7 Unusual Makeup Tricks That Deliver Major Results

7 Unusual Makeup Tricks That Deliver Major Results

  

Have you ever watched a friend put on her makeup from start to finish? We have (not in a creepy way or anything), and we highly recommend it. Occasionally there are parts of her routine where you see something go so wrong you feel it’s your friendly duty to step in and say, “Psst, girl, that’s not the way it’s done.” But other times you may see a technique so unusual—a step you’ve never thought to include in your beauty routine—that you simply must inquire as to what it is.

That’s exactly what we’re talking about today. Here, we’ve rounded up seven out-of-the-box tricks we either get asked about all the time or have asked someone else about. What’s great about these tips is that they are super simple (as in, literally anyone can do them), but they truly make all the difference in how your makeup looks. Curious? Scroll through for our most unusual yet effective makeup techniques!

Apply Mascara From Above1 / 7

MAC In Extreme Dimension Lash Mascara ($23)

Most people take their mascara wand, push it into the base of their lashes, wiggle it back and forth through their lashes, and call it a day. We, however, have discovered if you want impossibly long, thick lashes, your first coat of mascara should be applied not to the underside of your lashes but the top. Run the brush through the top of your lashes, coating the tips from above, and then go through your typical application. You’ll be surprised at how much longer and fuller your lashes look.

Conceal the Corners2 / 7

Fiona Stiles Full Cover Perfect Finish Concealer ($24)

We’re firm believers in only applying concealer where you need it. You just didn’t know you needed it around your nose (to conceal redness) and the outer corners of your lips (to lift your smile). But brightening up those areas makes your whole face look more alive and your skin tone look more even. 

Highlight Above Your Arches3 / 7

Bliss Accent Lighting Brightening Stick ($20)

By now, you’ve got highlighting figured out. You know all the usual spots to hit, and you probably start with your brows—highlighting your orbital bone, that C-shape that frames your eye. A wise decision if you want to open up your eyes, but if you stop there, you’re missing an opportunity. Take your highlighter and apply it directly above the highest point of your eyebrow arch and blend. The result? An instant eye lift.

Take a "Less Is More" Approach With Blush4 / 7

Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour ($26)

There’s a recipe for getting a barely-there, natural flush, and it’s basically the opposite of everything you’re doing now. First, switch up the order in which you apply it. Tap in cream blush before foundation, not after. Next, stay away from the apples of your cheeks. Instead, press the color onto to the hollows of your cheeks. You’ll look like you were born with glowing skin—never like you had to work for it.

Apply Blue Ombré Eyeliner5 / 7

 Thrive Causemetics Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner ($22)

You’re probably familiar with tightlining, but there’s a trick to lining your waterline that makes the application so much better. First, don’t carry the color all the way into your inner corners. Concentrate the color on the outer corner, and gradually soften the application as you move in. Keeping the color solid throughout closes off your eye. Secondly, switch your black liner to navy blue: It brightens the whites of your eyes. You get all the definition of black, but with a little extra vibrancy.

Contour Before Eye Shadow6 / 7

Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow ($25)

No matter what eye makeup look you’re going for—clean, smoky, or something in between—you can make it better by starting your application by blending your contour powder or a taupe eye shadow into the crease of your eye socket. This gives your eye definition, creating the perfect base for whatever is next (even if it’s just a swipe of mascara). Be sure to find your crease with your eyes open—look straight ahead (not up, not down) to find the right placement.

Apply Lip Liner in an X Shape7 / 7

Rimmel London Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses Lip Liner ($4)

Never struggle to get the perfect lip liner application ever again. Shapely lips start with an X. Create one straight line extending down from the highest point of your cupid's bow. Then, repeat on the other side, creating an X. Next, make two sideways Vs, one in each corner of your lips. Finally, connect all of the lines—et voilá, beautiful lips. 

source byrdie.com