Makeup Tips
Read these 132 Makeup Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Beautify tips and hundreds of other topics.
To Slenderize Nose
To make the nose look more slender, contour each side with a foundation one or two shades darker than your normal shade. Blend well.
Eyeliner in Humid Conditions
In hot humid weather, line the upper eyes only. For color along the bottom lashes, use a light stroke of eyeshadow color and blend.
Makeup Creases
Be careful using shimmery products, especially on your eyes; they tend to collect in creases.
Soften Too Much Color
Too much color? Dust on a light layer of loose or pressed powder to take off the edge.
Chapped, Cracked lips
Exfoliate chapped, cracked lips and apply lip balm. Avoid licking lips.
The texture changed
Lipsticks that have changed texture or color from being exposed to warm climates can be given a shave -- just slice off the top and sides of the bullet. -- Allure Magazine, June 1999
Go Light with Liner
Remember never to overdo your eyes with eyeliner. Heavily outlined eyes will make you look older.
To Open Up Eyes
Line only the outer half of upper and lower eyelids for "open-eye" appeal. Lining the entire lid closes up the area.
Dark Circles
Avoid emphasizing dark undereye circles. Don't use dark eyeliner or blue/grey eyeshadow.
Go Easy on Blush
Blush is more commonly overapplied than any other cosmetic. Invest in a good brush for applying blush. When you can see the color on your cheeks - STOP! Blend well with sponge.
Smoother lips
Exfoliate. Dampen a washcloth and gently rub it against lips. Then apply Chap Stick, which seals in moisture and acts as a primer for lip color. The Chap Stick's waxiness works in your favor here, to fill cracks and smooth the lip surface. Rory Evans, "Lipstick 101," Allure Magazine, April 1999
Don't Draw Attention to Skin Problems
Avoid true red lip colors if your skin is ruddy, irritated or blotchy. Your lips will draw attention to your skin.
Keep Lipstick Off of Your Teeth
To keep lipstick off of your teeth, put a tissue on your index finger. Make an "O" with your mouth. Insert your finger in your mouth and pull it out.
Choosing Products
When choosing beauty products make sure they are dermatologist, ophthalmologist, sensitivity and allergy tested, and cruelty-free.
Mascara Application Tips
Wear Mascara only on your top lashes and put eyeliner on your lower eyelashes. Put the eyeliner the inner side of your lashes and not the outer. Try not to use water-proof mascara because it's harder to take off. Use a good mascara which comes with a handle that comes with thin bristles so your lashes can be easily separted yet has that rich look into it. *Note: Sorry, but I do not agree with putting eyeliner in the inner side of your lashes. I know that it does create a nice look but bacteria also loves it here and you could find yourself with an infection very quickly.
Curl lashes with an eyelash curler before applying mascara and then quickly again after applying two coats and letting it dry. It makes short skimpy lashes look awesome! I also find that wiping off the excess mascara from the wand (with a napkin or paper towel - tissues seem to leave lint) before applying to lashes makes the application flawless and the clumps minimal, if at all.
Red Lip Color May Dry Out Lips
Use a lip exfoliating cream to counter drying effects of red pigments in lipstick.
Banish that shine
No more shiny foreheads. Try Mary Kay's Oil Mattifier. It really controls that nasty oil production and shine on the face.
Eyebrow Brush
The trick to applying a natural eyebrow shape is using a hard, stiff, short brush and working with colorations instead of pencils. Pencils can be used but it takes practice and patience to get a natural look.
Just the lips
To keep lipstick off teeth, apply color with a brush and then blot. Hold a finger horizontally between lips and bite down to remove any lipstick that could rub off on teeth. Rory Evans, "Lipstick 101," Allure Magazine, April 1999
When lipstick isn't right
To mute a too bright or too brash lipstick shade, mix a small dab of foundation with Vaseline and brush it on over the lipstick. Rory Evans, "Lipstick 101," Allure Magazine, April 1999
Harsh Makeup
Makeup should be appropriate for your coloring. Always blend well - harsh makeup doesn't look good on anyone.
Erase Mistakes Before Powdering
Before you powder, make sure there are no lines or creases. Once you powder it will stay put.
Applying lipstick
To line and fill, anchor your pinkie on your chin and place the flat edge of the lip liner point in the corner of the mouth. With a gentle arc motion, draw a line up to the bow of the upper lip. Repeat on other side, then for lower lip. Fill in with liner. Rory Evans, "Lipstick 101," Allure Magazine, April 1999
Makeup Maintenance
Like milk, makeup can spoil after long periods. Discard any product that has an unnatural odor, changed color or has become unnaturally separated.
