Beauty bloggers
20 beauty blogger tips and tricks for perfect makeup
By Michelle Lee
Published: 05 May 2025
Prep is Key, My Friends!
Before you even think about touching that foundation, you gotta prep your skin! Cleanse, tone, moisturize – it’s the holy trinity of skincare. Think of it like this: you wouldn't paint on a wall without prepping it first, would you? I swear by using a hydrating facial mist after moisturizer to keep my face perfectly primed. And don’t forget sunscreen! Even on cloudy days, protect that precious face of yours. Seriously! I learned that the hard way after a rather painful sunburn. Also, if you have dry skin, a hydrating primer helps keep your make up from cracking and separating.
Finding Your Perfect Foundation Match
Finding your perfect foundation shade is like finding the perfect pair of jeans – it's a game changer. Test shades on your jawline in natural light to see which blends seamlessly. Don't just rely on the bottle color! And if you're unsure, ask for help at a makeup counter. These ladies are professional matchmakers. I remember the first time I matched my foundation perfectly to my skin; it was life changing. I also recommend choosing a foundation finish that works with your skin type. If you have oily skin, go for a matte finish. If you have dry skin, go for a dewy finish.
Concealer: Your Secret Weapon
Concealer is your BFF. Use it to cover blemishes, dark circles, and brighten up under your eyes. Pat it on gently with your ring finger; less is more. If you have puffiness, lightly conceal the outer corners and around the eyelids for a brighter appearance. It is totally transformative! I personally love a creamy formula because it tends to blend very naturally. But I've found that powder concealer works well on blemishes to help keep make-up looking natural for longer.
Bronzer, Blush, and Highlight: The Holy Trinity
Bronzer adds warmth and definition, blush brings life to your cheeks, and highlighter adds that gorgeous glow. I suggest you apply bronzer along your hairline, cheekbones, and jawline using a light hand. Use blush on the apples of your cheeks, and highlighter on your cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid's bow. Practice makes perfect! I had a blush disaster once, and it looked like I'd been hit in the face with a tomato! Less is more, people. Learn to blend gently.
Mastering the Art of Eyeliner
Eyeliner is where things get tricky. Start with small strokes, and don't be afraid to use a mirror! If you're still struggling, try using eyeliner stamps – they're a game changer for beginners and seasoned pro's. There are also many different types of eyeliner which may be better suited for different skills and styles. I used to use liquid liner and smudge my make up; now I use a pencil for my waterline and a gel liner for a more dramatic wing.
Mascara Magic
Mascara is the easiest way to instantly open up your eyes. Wiggle the wand from root to tip to avoid clumpy lashes and to reach every lash. There's a reason this is always the last step in my make up routine. You can get so much more volume and length this way! I also like to use a lash curler to set up my lashes for mascara. The effect is amazing!
Brows on Fleek
Well-groomed brows frame your face. Use a brow gel or pencil to fill in any sparse areas. Keep it natural-looking; you don't want to look like you drew them on with a Sharpie! I really recommend a brow gel over a pencil, but it depends on your hair type and the level of coverage you need. For example, if you have sparse brows you may need a more intense product.
Lip Service
Don't forget your lips! Exfoliate them regularly, and apply lip balm to keep them hydrated. Choose a lipstick or gloss that complements your skin tone and outfit. I always like to choose a lip color that is in the same family as my blush.
Setting Spray: The Final Touch
Setting spray keeps your makeup in place all day long. Spritz it on lightly from about 10 inches away. It is really important to spray the face evenly to prevent streaks or spots. I like to give my face a second spritz about 15 minutes later after the first layer dries. It helps keep my make up in place and looks less cakey
Embrace Your Unique Beauty
Remember, there's no such thing as a 'perfect' look. Makeup is all about enhancing your natural features and having fun! Experiment with different styles and products to find what works best for you. I spent years being frustrated that I didn't look like Instagram influencers; but I learned to embrace my own beauty and style over time.
Less is More (Sometimes)
Sometimes, a simple look is the most effective. Don’t be afraid to try minimal makeup looks to give your skin a break every so often. You don't always need a full face of makeup to look great; let your skin shine through sometimes! I learned this the hard way. When my make up was minimal, I felt more confident overall.
Clean Your Brushes Regularly
Dirty makeup brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria. Clean them weekly with a gentle cleanser to prevent breakouts and keep your brushes in tip-top shape! I learned this the hard way after a few cystic pimples and acne. I can't stress this enough; it is so important to keep your brushes clean.
Invest in Quality Products
While you don't need to break the bank, investing in some higher-quality products can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your make up. A good foundation, concealer, or mascara can really elevate your look and last all day! I used to use cheap make up, and it just didn't look or feel good.
Watch Tutorials
There are tons of amazing makeup tutorials on YouTube! Watch them to learn new techniques, find new products, and gain inspiration. I have countless hours spent on Youtube watching tutorials; It's really helpful to see the product in action.
Experiment with Different Looks
Don't be afraid to try new things! Experiment with different eye shadow palettes, lipstick shades, and makeup techniques. You never know what you might discover! It was scary for me at first; but I've had so much fun discovering new make up.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If you're struggling with a particular technique, don't be afraid to ask for help. Makeup artists, beauty counters, or even friends who are skilled in make up are great resources to try! I asked a make up artist at my local department store for some tips, and it totally changed my make up game.
Practice Makes Perfect
Makeup takes time and practice to master. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually get the hang of it! I'm still learning, even after years of doing make up! I've found that practicing in front of a mirror really helps.
Have Fun!
Most importantly, have fun! Makeup should be enjoyable, not a chore. Experiment, play around, and enjoy the process of creating your perfect look! This is the main piece of advice I always give to beginners.
woman having fun applying makeup | Image: Supplied
