Expert Advice From Makeup Artists Everyone Can Use

Youtube is filled to the brim with makeup tutorials. Some are more realistic than others, some require more talent but there are many tips and tricks the gurus don't tell you.

Some colleges and beauty schools offer a makeup artistry certification program, many of the classes taught by those who work in the industry. Often, these are artists who have skills in knowing how to do work on different skin types, different ages, different occasions, and many other variations. There’s a lot that Youtube misses when it comes to some of the best tips and tricks.

This is a list of advice that makeup experts stick to when it comes to makeup go-to's :

1. Skincare is Key

You can’t build a house without a good foundation so why would you neglect skincare in a beauty routine? Skincare is honestly one of the biggest things anyone in the industry will preach. The best thing to know is your skin type drier, or is it oiler? This depends greatly on the products you buy. You have to try many things to figure out what works best for you but, no matter what, remember to moisturize.

Lack of proper skincare from a young age affects your skin as you age. To have nice skin that lasts a lifetime, proper skincare starts young. To avoid wrinkles, breakouts, and other skin maladies, properly wash, exfoliate, and moisturize your skin.

2. Products and Where You Use Them

Just because something is labeled as one thing doesn't mean it can't be used for other things. If it's safe for your face, you can practically put it anywhere. Instead of buying eyebrow pencils or fillers, you can use eyeshadow. Want a shimmery look on your eyelids? Use highlight. Liquid lipstick can be used as eyeliner for a different look. Always check the product labels to make sure it's skin-safe everywhere. Everything is expendable within your comfort zone.

3. Foundation Placement

If you don't want a full face, multiple layers of foundation kind of look but still want coverage, there are many ways around it. Foundation doesn't have to cover your entire face. You can combine foundation and a good concealer to cover any areas of your face that are problematic. You can also spot-heal, by using an easily blendable concealer on spots. The most important thing is to know how to blend it out and make it even, which can be done with a good light source and a decent brush.

4. The Importance of Lighting

When applying your makeup, the light your in can make a world of difference. If you're in an interior room only using an overhead light, there will be shadows cast on your face. One of the best things you can do is have a good light source, such as a lighted mirror or a ring light. One of the best lights you can have is natural light, so doing your makeup by a window is also a good idea.

By using good lighting, you can see if you blended everything okay and if the colors you chose to compliment your skin.

5. Which Brushes to Own

There are hundreds of brush sets sold online, but which ones do you really need? It depends on what you do for your daily look, but there isn't much reason to splurge on pricey brushes. Some of the basics you'll need are a blush brush, a spoolie, an eyebrow brush, and a couple of blending brushes. 

6. Cleanliness is Most Important

Keeping your stuff clean is what makes it last. Cleaning your brushes often is incredibly necessary. Even if you clean them often, you can always clean them more. Keeping a towel with your brushes is a great way to remove excess product from them after you've finished a look. Even spraying your stuff down with rubbing alcohol when you're done is a good idea. 

Having dirty tools can lead to breakouts. Keeping your skin and your tools clean is the best thing you can do for your face, especially if you put makeup on daily. 

7. Expiration Dates Still Apply

Much like food, makeup also has an expiration date. Typically, this can be found on the packaging. It’ll usually be an image shaped like the product with a number inside it, typically six or twelve. This is when the product starts to lose its effectiveness. For eyeshadows, it means fading pigment. For mascaras, it means more crumbiness. This doesn't necessarily mean you need to throw it out, but it does mean it might not work as well and it may be time to invest in a new product.

Makeup is like any other hobby which takes practice and patience. There's a lot of trial and error to the process but it's always fun to experiment in. Liking how you look and feel confident in your own skin is all that matters in the end.