Flawless Beauty Hacks That Make Your Life Prettier And Easier
If you've ever struggled to pull off winged eyeliner, blend concealer, or clean your beauty blender, you're not alone. Makeup, nail care, and all types of beauty work can be a pain. But a few tricks can make your life smoother.
For instance, a cotton pad can save your compact powder, and you can exercise while deep conditioning your hair. Here are simple beauty hacks that you wish you knew sooner.
Apply Concealer As An Upside-Down Triangle
Concealer is designed to cover the dark circles under your eyes. Although it seems natural to apply it in raccoon-like circles, don't. Instead, apply it as upside-down triangles underneath your eyes.
With this method, your skin will look more lifted, and the concealer will be better blended with the rest of your face. Draw the triangles with concealer and use your ring finger or a damp beauty sponge to smooth it. Afterward, set it with powder.
Place A Cotton Pad Inside Your Compact Case
Compact powder, which is designed to touch up your makeup throughout the day, often comes in a circular case with a mirror. Because it travels with you, this powder often breaks. Prevent this by putting a cotton pad in the case.
The cotton pad will close the space between the powder and the mirror. With this shield, your powder will not bounce around in your purse, backpack, or suitcase. Plus, it will keep the mirror clean!
Put Your Nails In Ice Water To Make Them Dry Faster
Nail polish can take a long time to dry, and during that time, it can get damaged or dirtied. Dry your nails faster by putting them in a bowl of ice water. The cold temperature thickens the polish and speeds up the drying process.
The water does not need to be too cold; one or two ice cubes is fine. Celebrity manicurist Michelle Humphrey recommends dipping your nails into the bowl for three to five minutes. When you see water beads form on top of the nail polish, they are dry.
Put On Makeup In Natural Light
If you put on makeup and then find that it looks different outside, you're using the wrong lighting. Makeup artists recommend that people apply makeup in natural light. If you use a different light, then concealer, eyeshadow, and lipstick might look completely different.
What if you can't access natural light? In that case, aim for warm, white light, such as from an LED. It has a similar color spectrum to natural light. Some makeup mirrors even come with built-in LED lights.
Deep Condition Your Hair While You Work Out
If you want your hair to look soft and silky, a deep conditioner or hair mask will do the trick. But you can speed up the process and save time by exercising. That's right; condition your hair, put it in a bun or hair net, and then work out for 20 to 30 minutes.
The extra body heat will open pores in your scalp and cuticles in your hair. This way, your hair will appear shinier after you rinse it.
Create A Cat Eye With A Bobby Pin
If you want the perfect winged eyeliner, grab a bobby pin. The bottom of the pin splits into a triangle shape. With liquid eyeliner, you can use this as an outline for a cat eye, says Instagram makeup artist Malia.
Paint the triangle part of the bobby pin with liquid eyeliner. Before it dries, gently place it at the top corner of your eyelid. That's your outline; just follow the rest with eyeliner, and your makeup is done!
Dampen Your Beauty Blender Before Using It
The brand BeautyBlender, which creates makeup sponges, recommends that you dampen the sponge before using it. If you don't, the makeup will absorb into the sponge, resulting in more makeup waste. A damp makeup sponge will be much easier to clean.
In addition, damp blenders will apply concealer much more smoothly. Put on the concealer with a makeup brush, and then blend it with a sponge. Clean your beauty blender weekly and replace them every three months.
Brush Eyeshadow Over Your Hair Part
Did you know that eyeshadow can make your hair look thicker? Well, you have to put it on your head. Grab an eyeshadow that closely matches your hair color. Then, dab it over the part in your hair.
Although it sounds weird, this trick will make your hair appear thicker immediately. Also, if your part seems distracting, you can fill it in. Eyeshadow is so light that it will not harm your hair (as long as you shower afterward).
Repair Broken Eyeshadow With Rubbing Alcohol
If your eyeshadow or bronzer starts breaking and flaking, you can fix it. You'll only need rubbing alcohol. Because rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, it will not harm the makeup, although the texture might be a bit different.
With a toothpick, crush up the eyeshadow (or other broken powder). After all of the powder is crushed, place a drop of rubbing alcohol into it. Take a spoon and use it to press and smooth the powder into place.
Rehydrate Mascara With Aloe Vera
If your mascara dries out, there are many ways to rehydrate it. One method is with aloe vera. Many companies make mascara with aloe vera, which provides hydration naturally. Place one or two drops in your mascara container, shake it up, and use it as normal.
If you have saline eye drops, you can use those, too. A few eye drops in your mascara container can loosen the makeup again. It can also clean a clogged mascara brush.
