19 Make-Up Hacks The Experts Rate

“Applying gel patches under your eyes as you do your eye make-up is such an easy time-saver, but you can take it one step further. Massage a creamy mask all over your face and keep it on as you do your eyes and lips. Then wipe off the excess and apply your go-to base over a plump, supple canvas.” – Jenny Coombs, make-up artist 

“When using concealer or foundation, always deposit the product onto the back of your hand, buff it into your brush and then apply. This will allow your make-up to go on more evenly and prevent it from sitting in any fine lines or creases.” – Alex Reader, make-up artist 

“One thing I prioritise with all my clients prior to make-up is skin prep. Massaging in serums and creams boosts circulation and assists lymphatic drainage, plus it makes such a difference and you don’t need to be an expert. Work in an upwards motion, massaging away from the centre of the face and then down the side of the neck. Circulate your fingertips at the temples and jawline, as well as under the cheekbones and brows – it feels amazing and instantly eases tension. Your skin will look glowy and more awake, even before you’ve started with make-up. Weleda's  Skin Food is one of my kit staples – mixing a bit into your serum will give you the perfect amount of slip to glide around the facial bone and muscular structure.” – Sophie Tilley, make-up artist 

“Instead of misting it over your face at the end, use a setting spray throughout your routine. Layering helps each step set properly and boosts longevity without adding extra weight. I rate Makeup By Mario's ultra-fine formula and One/Size On 'Til Dawn, both of which lock everything in place.” – Benjamin Puckey, make-up artist & global colour director at Clé de Peau Beauté

“Instead of using mascara on the bottom lashes, I prefer to individually paint over them with liquid liner. It doesn’t budge, there’s no fall-out and you’re guaranteed a clump-free lash.” – Talia Sparrow, make-up artist 

“Coating your lashes with mascara before liner is much more effective. First, you’re not having to re-apply the eyeliner that rubs off as you curl your lashes. It also means you’re more able to clearly map out your eyeliner path – particularly for the flick. You can follow the direction of your outer lashes for a synchronised look.” – Jenny 

“Concealer creasing under the eyes is such a common problem. Dip a cotton bud in translucent powder and roll it gently over the concealed area. This sets the product in place and drastically reduces the risk of creasing. The cotton bud allows for precision so, should you wish, you can keep the surrounding area looking glowy.” – Talia 

“Dusting a small amount of translucent loose powder over the edges of your lips not only helps your liner glide on smoother but it will also make it last a lot longer.” – Alex 

“After applying your skincare, gently squeeze your lashes from the root with your curler and then pulse it a few times up and down the length of the lash. Then, just before you are about to apply mascara, repeat this to create a natural-looking, long-lasting curl.” – Alex 

“Eye make-up that has migrated south by lunchtime is another common issue. A waterproof mascara will help, but an even more useful tip is setting your concealer with powder. That way, your mascara and liner won’t have anything creamy to cling to. A little goes a long way, press and roll a triangle puff under your eyes to help your make-up stay put.” – Sophie

“A quality primer smooths the lid, evens out discoloration and prevents eyeshadow from moving. For a matte finish, try Rare Beauty’s version otherwise if you’re after shimmer, use the primer shade from one of Clé De Peau Beauté’s  Eye Color Quads. It adds a subtle glow and keeps your look crease-free.” – Benjamin 

“An easy way to banish signs of fatigue is to use a flesh-toned pencil on your eyes. Trace along the waterline to neutralise any redness – it’ll also give the illusion of bigger eyes.” – Sophie

“By strategically placing individual lashes underneath rather than above your lash line, you get a more seamless join. Apply the bond as you would mascara, starting at the root and brushing upwards. Leave it to dry for 15 to 20 seconds until it’s tacky and then, looking downwards into a mirror for the best visibility, use tweezers to position the individual lash underneath your natural lash.” – Alex 

“Apply your concealer – ideally a formula with a creamy texture – with a precise brush onto the areas where you want extra coverage. Leave it for a minute or so to set before buffing out. This will help stubborn spots look less visible and prolong your concealer’s staying power.” – Alex

“The key to enhancing your cheekbones is all about understanding light and shade. I swear by the viral ‘Kate Moss Contour’ hack. Using a cream formula, make a dot under where your cheekbone ends (near the side of your mouth) and softly blend it out in circular motions to create the illusion of a sharper cheekbone.” – Sophie 

“Not only will a facial self-tanner add warmth, you may even find it works as a substitute for your usual base. I’ve also noticed that DHA – one of the most common tanning ingredients – dries the skin ever so slightly, so it can be handy if you suffer from breakouts. Mix a couple of drops in with your night cream and in the morning, you’ll find your skin looks fresh and bronzed.” – Sophie 

“Over-lining the lips looks dated, so a more modern way to enhance your lips is with contouring. Draw the liner on so it sits on the upper ridge of your top lip to create a blurred effect. Fill in the lips a little, especially around the outer corners for an ombré-style pout, then blend it with your finger for a diffused, long-lasting look.” – Sophie

“My best tip for a soft, bitten lip is to layer a thin ply of tissue over the mouth and apply a satin-finish lipstick over the top. When you then remove the tissue you’re left with a gorgeous blurred effect.” – Talia

“Underblush is one of TikTok’s favourite techniques and it can be adapted to create a fresh, polished look. I apply the same shade of lipstick that I’ve used on the mouth onto the apples of the cheeks and then layer foundation over the top. It gives you a natural-looking flush that looks tonally cohesive.” – Talia

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