Makeup Tips and Tricks.

Nowadays, I see many people wearing makeup the "wrong way". It's either overdone, or the colors just don't suit them well. This inspired me to make this blog post. I will try to remember all the tips that I have learned throughout the years, from the YouTube videos I watched to the countless magazine articles I've read.


FACE:

• It is important to keep your face looking healthy. Make sure you drink lots of water and get as much sleep as you can.
• Wash-tone-moisturize. When washing the face, use warm water first, this will open your pores and help clean your face better. Wash suds away with cold water to close the pores. A toner is used to clean the face from anything that your facial wash missed out. However, toners may dry out the skin so it is crucial that you apply moisturizer after.
• A popular method to reduce puffiness in the eyebags is to put slices of cucumber. Other methods include placing cooled tea bags or a cold spoon. Of course, eye creams and gels are also available in the market.
• Apply SPF when going outdoors. Even if the sun isn't shining too brightly, UV rays can still affect your skin. The number of the SPF indicates the hours of efficacy of the product.
• Pick the correct shade of foundation. A too light shade will make you appear ghostly in pictures.
• Green concealer is used to neutralize redness in the skin. A salmon colored concealer is perfect for hiding veins or dark eyebags.
• Blush should be of a similar shade to your lipstick.
• Gel blushes look more natural than powder blushes.
• Contour face and nose to make them appear slimmer.
• Apply highlighter on areas directly hit by light such as your temples and nose bridge. 

HAIR: 

• Get hair trimmed regularly. This will help prevent split ends.
• As much as you can, avoid tools which use heat such as a hair dryer, curling iron, and a flat iron. Heat can weaken the hair and cause breakage. Use a protecting serum if you have to use heat.

EYES:

• The face will look more defined with groomed eyebrows. You may do this either through plucking, threading, waxing, or shaving. I prefer threading. It hurts but it's worth it.
• Eyebrows should not have to be 100% identical. Eyebrows should look like sisters, not twins.
• Get the right shape for your brows. Watch video here.
• To get more defined brows, fill them in with brow powder or pencil. Brow powder looks softer and should be used together with an angle brush. On the other hand, brow pencil gives a more intense color. If using a brow pencil, make sure to remove harsh lines using an eyebrow brush (the one that is included if you buy a brow pencil) or an old mascara wand.
• Use a white eyeshadow or highlighter on your brow bone. This will add more depth on the eyes.
• Apply a primer on your lids so that eyeshadow stays on longer.
• Use a base eyeshadow to intensify the colors of the eye makeup.
• The darkest shade in a palette is used on the "outer V" of the eye. Blend the color inwards using a fluffy blending brush.
• Eyeliner on the top lids will give an illusion or larger and brighter eyes. Draw a thin line. If you're using gel, apply the product with an angled brush. Make sure your eyeliner pencil is sharpened if you prefer this instead. Start from the middle and work your way little by little. Applying in a straight motion usually leads to crooked lines.
• Curl lashes before applying mascara.
• Do not push the wand of your mascara in and out of the tube. This will dry out the formula.
• Tip for applying mascara: use a card. Watch it here
• White eyeliner also gives an illusion of bigger eyes. Apply this on the waterline.
• When applying eyeshadow, tap of the excess to avoid any fallout. If there are any fallouts, use a fan brush.
• It is important to invest in eyeshadow brushes. The sponge tip applicators are limiting and does not do wonders.
• If you're using falsies, allow the glue to settle for a few seconds before applying on top lids.
• Apply contact lens before putting on makeup.

LIPS:

• Exfoliate dead cells by using an old toothbrush or applying balm and topping it with sugar. This will give smoother lips.
• Apply lip balm whenever necessary.
• Do not apply too much gloss. You don't want to look like you've just eaten oily food.
• To make color last longer, press lips on a piece of tissue paper after applying lipstick. Reapply color.
• Use a lip liner to avoid "bleeding".
• If you have smoky eye makeup, keep lips simple with a nude or light lip color.
• Applying white eyeshadow or highlighter on the Cupid's bow will make lips look fuller.

IMPORTANT:

• Invest in good makeup brushes. The applicators which are usually included are hard to use. Basic brushes include a foundation brush, face brush, blush brush, angled brush, eyeshadow brush, and a lip brush.
• Remove all makeup before going to sleep to avoid breakouts.
• Check ingredients to avoid allergic reactions.
• Pick the right colors for the event, age, or skin tone.
• Read and watch. I personally love Michelle Phan. Check out her YouTube channel.

I hope these are helpful and as what Michelle Phan always says at the end of her videos, good luck!

long post. lol