41 Pro Tips For Flawless Makeup That Will Have You Looking Like A Million Bucks

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11. Achieve a flawless, blended look for foundation, concealer, and eyeshadow by using a flat-top oval brush (also a TikTok favorite!), which features tightly packed, soft fibers for an airbrushed finish.

A reviewer showing off their makeup with the text 'makes my foundation look airbrushed'The brush

12. When using a BeautyBlender (which is also a fantastic tool!), make sure it’s damp (to absorb less product) and gently bounce it on your face, avoiding any swiping motions with the sponge for even foundation application.

A visual guide demonstrating the tip

13. For smoother blending and a flawless finish, handle your brushes like an artist — hold them loosely at the bottom, like a paintbrush, rather than gripping them like a pen for a more controlled application.

A makeup artist demonstrating two different ways to hold brushes to show the contrast in technique
Taylor Miller / Alice Mongkongllite / Mytour

Discover more expert insights in our collection of tips from a professional makeup artist.

14. Make sure to apply your skincare and makeup in the correct order for a flawless finish and to minimize product wastage each time.

The application order: 1. Cleanser 2. Serum/Treatment 3. Moisturizer 4. Primer 5. Foundation 6. Concealer 7. Powder 8. Bronzer 9. Blush 10. Highlighter
wakeupformakeup.com

For example, apply concealer *after* foundation to avoid wasting it on areas already covered by foundation!

Get all the details and explanations for this order at Wake Up For Makeup.

15. Apply a cream contour just one shade darker than your foundation on your temples, slightly above your cheekbones for a lifted effect, and along the bridge of your nose for a naturally sculpted look.

A photo with arrows indicating where to place the contour on your face
Taylor Miller / Alice Mongkongllite / Mytour

16. If you're just getting started with contouring, opt for a cream contour (instead of powder) like the Aesthetica contour palette which comes with six smooth, blendable shades to help you find your perfect match.

The six-shade contour paletteA reviewer after applying the contour paletteAnother reviewer after trying out the palette

17. If you're just starting with color-correcting, refer to this helpful guide to understand exactly what you need.

The illustrated color-correcting guide

18. For a more lifted appearance, apply your blush higher up on your cheekbone, almost where you'd place highlighter. We’re moving away from the old trick of applying it directly on the apples of your cheeks.

A model with blush applied higher on their cheekbone
ipsy.com

For tips on how to apply blush according to your face shape, head over to Ipsy.

19. If you're unsure about where to begin with blush, I highly recommend Glossier Cloud Paint. Its gel-cream formula is super blendable and even works as eyeshadow for a chic monochromatic look that’s totally fashion-forward.

Me wearing blush on my cheeks and eyelids
Mytour / Jess Seib, Mytour / Maitland Quitmeyer

A little goes a long way, so one tube lasts for quite some time. To avoid applying too much, I suggest piercing the foil top instead of peeling it off!

Get it from Glossier for $18 (available in eight shades).

Promising review: "I’ve never been one to use blush much — mainly because I wasn’t sure where to apply it or which shades and textures would suit me best. After hearing rave reviews from influencers, I decided to try the Cloud Paint for some added color this summer. I chose the shade Beam, and it works perfectly with my light-medium Asian complexion. It’s incredibly easy to apply, and a little goes a long way! I was amazed at how well it blended into my skin. I’m a big fan!" —jen234

Learn more in our Glossier Cloud Paint review.

20. If you find it challenging to outline your lips with precision, start by making an X at your cupid's bow, then dust a little powder between layers of lipstick for a longer-lasting finish.

The step-by-step guide to drawing an X
thebeautydepartment.com

I always rely on the x-marks-the-spot technique to follow my cupid's bow whenever I wear lipstick...which is basically every day I step outside!

Find out more at The Beauty Department.

21. If you’re over buying a different lip liner for every lipstick color, try the Maybelline clear, self-sharpening liner to keep your lips perfectly defined — no feathering at all.

The transparent liner

22. Achieve the perfect pout by tracing the contours of your lips with a bit of concealer using an angled brush.

The blogger applying concealer with an angled brush

23. Hey, if you absolutely can’t stand lipstick on your teeth (and neither do I — seriously, if you spot red on my teeth in real life, do me a favor and point it out!), just run your finger in and out of your pursed lips to remove any excess product. Trust me, it works wonders!

