5 Easy Beauty Tips You Need To Know Now

5 Easy Beauty Tips You Need To Know Now

1. Let your foundation dry before using setting powder.

This was a true game-changer for me. 

If you use liquid foundation, you need to let it dry before setting it with powder--and yes, you really should set it.

In the past, I would do one of two things:
1. Slap on only liquid foundation and then be on my way
2. Slap on liquid foundation and immediately coat it with powder

Both of these techniques leave your foundation lackluster later in the day. Setting it with a translucent powder helps it stay all day. However, if you put powder on it too quickly, it will leave a cakey layer that just accents your pores.

I put on my foundation first (with a blending sponge) and then let it dry while I do my hair and other makeup. After about ten minutes, I'll lightly dust over it with translucent powder (I use NYX setting powder). My foundation lasts all day and doesn't get cakey. 

For an added glow, I'll add a quick dusting of Urban Decay Illuminated Powder to give me some life.

2. Blend your contour up.

I'll be honest... contouring is not my strong suit. Still, the best tip I learned was to blend your contour on your cheekbones up toward your hairline. It makes it look more natural and prevents it from coming down too far on your cheekbones. If your contour line comes down to close to your nose, it makes you look skeletal. 

3. Brushes really, truly matter. Invest in high-quality.

I used to cheap out on my brushes. Would a $20 brush really work any better than a $3 one? I didn't think so.

But then I realized that without the right tools, any products you are buying are just a waste. Why invest in high-end cosmetics only to cheap out on tools?

I have been using It Cosmetics brushes now for over a year and have seen a drastic improvement in my makeup. They help eye shadow, blush, and even foundation from going on too heavy. If you want that airbrushed quality, high-end brushes are a must. You don't have to pay an arm and a leg for a set, either. I got my It cosmetics brushes on special at Ulta. Watch for sales on the sets, and you'll be ready to bring your makeup to its A-game. If you want to give it a try, here's a travel set of It Cosmetic brushes to get you started for only $30.

4. Use a base color for your eye shadow.

Choose a bone color eye shadow as a base layer. This helps with blending and prevents harsh lines. It's almost like priming a canvas in painting. Your eye shadows need something to blend with in order to create that seamless look.

5. Hold your brushes near the end for better blending.

This is a tip that came from the Youtubers. When there's so much to learn and think about with your makeup technique, how you hold the brush seems to be the least of your worries. However, where you hold the brush can totally affect your blending game. For seamless eye shadow blending, hold your brush near the end of the handle and use light pressure. This keeps it from getting streaky/ having hard lines.

Need more tips? Want more advice? I recommend checking out Christen Dominique's Youtube channel. She's got amazing advice and her beauty routine is always flawless. I love it, however, because she's super good at breaking it down for the average woman. You don't have to be a beauty expert to master her techniques.