Cosmetic Colors
Remember, cosmetic colors are intended to enhance your features and natural coloring. Avoid creating an artificial mask.
Perfect lip line
Mark edges. For a finished look, apply liner. (For more natural lips, skip liner and go to Step 4.) Keep lips slightly parted (for this and remaining steps). Just inside the natural border, draw a small line following the bow of the upper lip. On the bottom lip, draw a small horizontal line in the middle of the lower edge. Rory Evans, "Lipstick 101," Allure Magazine, April 1999
Keep Fresh Makeup
Believe it or not, cosmetic products have an expiration date. Discard any product that has discolored, developed an unnatural odor, or has unnaturally separated. If you notice any of these tell-tale signs, it's definately time to treat yourself to something new.
Eyebrow Color
For neatly groomed brows, use a pencil in a color that is closest to your eyebrow color and fill in the gaps. If in doubt, always go a little lighter than your brow.
Eyeshadow Application
Using a large, flat eyeshadow brush, apply a light shadow color over your entire eyelid from lash line to brow. Next, using a fluff brush, apply a medium shadow color on your lid from the lash line to the crease. Finally, dampen your eyeliner brush and use your darkest color as a liner along your lash line. Always use good quality brushes.
Make Lipstick Last
For long-lasting coverage, fill in th entire lip with pencil, then apply lip color.
Reshaping lips
To make lips look smaller: (A) Play up another area of the face, like eyes or cheeks. (B) Use a neutral-toned lipstick to de-emphasize lips. (C) Apply lipstick directly from the tube--no brush, no liner. (D) Blot color so there's just a residue of pigment rather than shine. Rory Evans, "Lipstick 101," Allure Magazine, April 1999
Emphasize Eyes
For evening glamour, line the inside of lower lids with navy, violet or jade eye pencil.
Lip Foundation
Apply a special lip foundation to prevent lipstick from bleeding into the lines around the mouth.
Lines on Upper Lip
To reduce lines around the mouth, try this face blowing exercise and you'll see results in a week. Simply close your mouth, inflate the skin above the upper lip and on either side of the mouth, and breath though your nose. Hold it for a count of 10 and repeat 10 times. Keep your upper lip smooth and relaxed. It may help to place a finger above each corner of your mouth to hold the skin in place.
Prolong Mascara
If your mascara thickens when it reaches the end of tube, place the tube in warm water. This will help to make mascara thinner. Never add water to the tube; bacteria can form.
Quick Repair for Renegade Eyeshadow
Put a light layer of powder under eyes before applying eyeshadow. If color falls when applying color, it can be gently whisked away after you finish your application.
Use a lip brush
For the most careful lipstick application, use a lip brush to paint color onto the center of lips, then blend up and out to the lip line. When applying lipstick directly from the tube, start from the middle of the mouth and work toward corners. Rory Evans, "Lipstick 101," Allure Magazine, April 1999
Prevent Cracked Lipstick
Try a combination lip exfoliator/moisturizer treatment weekly to remove lipstick buildup, prevent chapped lips and help to minimize fine lines.
Powder Clumps
If face is very moist, blot gently with a tissue before powdering to avoid clumps.
To Lift Lips
To give a visual lift to a droopy mouth, stop lip pencil and lipstick just short of the corners and use a darker shade of color on the bottom lip.
Contouring with Foundation
A simple formula to remember for visually contouring the face with foundation is that light shades highlight and darker shades minimize.
For Pouty Lips
To enhance a pout, dab a silver lip gloss onto the center of your lower lip.
Set Makeup with Powder
Powder makes products stay in place whether it be cream based products that move around or pencils, foundations or concealers.
Deep Set Eyes
On deep-set eyes, you should use shadow colors on the light side of the spectrum.
Foundation Color
Don't test foundation and concealer color on your hand. Match it, instead, on your face and neck.
Experiment with Lip Pencil Color
Experiment with lip pencils in shades of red, berry and cinnamon when applying with red lip color to achieve different effects.
Uneven Lips
Balance uneven lips with a lip pencil. Apply slightly inside the lip line to make lips appear thinner; on the lip line to make lips appear fuller.
Evening Glamour for Eyes
Play up eyes for evening glamour by lining the inside lower lids with a bold color such as lapis or teal.
Less is More
Apply blush until the color begins to show then stop...blend away the outside lines.
Special Occasion Makeovers
Schedule makeovers well in advance of special occasions to allow time to practice with different looks and techniques.
Young Teens
Young teens should use makeup sparingly: tinted lip gloss, sheer foundation, powder, soft blush and a hint of mascara.
