Whether your style is full on glam, or you prefer more minimal makeup, there are things that you can do to ensure your makeup stays looking fabulous all day long. Some of the hacks mentioned below are real time savers that are going to make getting ready on the go a whole lot easier. Others will help you to create a picture perfect look for those special events.
1. Exfoliate and moisturize your lips before applying lipstick
Some lip products can dry out your lips, so ensuring your lips are properly prepped can make a huge difference to both application and how long it lasts. Simply apply a generous amount of lip balm and leave this on for a couple of minutes. You then want to take a clean, soft toothbrush and gently rub this onto your lips in circular motions. This will help the lip balm to absorb into the lips while also removing any dead, dry skin that was on the lips.
This hack is great for those who enjoy wearing a matte lipstick but find application difficult due to dry skin. You could also make this lip scrub using some things that are already in your kitchen.
2. Get fuller looking lashes with the use of translucent powder
False lashes look great but can be hard to apply and expensive to buy. You can achieve longer, fuller looking lashes with the clever use of translucent face powder. All you need is your favorite mascara, some translucent powder and a small, fluffy eye-shadow brush.
After applying your first coat of mascara as you normally would, lightly apply powder to the lashes while they are still wet. Adding a small amount of power will help the mascara to cling to your existing lashes and the powder you add will also help to make your lashes longer and thicker. When you have delicately added the powder, apply a second coat of mascara. You can repeat these steps as many times as possible to achieve your desired look.
You can also use black eyeshadow instead of translucent powder but be careful as there could be some product fallout onto the under eye area.
3. Apply lash glue with bobby pins
If you’re a die hard falsies girl then fear not, we have a hack to make your life a lot easier. Instead of trying to spread the glue onto the lash straight from the tube, use a bobby pin. As the end of a bobby pin is quite thin, you can dip it into your lash adhesive and get a thinner, more even application of product onto your false lashes.
4. Make a custom foundation from your concealer
If you’re running low on your favorite foundation or require a different coverage to what you usually wear, then why not create your own custom foundation? Simply mix together your concealer with your day-to-day moisturizer. This simple technique can create a super sheer look if the mixture is primarily moisturizer.
The sheer, minimal coverage mixture is great for days when you want to achieve a ‘no makeup’ look as it gives a dewy, natural finish. You can also build up the coverage by adding more concealer to the mix. If you own a number of different concealers, do not hesitate to use more than one shade in order to get the best color match.
5. Create the perfect contour every time
It can be difficult to know the perfect area in which to contour your cheekbones. An easy way of getting your contour on point every time is to use a straight edge to guide you. Use an eye pencil, brush or even a sheet of paper and lay it on your face with one edge at the top of your ear, the other at the edge of your mouth. If this placement doesn’t suit your face shape, you may have to experiment with placement a little.
Once you get it right, you can let this straight edge be your guide when applying contouring products. When you’re finished, lay the straight edge in the same position on the other side of your face to ensure you get a symmetrical contour.
So next time you’re applying your war-paint, ensure you keep the above tips and tricks in mind.
