12 Things Everyone Should Know About Makeup

For some, the world of makeup is uncharted territory. For others, it is simply a realm they have dabbled in and know enough about to get by. Then, there is the smaller section of the population that consider themselves to be beauty and makeup addicts.

I fall into the latter category. I spent my formative years experimenting with makeup well before the dawn of the YouTube beauty bloggers and in depth makeup tutorials. I knew nothing about makeup when I began my journey. I often mimicked tips found in beauty magazines or mirrored the makeup habits of my teen cousins. Most of the time, I was completely making it up as I went. At 12 my signature look was blue eyeliner, blue eyeshadow, AND blue mascara. At 14 my signature look was a thick layer of hot pink eyeliner just above my lashes, coated with a bold line of white glitter. I didn’t always nail it. I failed often, but I learned from each blunder.

By the time I was 18, I thought I had it figured out. I had my routine and my look, which included a lot of bronzer and deep black mascara. Despite the confidence I boasted, my look only continued to evolve and so did my skills and techniques. At 28, I can finally say that I have mastered the core makeup skills everyone should know. Along with that, I have developed a wealth of knowledge on makeup do’s and don’ts. Now I think it’s time I shared my wisdom with those who may consider themselves a novice when it comes to makeup, or those who just want to brush up their makeup skills and education. I walked, so you can run. Scroll down to read the 12 things that I think everyone should know when it comes to makeup!

1. Foundation: different finishes, product by skin type, & how to apply

Foundation is arguably one of the most important facets of your makeup routine. After all, you are literally laying the foundation for the rest of your makeup!

First we will cover the different shades of foundation. To find the best shade for your skin, you are going to want to know the undertone of your skin. If you look at your bare skin, think about how golden (yellow toned) or rosy (pink toned) it appears. If you’re golden, you have a warm undertone, and if you lean towards the rosy side, you’re probably cool toned. If it’s a combination of the two, you have a neutral undertone. Another way to figure this out is to look at the color of your veins — if they appear more deep purple or bluish, you will likely fall in the cool-toned spectrum. If your veins appear greenish, you’re warm-toned. Most foundations have labels indicating whether they are meant for warm, cool, or neutral undertones.

Now we can move on to the different types of finishes! Here it is important to know your skin type. Are you oily, dry, normal, or combination? Knowing this along with understanding what finish best compliments your skin type will help guide you in the right direction.

For foundations there are 3 different finishes to choose from; matte, dewy, and luminous. Matte has a ‘de-slicking’ effect on the skin and leaves it looking smooth, dry, and airbrushed. Most matte foundations can be found in the medium to full coverage range. Dewy foundations make your skin look bright, glowy, and naturally radiant. They are often embedded with moisturizer for hydration. These foundations are most commonly medium coverage. Lastly, luminous foundations are made to emphasize your skin’s natural beauty and impart a sheer, highlighting glow. Not quite as gleamy as dewy and not quite as flat as matte and often light to medium coverage.

I already mentioned how skin type affects your foundation choice. Let’s dive a little deeper into that.

If You Have…Normal to Oily Skin or Prefer a Matte Finish

If you have oily skin or want a smooth, flat base for your makeup, then a clay, powder, or stick foundation is your best bet.

Clay foundations are generally oil-free and work to keep your skin balanced without feeling cakey. Or opt for a stick foundation, this foundation will minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines and keep you looking matte from morning to night.

If you’re looking for something with a little less coverage, a powder foundation can keep you matte.

If You Have…Normal to Dry Skin or Prefer a Luminous Finish

For a healthy glow, a liquid or cream foundation is your best bet, especially if you have dry skin. Cream products moisturize and hydrate as they cover, imparting a radiant, lit-from-within finish. Although this foundation is full coverage, it’s lightweight and super smooth on the skin, making it feel more like a second skin than actual makeup.

Liquid foundations can be used with any skin type, but they’re especially great to give those with dry skin a hydration boost. Choose a product with a buildable coverage for a healthy, natural glow.

Now, how do I apply this stuff??

How to Apply Clay, Cream, and Liquid Foundation

Before the makeup even touches your skin, you’ll want to prep your face by cleansing, applying any treatment products, and using a healthy dose of moisturizer suited for your skin type (preferably with SPF).