Blush Brushes
Compact size blush brushes are too small and the bristles are not shaped properly. Use a good quality brush. Now, here is a little trick. Once you have your blush in place, take a cotton ball and blend until you have just a hint of natural looking color. Subtle is the key word here. No strips of color please.
Wait Before Applying Foundation
You should wait for ten minutes after applying moisturizer before applying foundation.
Instant Facelift
Apply a lighter shade of blush high on the cheekbones to create an instant facelift.
Fuller lips
For a fuller-looking mouth, dab lightweight concealer on the center of the lips (over lipstick), then blend out toward the corners. Rory Evans, "Lipstick 101," Allure Magazine, April 1999
Vary Eyeliner Shades
Vary eye liner colors by slightly dampening your eyeshadow wand and using an eyeshadow shade to line your eyes.
Color Corrector for Redness
A concealor or foundation with yellow undertones will help to minimize skin redness.
Lines of Demarcation
When applying foundation, stop about an inch above the jawline then blend downward past the jaw to avoid a line of demarcation.
Prominant Chin
To make a prominant chin visually recede, contour with foundation one or two shades darker than your normal shade. Blend well.
Evening Shimmer
Add a bit of shimmering moisturizer to liquid foundation for a little sheen...subtle and sexy.
Blush Color
To find the perfect color blush for your skin, look at your cheeks after you have exercised. That is what your natural blush color should look like.
Makeup Bag Contents
To keep skin and makeup fresh-looking during air travel, your makeup bag should include an atomizer of alcohol-free toner to spritz on your face, face powder, blush, lip balm and lipstick.
The perfect lip line
To get a precise edge without lining lips, use a small brush to apply foundation around the outside of the lip line (after applying lipstick). Rory Evans, "Lipstick 101," Allure Magazine, April 1999
Tap Off Excess Blush
Tap off excess blush from your brush before applying to the face. Do not blow on the bristles or you will put bacteria from your mouth on the brush.
Brush Powder in Hot Weather
To help lock foundation in place during hot weather, use a big fluffy brush to apply a light dusting of loose, oil-free powder. Do not press powder into skin or it will cake from perspiration.
Holiday Lips
Red lip color is a must for the holidays. Outline and fill in lips with red lip liner before applying lipstick for longer lasting color.
Sheer Foundation Coverage
For a light or sheer look, dampen sponge before applying foundation.
Darker Shades in Summer
You may need to go a shade darker with foundation and powder as skin darkens in the summer. However, please be sure to use a moisturizing sunscreen daily with an SPF of 15 or greater. It's nice to have a healthy glow, but better safe than sorry.
Lighten Lipliner
If lipliner is too dark tone it down with a small amount of foundation then reapply lipliner.
Minimize Lines & Wrinkles
To minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, avoid heavy foundation and opt for a lightweight foundation or one of the powders with micronized talc.
Prevent Mascara Smudges
To prevent mascara smudge, pat the under-eye area lightly with loose, oil-free powder.
Blotting makes color last
Peel off one ply of a piece of facial tissue and blot. Blotting makes color last longer, helps keep lipstick off teeth, and leaves lips looking painted but not overdone. Rory Evans, "Lipstick 101," Allure Magazine, April 1999
Counteract Sallowness
If you have sallow skin, choose a foundation that disappears into your skin. To counteract sallowness, choose a pink or rosy blush.
Correct Shades of Red
Brunettes and blondes should wear blue or pink-toned reds. Redheads and strawberry blondes should wear orange or yellow-reds.
Avoid Mineral Oil
Avoid moisturizers containing mineral oil. It doesn't absorb well into the skin...messy!
Lipstick Palette Case
A great way to organize your lipsticks or use up the end of a lipstick is to dig out or cut off a chunk of lip color and place it in a lipstick palette case.
Glowing Skin
For a special glow, apply a mask of refrigerator-cooled Noxema for ten minutes before applying makeup.
Give Large Eyes Dimension
Darker eyeshadow shades give dimension. If you have large or protruding eyes, you would want to use darker shades.
Packaged Blush Brushes
To blend eyeshadow or apply shadow to the entire lid use the brush applicator that comes packaged with blush.
Soften Large Eyes
If you have large and open eyes, don't use loud or bright colors that will over emphasize the fullness. You want them to be soft and keep a person's attention.
To Balance Lighter Lips
Women with darker skin can fill in entire lip with lip pencil before applying color to balance out lighter lips.
Fluffy Powder Brush
To remedy excess powder, apply powder with a puff and then buff with a big, fluffy powder brush.
