10 Makeup Tips I Swear By as a Former Makeup Artist

After years of wearing makeup, trying countless beauty products and working as a makeup artist, I've learnt that you really don't need a hundred different products to create a lovely makeup look. In fact, as I've got older, I've found myself reaching for fewer products and keeping my everyday makeup routine much simpler.

Don't get me wrong, I still love trying new beauty launches, and if there's a new mascara or foundation to test, I'm usually quite happy to give it a go. However, when it comes to my everyday makeup, I know what works for me, and I don't feel the need to spend ages getting ready.

Having trained in makeup, I've picked up plenty of little tips and tricks over the years, some from my own experience and others from people who taught me along the way. Not everything needs to be complicated, and you certainly don't need to spend a fortune to get good results. So, I thought I'd share ten makeup tips I genuinely swear by, including a few things I wish everyone knew before spending their hard-earned money on yet another beauty product.

Woman having her makeup professionally applied by a makeup artist for a flawless beauty look.

1. Your Skincare Matters Almost as Much as Your Makeup

OK, bear with me on this one! You can buy the most expensive foundation on the market, but if your skin isn't properly prepared, you might struggle to get the finish you're hoping for. Well-prepared skin can help your foundation or skin tint sit more evenly, making your makeup look smoother and more natural. If your skin is feeling dry or dehydrated, your base can cling to dry patches or look a little uneven, no matter how lovely the foundation is.

I'm a big believer in finding a skincare routine that works for your skin rather than buying every product that appears on social media. A good moisturiser, suitable cleanser and daily SPF are a sensible place to start, and I always recommend giving your skincare a little time to settle before applying your makeup. You don't need ten different serums or an elaborate routine to get started. Sometimes, getting the basics right makes more difference than buying another foundation.

My tip: If your foundation starts pilling or separating, look at your skincare preparation before blaming the foundation. Try applying thinner layers of skincare and allowing your moisturiser to settle before applying your base. Using too many products too quickly can make makeup harder to blend, so sometimes giving your skin a little breathing space is all you need.

2. As We Age, Less Is More with Foundation

This is something I've really come to appreciate as I've got older. When we're younger, we might get away with piling on a little more foundation, but I've found that heavier coverage can sometimes emphasise texture and fine lines rather than give us the flawless finish we're after. Of course, everyone has different preferences, and if you love full coverage, you should absolutely wear it. However, for my everyday makeup, I prefer a lighter base that lets my natural skin show through.

My advice is to start with a thin layer of foundation or skin tint and build up coverage only where you need it. You can always add a little concealer to areas that need extra attention rather than applying another layer across your entire face. I find this gives a much fresher result without feeling as though I'm wearing a mask. As far as I'm concerned, makeup should work with your skin, not hide every bit of it.

My tip: Try applying your foundation from the centre of your face outwards, blending carefully around your nose and along your jawline. This helps you concentrate coverage where you might need it most, rather than applying the same amount everywhere. If you need a little extra coverage, add it gradually. You can always build up a base, but removing excess foundation without disturbing everything underneath is much more difficult.

3. I Can Leave the House Without Makeup, but Not Without My Brows!

Honestly, my eyebrows are non-negotiable. I feel perfectly comfortable leaving the house without makeup, but my blonde eyebrows are another story. Without a little definition, I feel as though they practically disappear from my face! It's funny how one little product can make such a difference to how you feel about your overall look, but a brow pencil is definitely one of those products for me.

I don't need to spend ages creating perfectly sculpted brows every morning, either. A few light strokes with a pencil and a quick brush through are usually enough to give them a little definition. The trick is finding a shade that works with your natural colouring and using a light hand rather than drawing on two solid blocks. Unless that's the look you're going for, of course! For me, a little brow pencil is all it takes, and it's one product I wouldn't want to be without.

My tip: If you have blonde brows like me, don't automatically reach for the darkest pencil available. Look for a shade that complements your natural colouring, then use short, light strokes to fill in any sparse areas. Brush through your brows afterwards to soften the colour and blend everything together. The aim is to enhance your natural brows, not make them look as though they've been drawn on with a marker pen!