After prepping your skin, apply a primer for an even base. You can then choose from a variety of tools to use to apply your foundation.

A buffing brush has densely-packed bristles and is great for blending clay foundation into the skin. Squirt a bit of the foundation on the back of your hand, and dip the brush in, until you have enough to cover a single area of your face. Then, blend the foundation into a single area of your face — I recommend starting with your cheeks, and blending outwards towards your hairline as you go. Use circular motions to ensure even, blended coverage. When one area is blended, continue the process by dipping the brush into the foundation on the back of your hand again and apply across your forehead, nose, and chin in the same circular motions.

For cream foundation, using a makeup sponge is a great way to get even application without losing any product in brush hairs. If you’re looking for more sheer coverage, wet your makeup sponge before applying (you can skip this step if you want fuller coverage). Hold the sponge under water until it’s saturated, then wring out the excess until it’s only slightly damp. This will help keep your sponge clean and allow you to start with lighter, more natural coverage. Then, dip the rounded edge of the sponge into the foundation, and dab across your face in quick patting strokes, blending as you go.

If you’re working with liquid, we recommend using a classic flat foundation brush to apply. Flat foundation brushes can be prone to streaking if too much product is applied at once, so apply sparingly at first and gradually build to the coverage you want. Swipe out from the center of your face, making sure to blend and blur as you go by sweeping over streaky areas with soft, gentle strokes.

Of course, you’re more than welcome to use your fingers–just be sure to blend carefully by using patting motions instead of swiping.

Follow by applying concealer over any areas you think need some extra coverage, set with a translucent powder, and you’re good to go!

How to Apply Stick Foundation

Stick foundation is great for on-the-go use, because you can literally apply it straight from the tube.

After prepping and applying primer, dot the foundation on your forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks–a single swipe in each area is usually enough for initial coverage. Blend the foundation using either your fingers (moving out towards the edges of your face) or a makeup sponge or brush, and repeat the process as-needed for extra coverage.

Finish with a few dabs of concealer and some translucent powder to set the look.

How to Apply Powder Foundation

Powder foundation is great for beginners or those who want something quick, easy, and sheer.

To apply this type of foundation, after prepping and priming, simply grab a large powder brush and swirl into the product. Tap off the excess by gently tapping the brush handle with your finger a few times. Then, swipe onto your face in large, circular strokes until you have the coverage you want.

Some things to keep in mind:

• applying liquid or cream products over powder foundation could lead to streaks, clumping, and cakiness, so you’ll want to apply concealer before your foundation.
• When shopping for foundation, apply product to jawline to compare to skin tone and look at the product in natural light before purchasing.

2. How to find the right shades of concealer + where to apply it

Using a top-notch concealer is key to achieving a flawless appearing makeup application. The best concealers cover discolorations, lighten dark areas, disguise blemishes, and work in tandem with your foundation to achieve the appearance of an even skin tone.

On the other hand, a poorly formulated or improperly applied concealer can draw attention to problem areas, make blemishes look more obvious, and create a white cast around dark areas, especially under the eye. The key is knowing which type of concealer you need and how to apply it.

Choosing a Concealer

Choose your concealer based on what works for your skin type and concerns. If you have dry skin, don’t go for a liquid concealer with a matte finish because the finish will emphasize dryness.

If you have oily skin with enlarged pores, don’t go for a creamy or stick concealer as these textures tend to clog and magnify the appearance of pores, plus they tend to add an oily shine.

For creating a more even finish over minor skin discolorations, a light to medium coverage concealer will do the trick.

For the under eye area, be sure to select a shade of concealer that’s no more than one or two shades lighter than your natural skin tone to avoid an obvious white circle around the eye area.

For your face, select a concealer that matches the color of your foundation exactly. Avoid concealer shades that are noticeably pink, rose, peach, white, yellow, or copper as they will show through your foundation, creating an unnatural appearance.

When I am choosing a concealer, I always apply the product to the skin on the inside of my arm. Doing this will help you decipher what shade is best!