Use White Eyeliner As An Eyeshadow Primer
Makeup primers can be expensive, especially when you purchase both facial primers and eyeshadow primers. Instead of buying more products, use white eyeliner as an eyeshadow primer.
White eyeshadow works the same way as a primer, except it's brighter. The white will brighten eyeshadow, which might make the eyeliner more effective than its intended use. However, you should not use the white eyeliner as a concealer--only an eyeshadow primer to give your eyes an extra glow.
Create Fake Fuller Lips With Foundation
Although plumping treatments can help your lips look fuller, they don't last long. Create a look that you can do every day with some concealer. After putting on lipstick, add two stripes of concealer or foundation to the middle of your lips. Then, blend it with your finger.
This makeup trick will give you a natural lip highlight. To make it look more natural, add a layer of lip gloss over it. Your lips should look plumper without needing treatments.
Tape Your Nails For A Perfect French Manicure
You don't have to visit the nail salon for a French manicure. If you have white nail polish (or whichever color you desire), just grab some tape. Stick the tape over your nail, leaving the tip exposed (about 1/4 of the nail).
Then, paint over the tape. When the nail polish dries, remove the tape gently. You will then have perfectly lined French manicure tips. Remember to apply a sheer coat on your nails before and after applying the tape.
Let Your Makeup Dry Before Fixing Mistakes
If you mess up your eyeliner, mascara, or eyeshadow, don't wipe it off right away. Let it dry before removing it. "You'll notice [dried makeup is] much easier to lift off from the skin," explains Erika Picardo, the founder of Preim Beauty Inc.
If you are fixing eyeliner, use a Q-tip dipped in makeup remover. Gently remove the makeup, let the skin dry, and then reapply. With a bit of patience, your makeup will go on (and come off) more smoothly.
Scoop Out The Last Bits Of Makeup With A Mini Spatula
Theresa Novicky, a licensed esthetician and makeup artist, does not like to waste any makeup. She told The Delite that she has a method to scoop out the last bits of concealer and primer: mini spatulas.
Mini spatulas are designed to fit into small spaces, and they are only $3 to $5 on Amazon. If possible, cut off the top of the makeup container. Use the mini spatula to carve out the last drops of makeup.
Replace Blotting Paper With Toilet Seat Covers
Blotting paper is designed to remove sweat from your face without disturbing makeup. But even actresses like Sarah Jessica Parker do not waste money on blotting paper. You can use toilet seat covers instead.
Yes, toilet seat covers have the same texture as blotting paper. If you are out in public, rip off a small piece of the cover for your face. Or better yet, purchase toilet seat covers for a cheaper alternative to blotting paper.
Make Your Perfume Last Longer With Vaseline
Perfume is expensive; make it last as long as possible. Before you spray on perfume, rub vaseline on the pulse points of your wrists. Then apply the perfume on top of it.
Because vaseline is thicker, it will contain the perfume for longer than dry skin. It also takes a while to dry, meaning that your perfume will take a longer time to dissipate. Do not rub the fragrance in; put it on and don't touch it.
Match Foundation To Your Neck, Not Your Face
While searching for the best makeup foundation, do not test colors against your face. Match them to your neck, says makeup artist Haley Kulow. Your neck tends to be paler than your face, so the foundation will look more uniform.
If your face ends up looking paler, use bronzer to add some shading. And if that doesn't work, then match the foundation to the middle of your cheek or lower jawline, says makeup artist Katie Dahlstrom.
Shine Your Fingernails With Toothpaste
Toothpaste whitens more than just teeth. It can also shine your nails, especially the type of toothpaste that has baking soda in it. The baking soda smooths nails without scratching them or irritating them.
To brighten your nails, leave toothpaste on them for ten minutes. Then, grab a nail brush or old toothbrush and polish your nails for one to two minutes. When you finish, wash your hands with warm soap and water. Your nails should look shiny and bright.
This Is Unusual
This beauty influencer uses an egg as a primer on her skin before she puts her makeup on.
It may seem strange, but apparently, when you rub raw eggs into your skin, it can help with moisturization and can also improve skin texture. Though, many dermatologists recommend not using it because raw eggs can potentially contain salmonella. Those with egg allergies shouldn't try it out either.
Warm Your Eyelash Curler With A Hairdryer
If your curled lashes won't stay in place--or if your lashes won't curl easily--heat up the eyelash curler. Like hair, eyelashes tend to bend easier with warmth. Some eyelash curlers have built-in heaters, but if yours doesn't, use a hairdryer.