4. You Do Not Need Hundreds of Makeup Brushes

As a former makeup artist, repeat after me: you do not need hundreds of makeup brushes! Unless, of course, you're a makeup artist who needs different brushes for different clients, products and techniques. That's a different story entirely. For everyday makeup, most of us can get by perfectly well with a small collection of brushes that do their jobs properly. You don't need an enormous brush collection taking over your dressing table just because someone online tells you that you need a separate brush for every single step.

I'm a fan of the Patrick Ta double-ended brushes because I like products that are practical and save me reaching for endless different tools. The important thing is finding brushes that work for you and learning how to use them. I'd much rather have a handful of good brushes that I reach for regularly than a drawer full of brushes I never use. And, of course, remember to clean them regularly. There's no point investing in lovely makeup tools if you never give them a proper wash!

My tip: When you wash your brushes, gently squeeze out the excess water and leave them to dry flat or with the bristles angled downwards. Try not to leave them standing upright while they're soaking wet, as water can run into the handles and damage the glue holding the bristles in place. It's a small thing, but looking after your brushes properly can help them last longer.

5. Always Curl Your Lashes Before Applying Mascara

Unless I've had my lashes lifted, I always curl my lashes before applying mascara. It's such a simple step, but I find it helps lift my lashes and makes my eyes look more open. I then apply my mascara, concentrating on the roots and working towards the tips to give them definition without creating too many clumps.

If you don't already use an eyelash curler, it might be worth giving one a try. Just make sure your lashes are clean and dry before curling them, and always curl before applying mascara rather than afterwards, as mascara-coated lashes can be more brittle. You don't need an elaborate routine or five different lash products to make a difference. Sometimes, it's those little steps that help pull your whole makeup look together.

6. Unless You're Hitting the Catwalk, Less Is More

You can always build on a makeup look, but removing excess product is much harder. Believe me, have you ever tried undoing a winged eyeliner? Go on, I dare you! What starts as a little flick can quickly turn into a much bigger wing when you try to correct it. Before you know it, you're removing half your eye makeup and wondering why you ever started in the first place.

This is why I always recommend starting with a little product and gradually building up your look. It applies to foundation, blusher, contour and eyeshadow just as much as eyeliner. You can add more colour or definition until you're happy, but taking it away can disturb everything underneath. Unless you're creating a dramatic editorial look or heading down the catwalk, you really don't need to go overboard. A lighter hand often gives you much more control, and it can save you plenty of time when you're getting ready.

7. You Don't Need an Expensive or Extensive Makeup Collection

You really don't need a huge makeup kit or the most expensive products on the market to look and feel good. You just need products that work for you. I love trying new beauty launches, and reviewing beauty products is a big part of what I do, but my everyday makeup routine is surprisingly simple. I don't use dozens of products every morning, and I certainly don't feel the need to create a completely different look every single day.

Right now, my everyday routine starts with Simple moisturiser to prepare my skin, followed by Kylie Skin Tint for a light base. I then use my Westman Atelier contour stick for a little definition, Charlotte Tilbury mascara to finish my lashes and my e.l.f. brow pencil because, as we've already established, I can't leave the house without doing my brows! And that's it. That's my everyday makeup routine, and it works for me.

If I'm going out-out or heading for after-work drinks, I'll add a little Armani eyeshadow stick to give my eyes something extra. I also think a good setting spray is worth considering if you want your makeup to last for longer, particularly when you have a full day ahead. Of course, the results depend on the formula and your skin type, but it can be a useful finishing step.

My tip: Apply your setting spray according to the product instructions and allow it to dry naturally rather than immediately touching your face. If your makeup tends to separate during the day, remember that your skincare preparation and the products you're layering together can matter just as much as your setting spray.

However, there's one thing I should probably confess. As soon as I walk through my front door, you can guarantee I'm taking my makeup off! I love trying makeup, but I don't want to spend the entire evening sitting around the house with a full face on. I want to get comfortable, remove the day's makeup and enjoy being at home. For me, that is one of the best feelings after a busy day.

