Beauty Tips for the Average Woman

I’m no beauty queen or beauty Youtube vixen. I’ve never been mistaken for a supermodel. I don’t think I’ve mastered the smoky eye.

But I’m still trying.

I’m a shameless beauty product addict. I rack up more points at Ulta and Sepohra than potentially healthy in a constant search for the life-changing, game-changing product. I adore watching videos about beauty tips, reading magazines about new trends, and trying to master new makeup looks.

It started in sixth grade when my mom bought me my first makeup kit. Eyeshadows, blushes, lipsticks… there was an array of colors, an array of possibilities. I was hooked on the opportunity to experiment, to play with color, to put on a slightly new face very single day.

Over the years--and probably thousands of dollars I don’t want to calculate--I’ve definitely gained some beauty knowledge. Below, I’ve listed some of my favorite beauty tricks I’ve learned over the years. Feel free to add yours below.

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1. Eyeshadow Primer saves...well, eyeshadow.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Potion is truly MAGIC. There are so many different types now, but I prefer the original or the Eden variety. They really do help your eyeshadow from being feathery or from smudging. Truly worth the money, especially if you're going for a dramatic eye. ($20 at Ulta)

2. Although tricky, contouring works miracles

I bought a L'orac Contour Palette last summer.  I cringed when I forked over the $45, thinking I'd end up looking ruddy or like something from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It is, I'll admit a bit of a process to learn the steps. There's definitely a window of time until you gain confidence, too. I had to have a few friends swear to tell me if I looked weird. But once you get it, contouring truly does give you the Kardashian feel with your makeup. No cheekbones, no problem. Fake it! I personally don't like how wide my nose is... the contour palette helps fix this just by drawing a line and blending on the side of my nose and a dot on the tip. If you're willing to do some practice, this is definitely worth it. 

3. Toothpaste clears zits

I read this tip in like seventh grade. Jennifer Lopez was quoted saying a dab of toothpaste on a zit before bed will make it go away. It definitely does work. It sort of dries up a zit overnight...as long as you can stand sleeping with some toothpaste on your face. 

4. A blending brush is not optional

I used to slather on eyeshadow with one, single swipe using  a flat eyeshadow brush. Then I watched videos on how to actually apply eyeshadow, and I realized everyone on Youtube was using blending brushes. I bought the It Cosmetics Blending Brush, ($14) and my eyeshadow was never the same! I never was one to invest in cosmetic brushes (dollar store ones are the same, right?). Now, I know a good brush can mean everything. this brush seriously allows you to master that eyeshadow with depth and perfection. Buy it now, seriously!

5. Black eyeliner doesn't have to be your one and only

I used to be a black eyeliner only girl...and then during junior prom, a makeup artist used turquoise eyeliner on me. I was hooked. Plum, turqoise, and navy blue are great ways to give a pop to your eyes without changing the shadow. I love Smashbox and Bare Minerals, but I've also had good luck with NYX.