Liquid Concealer

Best for normal, combination, oily, sensitive, and breakout-prone skin

Coverage is buildable, ranging from light to full

Available finishes include dewy, satin, radiant shimmer, and matte

Liquid concealer is the most versatile type of concealer because it offers buildable coverage and works for all skin types except very dry. This type of concealer is also easy to apply. Liquid concealer is preferred for covering pimples because it is the least likely to cake up and it poses minimal to no risk of clogging pores, which a creamier concealer may do.

It’s also desirable for use on wrinkled areas because its thin texture makes it the least likely to crease throughout the day, although some slippage into lines is always possible. Liquid concealers with a matte finish last longer than those with a satin finish; they are also less likely to migrate throughout the day.

Satin-finish liquid concealer has more movement, but it can provide a more natural look, especially over dry areas. A liquid concealer with a radiant shimmer finish is good for under the eyes because it covers and highlights the area with a soft glow, but it should be only a subtle glow, not overt, sparkling shine.

Stick Concealer

Best for normal, dry, and sensitive skin

Coverage is buildable, ranging from medium to full

Available finishes include satin and powdery matte

Stick concealer is aptly named because it has a semi-solid texture, is often richly pigmented, and has a thick, creamy texture. This type of concealer can be dotted on or swiped on in a line of color and then blended. Blend the product in a stippling motion with a clean finger or with a small concealer brush, feathering the edges into surrounding skin.

It’s important to note the ingredients that keep these concealers in stick form pose a high risk of clogging pores, making it a less-than-ideal option for those with oily or combination skin.

Cream Concealer

Best for normal, dry, combination, or sensitive skin

Coverage is buildable, ranging from medium to full

Available finishes include satin and creamy

Generally, cream concealers provide medium to full coverage. This type of concealer is usually packaged in a small pot, palette, or compact. Cream concealer works well under the eyes and is one of the best concealer options for covering discolorations.

Cream concealers have more slip and can be applied in a stippling motion with a clean finger, sponge, or a small concealer brush. However, those with a notably more creamy finish are more prone to creasing into lines and wrinkles and should be set with loose or pressed powder once blended.

How to Apply Concealer

Regardless of the type of concealer you’re using, the application techniques generally remain the same. For almost any skin type, it is important to prep your face with moisturizer (use a light layer so makeup doesn’t slip and slide off your face) or a foundation primer. If you have normal to oily skin, a lightweight liquid or fluid moisturizer with a soft matte finish will give you the best results.

Some people find it best to apply concealer and then their foundation, while others find just the opposite achieves optimal results. Except for powder foundation, this is a personal decision as there is no absolute right way.

Dab the concealer onto discolorations, dark areas, or skin imperfections with a clean finger, brush, or sponge and gently blend out until there are no apparent lines of demarcation between the concealer and your skin or foundation.

Liquid, cream, or cream-to-powder concealers should not be applied over powder foundation as they can get clumpy and look mottled. If you use powder foundation, apply concealer first, allow it to set, and then apply your foundation.

Finish by setting the concealer with a light dusting of loose or pressed powder. A concealer with a matte finish doesn’t need to be set with powder because that may make it look or feel too dry, but you can experiment and see how your matte-finish concealer looks and lasts with and without powder.

When applying concealer to the undereye area, try using one with a radiant finish or adding a luminescent highlighter on top of it for a light-reflective finish that further disguises shadowed areas

3. How to color correct blemishes, dark circles, and imperfections

First off, what exactly is color correcting? Color correcting is a concealer technique used to smooth over imperfections, hide blemishes, and alleviate dark under eye circles. There are several different colors of concealer you can use; purple, orange, pink, yellow, blue, & green. Here, the color wheel helps you determine which color is best for your blemish.

Colors that are opposite of one another on the color wheel cancel each other out. Green concealer cancels out red zits, purple concealer minimizes yellow spots, and orange concealer takes care of blue dark circles. If you apply this theory, then you can make your concealer work better for you.

