5 simple hacks that will shorten your makeup routine

WHETHER you are a long-time makeup enthusiast, professional makeup artist or new to the world of makeup, learning a few makeup tips, tricks and hacks can go a long way in making the overall process of applying makeup much easier. Makeup steps like applying eyeliner or contouring your face can be made simpler when you know a few useful tips. Here are a few useful tips, including how to apply your concealer, the best way to apply blush and so much more – so grab your makeup bag, grab your good, old faithful products and keep scrolling!

1. Apply your foundation before concealer

One simple step that can make your makeup base appear more cohesive and natural is to apply your foundation before your concealer. Starting with a layer of foundation will help minimise any redness or discolouration – creating a smooth base for the rest of your products. You can then go in with your concealer to cover any pimples or remaining redness and highlight the high points of your face. This will result in you using less of your products and will help in preventing caking and creasing in your base.

2. Exfoliate your lips before applying lipstick

The trick to making lipsticks and lip glosses look better on your lips is to regularly exfoliate your lips and prep them with a lip scrub before applying product to your lips. Exfoliating your lips will help buff away any dry skin sitting on top of your lips, leaving you with a much softer canvas for your products. NB: Lip scrubs should only be used once a week; anything more and you’ll risk irritation. I like the L’action Paris Exfoliating Soft Lip Scrub 12ml – available at Dischem.

ALSO READ: Makeup Mondays: 5 affordable and makeup-friendly sunscreens

3. Don’t forget about blush

Although blush and using blush in your makeup routine is not a new innovation, it is lesser known that blush can be used strategically to enhance your makeup look. A few sweeps of cream or powder blush along the high points of your cheeks will give your entire look a brighter and warmer finish. Try choosing a soft and lightly pigmented blush, and always start off with a minimal amount of product, because a little blush goes a long way. I like the LA Girl Brick blushes palette Beauty Collection Pinky – available at Dischem.

4. Heat your eyelash curler with a hairdryer

Make your own heated lash curler by blowing hot air on your eyelash curler. The added heat will help your lashes curl faster and keep their shape for longer. Just blow on your lash curler with a blow dryer until it heats up, wait until it cools slightly but is still warm – test it on the inside of your arm so you don’t burn your eyelid – then clamp down on your lashes to curl them.

ALSO READ: Makeup Mondays: 5 must-have products from Clicks

5. Conceal under your eyes with a triangular shape

If you want to brighten and highlight your under-eye areas, instead of dotting on your concealer, try applying it in a triangular shape. Draw the base of the triangle directly under your lash line and the tip pointing toward the apple of your cheek. This helps fully conceal any redness and shadows to create the illusion of brighter under-eyes.