12 easy ways to elevate your makeup

Summary

Makeup artist Aoife Cullen shares 12 techniques for creating a polished, classic smoky eye and a natural-looking base. Her general advice is to use only what your skin and the look need, build gradually, and treat makeup as personal expression rather than a set of rules.

Techniques

1. Prepare your skin thoughtfully. Choose skincare based on your skin’s needs and how long you want your makeup to last. Avoid unnecessary layers, which may irritate your skin or interfere with makeup. Cullen considers skincare prep her primer.
2. Keep skincare off your eyelids. Use a dedicated eyelid primer if needed.
3. Start a smoky eye with a cream shadow pencil. Choose a shade lighter than your darkest liner and apply it across the lid and lower lash line. It creates a pigmented, long-lasting base that you can blend with a finger.
4. Tightline the upper waterline. Darkening the upper waterline adds definition and helps finish the smoky-eye look.
5. Keep the smoky eye simple. A cream shadow pencil and eyeliner may be enough. Blend and smudge the liner at the lash line instead of adding lots of extra products.
6. Make the second coat of mascara count. Apply it while the first coat is still slightly damp, working the brush through the lashes. A third coat may cause clumping.
7. Define brows subtly with concealer. Apply a small amount beneath the brow to sharpen its shape and frame the eyes, then blend it well.
8. Apply foundation or concealer with a small, fluffy brush. Its size offers control, while its softness helps create thin, buildable layers for a natural finish.
9. Spot-conceal with a small, firmer brush. Pick up a little product from the back of your hand and pat it onto the area rather than rubbing. Stop once the redness is covered; makeup won’t erase skin texture.
10. Choose a cool, gray-toned contour shade. Use a very small amount with a fluffy brush to create a subtle shadow. The contour should not be conspicuous.
11. Place blush where you naturally flush, if it suits your look. This can create a natural, wind-kissed effect and balance bold eye makeup.
12. Refine the lip line and apply powder precisely. Use concealer to tidy or reshape the edges after applying lip color. Apply powder with a small, fluffy brush to specific areas—such as the brows, eyelid crease, or shiny spots—without over-powdering the face.

Speaker and Products

Aoife Cullen is a makeup artist with 11 years of experience. Products mentioned include cream eyeshadow pencil, eyeliner, mascara, concealer, foundation, contour, blush, lip products, and powder. No specific brands or locations are named in the subtitles.