Easy Tricks To Make Yourself Look 10x Better, According to Makeup Artists & Stylists

“Having your makeup look incredible begins with having incredible skin care,” says Omayma Ramzy, an esthetician, makeup artist, and founder of Omayma Skin. But incredible doesn’t have to mean complicated. One of Ramzy’s go-to products for creating the “perfect skin base” is this French pharmacy moisturizer that also happens to be a favorite among makeup artists and models during Fashion Week. The noncomedogenic moisturizer includes a mix of shea butter, beeswax, and aloe vera, making it ideal to use as a makeup primer, moisturizing face mask, or even as a cleansing milk at the end of the day to help gently remove your makeup.

Sure, blotting paper is great for helping to remove excess oil and shine throughout the day, but Ramzy also likes to use the sheets to prep the skin — specifically the eyelids. “Blotting sheets on the eyelids is my number one prep step for getting the skin ready for makeup and keeping it lasting all night,” says Ramzy. If you find that oily lids cause your eye makeup to smudge or transfer, this tip is for you. “The blotting sheets prevent your eye makeup from creasing as fast,” Ramzy assures.

Makeup setting sprays came up multiple times when consulting with the pros on this list, but Ramzy has a unique way of using it to lock your makeup in place. “Instead of spraying the setting spray all over your face, I spray it on a Beautyblender and then apply only to areas I want it to be used,” she says. “This has made a huge difference when it comes to preventing makeup from looking cakey, but still staying all day – especially in the T-zone. Patrick Starrr’s On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray is her current favorite, but Urban Decay’s classic All Nighter spray was another top pick among the pros. “Just be sure to dampen your beauty sponge first, and you are good to go,” Ramzy advises.

Applying sunscreen in the morning is a nonnegotiable, but sneaking in more SPF with your makeup is never a bad idea. Ramzy is partial to these creamy blush sticks, which impart a wash of color while adding broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection courtesy of the mineral sunscreen filter zinc oxide. “There’s no greater long-term investment than using SPF at every given chance when it comes to preventing aging to your skin,” Ramzy says, adding that SPF-infused makeup should always be used to enhance your daily sunscreen application, not replace it.

• Available shades: 6

When wearing a bra isn’t an option, fashion designer and stylist Ramy Brook says these silicone coverups are “best to always have on hand.” Stylist and fashion brand consultant Ashley Afriyie agrees, explaining that she keeps these coverups in her kit for form-fitting dresses or tops that are made of a jersey or knit material. “This material is not very forgiving, but with the silicone coverups, I don’t have to worry about seeing any lines,” Afriyie says. While the self-adhesive coverups are as easy to use as pressing into place, Afriyie notes that you always want to apply them on clean skin. “Avoid putting any type of body lotion or oils around the chest area, which will ensure the adhesive is not compromised and the nipple cover will last you throughout the day,” she advises.

• Available colors: 4

Makeup artist and brow specialist Pilar DeMann says that you don’t have to go overboard with brow powders and pencils. “Brows don’t have to be full to be pretty, they just need to be done,” she says, noting that a quick swipe with a brow gel will do the trick. “This tinted gel has a tiny applicator that is so easy to use, and it’s super budget-friendly at $5,” she says of the wax-based formula from e.l.f. that helps to define brows and make them appear fuller.

• Available shades: 4

Similarly, if you want to make your eyes appear more awake, DeMann notes that you don’t need to add coats of mascara or commit to a full eyeshadow look. “Curling your lashes really makes a difference and opens the eye,” DeMann says. This stainless steel lash curler is her top pick for its ability to effectively curl and lift lashes without pinching your skin. It also comes with three replacement silicone pads, which are an essential component of the tool when it comes to protecting your lashes from breakage.

Another way to perk up a no-makeup look is to swap your usual lip balm for a tinted version. “My favorite right now is Burt’s Bees Tinted Balm,” says DeMann, who has made the lip balm part of her daily routine. “They come in a bunch of very sheer colors and look so good,” she says. DeMann is partial to Pink Blossom, but adds that she actually owns the balms in every shade. “I have one in my purse, my desk, my car, and my bathroom, and I give them as gifts to all my clients.”

• Available shades: 6

“A neckerchief is a timeless and versatile accessory that can instantly inject vibrancy and sophistication into your look, whether you wear it tied around your neck, styled as a hair accessory, or wrapped around a handbag handle,” shares Kate Astapova, a stylist and concept designer at ARTA. You can choose from dozens of colors and patterns to complement any look in your wardrobe, but Astapova recommends looking for a mulberry silk scarf for an option that still looks and feels luxurious without the Hermès price tag.

