19 secrets makeup artists wish they could tell you

Makeup artists have a lot on their minds, but they may not always be able to say exactly what they’re thinking. After all, they are up close and personal to your bare skin for what could be considered a long time when you are at your most vulnerable. These makeup experts shared the tips they’re just dying for their clients to hear, without saying it to their face.

As one makeup artist bluntly stated, “This should be a given. But your alcoholic morning breath is less than desirable when I’m working near your face.”

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If you’re looking for makeup inspiration, try to find someone with your same skin tone. If you show up with a photo of Beyoncé, but you have fair skin, it’s unrealistic to think you’re going to look like her when we’re finished.

However, if you absolutely love a celebrity photo, choose the one feature from the look that speaks to you the most. You can’t have them all – so pick the eyes, cheeks, or lips, and we can use that to influence the overall look of your makeup.

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If you want to avoid that lip liner ring that forms around your lips as your lipstick disappears, apply your lip liner after your lipstick for a more natural look that will fade evenly.

To get the biggest makeup bang for your buck, wash your face before your appointment. Unfortunately, many people show up to their session with dry, dirty skin. Makeup lies better on a freshly cleansed and moisturised face (this means take off last night’s makeup). You can get the most for your money by taking care of your skin every day.

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When you sit in my chair, there is no judgment. I spend most of my time with clients reassuring them that it’s okay for them to be who they are. I see everyone’s true beauty, and I’m not focusing on your flaws.

“Be kind to yourself. You don’t need to apologise for what you view as imperfections when you are perfect just the way you are,” says makeup artist Vanessa Valliant.

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There’s a difference between shimmer and glimmer. Shimmer adds a luminous sheen to the skin without being overwhelming to the face. Glitter, on the other hand, can be a makeup artist’s worst nightmare. It gets everywhere, and it’s not flattering unless it’s done by a professional. It also tends to not be a great look after a certain age.

When you ask for heavy, contoured makeup, are you aware it requires constant touch-ups? For the average person, a heavy contour is high maintenance and impractical. Most of your favourite celebrities using this technique travel around with a full glam squad to keep their skin powdered and blended behind the scenes. This type of makeup is often better left for the stage.