The diagram demonstrating the technique
thebeautydepartment.com

Find out more at The Beauty Department.

24. Use a tweezer or eyebrow pencil to map out where your brows should begin, arch, and end before filling them in for a natural, well-shaped look that will have your forehead caterpillars on point.

Demonstrating how to use tweezers to outline the start of the eyebrow (hold tweezers straight up from the side of the nose), the end of the brow (hold them angled upward from the side of the nose), and the top of the brow (hold them horizontally across both brows)

25. Try Benefit's Browvo conditioning primer both as a nighttime treatment and as a base under your makeup to make your brow products last longer while also encouraging fuller brow growth.

The pen-style primerA model with a fully done makeup look
Sephora

Find it at Sephora for $28.

Review from a customer: "This primer has helped me achieve my perfect brows. My hairs grow quicker and fuller!! I’ve been using it since the launch, and it’s lasted for months. I apply it before using the Precisely My Brow Pencil which makes the color pop. I can’t imagine my routine without it!!" —Meegn

26. For the laminated brow look, try a soap brow kit with pomade and a spoolie to lift your eyebrow hairs UP, UP, and AWAY (without the soapiness that some people dislike). It has amazing staying power, plus it conditions your brows and supports growth!

A reviewer showing a before-and-after comparison of their brows after using a spoolie and soap to brush them upwards

27. Decide which beauty products are worth splurging on and which ones you can save on. For example, make sure to replace your mascara every three months to prevent it from drying out! Try the affordable Essence Lash Princess Mascara, a favorite of over *130,000* 5-star reviewers, known for delivering dramatic length and volume without any clumping, thanks to its flake-free formula and cone-shaped brush.

A reviewer sharing a before-and-after comparison showing longer, fuller lashes after using the mascara

If you're curious about expiration dates, here's a useful chart for reference:

The expiration date chart
Jenny Chang / Via Mytour Design

Here's a breakdown for you:

2–3 months: mascara, face peels and masks, acne pads, nail files, and loofahs

6 months–1 year: liquid eyeliner, liquid foundation, concealer, acne creams and washes, eye cream, face wash, and serums

1–1.5 years: lip gloss, cream eyeshadow, jarred face creams, sunscreen, bar soaps, shower gel, and eyebrow gel

2 years: lip and eye pencils, lipsticks, nail polish, powder eyeshadows and blushes, powder foundation, jarred body lotions, and scrubs

3 years: shampoo and conditioners, pump body lotions, perfume, and hairspray

28. For an extra dramatic look, apply eyelash primer (like this highly-rated Lancôme version) before your mascara for long, clump-free lashes that last all day (it also conditions to keep your lashes healthier!).

Model with mascara showing the difference: without primer, lashes are clumpy and sparse, with primer, lashes are perfectly clump-free and fuller
Sephora

Purchase the Lanôme Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base from Sephora for $26.

Highly recommended review: "This improves any mascara! It makes lashes look fuller and longer, and the mascara doesn't flake. I use it every time I apply mascara! Totally worth the cost!" —Maggie714

29. If mascara smudges beneath your eyes without fail, here's a quick tip to prevent it. Simply run your finger along — as Ina would say, how easy is that?

A diagram demonstrating the technique, with a model gently running their finger along the lower edge of the upper lashes after applying mascara
thebeautydepartment.com

Check out the complete tutorial on The Beauty Department.

30. Say goodbye to clumps and make evening mascara touch-ups easier with a set of foldable eyelash combs. Keep one in your bag for quick fixes!

The combs, which fold in half, come in two pink and two black colors.
Amazon

These combs also serve as brow groomers!

Purchase a set of four on Amazon for $6.99.

Highly recommended review: "As a professional makeup artist, I've always used the Tweezerman versions of these. But, the pins were becoming loose, so I needed a replacement. I decided to try these because the price was unbeatable. They're actually better than the Tweezerman ones. They're more comfortable, the pins open and close smoothly, and the tips are less sharp, making them safer for me and my models. Big thumbs up!" —JJ

31. Place dots with your eyeliner, then connect them for a simplified cat-eye look using liquid liner.

Deepica demonstrating how to apply the dots and connect them with a single line

32. Alternatively, try a waterproof, smudge-resistant eyeliner stamp featuring two sides: a triangular stamp on one end and a felt-tip eyeliner on the other, so you can achieve the perfect winged liner in a flash — you'll never be late again!

