Makeup is something that I genuinely enjoy. Having a bad makeup day is the absolute worst thing. Weather it be from improper application, to the products being used, or techniques, sometimes we just need a little bit of help. Here are some makeup tips that are game changers and may make your makeup look flawless.
1. Baking your face
I love baking my face. For those of you who do not know, baking is technique where you take a damp beauty sponge, and pick up some loose setting powder with it. You apply the powder to the areas of the face that are prone to creasing, the under eyes, smile lines, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Letting it sit will warm the powder up to your body temperature, causing it to melt into the skin better. It is an amazing technique for days that you know you are going to be wearing makeup for long periods of time. For those of you who have dryer skin ( I know the struggle), do not let it set too long, or it will look dry. I usually let it set for 3-4 minutes, and it looks flawless!
2. Apply highlight with a damp beauty sponge
This technique is used for when you want that blinding highlight! Take a damp beauty sponge (or a damp brush) and use that to apply a powder highlight on the high points of the face. The dampness of the sponge (or brush) will help add that extra pop, taking your highlight to the next level.
3. Wetting your eyeshadow brush to apply shimmer eye shadow
This is the same concept as applying highlight with a damp sponge or brush. Take your eyeshadow brush that you use to apply shimmer eyeshadows with, and spray it with a setting spray or water ( I have found that using water in a spray bottle works just as good). This will help intensify the shine in the eyeshadow, and it will help it stay on the eyelid longer. While this works for shimmer shades, DO NOT DO THIS WITH A MATTE SHADE! It will be a HUGE mess.
4. Using concealer for eyeshadow primer
I like to do this on days that I am in a hurry to do my makeup. When I an blending my concealer, I will take it up on my eyelids too. This will work as an eyeshadow primer, and will save you time in the morning.
5. Using Monstat Chafing Relief Powder-Gel for a primer
This sounds insane, I know, but it works! This has dimethicone in it, which is the same ingredient that most primers have in it. This is great for pore filling, and just helping your foundation stay on in general. Now, I'm not saying to ditch your go-to primer, but this is great for a night out or a once-in-a-while occasion.
6. Setting your face with a damp beauty sponge with powder.
One thing that you can do when setting your face is using a damp beauty sponge instead of a brush. Take a damp sponge and pick up a bit of setting powder. Shake off the excess, then lightly bounce the sponge over the areas that you want to set. The dampness will help the powder melt into the skin, rather than sitting on top of the skin, like when using a brush.
7. Using a velour puff to press in setting spray
If you use setting spray (it is a GAME CHANGER), using a velour puff can make the biggest difference. Taking the puff and bouncing on your skin right after you spray your setting spray will help press it into the skin, and pick up and excess spray, thus making sure your makeup does not look "spotty" from the excess. You can get these really cheap at Ulta, Sally's Beauty or Walmart.
8. Using multiple primers.
Sometimes, it is better to use certain primers for certain areas of your face. I like to use a pore filling primer (Like the Benefit POREfessional) on areas of my face that have larger pores, and a normal primer on the rest of my face. There is not a need to use a pore filling primer all over the face, if large pores is not the issue (it also helps save money if you use a pricey primer, too).
9. For a subtle highlight, apply a liquid highlight then add a setting powder on top.
I like to do this if I am going for a natural makeup day. Before I set my face, I will take a liquid highlight and apply it where I want it. Then I will take my setting powder and set my face. It will "dull" it down, making it look more natural. If you want it blinding, apply the liquid highlight, then set it with a highlighting powder for the extra pop.
10. Using a cream shade eyeshadow to set your eyeshadow primer
This step is very important. If you do not do this, your eyeshadow can stick to the primer, making it extremely hard to blend it out. You can use a cream colored eyeshadow to do this, or use a bit of your favorite setting powder. I think that one works just as good as the other. A shade like the one that is on the far left, upper corner in the picture is perfect.