These are my favorite makeup tips, little tricks I use both daily and professionally. Enjoy!

1. Use waterproof mascara. It won’t smear or run beneath your eyes by the end of the day like most regular, non waterproof mascara will.

2. Red Lipstick with a blue undertone will make your teeth appear whiter. Blue counteracts yellow and will give the illusion of brighter, whiter teeth.

3. Set your foundation with powder. Powder over your foundation will help it stay all day. It will absorb the natural oils and moisture in your skin prolonging the wear of your makeup.

4. Light before dark. Apply your light shadows first, then the dark, as this will keep the light from being muddy.

5. Lift your Brow. When applying your eye liner, lift up your eyebrow to get a flat line. Doing so will tighten up the skin on your lid for smooth application without any “skips”.

6. Clean your brushes. Clean brushes will apply your makeup quicker and smoother. It will also keep your colors bright and true. So wash your brushes at least twice a month.

7. Don’t Powder your eyelids. Leaving your eyelids moist from your liquid foundation or cream concealor will make your eye shadows wear longer. The moisture will “grab” the shadow and make it stay.

8. Use blush. Blush adds healthy color to a face, giving the impression of youth, life and health.

9. Blend. Blend, blend, blend your eye shadows. Un-blended shadows can leave hard lines and make your eye shadow appear unfinished.

10. Do your eyebrows. Even if you have naturally dark brows, adding a little bit of powder or pencil to them will help define and finish off your face.

Method Makeup Academy, Sacramento’s Makeup School