• Available patterns: 37

The easiest way to make any look appear effortlessly cool? Throw on a pair of sunglasses. But Astapova says to choose a pair of sunglasses that mixes retro and modern elements, like these oval frames. “Designs that strike a balance between retro charm and modern flair always look in style and can harmoniously complement a wide range of outfits, from sporty to dressy,” she explains.

• Available colors: 6

Rather than layer your necklaces (assuming you can get them all untangled first, that is), Astapova says to consider opting for a larger statement piece like this pendant. “With their intricate patterns, layered materials, and rich textures, boho pendants add eye-catching detail to casual knits, basic dresses, and simple tops,” says Astapova, who recommends this multi-colored pendant made from abalone shells. It comes in three different colors, and it’s less than $15.

• Available colors: 3

Having staple pieces in your wardrobe is key when it comes to being able to pull together a polished look with minimal effort. And Astapova stresses that a white button-up is one of those pieces she recommends everyone invest in. “When in doubt, turn to a white shirt, which can be dressed up for formal settings and styled casually,” she says. This budget-friendly pick plays just as nicely with tailored trousers as it does denim, and it even comes in more than 20 colors if you want to mix things up.

• Available sizes: XS - 5X-L
• Available colors: 27

“A solid-color leather belt offers a subtle yet impactful upgrade to your look by helping to define your silhouette,” Astapova says. In addition to adding structure, a belt with metal hardware can serve as an accessory to an otherwise neutral ensemble. This set of two leather belts features an interlocking metal buckle and an adjustable waist. They’re great for adding shape to billowy tunics and dresses, too.

• Available sizes: 3
• Available colors: 24

Even if you don’t have pierced ears, this earring set lets you get in on the stacking trend – and does all of the work for you. “Delicate ear cuffs will help elevate your jewelry game,” Astapova says of this three-piece set that comes in silver and gold. Both coordinated sets include a cubic zirconia-encrusted hoop for a bit of sparkle, and all of the ear cuffs are made from hypoallergenic material.

• Available options: 3

“A statement handbag is a go-to accessory for transitioning your plain dress or pantsuit from a workday to a cocktail event,” Astapova shares of an easy styling hack. This embellished design is her go-to because it can be carried as a clutch or an over-the-shoulder bag, thanks to its chain straps. Though it’s quite compact, it still has enough room to hold your phone, keys, and credit cards, and it comes in over 10 different colors.

• Available colors: 14

While DeMann prefers a tinted brow gel, makeup artist and esthetician Randall Intrabartola says that it’s less about the color and more about brushing brows into place. “Unruly brows can make you appear tired and unkempt,” she says, adding, “It takes less than one minute to brush them into place, and will make a big difference in your overall appearance.” This transparent formula from Maybelline is her personal favorite because it “won’t flake and holds your shape all day.”

“As a working mom of three, my morning nonnegotiables for leaving the house are tinted sunscreen, mascara, and brow gel,” shares makeup artist Madeline Wallack. “I love the Supergoop! tinted sunscreen because in addition to the SPF and light skin correction, the niacinamide in it gives your skin a subtle glow that is beautiful on its own and the perfect base for concealer and blush if you want to take it further.” The broad-spectrum formula also includes hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and vitamin E to keep skin feeling smooth.

• Available shades: 4

Using a gua sha tool to promote lymphatic drainage is nothing new, but Wallack particularly likes to use the technique to relieve tension. “In addition to sculpting the jawline and cheekbone, I focus on releasing the fascia around my brow tail and the corners of my lips,” says Wallack, who shared a full how-to on Instagram. “You can literally hear the fascia breaking down, and it is insanely satisfying!”

• Available options: 5

Whether you get too toasty when layering your clothes or you find it gives a bulkier appearance, stylist Melanie Gasparyan has you covered. “One of my go-to fashion hacks for fall and winter is a detachable blouse collar,” she says. “It gives the illusion of a white button-up underneath your sweaters and V-neck or round-neck dresses without the extra layer of a full shirt,” she says of the design, which uses adjustable elastic straps to secure the half-shirt in place. It’s made of 70% cotton, and it’s one size fits most.

Another must-have for Gasparyan is this handheld tool that was designed to reattach loose buttons, but can be used to alter clothes in several ways when you’re in a pinch. “I’ve been using this for years as a stylist and even for personal use while traveling,” Gasparyan says. “This tagging gun is made to attach your buttons, but I use it to hem for last-minute looks, for shortening my straps, and for creating more secure coverage in the cleavage area,” she explains of its many uses.

