If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE.
I've been getting my makeup done by professionals since I was 18.
I started modelling straight after school, and while it was a pretty unremarkable career, it did lead me to working on television as an entertainment journalist.
I was wearing full glam almost every day and was lucky enough to work with some of the most talented makeup artists in Australia.
Watch: A celeb makeup artist explains why everyone should be wearing blush. Post continues after video.
For a beauty tragic like myself, I'd hit the jackpot. It was a masterclass in makeup, and it was free, so you best believe I was taking notes.
From the super simple to the downright genius, these are the makeup tips I've picked up along the way.
1. It's not your foundation, it's your skin (and skin prep!).
One of the first things I learnt about makeup application was how important skin type is.
Most makeup artists will start with prepping your skin and asking a very key question: is your skin oily or dry?
The answer to this question is key in finding a foundation that works for you, and with so many on the market, it's a great one to ask yourself to narrow your search.
Put very simply, dewy finish foundations work well for dry skin, while matte or satin finish foundations are better for oily or combo skin.
From there, you can choose your coverage. I have dry skin with some age spots and fine lines, so I like to use a light-to-medium foundation with a dewy finish. I love a buildable product, so I can tailor my coverage depending on whether I'm filming or just wearing it day to day.
For problem areas, like my dark spots or pimples, I rely on my concealer rather than covering my entire face in foundation. This ensures a more natural finish that doesn't look like a mask.
2. Adjusting your foundation shade for the season.
Image: Supplied.
While we are on the topic of foundations, don't fall into the trap of thinking one colour will work for you year round, especially if you are melanin challenged like I am.
I always buy two shades (a lighter and darker one), so I can adjust depending on the season.
I know this seems expensive, but you actually end up using less, and it gives you so much more control!
Here are the complexion products (and shades) I'm currently loving:
- Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation, $74 (shades 4 and 6)
- Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, $74 (shade 3 Medium)
- Kosas Revealer Concealer, $55 (shades 2.3N and 01N for brightening)
- By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder, $37–$93
3. Don't forget about your body.
Image: Supplied.
The difference between daily makeup and red carpet glam is knowing that makeup isn't just about the face.
Makeup artists will always take foundation not just down the neck, but onto the décolletage and even the ears.
I shudder when I think of the pure carnage Maybelline Matte Mousse left on a whole generation of millennials.
Paying attention to details ensures the whole look feels cohesive.
You can use a large buffing brush to blend everything together, and if you really want to take it to the next level, try body makeup.
I absolutely love ELEFFECT The Tint, $44.95, and Bondi Sands Glo Matte One Day Tan, $19.99, for a flawless head-to-toe finish.
4. Use the right tools.
Building, blending, and layering are the key to a flawless makeup look. Image: Supplied.
Have you seen how many brushes and tools makeup artists have? It seems very over the top, but using the right tool makes all the difference.
Don't worry though, you don't need a million of them, but I have popped my 11 essentials below. Most of these brushes are multipurpose, and you can similar at all different price points.
- Foundation brush: Zoeva 104 Foundation Buffer Brush, $41
- Concealer and cream contour brushes: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Complexion Brush, $71, or Zoeva 146 Concealer Touch & Blend Brush, $30
- Small highlighter and powder brush: Sigma FO3 High Cheekbone Highlighter Brush, $54
- Large angled powder brush: Morphe M241 Angled Powder Brush, $26
- Blush, bronzer and cream product brushes: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Blush Brush, $45, Rae Morris Mini Kabuki, $104.50, or Rae Morris Deluxe Kabuki, $115.50
- Fluffy eyeshadow blending brush: Rae Morris Deluxe Point Shader, $95
- Small eyeshadow blending brush: Rae Morris Medium Point Shader, $88
- Flat eyeshadow brush: Zoeva Smokey Shader Brush, $26
- Angled brush for brows and eye liner: Morphe M363 Angled Eyeliner Brush, $12
- Eyebrow spoolie brush: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brush #14, $35
An adjacent tip; apply mascara to your bottom lashes with a brush. If you don't like spidery bottom lashes, use a brush. You can focus on the root of the lash and get the dimension without the clumps.
5. Use an eyelash curler.
I love the Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler, $45. One of my favourite little tips is to slightly heat your eyelash curler with a hair dryer before using.
If you have very straight lashes like me and don't do lash lifts, this really helps hold the curl.
Please use it with caution, though. You only need to heat it for a few seconds and always test on your hand before using it.
Speaking from experience, a burnt eyelid is no fun.
6. Tappa, tappa, tappa.
Image: Supplied.
If you've seen Happy Gilmore (of course you have), you know that when it comes to golf, you should just tap, tap, tap it in.
The same theory applies to makeup. If you want a really good result, you need to build slowly and layer your products.
I know this seems basic, but I have been truly horrified by a friend applying her foundation like she was slathering on sunscreen.
Don't even get me started on the 2016 concealer trend that had people painting full-blown triangles on their faces. It is so much easier to add than take away.
I learnt this from the incredible Max May, he is the king of the tappa tappa tappa technique.
If you've ever seen him do makeup, he spends a long time really working products into the skin and blending. He builds eye makeup carefully and intentionally and the result is so worth it.
There is a reason I asked him to do my makeup for my wedding. He knows what he's doing.
7. Try tightlining.
Eyeliner on your upper waterline is an instant eye-opener.
OK, this one is not fun because it tickles like crazy, but it instantly makes lashes look thicker. Use a waterproof liner and gently lift your lid and apply to the entire waterline. Trust me.
8. Eye drops fix everything.
Image: Supplied.
A red, tired eye will ruin even the best makeup application.
Using eye drops can really help to brighten the whites of the eyes and is the perfect remedy for hiding sleepless nights and jet lag.
Unfortunately, the ones I really like aren't available in Australia, but if you're ever overseas, get your hands on Lumify Eye Drops or Innoxa Moisturising Eye Drops.
9. The art of 'touching up'.
I don't care what anyone says, if you are wearing your makeup for a long time you will need touch-ups.
Just look at any celebrity on a red carpet, and you'll see their makeup artist trailing behind them with their trusty tool belt of tricks.
Obviously, us normies don't have that luxury, but we can still stay fresh, and it's the perfect excuse to buy the cute minis at checkout.
Your lip colour is obvious, but to refresh your makeup, I like to pack MAC Fix+ Spray, $32, concealer, cream blush, and a spoolie brush for my brows. For my oily girlies, the blotting papers are amazing.
For more tried and tested beauty recommendations, listen to the You Beauty podcast or watch You Beauty on YouTube.
At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.
Feature image: Supplied.
