1. BLUSH FOR YOUR FACE TYPE

In order to apply blush where it will be most flattering on you, first determine your face shape. Blush not only adds color, but also contours and defines your cheek bones. The way you apply your blush can accentuate your best features and also soften those that are perhaps too prominent.

2. SCOTCH TAPE EYE STENCIL

This unconventional beauty aid will help guide you when applying eye liner and shadows, especially if you’re going for a more daring look such as the “cat eye”. It will also help you achieve an even and balanced look for both eyes.

3. EYE HIGHLIGHTS

The placement of highlights is very important when trying to create naturally beautiful eye makeup. Your lighter colors (whites, creams, and pearls) should be applied to the inner corners, the middle of the eye, and just under your brow bone. Apply your lightest colors first, and then move on to your darker shades. Just be sure to blend!

4. HOW TO FIX CLUMPY MASCARA

Let’s face it, this happens to every tube of mascara over time. The problem is it dries out and then starts to form unattractive lumps. To help prevent this, don’t pump your mascara trying to get more on your wand; you’re basically pumping air into the tube causing it to dry out even faster.

Although mascara should be replaced every 3 to 4 months, I used to replace mine much sooner just because it dries out so fast and creates undesirable results. But, there’s an easy fix for that! Add a drop or two of Visine (or any brand of eye drops) into the tube, and then rub the wand around inside. The Visine softens the mascara liquid, making it apply as if it were a brand new tube!

5. MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR EYE SHAPE

As important as your color choices are, the placement of your shadows and liners is just as critical– you can create just about any illusion that you want! With careful placement, you can make your eyes appear wider, closer set, more prominent, deeper set, etc. Determine what shape of eyes you have, and then accentuate them accordingly.

6. MAKE EYESHADOWS POP

Have you ever purchased a vibrant color of shadow that once applied appears rather dull? The key to making those colors pop is a white base. Use a white eyeliner and cover your entire lid before applying the color of your choice.

7. THE PERFECT MATCH

This is the one thing that no matter how well it’s applied, if it’s the wrong color, it will look terrible! We all dread that our foundation will give us a ghost face or even worse, that dreaded orange jaw line. Because your neck isn’t exposed to the sun as much as your face, it is much better for matching your true color.

8. EYEBROWS & FACE SHAPE

A lot of us ignore our eyebrows (or have over plucked them into non-existence) not realizing how important they are in defining our face. There isn’t one shape that is the best, it really just depends on your unique facial features and shape. Just like contouring, your eyebrow shape and thickness can help soften your face shape.

9. SOFTEN THE LINE

Although I like liquid liner and its ability to really define the eyes, I’m not really a fan of the harshness of it. And, if it’s not applied perfectly, imperfections really stand out. To soften the look, sweep a metallic brown shadow over the liner. This not only diminishes the hard-line, but also helps hide imperfections.

10. WASH & SAVE YOUR WANDS

Instead of tossing them in the trash when your mascara expires, wash and repurpose those wands! You can use them as an eyebrow brush, even applying a bit of color before sweeping across your brows. Or, spray with hairspray and use them to brush and keep your eyebrows in place.