Turn the hairdryer on, and hold the curler close to the heat for a few minutes. When it warms up, remove the curler from the heat, and blow on it. You don't want the curler to burn you! It just needs to be warm enough to bend your eyelashes.
Turn Pencil Liner Into Liquid Eyeliner
If you need liquid eyeliner in a pinch, grab your pencil eyeliner. By heating it up, the liner will become thicker. It will appear more like a gel or liquid eyeliner than a pencil.
Grab a hairdryer or lighter. Heat the tip by placing the fire or dryer near the pencil; do not set it on fire! Just heat it enough so that the pencil becomes soft. While it's still warm, apply the pencil as you would a liquid eyeliner.
Dab Yogurt Onto Zits
You might have heard about putting toothpaste on a zit. Although this trick can work, it will also dry out your skin and might irritate your acne more. Instead, dab a bit of Greek yogurt onto a pimple if you need to remove it quickly.
Yogurt is a natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It should shrink a pimple without irritating the skin. Rinse the yogurt off after 30 minutes, and your face should look a lot less inflamed.
Trust The Process
This woman uses a bobby pin in order to contour her nose perfectly every time.
Just simply apply the bronzer on the outline of the pin, and voila, your noise will be snatched!
Control Frizz With A Dryer Sheet
Some companies create sheets designed to control hair frizz. Instead of spending more money, follow Kourtney Kardashian's tip: use a dryer sheet. These sheets can smooth down hair frizz just as well.
Perhaps Kourtney learned this hack from Jen Atkin, her stylist and founder of Ouai. When using the dryer sheet, do not press it into your scalp. The perfumes might irritate the skin. Gently and slowly brush the dryer sheet across your hair, from the scalp to the tips.
Place Tea Bags Over Your Eyes
If you have red, swollen, or puffy eyes, grab two tea bags. Wet the tea bags, and leave them on your eyes for ten to 25 minutes. According to Nvision, tea bags provide antioxidants and moisture that relieve inflammation around the eyes.
For a comfortable experience, steep the tea bags before using them. They will be warm and wet enough. Caffeinated teas, including green and black teas, will improve circulation around your eyes for an instant pick-me-up.
Use A Spoon For Eyeliner And Mascara
Believe it or not, a spoon can help you apply flawless eyeliner and mascara. For winged eyeliner, place the spoon just above your closed eyelid. Leave some room between your lashes and the spoon, and fill it in with liquid eyeliner.
The spoon can also prevent mascara from getting on your eyelids. While applying mascara, hold the spoon over your eyelid. You can then brush the mascara without worrying about it getting all over your lids and eyebrows.
Store Liquid Foundation In A Contact Case For Traveling
Makeup does not have to take up a bunch of space in your travel bag. In particular, liquid foundation can overheat and spill in a suitcase. To prevent this, pack your foundation in an old contact lens case.
These cases are designed to guard contacts from heat and light. They can also hold the perfect amount of foundation for a short trip; you don't need a lot of foundation to cover your face. For extra protection, pack this case in a Ziplock bag.
Heighten Your Pony Tail With Bobby Pins
Shake up your ponytail with added height. It's easy as long as you own some bobby pins. After tying up your hair, place two or three bobby pins on the elastic, underneath the ponytail. Insert them halfway inside the elastic.
While inserting the bobby pins, make sure that the end is facing downward, toward the crown of your head. After all pins are in place, fluff your ponytail. It should look taller and fuller than usual.
Substitute Conditioner For Shaving Cream
If you don't have any shaving cream on hand, use conditioner instead. Conditioner is designed to hydrate hair once it is absorbed, and it will do the same for body hair. Plus, it is thick enough to imitate shaving cream in a pinch.
Use conditioner in the same way as shaving cream: slather a layer in between your skin and the razor. Avoid body wash, as it can clog razor blades, dermatologist Annie Chiu. And use shaving cream whenever you can.
Keep Bobby Pins In Place With Hair Spray
Sometimes, bobby pins cannot stay in place. They might slide around your head or even off of your hair. If this happens, cover your bobby pins with hair spray.
Just like hair spray keeps hair in place, it will do the same for bobby pins. The spray will make them sticky and add some texture that will make your bobby pins much easier to arrange. For an easier time, spray them before you start stying your hair.
Remove Makeup With Lotion
If you run out of makeup remover, use lotion instead. A water-soluble lotion is thick and moist enough to dislodge makeup. You just need one pump of lotion, about the size of a quarter.
Apply the lotion to the skin, and use a cotton pad or your fingers to rub it around gently. Preferably, you should use a face lotion that will not clog your pores. After wiping off your makeup, wash your face as usual.
