20 makeup hacks for everyone

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I don’t know about you, but I think there is something very satisfying about figuring out your makeup routine and spending 20 minutes to get ready just to have more time for you and all the things you love.

So for today’s post, I am going to be sharing easy ways to hack your makeup routine that is bound to leave you looking and feeling great.

Take Care Of Your Skin

The key to everything starts in cleanliness. From your face to your space this a rule of thumb that I live and thrive by. Choosing products that not only suit your skin but that are organic and natural is important because your skin is absorbing everything you put on it. Washing your face twice a day, doing face masks once or twice a week, and finding quality serums + lotions is such a worthy investment.

Use A Magnifying Mirror

Sometimes we don’t even know what our face looks like because we’re in the wrong lighting. If you’ve ever been shocked at those loose eyebrows up close in the car mirror - you know the deal. Magnifying mirrors help you get a closer look at what’s really going on with your skin.

Learn Your Face Shape

When we look at pinterest and instagram and try those looks that just aren’t quiet working - a lot of times it’s because we haven’t taken the time to understand our face shape. Look into what you face shape is and follow tips to apply makeup correctly.

Cruelty-Free + Organic

Unfortunately, a lot of what we buy at the store isn’t cruelty free or organic. Using products that are made naturally is not only good for your skin, but keeps those unnecessary toxins at bay. Plus, you’re doing our planet a huge favor! Check out my post on my favorite vegan beauty brands here.

Good Equipment

Having good equipment is key. Did you know for ten years of my life I was applying foundation with my fingers. Ew! Youtube tutorials are a great way to learn what tools you need to get the looks you want on a daily basis, and the great thing is you only have to watch a couple before you “get it”.

Have A Plan

Having a plan for your skincare routine and how you want your makeup to look is key. If you don’t know where the ship is sailing how are you going to get to the destination you want! Chances are low. If you’re a newbie at makeup having some examples of the look you want to create every day, and for a night out, is a great way to make sure you’re happy with the way you step out.

Experiment + Have Fun

Beyond having a plan, it’s important to have fun doing your makeup. Makeup, just like fashion, is self expression. Learning the basics is cool, but expressing you through the way you present yourself to the world is next level.

Primer

Having a good primer is the key to smooth and lasting makeup. For the longest time I was using elf beauty’s primer, but I recently invested in Kylie Cosmetics Clarify set, and the lotion works better than any primer I’ve used. What primer works for you will depend on your skin type and may take some experimentation. But, primer is the best way to fill in pores and fine lines and get a finish that lasts.

Foundation

Foundation is the one thing almost everyone needs to lay the foundation for the rest of your face. Choosing organic and vegan brands will help keep your skin clean and healthy. I also recommend having a couple color options if your skin color changes from season to season.

Concealer

Concealer helps cover up acne spots, under eye bags, and makes an awesome contour, if you want to shape your face using a liquid instead of a powder. I’m currently using Elf Beauty’s Concealer, which lasts very well!

Contour

If you’re going to do a full face of makeup, contour is key. You can use powder or liquid, depending on your preference. Contour is a great way to create a unique look and highlight any features that you want to accent + can create the illusion of reshaping your face.

Blush

I didn’t used to use blush a lot, because I liked the way I looked with some contour and highlighter, but I’ve recently fallen in love with glowing cheeks. The color of your blush and the way it is applied can bring a totally different dimension to your look. Try applying it right above your jaw contour and below your highlighter.

Brows

Big brows, thick brows, small brows, mini brows. Did you know that criminals cover their eyebrows up with masks because eyebrows are one of the key features in face recognition. That is how much your brows can change your look! Experimenting is the key - be careful to not over-pluck when you first get started.

Eyeshadow

Eyeshadow is where I have the most fun. I usually start with a darker color in the seam of my eye, a bright or bold color on the outer edge, and a lighter color in the inner crease. It will totally depend what look you are going for. My biggest tip is to have at least 3 -4 different size brushes so you can be clean with your look.

Eyeliner

Cat eyes are my thing right now, but there are so many ways to do eyeliner. Having a few options or at least a brown + black pencil as well as a gel liner is a great way to get started. If your ready to explore try looking up what color eyeliners look best on your eye color and eye shape!

Prep Your Lips

Prepping your lips is key to having soft and beautiful lips all day or night. You can home make a sugar scrub with brown sugar and olive or argan oil, or get any sugar lip scrub that works for you. I also like to put a little coconut oil on my lips before I apply lipstick and it makes them so smooth.

Clean Your Tools

Cleaning your makeup tools is a must do. So many times I have skipped this, but with my skin, I can tell immediately when it’s been too long. Depending on how often you apply your makeup, you should clean your brushes at least once a week, because they start to accumulate bacteria that isn’t good for your precious skin.

Make-Up Remover

Having makeup remover is a great way to make sure you’ve cleaned off all the residue from your face so your skin can actually breathe when you’re not sleeping. Sometimes washing your face isn’t enough to get all the makeup off. Sometimes I have invested in makeup removers, but right now I’ve just been using coconut oil and a warm washcloth. Make sure to wash your face again after you use the coconut oil if you are prone to breaking out.

Nightly Routine

Having a nightly routine for your skin is going to create lasting beauty. No matter how old you are now, you are going to want your skin to look good years from now. At the very least, please, wash your face! If you want to take it a step up find a good moisturizing night cream! It’s such a great way to treat your skin and rehydrate all your cells so your skin is full and smooth in the morning.

Inner Health

The key to healthy skin is a healthy gut. If you’re having a lot of trouble with breakouts or dull flaky skin, it could be more to do with your diet than you think. Getting a ton of leafy greens, antioxidant rich foods, healthy grains and proteins, + drinking enough water is a great place to start.

Final Thoughts

Beauty is subjective. Never feel like you have to wear makeup to look better, because I’m telling you love, you look gorgeous. The whole point of makeup is to treat yourself and have fun in an act of self. If you feel like you’re using makeup to cover up who you really are - don’t do it! Getting acquainted with your natural beauty is what it’s all about. I thought it would be fun to share some of the things I’ve learned about makeup the past few years, because I truly used to suck at it. I hope you found these tips helpful and treat yourself to a big glass of water and a high five in the mirror, cause you already know it, you slay.

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I hope you enjoyed these 22 makeup hacks! Do you have tips I left out? Leave them in the comments below!