My post today is a random hodgepodge of tips and tricks that I find helpful and use all the time. I have probably mentioned some of these in past blog posts, but they are worth mentioning again.
*I love using bronzer as an eye shadow. This is a quick and easy way to add some dimension to your eyes without looking overdone. Often times, especially if I'm rushing to get ready, I will just throw some bronzer into the crease and call it good as far as shadows are concerned, but this trick also works well as a transition shade with heavier eye shadow looks. I like to use a Sedona Lace EB 09 or a Sedona Lace Tapered Blending Brush to apply it. Also, when you use the same bronzer on your eyes and your face, it helps to make everything look pulled together nicely!
*I like to apply my eye makeup first because I smudge my mascara all the time, and it's much easier to clean up if you haven't done your face makeup yet. If you do smudge your mascara...
*No worries--it's easy to clean up! If it's regular, non-waterproof mascara, give it at least 60 seconds to dry on your skin without touching it. Once it's dry, all you have to do is wipe it off with a dry q-tip. Seriously, it comes right off! It's a bit more difficult to clean up waterproof mascara, but it can still be done. First, let it dry. You'll need a q-tip and some eye makeup remover. I like to use Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover (it says oil free, but it definitely has something oily in it) or any of the other types that have two layers that you shake up. Note: I've tried the Target and Walmart brands, and they both work great. Anyway, shake up the eye makeup remover and dip end of the q-tip into it. Before you touch your face with it, absorb the extra makeup remover by pressing the q-tip into a tissue. Clean up the smudge on your face, then take the other end of the q-tip and moisten it with a little water. Go over the areas you cleaned up with the eye makeup remover, and you are good to go! Alternatively, the ELF Studio Makeup Remover Pen works wonders and is a little faster than using the eye makeup remover and q-tip. It's a great thing to keep on hand, and I have one in my makeup kit for freelance jobs.
*I use a razor on my face! I love the Tinkle Eyebrow Razors, but other brands make them and sell them at drugstores. I use these on my upper lip and to clean up the tops of my eyebrows. There are videos on YouTube that demonstrate how to use them. Sometimes, I even use them all over my face to remove the peach fuzz. It makes my foundation go on so much smoother! They don't hurt, they're cheap, and they stay sharp for a long time. I used to use cream hair removers on my upper lip and have saved a lot of money by switching over to these!
*I used to think lip liner was too high maintenance, but now I can't get enough of it. While you can line your lips and fill them in before applying lipstick, I most commonly use lip liner after lipstick. I find that lining (not filling in) my lips after I've applied lipstick helps to clean up the edges and fix any mistakes I might have made.
*If you're going to wear a matte or long-wear lipstick, exfoliating your lips beforehand is a must! The ELF Studio Lip Exfoliator is awesome and costs $3. Exfoliate and follow up with moisturizing balm. Let the balm sink in as you do your makeup, and when you're ready for lipstick, wipe off the extra balm.
*Multi-tasking brushes are great when you're in a rush, when you're traveling, or if you're on a budget. My favorite for the face is the Real Techniques Blush Brush. It works so perfectly for setting powder, bronzer, and blush. While it's not the ideal brush to apply cheek highlighter, it can work. My favorite multi-purpose eye brush is the above referenced Sedona Lace EB 09 (which is basically the same as a MAC 217 or Sigma E25). It's great for applying color to the lid and the crease.
I hope these hacks were helpful! Let me know if you try any of these or if you have any good tricks of your own.
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