The Tricks Makeup Artists Always Do…But You Don’t

Looking for a few makeup tricks straight from the pros? From priming your skin with the right product to sealing your hard work in place with a setting spray, we’re sharing a few makeup habits that makeup artists always do but you (probably) don’t.

USE PRIMER 

You should be using makeup primer daily to help prep your canvas for a smooth makeup application. That said, not all makeup primers are created equal. For a dewy glow, reach for an illuminating makeup primer that offers all-day hydration like Lancome La Base Pro Hydra Glow. For oil control, try Urban Decay’s De-Slick Complexion Primer. The formula can help control shine, minimize the appearance of pores, and deliver a mattifying action. Regardless of your concerns, there’s a makeup primer out there for you!

USE A BLENDER

Applying foundation is like an art. Believe it or not, achieving the proper finish depends largely on how the formula is applied. Instead of rubbing your foundation into your skin with your fingers, reach for a beauty blending sponge. We spot them in makeup artists’ kits all the time, and they should be in yours, too, to ensure a flawless and natural-looking makeup application. One of our favorites is NYX Professional Makeup’s Flawless Blending Sponge. It features a rounded bottom and a flattened edge to help with anything from blending to contouring.

LOCK IN THE FINAL LOOK 

Whether you prefer a powder or a mist, setting your makeup look is a must. Not only can doing so help prolong the life of your makeup look, it can also help prevent unwanted creasing. If you prefer a powder, try NYX Professional Makeup’s Studio Finishing Powder. Don’t be weary of its bright white color—this setting powder absorbs to a neutral finish and works with all skin tones!

Prefer to seal things in with a mist? For a matte look, try Urban Decay’s De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray. This unique mist uses temperature control technology to help keep your makeup cool so it stays put and most importantly, looking matte! For a dewy glow, try NYX Professional Cosmetics’ Dewy Finish Makeup Setting Spray.

DRAW ON INDIVIDUAL HAIRS, NOT THE FULL BROW

When filling in your eyebrows, no matter what product you choose to use, you’ll get the most natural look if you focus on drawing on individual hairs. Rather than filling in your full brow, target the areas that are lacking hair or shape. Apply your brow product in short, hair-like strokes to mimic your natural brows, build volume, and help define your face. L’Oreal Paris’ Brow Stylist Sculptor offers a tinted crayon on one end and clear wax on the other to both fill and shape your brows to perfection. To use, first fill in your brows with the Precision Tip Crayon using feathered strokes. Once you are satisfied, brush through your hairs and set with the clear wax end. Brow Stylist Sculptor is available in three shades to best match your natural eyebrow color.