Top 10 Life-Changing Beauty Techniques

Popular YouTube makeup artist Wayne Goss popularized this unconventional method and has since seen many convert to the technique. While it may seem counterintuitive to put on a product first that you’re supposed to finish with, somehow, it actually works. This method is supposed to make your base makeup last longer by making your foundation stick to the powder underneath. You’ll need a loose rather than pressed formula for this trick. If you have drier skin, you probably don’t have to apply more powder on top of your foundation after using this technique. Another unique layering trick is to put your blush on under foundation for a glowing-from-within look.

Extreme color correcting is trend that seems to have quickly come and gone, but if there’s one thing we should take from it, it’s the idea of picking the right shade to hide your dark circles. Many people pick a concealer that is a shade lighter than their skin because they want to brighten the area, but in fact, that might be making the situation worse. If you want to counteract blue-toned shades under your eyes, remember the color wheel and pick an orange- or salmon- toned concealer. If you want to brighten the area afterwards with a lighter concealer, go for it! The bags will be concealed, which makes for a perfect canvas.

The recent trend in base makeup is moving away from a matte finish to a more natural dewy glow. One of the simplest ways to achieve this - even if the foundation you use is a matte one - is to mix some liquid highlighter into the formula before applying it to your face. Some favorite highlighters for this technique are MAC’s Strobe Cream and Benefit High Beam. If you don’t already own a liquid highlighter, adding a drop or two of your favorite beauty oil to your foundation can achieve a similar effect.

Most people apply concealer to the areas where they think they need it — specifically, to the dark circles under their eyes. The natural inclination is to thus apply the product in a half-moon shape directly under the eyes. If you want to brighten your face and achieve a natural look however, it’s actually better to apply concealer in a triangle or V formation. This shape mimics the way light naturally hits your face and will give you a more highlighted and wide-awake look.

There have been some dark days in the history of bronzer application, with many women making the mistake of applying the product liberally all over their faces with a large fluffy brush. To achieve a more naturally sun-kissed look, opt instead for a smaller, more precise brush, and use the “number three” trick. To do this, sweep the product in the shape of the number three on your right cheek and a backwards three on your left. The shape should hit the top of your forehead, under your cheekbones and along your jawline.

When you start wearing eyeliner, most people are drawn to blacks and other dark shades to make their eyes pop. What we’ve learned however is that dark shades can often make your eyes look smaller, especially on the lower lash line. To get the biggest and brightest looking eyes, ditch the black and grab a white or nude-colored pencil instead. Line your waterline with this lighter shade to make your eyes pop. If you like the look of liner on the bottom, try swapping it out for a brown shadow for a softer look.

This isn’t a technique so much as a product recommendation. While some beauty product trends can be pretty gimmicky, and won’t make a big difference in the way your face actually looks, setting spray is a product that really delivers. If you find that your foundation always ends up fading or looking cakey by the end of the day, you’ll see a world of difference when you finish your look with a setting spray. Some are formulated for oily skin, while some are better for those with dry skin. Both drugstore and high-end options can deliver amazing results.

For some people, the hunt for that holy grail mascara can last a lifetime, and comes riddled with frustration. At a certain point, you have to ask, is it simply too much to expect to get everything from just one product? By combining two or even three formulas, you can get your best lashes ever. One trick that experts use is applying a regular mascara first and then applying a waterproof one on top. This seals in your base mascara and also makes the waterproof one easier to take off at the end of the night.

While eyebrows used to be something you could just pluck and forget about, in recent years, the focus on brows has increased exponentially. Figuring out a brow shape that will complement your face’s structure is key in nailing down your overall look. There are many different techniques that you can use to create the perfect shape for you; and everyone’s different, so what may work for one person may not be perfect for all. Using a makeup brush or pencil to map out your ideal shape is a popular technique used by makeup artists. Another trick is using multiple shades to fill in your brows to achieve a more natural appearance.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Put Lipstick on Cheeks

Dab lipstick

Comb Your Brows Up

There’s one thing that will make the most significant difference in your makeup application; and good news: it’s free! Many people do their makeup in their bathrooms, and these are often the spaces that get some of the absolute worst natural light in a living space . In order to see what your makeup is actually going to look like outside, or even under the fluorescent lighting of your office, you need access to sunlight. Try moving your vanity setup to a room that gets more morning light, like, say, your bedroom. If you aren’t able to do this, the next best thing is investing in a light-up mirror that can mimic the effect of natural light.