Quick and easy makeup hacks

Art+by+Gianna+Cabral

Art by Gianna Cabral

GIANNA CABRAL, Staff Writer, Arts and Culture Editor

If you’re an avid makeup enthusiast, then you are probably always on the hunt for new and simple makeup hacks to make your routine less time consuming. Lucky for you, here are ten quick makeup hacks that will solve all of your problems and save you time.

  1. Mixing face primer with your foundation

Although this seems like a big no-no, it works wonders. All you have to do is take a dime size amount of primer and mix it with your favorite foundation before applying it. This hack makes your skin look flawless and feel amazing. I recommend Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser for primer and the Josie Maran Argan Oil Foundation.

  1. No-Slip eyeliner

In order to prevent eyeliner from smudging, all you have to do is set your eyeliner with a similar colored eyeshadow. It’s best when it is a simple glide on pencil eyeliner, but liquid liner works too (you just have to let it dry first). We all have those days where our eyeliner runs, but don’t worry: this is the perfect solution for you. I recommend pairing NYX retractable eyeliner in ‘Bronze’ with OFRA eyeshadow in ‘Bohemian.’

  1. Make your not-so-pigmented eyeshadow pop

Once in our life, we purchase an eyeshadow that, to our disappointment, has no pigment whatsoever. To fix the problem, all you have to do simply cover your eyelid with white eyeliner before you put your eyeshadow on, put a layer of white eyeliner. It will not only make your eyeshadow pop, but also keep it in place all day long! I recommend  Lorac Front of the Line PRO Eye pencil in white.

  1. Make your eyelashes look great without falsies

There are so many eyelash hacks out there, but this one will work wonders. All you have to do is start by curling your lashes. Then, choose your favorite mascara and put on a coat, making sure you start from the roots and pull up in a side to side motion. Once the first coat dries, curl your lashes yet again and proceed to repeat the steps again but with a different mascara. This hack is perfect for people who feel they have no real eyelashes. I recommend the Wet N Wild Max VOLUME PLUS Mascara and Benefit’s Roller Lash Mascara.

  1. Place a highlight in your inner corners

Pick your favorite highlighter and simply brush it in your inner corners to make your eyes look bigger and pop. I recommend the Mary-Lou Manizer by TheBalm.

  1. Use eyeshadow to fill in your brows

Ran out of your favorite brow product and don’t have time to go purchase it again? Don’t worry, you can use eyeshadow to solve the problem! Simply choose a shade closest to your eyebrows and fill them in. Just don’t forget to conceal under your brows when finished!  

  1. Make your own matte lipstick

We all have that one favorite lipstick we wish was completely matte. Thankfully, all you have to do is put a translucent powder over your favorite lipstick and bravo: you’ve got yourself a matte lipstick! I recommend the Airspun Loose Powder.

  1. Easy contouring hack

Always wanted to contour but never figured out how? All you have to do is draw a “3” with your favorite contour shade. start from your temples, then drag your brush just below your cheekbones, and finish off by swiping the product along your jaw. I recommend Benefit’s Hoola Bronzer – it’s perfect for a variety of complexions.

  1. Exfoliate your lips before using a liquid lipstick

By exfoliating your lips before applying a liquid lipstick beforehand, your lipstick will look smoother and less patchy. Plus, it only takes a second and afterwards, it will leave your lips looking perfect.

  1. Sign up with makeup websites

Although this is not an actual makeup hack, signing up to become a beauty insider at Sephora or with Ulta Beauty’s reward system will save you money. As we all know, makeup can get pricy, but by doing this, you will receive great offers and even a free birthday gift during your birthday month. Once you rack up enough points, you will be able to spend them on sample products you may have been dying to try.