Makeup Tips and Tricks

CEBU, Philippines - It may take years to learn how to deal perfectly with your facial shape, what colors flatter the eyes, how much to apply and how, so that it looks beautiful and natural. It does not have to take you hours to do. Once you have the know-how, you'll see just how much makeup can accentuate the best assets and hide those that aren't as flattering.

Here are few makeup tips and tricks that you wish you had known a long, long time ago.

1. Reuse plastic spoon

If you have any plastic spoons stock in your kitchen cabinet, use one to easily apply mascara on the bottom lashes without staining the skin under the eyes. Spoon also helps you to accomplish a much thicker coat, as you may confidently apply several coating.

2. Scotch

Tape Eye Stencil

This beauty aid will help guide when applying eyeliner and eye shadows, especially if you're going for a more daring look such as the so-called "cat eye." It's easy - you only have to follow the side of the tape. Also, it helps achieve an even and balanced look for both eyes.

3. Lipstick Ready

In exfoliating the lips, use a baby toothbrush. Just homemade lip exfoliant of sugar and coconut oil, or cover your lips in lip balm or petroleum jelly before scrubbing. Then scrub, and you're ready for lipstick in no time.

 4. Bigger Eyes

To make the eyes look bigger, you need white eyeliner. If you don't have one, here's a trick: Instead of lining with eyeliner, use a white pencil instead to create the illusion. It is going to do just as well.

5. Make Eyeshadows Pop

Have you ever purchased a vibrant color of eyeshadow that once applied appears rather dull? The key in making colors pop is a white base. Use white eyeliner and cover the entire eyelid before applying eyeshadow of your preferred color.

6. Eyelash Curling Secret

Get the most out of your lash curler by pinching at the very base of the lashes, then lift the curler up in an inverted position. This creates a double curl that lasts longer!

7. The Perfect Match

You dread that your foundation gives you a ghost face or, even worse, that dreaded orange jaw line. Your neck isn't exposed to sunlight as much as your face does, it is much better to match its true color. No matter how well color is applied, if it's the wrong color it just comes out terrible!

8. Downward Strokes

In washing your face, applying moisturizer with upwards strokes help lessen fine lines and sagging face. The opposite is true in applying foundation or powder. If you apply your makeup with upward strokes, it will cause your "peach fuzz" to stick straight up, making it more noticeable.

9. Make the Lips Last

Keep those lips always kissable by sealing the deal. After the lipstick is applied, hold a tissue over your lips and apply powder over the tissue. In this way, it creates a matte look that lasts long.

10. When to Let Go

With the money you spent on a beauty product, it is very hard to let it go. But at some point, makeup just becomes stale and already unhealthy to use. This is especially true for anything that gets applied around your eyes, so that it's important to give your makeup drawer a good clean out every once in a while.

(Helpful Resources: www.listotic.com, www.totalbeauty.com, www.covergirl.com)