• Makeup should complement your features, not create new ones.

If you feel that you’re doing too much with your makeup, you probably are. It’s okay to want to try out new looks, but make sure you don’t look like a different person.

• Your elbow is the secret to the perfect cat eye.

Start by leaning your elbow against a flat surface and lightly rest your cheek on your palm. This way, your hand won’t shake when drawing a cat eye. Also, use a light hand when applying the liner because too much pressure will make it easier to smudge.

• For a daytime look, accentuate either your lips or your eyes, not both.

Either look is great and all depends on what you’re going for on that day, but to achieve a more subtle look. accentuate one feature.

• Brushes are great, but you can use your fingers and still get results.

I’m a huge fan of using my hands instead of brushes when it comes to face makeup, especially foundation and concealer. I feel like when you use your fingers you get more coverage and a sleeker look. Also, you waste less product! When you use a beauty blender, it tends to suck up some of the product, making you use more and run out of it more quickly.

To apply eyeshadow on the run, use dry fingers and a light hand. Dab one finger gently into the shadow, and dab just as gently at the crease of your eyelid. Use a clean finger to blend across the lid.

There’s more you can do with your hands than you think!

• Remember to blend at the chin.

It’s easy to forget – and when you do, it leaves you with a stark line where your foundation ends. Make sure to blend your foundation at your chin down your neck. You can also apply face powder to smooth the appearance of foundation.

• Swap out your eye makeup regularly. 

Eye makeup easily accumulates bacteria, and using old eyeliner or mascara can cause irritation or infection. If it’s dried out, toss it!

• Always take your makeup off before bed.

Sleeping in foundation can mess with your skin, and the dirt and dead cells that accumulate throughout the day can clog pores, which leads to inflammation and breakouts. Make sure to cleanse and moisturizer before bed!