Picture it: an average day at school or the office. You’re minding your own business, going about your life when you see them: that annoyingly perfect, perfectly put-together coworker or classmate. Ugh, you think to yourself, here comes Jessica with her perfectly manicured nails again. Jessica walks by, leaving a trail of perfumed air behind her, and you growl to yourself. You’re not sure if you hate Jessica, or if you want to be her. Why does it seem like everyone can walk the earth looking like a goddess, while you can’t seem to figure out why your makeup sucks?

As someone who’s finally figured out her own skin (and is on the way to finding her holy grail makeup routine), I’m here to tell you that yes, beauty and skincare are completely overwhelming. They can seem like two of the most basic parts of a person’s daily routine, but for beginners or even intermediate makeup users, there’s always more to learn. If your makeup or skin isn’t the best it can be, make sure you’re incorporating these tips into your routine! These are all quick and easy, but when used together, they’re game-changing for your look. You’ll be looking as perfect as Jessica in no time.

Eyes:

1. Take the time to find the right eyeliner for you.
   Can’t seem to get that perfect wing? Don’t fret. There are several types of eyeliner formulas, and everyone has a favorite. Pick up a retractable pencil, a liquid, and a gel formula (with an eyeliner brush). I personally prefer liquid pens, which often have a felt-tip for precision application. (I recommend the eyeko London liquid eyeliner.) It takes some practice to gain a steady hand, but like anything else, you will learn with time!
   
   
2. Use a primer.
   It might seem like an unnecessary step, but primers are what make your eyeshadows more intense, more long-wearing, and less likely to crease. There are several awesome options at the drugstore. My personal favorite is the Wet ‘n’ Wild photofocus eyeshadow primer.
   
   
3. Curl your eyelashes.
   Again, this might seem like an unnecessary step, but it’s a surefire way to take your makeup to the next level. Curled eyelashes make you look more awake, give the appearance of a bigger eye, and defines your eye makeup in one easy step.

Lips:

1. Exfoliate your lips!
   This is a game changer. Your life will never be the same. This is especially important nowadays, in the heyday of the matte liquid lipstick, which is the most drying formula you can subject your lips to. The e.l.f. lip exfoliator is amazing.
2. Get in the habit of putting on a balm every night before bed.
   Actually, use a balm whenever you aren’t wearing lipstick. Your lips have very sensitive skin and could use some pampering! I promise you’ll notice a difference in softness within a week.
3. Invest in a few lip liners, and use them to fill in your whole lip.
   If you’re a fan of dark, vampy lips but find that they’re patchy on you, find a good quality lip liner in a similar shade. Use the liner ALL OVER your lips, not just the outline! This will provide a base for your lipstick, and the natural color of your lips won’t easily peek through.
4. Put your foundation and some translucent powder to work.
   This might sound weird, but when I know I’m going to be using an intense color, I put foundation on my lips first. Just put a tiny bit on your makeup sponge, lightly coat your lips to cancel out the natural color, set with some translucent powder, and go to town with that bright lipstick. This will enhance the lipstick’s actual color. The lipstick won’t have to work as hard to cancel out your lip color on its own.

Face:

1. Find the right skin products for YOU.
   Don’t just pick up whatever’s on sale at Walmart while you’re out. Make sure you know your exact skin type. Are you dry, normal, or oily? Does your skin tend to react badly to certain products? Do you have acne-prone skin? Finding the right cleanser and moisturizer can change your skin for the better. Go the extra mile to find what works for your unique skin and your life will be so much easier.
   
   
2. Exfoliate!
   Like I said in the lip tips section — this is a game changer.
3. Use sunscreen EVERY SINGLE DAY.
   Your skin is vulnerable to sun damage every day of the year. You might not notice the effects right away, but in ten years I’m sure you’ll be glad you took this extra step.
4. Use a primer. Again, it might seem unnecessary, but if you’re not using a primer, you’re not getting the optimum results from your foundation. Make that makeup work for you!

These are just a few tricks of the trade that I’ve learned by playing with makeup, watching endless YouTube videos, and experimenting with different products. Don’t get frustrated if your makeup isn’t looking as #flawless as you want it yet — there’s so much to learn, and you will only get better with time! Use makeup as a creative outlet and have fun with it. That creative spirit is what shines through in the Jessicas of the world and makes them beautiful — not just the makeup.