Makeup Tips and Tricks Every Girl Should Know to Look Flawless

Everyone wants to look great and feel confident, but many people are unsure of how to accomplish this goal. One secret that women everywhere swear by is makeup. Learn the tips and tricks that you can use to look flawless with these easy-to-follow makeup tips and tricks every girl should know.

Always use an eyelash curler

Curling your eyelashes with a curler helps open up your eyes, which is great for applying eyeliner and mascara. However, if you're wearing falsies, never use a lash curler—it will cause them to fall off faster. Curling your lashes also helps add volume and length that you otherwise wouldn't get from just applying mascara alone. Start by curling only about half of your lashes, then wait for a few seconds before clamping down on them again. The second round of curls gives you more curl than if you'd waited longer between rounds. Once they've cooled off completely (which may take 10 minutes or so), apply mascara like normal.

Never skip your primer

Primer can seem like a superfluous step, but it’s key to keeping your makeup looking fresh all day. The product primes your skin for foundation by keeping excess oil at bay. This prevents shine from ruining your makeup application, creating an even canvas for you to apply foundation on top of. Always use primer if you want your makeup to last; there are even water-resistant formulas that give added coverage throughout a long day. Don’t worry about investing in high-end brands either—buyer beware: Products labeled miracle or superstar can be more hype than reality when it comes to enhancing your looks.

Red lips are always a good idea

Red lips are a classic, sexy look that nearly every girl can pull off. Pair them with a natural eye look and you're good to go. If you're not great at applying lipstick, do yourself a favor and buy it in pencil form! It's so much easier. Apply it once in the morning, touch up as needed, and no one will ever know you're wearing makeup because your color will stay fresh all day long. And if you’re not comfortable putting on eyeshadow but still want something super easy? Try a wash of black liner for an instant boost of glamour! Line your upper lash line in black waterproof liquid eyeliner (such as Nyx Epic Ink) for smudge-proof drama that takes zero time or skill.

Use highlighter

When it comes to applying makeup, there are so many different ways you can do it, but using highlighter is a great way to really bring out your best features. If you have great cheekbones, use a powder highlighter just underneath them for some extra glow! If you have beautiful eyes and want to accentuate them even more, try doing a cream or liquid product that’s specifically meant for that purpose. You’ll notice how your eyes will pop from all of your other features with just one dab of highlighter! And if you have an amazing smile that everyone loves... well, then don’t be afraid to show it off! You can use lipstick or lip gloss with a touch of shimmer if you need something simple and beautiful.

Exfoliate before bed

The sebaceous glands in your skin naturally produce sebum—an oily substance that keeps your skin soft. But when you’re in a rush in the morning, it’s easy to forget how important it is to properly exfoliate before you go to bed. Exfoliating helps shed dead skin cells, unclog pores, and leave your face feeling clean and hydrated (instead of dried out). You can use an over-the-counter product like Neutrogena or Olay, or if you want something even more effective, mix up some egg whites with honey for a natural DIY facial scrub.

Invest in makeup brushes

Using expensive brushes may make you feel a little vain, but when it comes to makeup, quality matters. Cheap brushes are made of low-quality hair that quickly gets matted down and can make applying makeup nearly impossible. A good set of high-quality brushes will run you anywhere from $20-$150, depending on what kind of brush you're looking for. The investment is worth it; they'll last longer than cheaper brands and work much better than drugstore knockoffs. And here's another tip: Keep your brushes clean! Washing them regularly makes your makeup application cleaner (and healthier for your skin) because germs thrive in dirty conditions. Investing in some tool cleaning solution is well worth it if you want clean, long-lasting bristles.

Less is more when it comes to eyeshadow

A little eyeshadow can go a long way. On most women, less is more when it comes to eyeshadow application. Oversized, frosty eyeshadows are generally too much. Instead, experiment with subtle color palettes (browns or golds look great on most people). If you do want something a bit more bright, opt for an iridescent sheen rather than straight-up metallic (you don't need to be Katy Perry). Also, choose cream shadows for daytime looks; they blend seamlessly into skin so there's no worry about fallout on your face or clothes later in the day.