The Basics

Use the appropriate hue to cover blemishes, then lightly pat your foundation on over the color. When covering dark eye circles with orange or pink, apply your regular concealer over the bright pigments, then tap the makeup down with a beauty blender

Green Concealer

For redness, acne and rosacea

Green is opposite the color wheel from red, so it’s perfect for hiding any redness on your face, like pimples and acne scars. If you have rosacea, a color correcting green primer will help hide unwanted redness and give you an even base for applying foundation.

Orange Concealer

For people with darker skin tones who have dark circles under their eyes

Orange is opposite from blue. If you have darker skin with blue dark circles, orange will work to help conceal the uneven undertones. People with lighter skin should avoid orange and instead use a peach color corrector.

Pink Concealer

For people with lighter skin tones who have dark circles under their eyes

Pink concealer is usually salmon or peach in tone and is created from a mix of red, orange, and yellow hues. Since these colors are opposite from blue, green, and purple on the wheel, this corrector is best for hiding dark eye circles on lighter skin tones.

Yellow Concealer

For dark purple bruises, veins, and under eye circles

Yellow color correcting concealer can be used to cover up any blemish that’s purple in tone. Bruises, veins, and under eye circles can be hidden with a yellow spot concealer

Purple Concealer

For yellow skin tones and combatting dull complexion

Purple is best for combatting yellow undertones and brightening skin. Use a purple primer to remove yellow tones from your entire face or use a spot concealer to hide yellow spots.

4. Know what a contour kit is and how to use it

I am not gonna lie, receiving my first contour kit was the beginning of a new era for me. Learning how to contour really upped my game. I think that the art of contouring is a skill worth learning. It might seem like too complicated a task for a non professional to pick up. But I assure you, it is easier than you think!

A what kit???

So first, what is a contour kit? A contour kit is a set of foundation shades that are darker and lighter than your skin tone. These highlights and lowlights will help define your face, give you higher cheekbones, a slimmer nose, and a more narrow face/chin.

Make sure you test multiple colors on your skin until you figure out which shade works best with your skin tone. For highlighting, pick a color that is one to two shades lighter than your foundation, and for contouring go with a color that’s one to two shades darker.

In terms of which products to use, consider your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, a cream-based contour routine is probably not the best option for you. Instead, try using powders to “carve” out your face and give it definition.

On the other hand, if you have dry skin, powder may accentuate this. Fine lines are also accentuated by powders, so in these instances, use lightweight, dewy cream-based products to hydrate and contour simultaneously.

The best part about contouring is you can mix and match your products. Not everything used needs to be just powder or just creams — powder can absolutely be placed on top of your liquid foundation and blended in for a seamless contour.

How to use your contour kit

Now that we know what a contour kit actually is and what it does, let’s talk about how to use it.

The lighter foundation is applied to the center of the forehead, along the top of the brow lines, the bridge of your nose, apples of your cheeks, on your cupid’s bow, and center of your chin.

The darker foundation is placed right below the hairline at the top of the forehead, on the right & left sides of the forehead, near your hairline on either side, along the right & left sides of nose, in the hollows of your cheeks, along both sides of your jawline from ears to the tip of your chin.

To blend the product you can use either a flat foundation brush or a beauty blender sponge. The key is to tap the product in a circular motion and blend it into your foundation.

5. Eyeliner 101

Oh the ever elusive art of eyeliner. I myself have struggled with doing liner for YEARS. It wasn’t until recently that I started to feel like I really had a handle on it. When it comes to doing eyeliner, there are a couple of things to consider; the shape of your eye, the look you are trying to achieve, & the product that fits with both of those aspects.

First, let’s talk about eye shape and how that affects your approach to eyeliner. There are many different eye shapes, but we are going to focus on 6; hooded, small, downturned, monolid, round, and almond.

Hooded Eyes
If the crease of your eyelid isn’t visible when your eyes are open, you likely have hooded eyes.

To make sure the liner isn’t concealed by your lid, create the outer wing tip where the lid’s hood starts. Work your way inward, applying your liner in thin strokes and widening as desired.

Small/Close -Set Eyes
If you have close-set eyes, I have a simple makeup trick that will play up their prettiness: widen your eyes by drawing a double wing.

Draw liner along your upper lash line, then make a small flick outward. Mirror this on the bottom lash line, but make sure you don’t apply liner any further in than the middle of your eye, otherwise you’ll give the appearance of even closer-set eyes. Apply a touch of concealer between the two wings to really make ’em pop.

