first, and let it sit for at least two minutes before applying your foundation or any liquid product.
- Less is more!
- Use a lighter eye primer to get the most pigment out of your eyeshadows.
- Pat some concealer on those beautiful lips to get a more accurate lip color.
- If you feel like your brushes aren’t blending well, it may be time to clean them. Clean your brushes often to get the most flawless blending results.
- Lash curlers are not one of my favorite tools, but if you use one, try curling your lashes after one coat of mascara for maximum volume.
- When buying liquid foundation, never test it on your arm.
- Do you struggle with blending eyeshadow? Try setting your eye primer with a light powder shadow or setting powder before applying the rest of your shadows.
- Apply your concealer after your foundation.
- Fuller lips equal luscious kisses. Apply a lighter shade of lipstick in the middle of your lips to get the pouty look we all want.
- Exfoliate and moisturize often to keep your skin smooth.
- If you have red spots on your face, try neutralizing them with a green color corrector before you apply your foundation.
- If you have an event, don’t wax your eyebrows the day before. Go at least seven days ahead of your event so you can have an even texture on your face for smoother application.
- Don’t ever throw away your mascara wand. You can use it as an eyebrow spoolie later.
- Make your shimmery shadows even more shimmery by spraying your brush with setting spray before you dip into the desired shade.
- Mix your foundation and your moisturizer to create a BB cream.
- Use a finishing or setting spray to help melt your look together.
- Sometimes I use hairspray to set my face when I’m out of setting spray … shhh don’t tell!
- When you are applying false lashes, don’t put them on until the glue is tacky. Don’t close your eyes to apply; look down.
- Set your whole face with a setting powder before applying any powder bronzer, blush or highlight to ensure maximum softness.
Lauren Riley is a makeup artist and hairdresser on the Coast, specializing in on-location wedding and event makeup, blondes and hand-tied extensions. Contact her or learn more at www.laurenrileyhairmakeup.com or facebook.com/laurenrileyhairmakeup.