When you want to fake looking well-rested after a long flight (or any long day of traveling, for that matter), Erica Marie Gatt, a makeup artist and esthetician, swears by these collagen masks. “If you have a flight that is three hours or more, these masks keep your skin looking fresh and radiant,” says Gatt, who is also the founder of the Hermosa Beach-based medical spa, EM Skin. Each mask was designed to be worn for three to four hours to maximize the moisturizing and skin-plumping benefits, using a more concentrated delivery system that entails taking the active ingredients (like hyaluronic acid and collagen) and hardening them into the actual hydrogel mask.

“As we age, our face can appear hollow or sunken in certain areas,” says Gatt. “After you apply your foundation or tinted moisturizer, applying concealer to the areas that look [hollow] can brighten and help make your face look fuller without the filler.” Gatt recommends using this full-coverage concealer, which includes ingredients like hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to plump up the skin and prevent creasing. “Focus on areas like the under eyes, smile lines, and beneath the cheekbones,” she advises.

• Available shades: 24

When you’re trying to cover up unwanted under-eye circles, it seems like a fair assumption that adding more concealer will lead to better coverage. But celebrity makeup artist Elaina Badro insists there’s a better way to get the job done. “Opt for color correcting versus over-applying,” she says of the makeup technique that involves using different colors to neutralize conflicting tones in your skin. “If you are seeing a green-blue undertone underneath the eyes, use a pink-toned concealer to color correct first,” Badro suggests. This peach color corrector from e.l.f. comes in a liquid formula that applies like a traditional concealer, and it’s also available in an orange color that’s better suited for dark skin tones.

If full-coverage foundation isn’t your thing, Badro swears by CC creams. “They can have ingredients to calm the skin, protect your skin from sun damage, and can even treat blemishes, fine lines, and age spots,” she says. This medium-coverage CC cream is a fan favorite for its multi-tasking abilities, which include boosting the skin with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, brightening over time with niacinamide and snail mucin, and adding sun and environmental protection with SPF and green tea leaf extract. This particular formula is suitable for most skin types, but the brand also offers a matte finish CC cream for oily skin types, as well as radiant finish and full-coverage options.

• Available shades: 20

This matching set is perfect for when you’re out running errands or working from home, according to Lindsey Bernay, a stylist and author of You Can’t Leave the House Naked. “Matching sets are a great way to keep you cozy, and also make you feel more put-together,” she says. She recommends this blue and white striped set, which she says “gives you a polished appearance without sacrificing comfort,” and recommends pairing with sneakers.

• Available sizes: S - XL
• Available colors: 14

This matching set can be worn while you’re lounging around the house, but Bernay says it’s also quite versatile. “[It’s] perfect because you can mix and match the pieces,” she says. “I love pairing the cream sweater from this set with cream jeans for a stylish, monochromatic look,” she suggests of one way to work the crew neck sweater into your wardrobe.

• Available sizes: S - XL
• Available colors: 15

When the weather is colder, Bernay says that a coat can serve as the perfect finishing touch to your look. During transitional seasons, the stylist recommends opting for a classic motorcycle jacket to “make a bold fashion statement and instantly pull together an outfit.” This suede design gets her pick for its ability to be dressed up or down with ease, and it’s also available in black and camel colors.

• Available sizes: XS - XL
• Available colors: 3

Sneakers will always be a wardrobe staple, but there’s no question that they’ve been having a major moment lately. If you want to upgrade your usual workout footwear, Bernay is a Dolce Vita devotee. “Not only are they an easy item to style, they’re the most comfortable, feel-good shoe choice around,” she says. “With so many colors to choose from, you can definitely find your perfect pair.”

• Available sizes: 6 - 10
• Available colors: 22

Rather than focus on overlining your lips, Samreen Arshad, a makeup artist and founder of Samreens Vanity, says it’s all about creating symmetry. After ensuring your lips are hydrated with a balm, Arshad says to choose a lip liner that either matches your natural lip color or your lipstick. “Start at the center of your upper lip and draw an ‘X’ at the peaks to define the cupid’s bow,” she says, explaining, “This creates symmetry and structure.” From there, you can trace the outline of your upper lip before moving to the bottom lip (working from the center, out). “For a longer-lasting look, fill in your lips with the liner before applying lipstick,” she suggests.

• Available shades: 20

Whether you’re trying to add some warmth to your skin in the depths of winter or you’re simply trying to enhance a tan, Arshad recommends keeping a liquid bronzer in your makeup kit. “Mixing a drop of liquid bronzer with your foundation before application creates a subtle, sun-kissed warmth,” she explains. This bronzing serum comes in three different shades, and its dropper applicator makes it easy to mix in with your other makeup. Pro tip: if you want a more noticeable glow, add an extra drop or two.

