my most overused 'tricks' would be:
-adding shimmer to the OUTER corner of the eye, in addition to or instead of the inner corner.
-using a highlighting/luminizing powder to 'clean up' and 'straighten out' the edges of winged shadow on the outer corner
-when wanting a heavy liner look, always TIGHTLINE!!! It's pretty much vital IMHO when doing a smokey eye.
-using a velour powder puff on my ring finger, velour facing out, as a sort of pad and barrier for my hand to rest on my face. That way, instead of resting your 'non brush' fingers on the skin, it's just the puff. It really helps prevent your face makeup from smudging, esp. if you work a lot on other people.
-as mentioned, layering blushes. A fun thing is also layering bronzers. I like to use light pigmented/transluscent bronzers first, then keep layering/contouring with darker colors, then if needed, adding a shimmery bronzer on areas to highlight. sounds like a lot but of course you do it with a light hand and buff buff buff!
-paying attention to undertones. Saves SO much time if you wonder why you look sallow or tired, when you're wearing a really warm cheek with a cool lip. Unless, it's intentional
-putting a crease color slightly above the actual fold/crease. I guess, kinda like creating a new crease... I notice this is done a lot on TV. It's hard for me to explain, but I've seen Carmindy do it a lot, Stacey London likes to do it (actually I bet she has Carmindy do it lol), and Tyra Banks.
-For mineral makeup, I prefer bronzer FIRST, then mineral makeup, buff buff buff, then more bronzer touch ups if needed
-the brighter the blush, the softer the brush is a general rule of mine. That way, it picks up less color and really softens the application, as well as help in creating a more airbrushed look
-Purposely loading up my lip brush (one with a cap) with product before leaving the house. An easy way for touchups.
-saving mascara wands from old tubes. Often times I find I hate most mascaras because the brushes suck, not the formulas. So if that happens, I'll pick a diff one from my mascara brush collection. Keep them clean and take care of them, they should last you and really come in handy.
-applying bronzer as the first face color after the base is done. Helps keep everything in balance
-using two curlers. A reg one first, then a smaller one like Sephoras or japonesqe for the outer corners.
-using an eyeliner brush that resembles more of a lip brush for blending pencil liner. It's the ONLY brush I'll use for blending pencils.
-blotting the face before using powder. I use less powder that way, and less powder is always a good thing IMO. My fav is tissue paper, or rolling papers. A side plus is often you'll find after blotting you may not even need powder at all. Also helps makeup last longer.
-adding some foundation (just a teensy bit) to concealer and mix before using. Gives a great consistency and perfect color. this is great if you sometimes OD on concealer.
whew! hahaha. hth
