If highlighter application had a 101 class, most of us would fail miserably. It's not our fault; mastering the tool is really tricky. That's why mixing an illuminizer and a skin moisturizer is a great way to get a glowing complexion without all the precise dabbing. "Apply this combo before you layer on foundation for a natural, dewy base," says Paul. For an even more sheer effect, celebrity makeup artist Lusine Galadjian (her clients include Victoria Justice and Ashley Greene) suggests pairing the illuminator with tinted moisturizer, which means you can skip foundation altogether. Just be sure to go a little lighter in the T-zone area when applying; oil production is heaviest there and highlighter can make your forehead, nose, and chin look shiny instead of glowy. Mix both the illuminzer and moisturizer in the palm of your hand and spread across your face using your fingers.
The best way to instantly hide scars, blemishes, and spider veins on your body isn't actually concealer. "I like to mix foundation with a mineral sunscreen," says Paul. "The combo melts really nicely into skin. Plus, natural sunscreen has a reflective quality that enhances your glow and camouflages flaws beautifully."
When it comes to eyeshadow, you've got a couple (imperfect) options: Loose powders come in lots of vibrant colors, but they tend to fade throughout the day, whereas cream shadows have longevity -- but the neutral shades are so boring. "Blending a bright loose power with a cream shadow -- which usually contain smudge-proof ingredients like silicone -- will give your bold hue staying power," explains Paul. "It's also a great way to customize your own eyeliner or mascara shade," adds Galadjian. Mix a scrape of the cream and loose pigment together in a small bowl and use a flat brush for your lids or angled brush for eyeliner. Galadjian suggests using a white or silver cream when blending, which will boost the loose powder hue.
Galadjian says mixing a creamy lip balm with multiple lipsticks makes it easier to blend lipstick shades together. On the back of your hand, apply one or two lipstick shades (close to each other, but not touching), then blend together with a clear lip balm or gloss. Use a small lip brush to paint your custom color onto your lips. "The balm will prevent your lips from drying out," says Galadjian. "It'll also keep the shade from being too matte or heavy-looking, but it won't tone down the rich color." Plus, unlike layering colors onto your lips, the multiple shades will be better blended and your top layer won't be too glossy.
Sure, there are tons of lotions that come with a hint of tint and shimmer, but many of us avoid them for fear we'll end up looking like we're ready for a 7th grade dance. But the pros actually like a little bit of junior high-esque sparkle: "The right amount of shimmer reflects light so your skin has a golden, healthier appearance," says Paul. But finding that subtle radiance requires some diluting. "Most bronzers are really glittery, and toning them down with a lotion is how many makeup artists create a more natural-looking glow," says Galadjian. Bonus: That body lotion will also ensure the subtle sparkle sticks to your skin -- not to your dress or to anyone you come in contact with. Mix one part bronzer to one part body lotion in your palms before applying -- and use more lotion than bronzer if you've got an especially glittery brand.
There's a reason you are loyal to your go-to makeup products: They work. They look great with your complexion. But what if we told you that you could make your favorite makeup look even better by mixing it with other beauty products you already have? Just call this little act of fine-tuning: DIY makeup.
Customizing your own makeup is a technique that top pros have been using behind the scenes since the dawn of primping. "Mixing makeup creates a one-of-a-kind tone and texture that you can keep tweaking until you find what works best for your skin and complexion," explains makeup artist Jeffrey Paul. "Plus, it�s the best way to adjust the depth, brilliance, and sheen of your products."
Think you need to be a pro to pull off this kind of makeup mixology? Trust us, it's easier than a kindergarten paint class. And the payoff is huge, say makeup artists: Mixing your makeup and products is the ideal way to fake professional blending and application techniques.
Another big bonus of using this technique: You save a heap of cash. You know that old product graveyard underneath your bathroom sink? Learning how to mix products can bring all of those half-used oldies back from the dead.
Here's the rub: You have to know which products complement each other. (Like, say, knowing that you can mix that foundation that wasn't quite right for your skin with sunscreen to cover up body scars and blemishes.) Check out these easy -- and effective -- beauty concoctions to start mixing now. Mastering the DIY makeup trend has never been easier.
