I first started using make-up when I was around 13 years old, and it was strictly mascara and some lip-gloss. Over time, with practice (and a lot of YouTube tutorials), I have learned the tips and tricks to perfect whatever look you may be going for. Personally, I am a big fan of a natural, fresh look. These 23 beauty hacks have helped to make my life so much easier and I am so excited to share them with you.

They are simple and can easily be added to your routine.

1. Primer: It matters

The type of primer you pick will greatly improve your make-up routine. It is so important and it only takes two seconds.The kind you pick should be specific to your skin type. For example, if you have naturally pink or red skin you should invest in a green primer; like this one. Maybe your skin is better suited to a silicon-based one, or a moisturizing one. Find one best suited for yourself here.

2. Determine your undertones

Determining your undertones can be a tricky situation, but it is important to do in order to ensure you are using the correct shade of foundation. This website is a guide to help you determine your undertones. My favorite trick is the vein trick, detailed in the picture above.

3. Foundation first, then concealer

When you apply concealer after your foundation, it's enforcing its primary purpose to conceal whatever your foundation couldn't hide. Applying it prior to the foundation will just wipe it away and it will be useless.

4. Baby shampoo will clean your brushes

Something as simple as a gentle face cleanser or baby shampoo will clean your brushes just as well as a proper makeup brush cleanser. But it is important to clean them because bacteria thrive in that environment. This is such an easy way to clean your brushes, it only takes two seconds if you regularly do it.

5. Rinse with cold water

After I wash my face I always make sure I add at least two more rinses with ice cold water in order to retighten my pores and prevent additional breakouts. I have the skin type that likes to break-out if I miss even one portion of my routine.

6. Vaseline + perfume = smelling good all day

Vaseline acts like an adhesive. So when you apply it to your pulse points (like your wrist or neck) it will make the scent last longer. Trust me on this, it's an additional step but it is so worth it.

7. Dryer sheets eliminate static.

Everyone knows this. But here's the real hack: it works with hair too. Simply rub it on your hair and, BOOM, no more staticky hair. Here are other methods that can be used if this isn't your cup of tea. Personally, I like to spray hairspray on my hairbrush to do this.

8. Dry shampoo BEFORE bed

It will absorb the oil that forms overnight. I know dry shampoo doesn't work for everyone though, so if you are one of those people, I suggest baby powder as a substitution! It works just as well.

9. Cooking spray = flawless finish

Don't ask me to explain the science behind why this works, but it does. And it gives such a nice shine! It helps prevent future smudging as well.

10. Your nails chipped? French tip 'em!

Such an easy fix! Simply apply a glitter tip or give yourself a French one to hide those ugly chips and your manicure will be good as new!

11. Use foil to remove a glitter manicure

Step 1: Soak a cotton ball in nail polish remover.

Step 2: Place it on the nail and wrap foil around the nail and the cotton ball.

Step 3: Wait 5-10 minutes and press down while you slide the foil and cotton ball off of your nail and, there you have it, glitter polish has been removed!

12. Put mousse in a spray bottle

When you put mousse in a spray bottle, it essentially takes all the air out of it. Turning it into more of a liquid instead of a mousse. However, I've found that this way works better because my hair doesn't end up feeling so greasy afterward. It actually feels more voluminous.

13. Buy your heels half a size bigger

I can guarantee that this is a huge reason why your feet hurt after wearing heels for so long (aside from the glaringly obvious fact that you're walking on your tip-toes) is because your feet swell up throughout the day! Buying your heels half a size bigger allows room for your feet to bloat, so they don't become so tight so fast. This isn't to say that your feet won't hurt, but there's a large possibility you'll be able to go longer before whining.

14. White eyeliner to accentuate your cupid's bow

Your cupid's bow is that little v-shape on your upper lip. When you line it lightly with white liner, it emphasizes it, giving you a nice vintage pout if you combine it with a red lip.

15. Lipstick = blush

Everyone knows that makeup can dual as another product. In this case, your favorite shade lipstick makes a great cream blush. This way your cheeks can match your lips and your whole look will come together!

16. Invest in a Lip Exfoliant

Ever since I started using this lip-exfoliant from ELF my lips are smoother, less chapped and softer than ever before. You can DIY or buy a lip-scrub, either way you can't go wrong. But I strongly recommend exfoliating those lips because it makes me feel so much better!

17. Antibacterial hand-sanitizer = deodorant

Because the bacteria is the reason your armpits smell, not the sweat itself, using an antibacterial hand-sanitizer in the cases where you find yourself saying, "Oh crap, I forgot to put deodorant on this morning," is a quick life hack to prevent you from being super smelly throughout the day. Essential oils work well too!

DISCLAIMER: this is not a substitute for deodorant, do not do this on a regular basis.

18. Blow-dry your eyelash curler

Heating up your eyelash curler before using it is a lot like using a curling iron, it helps your lashes stay in place. When you put your mascara on, your lashes will look fuller and longer.

But a WARNING: keep the curler at a DISTANCE from the blow-dryer, and WAIT about 10 seconds before putting it anywhere near your eye

19. Castor oil for long eyelashes

Castor oil is chalk full of nourishing properties, it's made up of vitamin E and omega 6 fatty acids. Applying it to a Q-tip and then to the roots of your eyelashes before bed will help your eyelashes grow longer and thicker.

21. Conditioner = shaving cream

This is a hack I've used since the dawn of time. Conditioner locks in moisture, and if you're like me I always run out of conditioner before shampoo, so this is a great way to use excess conditioner. Not only that, but it saves so much money not having to buy shaving cream! Using this in conjuncture with a five-blade razor will ensure you get the smoothest shave possible with no nicks or ingrown hairs.

22. Use a sugar scrub/exfoliant prior to shaving

Exfoliating the dead skin cells away will also ensure for a smooth and slick finish. Your razor will be able to glide over the hairs as close to the skin as possible. I personally love to use a home-made sugar scrub, but store bought works just as well! Find one that suites your personal skin type.

23. Tea-Tree oil after shaving

One of my best friends introduced me to this hack, and god knows how useful its been down there. Everyone knows how much of a nuisance it is to shave your bikini area, but the after-effects seem to be the worst part. Applying tea-tree oil will prevent any itchiness, redness, razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Simply put it on a cotton ball and voila! And one bottle seems to last forever, you only need a little bit of it because of how moisturizing it is.

There you have it! 23 of my favorite, simple, easy to utilize beauty hacks. I hope you found these handy or a new one to add to your own collection. Also, remember that you are still beautiful inside and out no matter what products you do or do not use!