My cousin is an amazing makeup artist and the best person to shop with. I’ve learned so many hacks and tips when it comes to makeup. Everything from shopping to applying. These are my favorite 12 tips and hacks:
1. Blow on the brush
When applying powder or eye shadow, blow on the brush lightly before applying to remove excess product that can cause flakes and a messy look.
2. Ounces per dollar
When looking at products and prices, look for the best deal by looking at how much each ounce cost. It’s worth doing the math if it ends up saving you a few bucks that can go towards something else.
3. Free Samples
At Sephora, you can go in and get three free samples of any product that they can pour into their little containers. From foundation to concealer to perfume. It’s a great way to try before you buy.
4. You can always add more
It’s easier to squeeze out a little foundation and add more than to bring out or put on too much and waste product. Simple as that.
5. Stay away from center displays by the register
Sometimes, you will find a good deal. But this is where the ounces per dollar comes in, this is where you pay $20 for a travel size product where the full size is only $50, and you think you are getting the better deal. It all goes back to doing to the math and figuring out the best price.
6. You can return make up
Don’t be the jerk that goes in and returns an empty bottle but if it is less than half full and you don’t love the product, why keep it? At Sephora, with your receipt, you can go back and exchange or return the products you don’t love and get a refund or store credit back.
7. Picking the perfect shade is important
It’s as simple as not looking too orange. Take time when picking out foundations and concealers. Swatch them and compare, make sure you get the color that best matches you! There is no time limit that you can spend in a makeup store. This is why it is also better to stray away from buying products like this online.
8. Don't get bullied
Sometimes going into high-end makeup stores can be intimidating, especially if you are still learning makeup. Don’t let anyone bully you into buying something you don’t want or that isn’t the right shade. Don’t let them make you feel little because you don’t know as much. Don’t be afraid to politely stand up to workers.
9. Practice with cheap stuff
Don’t practice highlighting with $50 product. Instead, go to a drug store and buy some low-end stuff to practice. That way, when you mess up and take it all off, you aren’t wasting as much money — just a few cents not a few dollars.
10. Don't be afraid to be bold
Go with a look you normally wouldn’t. My safe area is a little foundation, some basic nude eye shadows, eyeliner and some lipstick. But every so often, my cousin will get me to try bright colors and more face makeup, and I am never disappointed. Step outside your comfort zone sometimes.
11. Learn from YouTube
Now, just because they make a YouTube video doesn’t mean they are experts but it helps to watch others and learn from their experiences and mistakes. But if you do want some professional videos, check out Jeffree Star videos.
12. Keep practicing
Practice, practice, practice. It’s the only way to learn and to get better. Don’t get discouraged, makeup talent doesn’t happen overnight. You have to keep working at it, and you’ll get there.
