Some of the best beauty secrets are so simple you may wonder how you never thought of them. Don’t worry — you’re definitely not alone. We’ve all had these moments. And it’s easy to blame someone else (like our mothers, sisters or friends) for not teaching us the beauty tricks that have been around for years. But what if no one told them either? We recognize that this may be the case. Therefore, instead of blaming others for not paving the way, we think it would be more effective to share our list of 10 obvious and not so obvious beauty tips and tricks. Besides, we don’t think it’s ever too late to get it right!
1) Bigger, brighter eyes? Go light
Believe it or not, the trick to making your eyes appear larger and brighter starts with your eye shadow.
Tip: Dust a light shade of shadow such as taupe, bone or ivory at the innermost corner of your eyes. Then apply a progressively darker shade as you go further out. The darkest colour should be applied to the outermost corner. Finish by adding a few layers of mascara to your lashes. Also, try using a concealer or primer on your lids to ensure the powder stays in place.
2) Swatch your skin for the right foundation colour
Finding the right foundation can be tricky business. And if you aren’t careful, it will be obvious that you are wearing one.
Tip: Try swabbing a few different colours on to your cheek. The one that disappears into your jaw line/face when blending is usually the right colour for you. To determine if you are warm or cool toned, have a look at the veins on your wrist. Cool skin tones typically have blue veins, while warm skin tones have green veins. If you aren’t sure, you could always as a beauty consultant or makeup artist.
3) Always wash your face before bed
As simple as it may seem, it’s very important to remove any traces of the day before you go to sleep. Although it seems logical, it’s much easier said than done — especially on those days when you’re so tired that you just want to crawl into bed!
Tip: Be sure to have some makeup remover wipes on hand so that you can take off your makeup quickly. This is a great solution on those nights when you really don’t feel up to a 10 minute beauty routine. Also, consider investing in a Clarisonic or similar rotating brush/ cleansing device to ensure you get every last bit of makeup off your face.
4) Change up your razors often
Still getting cuts when you shave? It’s ok — we do too!
Tip: When shaving your legs, try to avoid using a dull razor as this will likely lead to razor burn and/or cuts. Many disposable razor brands now provide a built-in strip of moisture, which definitely helps (especially if you have sensitive skin). Also, if you run out of shaving cream, you can always use hair conditioner. It sounds crazy but it works! And when it comes to your bikini line, we say “allow the experts to step in!” Professional hair removal gives you a much smoother look that lasts a lot longer than shaving.
4) Achieve a “faux” glow year round
By now we know that the sun and/or tanning beds are not good for our skin or health. But having a little colour can go a long way; especially in the winter.
Tip: To achieve a hint of colour without looking like you did the obvious and went for a spray tan, try add a bronzing lotion to your regimen. Sunless tanners have come a long way — you no longer have to worry about a streaky, orange colour. If you still aren’t sure, opt for a lotion that washes off in the shower. That way you can test the waters with way less commitment. If you want to add a hint of colour to your face, you can always dust on some bronzer in the areas of your face that the sun naturally hits. This will give you an overall healthy glow year round. Also, be sure to exfoliate before applying any sunless tanning products to ensure a streak-free application. Also, use a mitt and be sure to put moisturizer on those dry areas like elbows, knees, hands and feet.
5) Use the right products for your skin type
As we get older, our skin tends to change. Therefore, it’s important to ensure you are using the right products. For most of us, our skin starts out oily and eventually becomes drier over time.
Tip: Not sure what your “skin type” is? A great place to start is your local cosmetic counter or by simply asking your aesthetician during your next facial. They will be able to guide you toward the right products for “you” and your exact skin type.
6) A 30-Second Face
We get it. Sometimes you want a bit of colour without having to put on a full face of makeup, right? Whether you are heading to the gym, going to the store or running some errands, a few simple tricks will ensure you feel put together.
Tip: One trick we may have learned from our mothers was to always wear a bit of blush, lipstick and/or mascara. And we couldn’t agree more — it’s a simple trick that makes you look put together in a matter of seconds.
7) How to fake 8 hours of sleep
So maybe you didn’t quite get the 7-8 hours of sleep that you typically require to look rested and refreshed. Most beauty experts would tell you that a good eye moisturizer and concealer is all that you need to combat dark, puffy eyes.
Tip: Use a concealer that’s a shade lighter than your skin under your eyes to fake a good night’s sleep and to add brightness. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water to help combat any puffiness.
8) Turn back the clock
If you want to avoid pre-mature aging, sun spots and skin cancer, we highly recommend applying SPF every single day prior to putting on your makeup. This is something your mother may not have taught you simply because we didn’t always know about the sun’s harmful rays.
Tip: Many foundations and BB Creams contain SPF. So you are usually covered with these products. However, we say it’s not a bad idea to apply sunscreen after you moisturize and before you put on your foundation for the day (to be extra cautious). Especially if you have fair skin, melasma or age spots.
9) Prep your skin
A fresh canvas is key to ensuring your makeup looks seamless.
Tip: Before you put on your makeup, it’s important to cleanse and tone your skin. It helps to exfoliate a few times per week to remove dead skin as well. The last step is to moisturize and/or prime your skin before you add foundation.
10) Drink water
When you are dehydrated, it will likely show in your skin. As a result, you may experience more frequent breakouts, dry skin and dullness.
Tip: Consume at least 8 glasses of water per day to enhance your natural glow and improve your overall health.