A reviewer showcases her winged liner after using the stamp.The pen-like end of the eyeliner for precise application.The stamp-shaped end of the eyeliner for easy wing creation.
amazon.com, Amazon

Grab a two-pack of these stamps (one for each eye) from Amazon for $14.97 (available in three different sizes).

Highly recommended review: "I absolutely loved this product. Typically, it takes me 15 minutes to perfect my eyeliner for my dance recitals, which involves reapplying and cleaning up several times. But with this eyeliner, I finished it in just five minutes, all in one go. It stayed intact even in the scorching heat, and it looked flawless from afar. I’m totally in love with it. It’s a must-have for anyone who loves eye makeup." —rasu

33. For a flawless finish, erase any stray eyeliner or mascara smudges, or easily create a cut crease eyeshadow look with the incredible Almay cotton swab, pre-filled with oil-free makeup remover for perfect precision.

A pack of cotton swabs for makeup precision.

34. Tightlining your lashes (lining the gaps between your lashes with a pencil or brush) prevents the dreaded gap between your liner and lashes, giving the appearance of much fuller lashes.

An image that demonstrates the difference between tightlined eyes and non-tightlined eyes, where the tightlined section shows thicker, more voluminous lashes.
painted-ladies.com

Discover more about this technique at Painted Ladies.

35. For monolids, create a bold, shadowy cat eye by applying the liner higher up on the lid to avoid it blending into the crease.

A diagram illustrating the process, showing the wing and liner placed higher on the eyelid.
workingwithmonolids.blogspot.co.id

Explore the complete tutorial at Working With Monolids.

36. Use a reusable silicone eye makeup shield to catch eyeshadow fallout or guide your eyeliner wing or smokey cat eye. Simply rinse it clean after use. For a refreshing effect, pop it in the fridge before applying!

A model demonstrating the use of the shield to create a perfect winged eyeliner look.

37. Apply a white priming base underneath bright eyeshadows to ensure the pigments stay true to their original color.

A jar of white primer to prep the eyelids.A reviewer showcasing bright yellow eyeshadow, demonstrating how the primer enhances the color's vibrancy.

38. For a quick and easy eyeshadow look, draw a hashtag shape in the outer corner of your eye using an eyeliner or eye shadow pencil and blend until smooth.

A before-and-after image showing the hashtag shape drawn on the eyelids, followed by blending for a shadowed effect.

39. Alternatively, try a foolproof eyeshadow contour kit that includes a primer, three intensely pigmented shades, and a shimmering top coat — plus a helpful numbering system to make achieving a stunning eye look effortless.

A lavender-hued shadow palette alongside a completed look on a model.

40. *Alternatively*, skip using powders and pencils entirely and go for a liquid shadow that you can easily dab on and blend with your fingers — the simplest and most mess-free way to achieve a glittery, sparkly look with no fallout.

The eight shades in the test tube-style packaging: lavender, peach, pink, gold, taupe, and green-gold.A model gently pressing one of the shadows onto their eyelid.
Glossier

Glossier's Lid Star eyeshadows are stunning and made to be super easy to apply! Whenever I’m feeling lazy but still want a bit of sparkle, I reach for these.

Get them from Glossier for $18 each (available in eight shades).

Promising review: "This eyeshadow is gorgeous! The intensity of the color can be adjusted based on how much you apply. It goes on smoothly and stays put all day without any fallout under the eyes or on the face. It’s subtle yet enhances beautifully. I absolutely love it!" —Reenie

41. Ensure your hard work lasts all day and night with a highly-rated setting spray, like NYX's beloved setting spray, which offers impressive longevity at an affordable price and comes in three finishes to suit your glow or matte preferences.

The spray bottle.A reviewer showcasing a full face of makeup.

Mulan-level makeup just became a breeze!

Searching for the ideal gift for any occasion? Explore all of Mytour’s gift guides!

Illustrated banner.
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