For this look, I recommend using a powder to draw your desired shape, then intensifying it with liquid.

Downturned Eyes
If the corners of your eyes slope toward your cheekbones, you have downturned eyes.

For downturned eyes, I recommend applying your eyeliner from the inner corner to the outer corner in a thin line. Extend your wing up toward the crease, using the outer corner of your eyebrow as a guide (don’t extend further!). Give your overall look a pop of color by picking a pretty shade that complements your irises.

Monolid Eyes
If you have a very minimal or nonexistent crease, you likely have eyes with monolids. A thin winged look is ideal.

To get the look, I recommend using a liquid liner. You don’t have much space with a monolid, so you want to maximize it by making sure the liner is crisp and straight. For the thinnest line possible, place the tip of the eyeliner on the lash line at the pupil, then draw to the outer corner. Then, start from the inner corner and draw it to meet the middle point.

Round Eyes
If you can see around your iris (on the bottom or top), you have round eyes.

For round eyes, I advise starting from the outside corner using an angled brush and cream eyeshadow or liner, then drawing at a downward angle toward the eye’s outer corner. Apply the liner inwards, stopping at the center of your lid where your pupil is when you’re looking straight ahead.

Since this style doesn’t reach all the way across your lid, bright and neon shades don’t look as wild as they normally might — play around with few to figure out which ones complement your eye color.

Almond Eyes
If your eyes are oval-shaped with narrow corners, you likely have almond-shaped eyes.

For almond eyes, I recommend taking advantage of your lid space. Draw your eyeliner from the inner corner all the way across the lash line, then flick it out, stopping at the tip where your crease starts.

Finally, we will talk about the different types of liner & the capabilities of each. You can choose from liquid, gel, or pencil liner depending on the look you are trying to create!

Liquid Liner
If precision is priority, grab a liquid liner! Felt brush tips create thin lines and sleek definition in one stroke.

Pencil Liner
For a more relaxed look that you can smudge to create a smokey eye, opt for a pencil liner. It is the most diverse by far!

Gel Liner
A thick gel formula is best for bold eye looks with sharp, clean lines. Mix brush sizes to create infinite line widths and looks.

6. Not all mascaras are created equal

I don’t know about you, but if I had to pick one makeup product that I can’t live without, it would absolutely be mascara. Choosing a mascara can be more complicated than you’d expect. With options from volumizing to thickening to lengthening, what’s a lash-challenged woman to do?

Choosing the right mascara is about what you want it to do and, more than likely, what you’re missing from your own lashes.

If you have short lashes, look for an extender. If they’re sparse, or you like a more dramatic look, find one for volume to make them look fuller. Fuller wands will make fuller lashes, so a big wand will yield voluminous, full lashes.

Smaller wands with comb-like bristles provide more separation and definition. The rubber bristle wands have become especially popular lately. These allow more bristles for a fuller look but separate lashes more than traditional wands so you get volume with fewer clumps.

Wand size and shape should also be a factor when purchasing mascara. Skinny brushes will enhance the lash without clumping, and a curved wand will help curl the lash.

Ingredients are equally important to keeping lashes supple and healthy-looking. Some mascara contains vitamins that will hydrate and condition lashes, such as Pro-Vitamin B5. For deeper hydration, a cream or lubrication may be needed.

Volumizing mascara often includes a buildable formula that allows multiple coats without a lot of flaking. That’s a plus for women who like to apply — and reapply. The formula may include vitamin E or B5 or even different types of wax that make the application smooth.

With any formula, the more coats, the more dramatic the lashes will look. Think longer, fuller and darker — three traits most women want out of their mascara.

The other popular option that often confuses customers? Waterproof mascara.

Contact lens wearers, especially, turn to this variety so their mascara doesn’t smudge or run. It’s also a natural option if you’re going to be sweating a lot (a summer picnic) or possibly crying (a wedding).

