When you’re just getting started with makeup, selecting your products, tools, and brushes, not to mention figuring out the best application techniques, can seem like an insurmountable feat. But to counter this real of beauty, I know that it can be especially helpful for makeup beginners to have a few tricks, tips, and hacks up their sleeve. 

Honestly, You can undoubtedly set yourself up for makeup and overall beauty success!  And my goal is to fuel you with the right (accurate) information based on things I’ve learned over the years as a makeup artist. 

  1. Know your skin type

For makeup that looks flawless, lasts all day, sits well upon the skin, and doesn’t cause blemishes becoming familiar with your skin type is necessary. You see, makeup products come in different formulas (creams, liquids, powders, etc.). And these formulas dictate which option will be more suitable for you and your skin.

So, before you purchase anything to add to your makeup kit, bag, or collection, understanding your skin needs to be your goal. This way, you avoid wasting money on the wrong things and can pick things that are RIGHT for you, ultimately helping you look your absolute best! It’s especially important to know your type when selecting your primer, foundation, and concealer.

2. Take Care Of Your Skin

The better you maintain your skin, the more even & smooth you can expect your makeup application. Since your skincare products are technically the base for your makeup, they play a major part in how your makeup sits and holds up. So always use products created with your particular skin type, concerns, and needs in mind.

3. Concealer Can Be A Multipurpose Asset In Your Makeup Collection

You likely are pretty familiar with using a concealer to hide imperfections, but it can actually be used for various things.  

  • Concealer can be a magic eraser for your eyeliner makeup mistakes and help you create a cleaner, crisper flick at the end.
  • You can also use it to emphasize your brows and mask the fact that you are due for a brow waxing.
  • It can be used as a highlighter when you start learning to contour. Keep in mind as a beginner, it’s easier to begin contouring with powder products over creams, but as your skills progress, you may want to give this a try!

4. Warm Up That Dry Mascara

Mascara has a tendency to clump up and dry out with time. Take a cup and fill it with warm water. Then place your mascara tube inside and let it sit for a few minutes while applying your other makeup products. The water’s warmth should soften things up a bit so you can more easily use it for your lashes.

Of course, if you notice dryness because your mascara has expired, then toss that bad boy!! Generally, mascara will last 3-6 months before expiring.  

5. Get Familiar With Makeup Brushes So You Choose The Right Ones

No matter how incredible your makeup products are, they won’t do you any good if you’re using the wrong tools. Brushes make application easier, improve the finish of your makeup, and ensure a far more natural yet polished look at the same time. 

Overall, the results you get after application have a lot to do with what you’re using to apply your products. So, first, avoid the eyeshadow sponge applicators and mini blush brushes that are sometimes included in drugstore kits. 

And second, if your goal is to get a professional-like makeup finish, you’ll want to get more formally acquainted with different makeup brushes. You see, it’s important to understand the purpose of each type of brush, which products each type is more suited for, and the effect they each can have on your final makeup look.

6. Invest In A Magnifying Mirror For Eyeliner

When it comes to eyeliner application to get the best results, I highly recommend using a lighted vanity magnifying mirror. You can use it to get very close to the lash line, so you don’t end up with any little gaps. And it will help tremendously for a more precise application process and make applying your eyeliner far easier. You can quickly fix any mistakes and avoid walking out the door with a wonky, unsymmetrical liner!