By Faith Xue
Photo: Imaxtree
We imagine the mind of a makeup artist must swirl with brightly colored lipsticks and creamy (but never cakey) foundations, shiny glosses and powdery shadows, crisscrossing and intertwining into a kaleidoscope of shimmering colors. We imagine that's what it's like because we've seen this vision manifest via a slew of jaw-dropping makeup masterpieces IRL (like this one or this one)--hence, the "artist" moniker. But unlike other artists, makeup artists tend to be a generous bunch and are happy to share their trade secrets with those less brush-adept (e.g., never-satiated beauty editors). And like eager disciples, we lap up the wisdom, taking careful notes and even tentatively trying out their teachings on our own--albeit in the safety of our own bathrooms and not on an A-list celebrity, thankfully.
Curious what this wisdom might consist of? We've got 10 perfect examples for you ahead. These are things that makeup artists have revealed to us they do that that we--in our blithe naïveté--had never even considered. Suffice it to say our lives have changed for the better since learning them. The question is are you ready for this life change? If so, keep scrolling to learn from the masters.
#1: Powder Away
Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder ($34)
Celebrity makeup artist Monika Blunder told us that she uses loose powder for so much than finishing off a completed look--subbing in for dry shampoo is one. Or, sprinkle it between coats of mascara to instantly thicken your lashes.
#2: Get Balmy
Herbivore Coco Rose Coconut Oil Lip Conditioner ($22)
In case you didn't realize, your trusty balm is so much more than just a hydrator. Take a cue from makeup artist Daniel Martin and use it as a highlighter, or blur out eye shadow for a softer look. It also makes any blush into a cream blush--just tap it on your cheeks after applying blush, then blend it out for a dewy glow.
#3: Dilute With Moisture
Elizabeth Arden Elizabeth Arden 'Eight Hour Cream' Skin Protectant ($18)
To give any product more luminosity, employ every makeup artist's favorite trick: Just add moisturizer. Opt for a light, blendable one that seamlessly mixes with foundation, concealer, and even eye shadow or blush. Think of it like the water in your watercolor paints that are your makeup products--the more you add, the lighter and softer the finish.
#4: Add Some Texture
Urban Decay Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Blush ($10)
This New York Fashion Week hack is our holiday makeup inspiration. To add a velvet texture to your go-to lipstick, just dab your finger in a bit of blush or warm-colored eye shadow, then pat it over your lips. So much easier and more interesting than full-on matte, trust us. Don't forget to set with a makeup setting spray!
#5: Mist Away the Matte
Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist ($48)
Though we have a feeling matte makeup is about to see a resurgence, right now we're fully embracing the dewy, candlelit skin trend--if only because it's so much easier than trying to keep our foreheads totally shine-free. The problem arises when you're aiming for a smooth canvas and use more than a swipe of foundation and concealer to cover your annoying breakout--things can end up veering on the cakey side. The easiest solution ever? Give yourself a little spritz with your favorite facial mist, just like a pro makeup artist. The mist will instantly diffuse any harsh lines or caked-on texture.
#6: Beat Dryness
Beautyblender The Original Beautyblender ($20)
Cold weather is enemy number one for your already dry skin; even those of us who don't normal struggle with flakiness tend to encounter it during the winter months. Enter face oil and a beauty sponge. Makeup artist Edward Cruz told us that any time he applies foundation over dry, flaky skin, he uses a Beautyblender to dab and blend a small amount of face oil over those problem areas. He promises a "smooth and fresh finish"--and we're holding him to it.
#7: Sunset Eyes
Too Faced Sun Bunny Natural Bronzer ($30)
Bronzer might not seem like the most obvious candidate to win best double-duty product, but we're going to give it a chance thanks to a tip from makeup artist Carissa Ferreri. She says sweeping bronzer over your eyelids will give a barely there wash of color and make your eyes and cheeks pop in the most natural way.
#8: Cover With Red
Nyx Matte Lipstick ($6)
Rita Ora always looks flawless--which is why we're taking her makeup artist Kathy Jeung's word as gospel. If you don't have a separate peach-toned concealer for covering under-eye bags (makeup 101, y'all), Jeung says not all hope is lost: You can take a matte red-orange lipstick and mix it with your everyday concealer to neutralize your dark circles. Crazy? Yes. Will we try it? Hell yes.
#9: Get Waxed
Milani Brow Shaping Clear Wax ($5)
Waxing your lip takes on a whole new meaning when you consider this industry trick: using a clear wax brow pencil to line your lips. Yes--a brow pencil. Why? Makeup artists swear that it keeps feathering and fading at bay when your trusty lip liner is nowhere to be found. Besos.
#10: Stack Your Lashes
Ardell Fashion Lashes ($3)
If you love a big, voluminous, Bardot-esque lash look, you might be tempted to look for a full, thick false lash--don't. Ariana Grande's makeup artist Daniel Chinchilla says you're much better off stacking two light, thin false lashes on top of each other. Just make sure their bands are thin, to keep things looking natural. (You can read more of his mind-blowing lash tips here.)
More From Byrdie:
13 Products Makeup Artists Love but You Didn't Know Existed
Gigi Hadid's Makeup Artist Shares His Tips for a Flawless Complexion
How to Apply Foundation Like a Makeup Artist
Also on HuffPost:
