10 MAKEUP TIPS: ROUND 3

I've spent the past few years trying to be a sponge for makeup knowledge. I've watched so many Youtube tutorials (Lisa Eldridge, Tanya Burr, the Pixiwoo gals, Chloe Morello, Sharon Farrell, etc.), read so many blog posts and attended makeup school. I just love learning about this stuff and I think it's always nice to pass on one's findings. This is the third installment of this series... I suppose it's a series now. You're welcome to check out the first two posts – 10 Thing I've Learned About Makeup and 10 More Makeup Tips. For now, here's what I've got!

1. When applying blusher, try adding a bit over the bridge of your nose. It can help to add more colour to the face and create a more cohesive look. It can also make you look more sunkissed depending on the shade.

2. Adding a light smattering of fake freckles to the nose and cheekbones is a sneaky way of making the skin look more fresh and natural. It's particularly effective if you've used a high coverage foundation because it gives the illusion that your base is much sheerer. I've got a video on How To Fake Freckles if you're feeling unsure about it.

3. Natural hair brushes tend to work best with powder products, as they pick up and blend the product better. Whereas synthetic hair brushes tend to work better with creams, as they're hardier and don't absorb so much product.

4. It's important to let there be gaps in your brows when you're filling them in. It can be tempting to fill everything in, but it doesn't look realistic. Natural brows have patches of skin showing through. Try instead only adding product to the areas that really need some more “structural integrity.”

5. Waterproof mascara will hold a curl better than non-waterproof formulas.

6. If you're using a good highly pigmented cream concealer and you're still struggling to get enough coverage when concealing blemishes, try sandwiching your concealer. By that I mean apply your first layer of concealer, carefully pat powder on top, then come back in with another layer of concealer. The powder should help lock in the first layer of concealer so you can add more without disturbing anything.

7. If you've got oily skin, let your moisturizer sink in for a good 20 minutes or so before applying foundation. It will help to ensure the foundation doesn't slip around during the day. On the flip side, if you've got dry skin you may want to apply moisturizer immediately before applying foundation to help the foundation blend more smoothly and avoid sticking to dry patches.

8. Cool toned lipsticks will make you teeth look whiter. You might favour MAC Russian Red over Lady Danger for this reason.

9. If you're using an under eye concealer that's a few shades lighter than your natural skin tone, it helps to apply it in a V shape under the eyes. You don't have to do the full Kim Kardashain look by any means, but just bring it down a little bit further than the natural contours of your under eyes. That way it blends into the face better and you can avoid an obvious ring of concealer.

10. If you're using powder blush or bronzer (this tip doesn't apply to cream formulas), try adding a light dusting of powder to the areas you're going to be working on first. You'll be able to blend your products more easily and avoid any blotchy patches.