• Available shades: 3

Makeup artist Nydia Figueroa says you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on lash extensions when armed with this tiny kit. “These Ardell press-ons are not only natural and customizable, but they are pre-glued for easy application,” Figueroa says. Each set comes with 30 lash clusters for a more natural look compared to strip lashes, and you’ll get a swan-shaped applicator that was designed to help give you the most precise application.

• Available options: 2

Figueroa likes these under-eye masks for creating an at-home spa moment, but she says they serve multiple benefits beyond feeling soothing. “They reduce the look of puffiness and add hydration, but I also love to use these eye patches when I do eye makeup to catch any fallout from eyeshadow,” she explains. Each holographic patch is decorated with tiny stars, but more importantly, they’re infused with skin-plumping, moisturizing, and soothing ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin.

If you’re a fan of anything that simplifies your beauty routine, this cream blush from Stila will be your new MVP. “Every single celebrity makeup artist friend I have always asks me for this product,” reveals celebrity makeup artist Charlie Riddle, who serves as the brand’s global beauty director and head of artistry. “The formula just melts into the skin and it also doubles as a lip product or eye tint,” he says. For the most natural effect when you do your makeup, dab a bit on your eyelids, cheeks, and lips — the monotone look is so on trend.

• Available shades: 7

Part of mastering cat eyeliner is finding the right tool, and Riddle says this liquid eyeliner is great for pros and newbies alike. “The reason why this is unmatched is because you have such control with it because it’s a flow-through felt tip,” he says. “It really allows for a seamless glide, and it’s also quick drying, so it’s great if you have hooded eyes.” Of course, the liner you use isn’t the only factor that contributes to an ultra-precise cat eye. Riddle also shares a few basic tips for perfecting the look, beginning with applying your liner on completely clean skin to help prevent smudging. “Keep the inner liner thin and begin with a thin line at the inner corner, gradually thickening it as you move toward the outer corner,” he advises. For the wing, Riddle says to always angle it upward toward the tail of your brow. “And have pointed Q-tips with micellar water on hand to sharpen and erase any mistakes.”

• Available shades: 18

“The first rule of foundation is proper hydration of your skin prior to application,” says makeup artist and founder of Genuist Beauty, Alyson Hoag. But after that, it’s all about the brush. “A stiff foundation brush ensures smooth, even, and light foundation coverage that blends beautifully into the skin,” Hoag shares, adding that you’ll also want to use circular motions to buff the foundation into the skin. This will give you the most natural finish possible, without any streaks.

If a bold cat eye isn’t your thing, Hoag recommends tightlining your eyes, which involves lining the area between the waterline and the lash line. “This technique creates the illusion of fuller lashes, and makes the eyes appear more open and bright,” she says. This gel pencil can be sharpened to create a precise tip for tightlining, and while the formula glides on smoothly, it’s also waterproof, smudge-resistant, and sebum-resistant.

• Available shades: 18

Makeup artist and Black Radiance ambassador Tamara Boyd encourages her clients to experiment with color and products. “Use your favorite eyeshadow color as an eyeliner by dipping a small angled brush into the shadow to create a soft, colorful eyeliner,” she suggests. This 12-shade palette includes a mix of neutral mattes, as well as more statement-making metallics in brighter hues for endless options.

• Available options: 4

When you need to keep straps in place or fake a quick hem, stylist Ashley Afriyie says this tape is like your own personal tailor. “Fashion double stick tape is your best friend when you have to think creatively and quickly because anyone can easily apply this to their outfit,” she says. “I use this a lot for button-up shirts or sometimes for a quick fix to a skirt slit,” she says of its many uses. The adhesive is clear so it’s virtually undetectable, and it’s also hypoallergenic for anyone with sensitive skin.

Makeup artist Dillon Peña says you can make the most of a more natural makeup look by defining every lash with your mascara — yes, even those itty bitty lashes at the inner corner of the eyes. “Maybelline Lash Discovery Mascara is a game-changer,” Peña says. “Its mini brush grabs even the tiniest lashes, giving you a perfectly clean, defined look without any clumps. I love using the original formula on my clients’ top lashes and the waterproof version on the bottom for all-day wear,” he says of his application technique.

Bustle beauty editor Adeline Duff says “pretty much every makeup artist [she’s] interviewed recommends exfoliating your lips prior to putting on lipstick.” Not only does this give you a softer pout and a smoother surface to work with, but it also gets rid of any tiny, dry flakes that might otherwise mess with the finish of your lipstick. This technique is especially important with matte and liquid lipsticks, and it helps (temporarily) plump up your lips a bit, too.