Mastering a new skill is always a wonderful feeling, isn't it? Learning to do something fabulous with your beauty routine is even better, don't you think? If you're ready to up your game to something really fantastic, these 25 skills are those you should definitely be adding to your beauty routine. Learn to do these things and life just gets so much better. Thank you to byrdie.co.uk for putting together this list for us.
Snapshot Survey
Snapshot Survey
1. Applying Bronzer without Looking like an Oompa Loompa
In case you need a guide, we’ve got you covered.
Pictured: LORAC Travel Size Tantalizer Baked Bronzer, $8.00 at amazon.com
2. Contouring in a Natural Way
Contouring is an art—learn how to perfect it.
Pictured: City Color Cosmetics Contour Effects Palette, $6.22 at amazon.com
3. Highlighting All the Right Places
For example: above your cheekbones and below your brow bone. Lauren Andersen shows us the step-by-step here!
Pictured: Chantecaille Liquid Lumirére Anti-Aging Illuminator, $49.00 at amazon.com
4. Applying False Eyelashes without Screaming in Frustration
Perhaps one of the greatest feats of all time, we know—but this makeup artist’s tip might just change your life forever.
Pictured: Ardell Natural Lash, $13.84 at Ardell Natural Lash
5. Executing a Perfectly-Flicked Cat Eye
The most sought after beauty skill, perhaps? Luckily, we’ve got a step-by-step guide and seven hacks to help you perfect your technique.
Pictured: Milani Eye Tech Perfection Liquid Eyeliner, $6.97 at amazon.com
6. Creating a Daytime-Appropriate Smoky Eye
Celeb makeup artist Joey Maalouf says you only need—wait for it— three products.
Pictured: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Eye Cream Shadow Stick, $38.43 at amazon.com
7. Tossing Your Hair into a Cool-Girl Ballerina Bun
Anyone can do a haphazard messy bun—a slightly textured ballerina bun, however, will easily take you from the office to evening.
Pictured: Claire's Perfect Bun Hair Styling Tool, $52.54 at amazon.com
8. Creating a Smudge-Proof Bold Lip
Hint: lip liner and concealer are involved. Need more cloues? Here’s our handy-dandy guide.
Pictured: MAC’s Lipstick in Candy Yum Yum, $44.99 at amazon.com
To achieve that smudge-proof, statement pout, start with a lip liner that matches your lipstick. Carefully outline your lips and fill them in as a base; this will help the color stay put longer. After applying your bold lipstick, clean the edges with a thin brush dipped in concealer to create a crisp, flawless line. It's a game-changer for preventing your lipstick from bleeding and ensuring it lasts through meals, drinks, and even kisses. Don't forget to blot with a tissue and apply a second coat for extra staying power.
9. Covering Panda-Reminiscent under Eye Bags
Because faking a good night’s rest is one of our specialties.
Pictured: Eve Lom Light Illusion Concealer, $88.98 at amazon.com
10. Rocking a No-Makeup Makeup Look as Well as Beyoncé
Okay, getting to Queen Bey’s level might be a stretch, but these tricks will help you get close.
Pictured: Jouer Crème Eyeshadow, $22.00 at amazon.com
11. Mastering “I Woke up like This” Hair
Because you might as well take advantage of the fact that bedhead is chic, if only for now.
Pictured: Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray, $46.00 at amazon.com
12. Wearing Lip Gloss like an Adult
Because not all shine is bad. Scared you’ll look like a teeny-bopper? Just follow our grown-up guide.
Pictured: Urban Decay Naked Ultra Nourishing Lip Gloss, $29.99, amazon.com
13. Faking a Plump Pout À La Scarlett Johansson
Before you go for the needle, why not consider one of these tricks?
Pictured: MAC Lip Pencil, $25.66, amazon.com
14. Banish a Shiny Face in One Fell Swoop
Here’s what you can do other than blot the shine away.
Pictured: Tatcha Original Aburatorigami Blotting Papers, $12.00, amazon.com
15. Curl Your Lashes—and Get Them to Stay Curled
Our tip? Heat your eyelash curler before curling—it’s like a DIY perm for your lashes!
Pictured: Shiseido Eyelash Curler, $14.30, amazon.com
16. Staying within the Lines
We know it sounds like a crazy feat, but we’ve got one super-effective tool on our side: Vaseline. Here’s how to use it for a perfect mani every time.
Pictured: Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, $4.00, amazon.com
17. Knowing What Foods to Put on Your Face
It’s not as crazy as it sounds—we like Greek yogurt because it’s filled with acne-busting probiotics and honey because it's clarifying.
Pictured: Fage Yogurt, $6.99, jet.com
18. Applying Perfume the Right Way
Or rather, knowing which unlikely spots you’ve been missing all these years.
Pictured: Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Eau de Parfum, $160.00, shop.nordstrom.com
19. Getting a Streak-Free Faux Glow
First things first: always exfoliate before putting anything with the words “self-tan” on it. If you look down and see streaks, try one of these tricks to even it out.
Pictured: James Read Tanning Mitt, $6.50, sephora.com
20. Removing Gel Polish at Home
Our love-hate relationship with gel polish has a simple, pain-free conclusion.
Pictured: SpaRitual Sanitizable Eco-Nail File, $9.95, amazon.com
21. Grooming Your Brows Correctly
Trust us—they make all the difference ( proof here).
Pictured: Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil, $23.00, sephora.com
22. Mastering Beachy Waves
Need help? Use one of these products if you don’t near an ocean.
Pictured: Davines This Is A Sea Salt Spray, $28.00, amazon.com
23. Knowing How to Polish up Your Look in a Pinch
So you’ve been at the beach all day and now have to jet to a fancy dinner (lucky you). Save yourself a trip home and employ these tricks to take your look from beach to street.
Pictured: Mineral Sheer Tint SPF 20 Tinted Moisturizer, $22.95, amazon.com
24. Adding Instant Volume when Your Hair Looks Flat
Because everyone deservers to have bombshell volume.
Pictured: Kevin Murphy Hair Resort Spray, $41.92, amazon.com
25. Picking the Right Hairbrush
If you’ve been using the same plastic hairbrush since your middle school years, it might be time to consider swapping it for one of these.
Pictured: Mason Pearson Handy Mixture Nylon & Boar Bristle Hair Brush, $150.00, amazon.com