Think You're Bad at Makeup? 10 Ways to Level Up Your Glam, According to Makeup Artists (2025)

Applying makeup doesn’t have to be intimidating, but it often feels that way. If you’re learning through online tutorials, it can be difficult to find someone who matches your desired makeup style, has similar features to your own, and is a helpful teacher who offers step-by-step application techniques. Meanwhile, shopping for makeup is its own maze; who can find products they love under harsh fluorescent lighting or off of an online swatch, especially when there are so many options available?

To help you cut through the stress, we asked five professional makeup artists to share their most sought-after tips, from how to quickly and easily fix eye makeup mistakes to the best application methods for flawless blush, bronzer, and contour. Keep reading for techniques that will make you feel like a pro and gain a new sense of confidence in your everyday makeup routine.

1. Study the Basics

“Whether overwhelmed by the amount of makeup advice available or in search of a great foundation for learning the basics, I recommend starting with the OG makeup Bible, Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin,” says Drita Paljevic, head makeup artist at Kevyn Aucoin Beauty. The book offers step-by-step tutorials for recreating a wide range of looks, from soft and natural to full-glam smoky eyes. Other makeup artistry books to consider are Fine Beauty by makeup artist Sam Fine and the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual by Bobbi Brown. Our faces can change a lot due to varying factors—now is the time to reassess your favorite features and research the application techniques that suit them, adds Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye, founder of Ami Colé.

2. Focus on Blending

The easiest way to blend your eyeshadow is by moving your brush in light, circular motions, says celebrity makeup artist Elaina Badro. She recommends starting any look with a transition shade, which is intended to help soften the gradient between the eyeshadow on your lid and the skin surrounding your eyes. A transition shade is typically a matte, neutral eyeshadow that closely resembles your skin tone, but you can also use your bronzer as a transition shade.

3. Line Your Eyes With a Pencil

“A pencil eyeliner is great because you can use it as a smoky liner, a winged eyeliner, or smudged on the eyelids as a shadow,” says Steve Kassajikian, head of global artistry for Urban Decay. He recommends the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencils, which are easy to blend, last all day, and are available in over 35 shades.

4. Fix Eye Makeup Mistakes Fast

If you accidentally take your winged liner too far or have shadow under your eyes, clean up the area using a cotton swab or concealer brush dipped in a face primer, rather than a makeup remover. “The silky texture picks up loose shadows while also priming the skin,” says Paljevic. “I avoid using water or makeup remover because it can dry out the under-eye area and lead to imperfect foundation and concealer application.” If your mascara smudges, wait for it to dry before gently flicking the product off using a clean spoolie, she adds.

5. Start With the Eyes

“I always do the eye makeup first because it cuts down on time, product waste, and frustration, says Kat Dorn, makeup artist and brow specialist at Lrn Beauty. “If you do your foundation and concealer, then do eyeshadow and mascara, there’s a possibility of those products falling down or smudging over the finished complexion.”

6. Fill in Your Brows With a Pencil

“Brow pencils offer the simplest way to fill and shape your brows, or darken them if desired,” says Badro. For a natural look, try a cool-toned brow pencil one to two shades lighter than your hair color. “Start at the top of the brow, applying the color just at or above those tiny hairs,” says Ashley Maurin Rodden, makeup artist and founder of LOVER Cosmetics. Blend the color through the tail, then draw another line underneath the brow. Finish by filling in any sparse areas and set in place using a clear or tinted eyebrow gel. Rodden’s favorites are the elf Brow Lift and the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze.

7. Prime Your Brush

If your blush, bronzer, or contour looks uneven and patchy, try this tip. “Before applying blush or contour, I prime the brush,” says Paljevic. “This involves dipping the brush into the product, then swirling it on the back of my hand to evenly distribute the product and remove any excess. Then, I apply it to my face gradually, building the color little by little.” If the color looks a little too intense, soften the edges with a clean, fluffy brush. You can also blend out the area using a translucent or flesh-toned powder.

8. Visit a Makeup Counter

If you feel like watching online tutorials and daily practice aren’t cutting it, don’t be afraid to visit a makeup counter. “Just like going to the doctor, write down your question before you go into the makeup lesson,” says Rodden. “Be clear about what you want to learn and what products you think you need to accomplish your desired look.”

9. Use Lightweight, Blendable Products

As you adjust to new makeup techniques, prioritize lightweight formulas that are blendable and easy to work with. Try a skin tint, such as the Ami Colé Skin-Enhancing Tint, or the Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30, with other cream products on top. Paljevic recommends The Contrast Stick, The Color Stick, and The Lighting Stick from Kevyn Aucoin Beauty. “These sticks are a great option for beginners and pros alike because they make it easy to control the intensity of product application and avoid harsh lines,” she explains. Other easy-to-use stick products we love include the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick, the Milk Makeup Matte Cream Bronzer Stick, and the Haus Labs by Lady Gaga Color Fuse Glassy Blush Balm Stick.

10. Practice When the Pressure Is Off