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    28 Tips And Tricks For Anyone Who Wants To Improve Their Makeup Game

    Even the smallest adjustments can make a big difference.

    1. Start off with a freshly-washed face — for a gentle cleanse, go in with the Cetaphil cleanser. It's great for dry skin because it'll moisturize and soothe while removing any impurities.

    the cetaphil bottle on a bathroom countertop

    2. Hydrated skin is key, and a great moisturizer to opt for is the Glow Recipe Plum Plump. Reviewers say it really makes their skin glow and doesn't leave a residue, making it ideal for wearing under makeup.

    a jar of the moisturizer open and someone scooping some out

    3. To make your ~lewk~ to last longer, make sure to prep your skin with a primer. Try the caliray blurring primer if you'd prefer something more mattifying that minimizes the appearance of pores.

    Melina holding the bottle of primer

    4. If your skin is as dry as the Sahara Desert, maybe reach for hydrating option instead, like the Fenty Beauty hydrating primer. Reviewers love how dewy it is and that it stops their makeup from getting all patchy throughout the day.

    the bottle of primer against a plain background

    5. You definitely need proper lighting, and a light-up vanity mirror can help with that. The bulbs are dimmable, so you can adjust the brightness depending on how much light you need shining on your pretty face.

    the lit up mirror on a vanity

    6. For a seamless look, try replacing your foundation brush with a beauty sponge (and don't forget to wet it first if you want full coverage). Since the pores on the sponge are super fine, you won't have to worry about it absorbing all your product.

    Someone using the sponges on different areas of their face

    7. If you find your foundation is constantly cake-y, swap it out with a hydrating formula instead. It'll give you a radiant finish that you can build up if you want more coverage.

    8. When you're applying concealer, try a creamy and blendable one, like the Kosas Revealer Super Creamy concealer (a light hand is best). It has medium coverage, so just apply a dot where you need it and blend, blend, blend to avoid creasing.

    the kosas concealer open against swatches of different shades

    9. Set your base with a Laura Mercier loose powder that'll eliminate shine and make your skin look smooth 'n' buttery. It'll also extend the life of your makeup and control shine for hours.

    10. Use a powder puff to apply the loose powder. It won't absorb all of your product, and because it's wedge-shaped, you can easily use it on different parts of your face, too.

    two powder puffs

    11. When it comes to bronzers, try using a cream products, like the MAKEUP BY MARIO complexion balm, to avoid ending up with an overly-powdered face. It'll add some subtle warmth to your visage, but you can also wear it solo if you're going for that your-skin-but-better vibe.

    12. Or try a cream contour stick if you want to really accentuate your features. Apply it in the hollows of your cheeks, on the sides of your nose, along the perimeter of your forehead, and down your jawline for a defined look.

    three arms holding up three different contour sticks

    13. When you're reaching for blush, try using the super-pigmented Rare Beauty liquid blush. It'll blend like a dream, plus reviewers say the staying power is amazing!

    A person holding the Rare Beauty blush

    14. For the days you're using a highlighter, dab it on the parts of your face where the sun hits — like the temples, cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and under your brows. It'll give you a natural glowy sheen (instead of turning you into a walking disco ball).

    Alice holding up two Rare Beauty highlighters

    15. If you want to look like you're not wearing foundation, a freckle pen will help mimic beauty marks and frecks. Reviewers say they look so natural that they can't even tell the difference between their regular freckles and the fake ones.

    16. Before delving into your eye makeup, it's important to use an eyeshadow primer to make your look last way longer. Plus, you won't end up with patchy shadow and smudged liner by the end of the night.

    A small tube of eyeshadow primer

    17. If you're doing a bolder eye look, consider starting *before* applying foundation because you might end up with a lot of fallout. You can also use eyeshadow shields under your eyes to help keep things clean 'n' tidy.

    someone using the eyeshadow shield to prevent fallout

    18. When you're using eyeshadow brushes, make sure to hold them like a paintbrush. This will give you more control and make blending easier, too.

    the brushes in a holder with pearl balls

    19. If you want to try your hand at a cat-eye but can't quite nail a sharp wing, a wing stamp liner might come in handy for ya. It's double-ended (for both eyes), and comes with a regular liner, too.

    someone using the stamp side and the liner side to create a

    20. When you're filling in your brows with an eyebrow pen, make sure to start in the sparse areas and proceed to shape them once you've covered all the skimpy spots. The fine tip will help you mimic real hairs that'll look completely au naturel.

    Bianca holding the eyebrow pen up to her face

    21. And if you prefer a more natural look, use the Got2B spiking glue and brush your brows upwards for a full and fluffy finish. With this stuff, your brows won't even budge in a windstorm.

    22. For an easy, blendable lip, choose a creamy lip liner. If you want a pouty look, overline your cupid's bow and the centre of your bottom lip but don't go along the sides. Instead, slightly bring the liner in at the sides (like this).

    the liners in a makeup bag

    23. Top it off with a plumping lip gloss to give your pout a high-shine finish. Reviewers say has worked wonders, without leaving their lips red and irritated like other brands.

    both shades of the lip glosses open with swatches beside peppermint leaves and chili peppers

    24. Always use an eyelash curler to give those babies a lift that'll last all day long. No matter your eye shape, this one will grasp every little hair and crimp it to perfection.

    someone using the eyelash curler on their lashes

    25. To avoid smudgy mascara, opt for a tubing mascara that won't transfer or flake, so you won't end up with dreadful raccoon eyes. It's water-resistant, but removal is a breeze: all you'll have to do is roll it off with some warm water.

    someone holding the want and tube of the mascara

    26. To get rid of clumps, use an eyelash comb to separate 'em. The bristles are really close together, which will give you more of a natural, fluttery look.

    the eyelash comb close to someone's closed eye

    27. If you like using falsies, try using half lashes to give you some extra volume without the hassle (or weight) of a full strip. Reviewers say they're super comfortable and easy to put on.

    The pack of lashes surrounded by lashes and flower petals

    28. And finally, always finish things off with a setting spray to keep your makeup intact all friggin' night long. It's also waterproof, so no tears or raindrops will ruin your look.

    You feeling yourself after using these handy tips:

    Looking for more great 🇨🇦Canadian🇨🇦 shopping content? Check out our recommendations for foundation alternatives, beauty products that'll simplify your routine, and products that'll help you feel more put together.