Healthier foundation
Now that skin-care companies such as Neutrogena and Oil of Olay are making makeup, wearing foundation can actually be healthier for your skin than wearing nothing at all. --Cosmopolitan. Apr 99
Coordinate Lipstick & Blush
Don't worry about matching your lipstick color to your blush. Just keep it in the same color family.
Eyeshadow Creases
To prevent shadow from creasing, put foundation on your lids first, then powder.
Don't Pump Mascara Wand
Don't pump your mascara wand into the mascara container. This pushes air into the container and makes mascara dry out faster. Gently insert the wand, turn two or three times, then remove and apply to lashes.
Matte Finish
Even if you do not use foundation or concealer a powder will give skin a matte finished appearance.
False Lashes
Maximize eyes by adding four individual fake lashes (the single hair type) to the outer corner of each eye.
Create Sheer Foundation
To create a sheer foundation, lightly mist sponge with hydrating mist and add a couple of drops of liquid foundation.
Covering Tatoos
It is difficult to hide large tatoos. However, there are a few cosmetic companies that specialize in products that can cover a tatoo. You may have to do a little research to find a product that works best for you. Start by contacting some of the companies below. Call them. Ask for samples. When you find the right blend for your skin type, place an order or find out where you can purchase the products locally.
Dermablend.com
CovermarkUSA.com
StageandTheateMakeup.com
Glimmering Gold
Add some glamour to your look for a special evening with a touch of gold accented along the brow bone, just under the eyebrow.
Hooded Eyelids
To make hooded lids look like more of the eyelid is showing, apply a deep shadow on outer half of the eye, blending over the fold and crease.
Good to the last drop
Take what's left of your favorite lipsticks and put them in a palette. A few drops of castor oil will help smooth out the texture. -- Allure Magazine, June 1999
Makeup Sponge Magic
The makeup sponge is one of the most valuable tools you can own. More gentle than using your fingers. Use for applying foundation and blending shadow and blush.
Choosing foundation
To match foundation to your skin color, dab a stripe on your cheek. It should almost disappear.
Winter Makeup Alternative
To maintain a "sunny" glow during winter months, apply self-tanning lotion to face and throat area. Strive for a natural shade that blends well with the rest of your skin.
Makeup for Air Travel
For air travel try a moisturizing foundation, a talc-free and oil-free powder, cream blush, long-lasting lip color and waterproof (smudge-proof) mascara.
Red Hot Lips? Neutral Shadow!
Keep eyeshadow neutral when lips are red - choose a grey or brown shadow.
Eye Makeup Remover
Use an oil-free eye makeup remover to cleanse the delicate area around the eye. Avoid using heavy gels or creams that can clog pores and weigh down the skin around the eye.
Uneven Coloring
Choose a foundation shade between the lightest and darkest areas to even out the complexion.
Vitamin E for Lips
Vitamin E oil gives your lips a topcoat plus seals in color. It also gives your lips an instant shine and helps to protect sensitive areas.
Summer's Glow
Use a hint of pink or peach-tinted powder to recover summer's lost glow in winter.
Jazzy Lashes
To jazz up your eyes for a special evening out, try Z New York mascara in Navy or Plum.
Make Small Eyes Look Bigger
If you have small eyes and want to give the impression of larger eyes, you want to stay with lighter eyeshadow shades.
Sock it to Shine!
To prevent "summer makeup meltdown" try one of the new oil control serums. They actually help absorb facial oil for a fresh, matte finish all day.
Tinted Face Powder
To minimize tiny lines and soften features while adding a healthy glow, use a pink or peach tinted powder.
Summer Naturals
Softly muted nudes, browns and pinks are the must-have shades of makeup primers to complement the summer season's warmer temperatures and lighter fabrics.
Apply Red with Lip Brush
For best results, apply *non-forgiving* red lip color with a lip brush.
Don't Emphasize Undereye Problems
If you have problems under the eye such as dark circles, bags, uneven skin tone, wrinkled skin, etc....these problems will become more obvious if you apply mascara to the bottom lashes.
Eye Contour
When applying shadow makeup to add depth to your eye, use a dark neutral color like gray as a base in the contour area of the eyelid. Never over-do any color around the eyes.
Glossy Lids
To achieve a long-lasting wet look on your eyelid, use a lip gloss all over the lid before applying powder. The shadow will stick to the gloss base.
Faux Sunny Glow
Add a sunny glow to cheeks, forehead, shoulders and chest with a bronzing powder.
Dark Complexions
If you want very darked skinned to appear lighter, remember not to wear light pastel colors
especially white. Wear dark colors in make-up and clothing.
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