I’ve always liked to think that I’m pretty good at doing my own makeup. I started wearing makeup quite young (I had very bad teenage acne) and instantly fell in love with it, so enjoyed experimenting and perfecting my technique.
But it was only when I entered the beauty industry officially as a beauty editor that I was able to seriously up my game with access to the world’s greatest makeup artists and the latest product innovations.
Here are the best tips I’ve picked up along the way…
1. Blend foundation from the centre of the face outwards
Whether you use a brush, sponge or fingers to apply your foundation, always start from your nose and under eyes (i.e. the centre of your face) and blend outwards – without adding more product. Not only does this area usually require the most coverage (redness, dark circles…) but it also gives a super natural finish with no risk of the dreaded unblended neck line.
2. Contouring isn’t a one size fits all
If you watch the majority of contouring tutorials, you will be told the same instructions. Darker shades on the top of forehead and the side of nose, highlight down the centre of nose and across cheekbones. Problem is, contouring was never originally used as a one size fits all approach – it was tailored to each individual face.
Think about it. Putting a darker shade on the top of your forehead works to make the forehead appear smaller – but, what if you have a small forehead in the first place? The same with the nose. Contouring either side of the nose and highlighting the centre works to elongate the nose. If you have a long, thin nose, you probably don’t want to do this step. Instead you might take a lighter shade across the bridge of the nose to add a bit of width. Each to their own.
3. Sucking your thumb is the way to the perfect lip
According to master makeup artist Cher Webb, the best way to finish off a great lip (and to avoid getting lipstick on your teeth!) is to suck your thumb after application. The residual lipstick on the inner-side of your lip will be wiped onto your thumb when you pull it out. Simple, yet seriously effective.
4. Do the mascara wiggle
If you find that your mascara always looks clumpy, it’s usually due to one of two reasons. Either, you’ve got the wrong mascara (check out GLAMOUR’s favourite mascaras here), or your application technique needs a bit of work.
The best way to apply mascara if you want a feathery, separated finish is to place the spoolie at the very base of your lashes, nearest to the eye line, and wiggle the brush upwards. Try and pull away before you reach the tip of the eyelashes (leave the tips totally bare if you like) to avoid any clumps catching on.