The fun thing about makeup is that there’s always something new to try and learn – but there are a few beauty basics and techniques that will always stick around. That’s where beauty hacks come in handy – and they’ll save you time and money! Here are 13 easy but effective beauty hacks you should definitely try.
Heat your eyelash curler
If you want your curls to hold longer, heat your eyelash curler with a hairdryer until it’s warm. The extra heat will also help your lashes curl faster. When I’m curling my lashes, I also like to pulse the curler a few times up the whole length of my lashes for a longer and fuller look.
Powder your lashes
For fluffier and fuller lashes, dust a little bit of loose translucent powder on your lashes after your first coat of mascara. Then add another coat to cover the powder. This hack will add volume to your lashes by making them look thicker.
Give yourself a facelift with concealer
We all know the hack of applying an upside-down triangle on our under eyes to brighten any dark circles – but there’s been a new hack that gives you an even better facelift. The “fox eye” concealer hack focuses on the inner and outer corners of your eyes. Apply a lighter concealer in the inner corners and under the outer corners of your eyes up through your temples. Then bake with a lighter powder to create an extra lifted look.
Refresh clumpy mascara
Refresh clumpy mascara by adding a few drops of saline solution into the tube. This will add moisture to the mascara and extend its shelf life. Make sure to swirl the brush around to give it a good mix!
Use eyeshadow as eyeliner
This is the perfect hack for those who haven’t perfected the winged gel liner look yet. It comes off less harsh, which leaves room for mistakes – and I love the softer look! I like to wet an angle brush with water or setting spray and dip it into my favorite dark brown eyeshadow. For a soft smokey eye look, let the wet shadow dry before lightly blending along your lash line.
Widen your eyes with eyeliner
Lining your waterline with white or nude eyeliner will help make your eyes look bigger and brighter. Keep in mind that dark liner on your waterline will have the opposite effect and make them look smaller!
Brush your brows into place
Brush your brows into place by applying a small amount of hairspray or hair gel onto a spoolie or toothbrush. It’s a quick and easy DIY if you’re out of brow gel!
“Soap brows” are a beauty trend that’s been making a comeback – and it’s an easy hack! It’s exactly what it sounds like. You use bar soap instead of eyebrow gel. This gives your brows that fluffed and feathered look.
Define your brows
Define your brows by outlining them with concealing and blending it out. Then using a lighter shade than your skin tone, you can draw and blend a thin line directly under your brows. This will help highlight the the natural arch of your bows!
Create fuller lips
You can create a fuller pout by overlining the natural lines of your lips with lip liner. The trick is to use a matte nude shade with the same undertones as your skin tone. Start by shading in the corners of your lips versus following the lip line. This will help contour and soften the line, making the hack less noticeable. I like to use my fingers to melt the liner into my skin and blend the edges toward the inside of my lips. Lastly, fill in the center with lipstick. Using a lipstick shade similar to the liner you used will create a subtle effect – but if you want to emphasize the line, go for a slightly lighter shade!
Define your cupid’s bow
The easiest way to define your cupid’s bow is to take a lip liner in the same shade of your lipstick and create an “X” that lines up with your natural lip line. Then fill in the bottom 3 sections of the “X” with lipstick like you normally would. To define it even further, I like to dab on a little bit of highlighter right above my cupid’s bow to make my lips look fuller.
Set your lipstick
Setting your lipstick with loose translucent powder will give you a matte look that won’t budge all day or night. After applying lipstick, place a tissue over your lips and dust the powder over the tissue onto your lips.
DON’T test foundation on your hands
We’re all probably used to testing foundation shades on our hands or inner wrists – but it’s not that accurate! Your hands are most likely a different shade than your face, so you can get a more accurate color match by testing foundation and concealer on your jawline or neck.
DIY your own tinted moisturizer
Tinted moisturizer (with SPF!) is my go-to summer beauty product. It’s a lot lighter and more wearable than foundation in the warmer months. You can DIY your own tinted moisturizer by mixing equal parts foundation and moisturizer. I like to use a penny size amount of each, mix them in my hands and apply with my fingers. Add a few drops of gel bronzer or liquid highlighter for the perfect glowy, dewy effect!
What are some of your favorite beauty hacks? I’d love to hear your tips and tricks!