8. You Don't Need a Fancy Makeup Brush Cleaner

Here's a little hack I learnt from my old makeup tutor: baby shampoo! You really don't need to spend a fortune on fancy makeup brush cleaners, and this is one of those little tips that has stuck with me over the years. A small amount of gentle baby shampoo can be useful for cleaning suitable makeup brushes, so it's worth considering if you don't want to buy a separate cleanser just for your tools.

The important thing is to rinse your brushes thoroughly and let them dry completely before using them again. Try not to soak the handles, as water can loosen the glue holding the bristles in place, and always check that the cleanser is suitable for your particular brushes. Not every brush or tool will respond in the same way, so use your judgement. Regular cleaning helps remove product residue, oil and other build-up, and it's a simple habit worth making part of your beauty routine.

9. Get Your Foundation Shade Matched Professionally

I know, I know, getting your foundation shade matched professionally can sometimes feel like a bit of a faff. Believe me, I understand! I'm a Highland girl, and finding the right shade can be a challenge, particularly when you're naturally on the fair side and so many foundations seem to lean too warm or too orange. However, taking the time to get a good match can save you from those embarrassing orange moments when your face doesn't quite match your neck.

Whenever possible, I'd recommend visiting a beauty counter and asking for help finding your shade. Test the foundation along your jawline, check it in natural light and give it a little time to settle before deciding whether it's right for you. Some formulas can change slightly after application, so the colour you first see isn't always the colour you'll be wearing a little later. Your skin tone can also change throughout the year, meaning the shade that works beautifully in summer might not be quite right in winter.

Of course, you don't have to buy an expensive foundation to get a good match. The point is to find the right shade and formula for your skin, whatever your budget. A well-matched foundation will generally look much more natural than one that's too dark or too warm, and that's what we're aiming for.

10. Do Your Skin and Your Bed Sheets a Favour!

Please, do your skin and your bed sheets a favour and remove that slap off your face before you go to bed! As much as I love makeup, I cannot wait to take it off when I get home. I want my face clean, my comfy clothes on and my evening to myself. Leaving makeup on overnight isn't a habit I'd recommend, particularly if you're prone to blemishes or irritation. Removing your makeup properly helps get rid of the day's build-up, including makeup, sunscreen, excess oil and dirt.

And while we're talking about keeping your skin happy, please remember to change your pillowcases regularly, too. I'm not even going to go into what can build up on our pillowcases from natural skin oils, sweat, hair products and everyday grime! It's not exactly something you want to think about when you're resting your face on your pillow every night. This build-up can contribute to clogged pores and breakouts, especially if you're already prone to blemishes.

You don't need to turn your evening skincare routine into a complicated ritual. Find a cleanser that suits your skin, remove your makeup properly and keep your bedding clean. These are simple habits, but they're worth making part of your routine. I love makeup, but I also love having a clean face at the end of the day, and I certainly don't want yesterday's makeup following me into tomorrow!

Final Thoughts

After years of working with makeup, trying countless products and learning what works for me, I've come to realise that a good makeup routine doesn't have to be complicated. You don't need every new launch, the most expensive foundation or a collection of hundreds of brushes. Sometimes, the simplest routines are the ones we end up loving the most.

Prepare your skin, find products that suit you, don't be afraid to use less foundation and remember that makeup should be something you enjoy. Whether you love a full glam look or prefer a skin tint, mascara and a little brow pencil, there is no single right way to do it. What matters is finding what makes you feel comfortable and confident.

And if you take only one thing away from my advice, let it be this: you can always add more makeup, but trying to remove an overenthusiastic winged eyeliner is a whole different story! Trust me, sometimes it's better to put the eyeliner down and walk away.

Pinterest pin: 10 makeup tips I swear by as a former makeup artist, with beauty products and brushes. MissLJBeauty.com.

Photo by Chalo Garcia on Unsplash

MissLJBeauty