I love to keep you all updated on any switches or improvements I make to either my makeup or skincare routine. Today I’ll be sharing some of the tips and tricks that have helped me up my makeup application game to achieve a flawless finish on fuller coverage looks. Of course, I could give you a step-by-step on how to apply your makeup but let’s be honest, it’s 2019 and there are hundreds of tutorials already out there on that. Instead, I’m sharing crucial tips that you may overlook when trying to up your makeup game. As always, this is a list of techniques that have worked for me so be sure to keep that in mind. The end goal is always to find what works for you.

Clean Your Tools (Often)

If you want a flawless application, the tools that you use to apply your makeup need to be free of residue and build up. This is important not only for your makeup application, but for your skincare as well. For me, cleaning my brushes is a time-consuming chore. By the time I remember that my brushes and sponges need cleaning, I have to use them and can’t afford to wait hours for them to dry. Luckily, a friend and makeup artist recommended a quick drying makeup brush cleanser from Cinema Secrets. I first noticed this cleanser because the brushes that the makeup artist used smelled so impeccable. While I was caught off guard by a strong chemical smell of the cleanser, once the brushes have dried down there is a pleasant vanilla scent. For my beauty blenders, I stick with the solid blender cleanser provided by the brand.  Whatever you decide to use, just be sure to clean you brushes often!

If you want a flawless application, the tools that you use to apply your makeup need to be free of residue and build up.

The Right Tools 

I used to be a hardcore fan of the beauty blender. I still am, but I have come to re-understand the value of a good ole makeup brush. For blending out my under eye highlight concealer, I use a real techniques foundation brush to blend out the parts furthest from my eye and mostly on my cheekbone. I use the same brush to blend out the concealer on my chin, reverse contour, forehead, and nose. The beauty blender is then only reserved for hard to reach places under my eye. To make sure there aren’t harsh lines, I’ll alternate between my foundation buffing brush and highlight blending brush to seamlessly merge the colors.  If all of this is a lot for you to understand, check out my post on  brushes I recommend for every makeup wearer.

Take Your Time

Have you ever wondered why getting your makeup done takes so much time? Well, it’s not because a makeup artist has added several more steps to the routine than the one you may do when you’re going for a full glam look. The reason why it takes time to get your makeup done is because the artists take their time doing it.

If you’re someone who likes to rush the makeup application, the look is going to come out differently than if you prolong every step.

I know, that kind of sounds pretty obvious, but let me explain. Blending out your makeup (foundation, highlight, contour) all of that should be taking you time. To properly get that flawless eyeshadow look, you have to take your time. The lash glue you just applied? It can probably dry for 15 more seconds than you thought. You just applied your primer? Wait 2-5 minutes before applying foundation. The same applies for under eye concealer: wait 30 seconds to a minute before blending it out. If you’re someone who likes to rush the makeup application, the look is going to come out differently than if you prolong every step. Enjoy it for the process. To be very honest though, sometimes I find myself blending so long that it feels like a very small arm workout. I guess it’s killing two birds with one stone? Moral of the story: take your time. Yes, the people you share a bathroom with will hate you, but hopefully they’ll understand when they see the finished product.

Final Thoughts

I will still be the first to say that I’m no makeup artist. There’s something very different about having the opportunity to sit back and relax while someone does your makeup, and does it well. The reality is, very few people have the time or money for that but want to look just as good! Still, there are things you can do to do your makeup like a pro (assuming you aren’t one already!) If you’ve got any other tips to share, drop some in the comments below!

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