But waterproof isn’t always the best choice. The ingredients in this product — the contents needed to keep the makeup in place when it comes in contact with moisture — can be less than lash-friendly. Waterproof mascara … is too harsh on the lashes and you may prematurely shed them when trying to remove your makeup. If you absolutely need a waterproof product, I recommend using an entire makeup setting spray.

Whether you opt for volumizing, thickening or waterproof mascara, experts agree conditioning formulas — almost a “basecoat” for your lashes — can be helpful. This is where lash conditioners come in. Just as a conditioner in the shower strengthens hair, lash conditioners can strengthen, enhance and even lengthen eyelashes. Also in a wand, the conditioner is swept onto the lashes and allowed to dry — it’s white — before the mascara is applied. Experts recommend using it every day.

Regardless of the formula or wand you choose, it’s the application that will help you achieve your desired look. Start at the roots of your eye lashes and wiggle the brush through to the tips, with some formulas, the more you apply the more dramatic look you’ll achieve.

7. Brush Basics

In the beauty universe, you know you’ve reached peak adulthood once you’ve amassed a full collection of makeup brushes and know how to use each one correctly. But not all of us have a personal makeup brush guide to help us get there, so if you’re still applying powder eye shadow with your fingers, we get it. With so many makeup brush shapes and sizes on the market, it’s hard to know where to start. Who has the time to sit down and memorize which brush does what (and which ones you actually need)?

That said, it is quite useful to have multiple makeup brushes in your arsenal. Using the wrong brush can throw off your whole look. Makeup brushes are specifically made to target certain areas of the face, so if you choose one that’s too big or the wrong shape, it won’t place the product where you want it or apply it in a natural way. It’s truly amazing how much better your makeup can look just by using the right brushes.

Now there are so many incredibly useful sorts of makeup brushes out there, but not every last one is necessary to your collection. This foolproof makeup brush guide covers the need-to-know basics. Keep scrolling to learn which brushes are worth having in your collection and how to use them!

We will be reviewing 12 different brushes:

1. Powder brush
2. Blush brush
3. Contour brush
4. Kabuki brush
5. Foundation brush
6. Fan brush
7. Concealer brush
8. Flat eyeshadow brush
9. Eyeshadow crease brush
10. Eyeliner brush
11. Brow brush
12. Lip brush

Powder Brush
A powder brush has long, fluffy, and soft bristles made to distribute loose powder evenly across your face without dispensing too much product and making your makeup look cakey. Depending on the size, you could also get away with applying blush or bronzer with this type of brush.

Blush Brush
A blush brush is smaller than a powder brush and features a dome shape with long, super-soft bristles. This brush allows you to apply more concentrated product than a powder brush, while still allowing you to blend and build color.

Contour Brush
Contouring brushes are typically angled and have soft, dense bristles that allow you to apply a concentrated amount of bronzer without any fallout. The brush should fit nicely under your cheekbone, almost doing the contour work for you.

Kabuki Brush
These types of brushes are great because they’re super versatile. You’ll recognize a Kabuki brush by its flat top and ultra-soft, voluminous bristles, which work for applying powder, bronzer, or blending out pretty much any product.

Foundation Brush
There are a few different types of foundation brushes (angled, flat, fluffy, and domed), but this flat foundation brush is a classic. Use this to apply liquid or cream foundation for perfect coverage and a seamless blend.

Fan Brush
This fun brush has two key purposes: applying a gorgeous highlight and cleaning up powder makeup mistakes. Fan brushes have ultra-light bristles, perfectly shaped to run a delicate application of powder highlighter down your cheekbone and on the tip of your nose. They can also be used to dust off excess powder fallout.

Concealer Brush
These useful little brushes allow you to apply product with precision to the little nooks and crannies of your face, like under your eyes, on either side of your nose, and over a blemish. You want to look for an antibacterial concealer brush since it will be coming in contact with pimples.

Flat Eyeshadow Brush
There are basically two types of eyeshadow brushes you definitely want to have, and this is one of them. Fluffy (but not too fluffy) and medium-size, this brush works great for applying shadow to the lid and blending it out.

Eyeshadow Crease Brush
The second type of eye shadow brush you want is small and slightly more pointed at the tip. This shape helps you apply and blend products into the crease of your eye with ease.

