Makeup hacks: 5 hot tricks from the professionals

                                      Photo: David Reid Photography

Makeup wasn’t meant to be a hard task, ladies. Not at all. You don't have to spend hours in front of a mirror to get it just right.

Any Google search including the words “makeup” and “hack” will uncover thousands of tricks and tips that will change your life forever.
From hair to makeup, there are shortcuts to help you look glam and get out the door in record time.

Pro makeup artist and the co-owner of Makeup Media Marketing Suzzie Harvey outlines her best shortcuts.

CONCEALER

1. Under eye concealer can look cakey and give the effect of wrinkles so instead of trying to use heavy concealer under eyes try a lighter shade of foundation and an illuminating powder or cream to reflect light and highlight the area rather than conceal it.
   
   

EYE LINER

2. If liquid eyeliner scares you or the deep black of the liquid colour is a little too harsh for you try using a thin angle brush to apply a black powder with just a drop of water on the brush as an alternate. This allows you to experiment with the depth and thickness without the worry of the permanent liquid line. Better yet, try it with any colour eyeshadow you have for a seriously different look to your eye makeup.
   
   

PRIMER

3. Prime your eyes for longer lasting eye shadow. That’s right, this is one of my best tips. Use a specific eyelid primer or simply use a neutral-toned mousse-style shadow. Spread it over the entire lid then apply your first layer of shadow with a tapping or patting motion, rather than a stroke motion.

LIPS

4. Want longer-lasting lip colour? Alternate layers of your favourite lipstick with translucent powder before applying the last layer of lipstick and gloss. Done…lipstick that will stay on for ages.

LIP COLOUR

5. Got lots of old lipsticks that are almost empty and you don’t know what to do with them?  Get an empty eyeshadow pallet or small empty lipstick containers, scrap out the lip colour and simply melt it down and pour it into the pallets. Then place the pallets into the fridge to harden. Voila, new lippies (insert happy face!).

Suzzie Harvey is a self-taught makeup artists with more than 10 years’ experience. She now teaches other makeup artists the art of running a business. Visit www.makeupmediamarketing.com.au for more information, and let us know what you think of Suzzie's hacks and what you'd like to hear more of below.