Explore These 10 Makeup Hacks & 10 Makeup Myths
Makeup is an art, and knowing the right tricks can make all the difference in achieving a flawless look. While some beauty hacks can transform your routine, others are simply myths that won’t do you any favors. Here’s a list of 10 makeup hacks that actually work, followed by 10 common makeup myths you should stop believing!
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10 Makeup Hacks That Actually Work
1. Use Eyeshadow as Eyeliner
If you’re out of eyeliner, don’t panic! A damp angled brush dipped in eyeshadow can work as a makeshift eyeliner. Once dry, set it with a bit of powder or smudge it for a softer look.
2. Spritz Your Sponge with Setting Spray
Instead of using plain water, spritz your beauty sponge with a setting spray before blending foundation or concealer. This helps to keep your makeup in place longer and creates a more seamless finish.
3. Apply Foundation in Thin Layers
Too much foundation can lead to a cakey look. Instead, apply it in thin layers using a spatula or even the back of a spoon. This technique gives your skin a natural, airbrushed finish.
4. Always Moisturize Before Applying Makeup
Hydrated skin creates a smooth base for makeup. Moisturizing helps prevent dry patches and keeps the foundation from clinging to textured areas. Just be sure to match your moisturizer with the base of your foundation (water-based with water-based, oil-based with oil-based) to avoid separation.
5. Use a Card or Paper to Perfect Eyeliner
Struggling with even eyeliner? Place a card at an angle and use it as a guide for your wing. You can also use it as a shield when applying mascara to avoid smudges on your lids.
6. Heat Your Eyelash Curler for a Lasting Lift
If your lashes refuse to hold a curl, warm your eyelash curler with a blow dryer for a few seconds before use. Just ensure it’s not too hot to avoid burning yourself.
7. Use a Concealer Brush for Better Coverage
A dense concealer brush provides more control and coverage than a sponge. Buffing concealer with a brush keeps it from sheering out, making it perfect for covering blemishes or dark circles.
8. Blend Makeup with Your Fingers
Your fingers generate warmth, which helps foundation and cream-based products melt seamlessly into your skin. This technique is especially useful for blending around small areas like the nose and inner corners of the eyes.
9. Let Concealer “Marinate” for Full Coverage
Before blending, let your concealer sit for a minute. This thickens the formula slightly, allowing it to provide better coverage while still blending smoothly.
10. Mix Moisturizer with Foundation for a Tinted Look
For a natural, dewy glow, mix a small amount of moisturizer with your foundation. This creates a lightweight, tinted moisturizer effect while keeping your skin hydrated.
10 Makeup Myths You Should Ignore
1. Pumping Your Mascara Wand Helps Apply More Product
Pumping your mascara wand forces air into the tube, drying out the formula faster. Instead, twist the wand gently inside the tube to pick up the right amount of product.
2. You Must Use Expensive Products for a Flawless Look
Price doesn’t always equal quality. Many drugstore products work just as well as high-end brands. Focus on finding the right formulas for your skin type rather than splurging unnecessarily.
3. You Should Apply Foundation Before Concealer
While this works for some, applying concealer first can actually minimize the need for heavy foundation. This is especially useful for people who want a more natural finish.
4. Dark Lipstick Doesn’t Suit Fair Skin
Anyone can rock a bold lip! It’s all about choosing the right undertone—fair skin tones often look great with deep berry, plum, or classic red shades.
5. More Powder Means Longer-Lasting Makeup
Too much powder can make your makeup look heavy and dry. Instead, lightly set your makeup in key areas (like the T-zone) to prevent creasing without overloading your skin.
6. You Must Match Foundation to Your Wrist
Your wrist is not the same shade as your face! Always match the foundation to your jawline to get the most accurate shade for your skin.
7. Concealer Should Be Much Lighter Than Your Skin Tone
Going too light with concealer can create an unnatural contrast. Instead, choose a shade one to two shades lighter than your foundation for brightening under the eyes.
8. Red Lipstick Makes Teeth Look Yellow
While some shades can emphasize yellow tones, blue-based reds actually make teeth look whiter. Try classic shades like Ruby Woo by MAC for a brightening effect.
9. Setting Spray is Just Fancy Water
Setting spray actually contains ingredients that lock makeup in place and prevent smudging. It’s an essential step for long-lasting wear, especially in hot or humid climates.
10. Makeup is Bad for Your Skin
Wearing makeup doesn’t damage your skin—not removing it properly does! Always cleanse your face thoroughly before bed and follow up with a skincare routine to keep your skin healthy.
Mastering makeup is all about knowing which tips to trust and which myths to ignore. These 10 makeup hacks can help you achieve a flawless look while avoiding 10 common makeup myths will save you time and effort.