Eyeliner Brush
There are also quite a few types of eyeliner brushes (smudgers, flat brushes, angled brushes), but a slim, super-fine brush is handy for creating thin, precise lines. The bent side of this dual-ended tool is specifically intended for winged liner.

Brow Brush
An angled brow brush is ultra handy for applying all kinds of brow products, like pomades, powders, and waxes. The spoolie is essential for grooming your brows and blending the color product once applied.

Lip Brush
A thin, pointed lip brush is so very useful for applying lip color flawlessly, especially dark shades. By applying with a brush, instead of straight from the tube, you can be far more precise with outlining and filling in your lips. A lip brush also lets you build color, which is much harder to do when you apply a lipstick directly.

8. Blush tips & tricks

In my opinion, blush is an underrated aspect of makeup. I love using blush to give myself a warm and rosy polished look. However, if you’re not applying it correctly, it can look tacky or over dramatic.

As mentioned in #7, the proper blush brush features a dome shape with long, super-soft bristles. Lightly swipe brush along the product and begin by applying using the angle between the corner of your nose and outside of your eye. Draw an imaginary line from the outside of your nose toward your ear, but stop at the point where a line from the far corner of your eye would go down and meet that line. This is the secret radius. Applying blush inside this radius creates a youthful, girly, look. While applying blush outside that radius creates a more dramatic look.

9. Keep makeup collection current & routinely get rid of old makeup

Keeping your makeup collection current is crucial for two reasons; hygiene & relevance.

While makeup does not technically expire, products can become breeding grounds for bacteria and infection, especially liquid makeup. In addition to that, brushes can harbor bacteria and can cause breakouts if not cleaned regularly.

We also want to keep our collection relevant. When going through your products, think about how your palettes & color schemes fit within current trends or your current style. If you haven;t used it in weeks or simply aren’t into it anymore, toss it!

10. Lighting is everything

Lighting. Is. Everything. I cannot stress this enough. The lighting in which you apply your makeup and the lighting at your destination are both important things to consider.

If you are going to an outside event, it is best to do your makeup in natural light. I also would recommend investing in a lighting system for every other situation. Having a bright light to illuminate your canvas makes all the difference!

11. Animal testing still happens

In 2013, a ban on animal testing for cosmetics and the marketing of cosmetics tested on animals went into effect in the European Union, paving the way for efforts to find alternatives for all of the common cosmetics tests that use animals. India, Israel, Norway and Switzerland have passed similar laws. Unfortunately, there are no such laws or bans in the United States, with the exception of the state of California.

If you are looking for in depth information on animal testing itself or information on specific brands that do not test on animals, www.crueltyfreekitty.com/ is a great resource.

Below is a list of brands that we know DO test on animals:

NARS

Estee Lauder

L’ Oreal

MAC

Benefit

Lancome

Makeup Forever

Maybelline

Rimmel

Revlon

Clinique

Almay

Max Factor

Bobbi Brown

Chanel

Bourjois

Armani

Tom Ford

YSL

Sephora Brand

Shiseido

Burberry

Dior

La Mer

Guerlain

Avon

Mary Kay

Dolce & Gabbana

Shu Uemura

Amway

12. Makeup is a form of self expression

The history of cosmetics spans at least 7,000 years and is present in almost every society on earth. Cosmetic body art is argued to have been the earliest form of ritual in human culture. Makeup in particular stands out in the cosmetic arena. It is part of daily life for many women, men, and transgender individuals.

Makeup allows you to express yourself in your own unique way. The looks one can create are endless. It can be very enjoyable and even cathartic to play around with different colors, techniques, trends, and products. In doing so, you will inevitably discover your own personal makeup style and signature look. Not only that, but you get to decide what message you want to send with your makeup. Makeup can portray a person’s mood, culture, personality and even their thoughts. Makeup can express every part of a person, just like an artist’s painting can express his or herself. The only difference is that the canvas just so happens to be someone’s face!

And that’s a wrap!

After reading through my 12 things you should know about makeup, I hope that you can walk away feeling equipped to tackle all things makeup related! Hopefully you learned something new or maybe even got a refresher on some previously held knowledge.

Now, go forth and create some of your own looks!