I'm always so impressed at how makeup artists can literally transform any face into something utterly flawless. My older cousin Liza Almodovar is the perfect example. This busy mom and professional makeup artist has a ton of makeup tricks up her sleeve that can instantly make you look worthy of any red-carpet event. I'm talking defined cheek bones, flawless skin, a perfect pout–heck she can even make it look like you just got yourself a nose job. I'm so serious!
While applying makeup can seem daunting, with a few simple tricks and tips you can easily nail any makeup look. Check out a few of Liza's quick and easy makeup tricks to help you look perfectly flawless (or at least fake it) every time!
Readmore ¿Qué más? 7 tips to looking your best when you wake up each morning
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For wide awake eyes
"Using white or flesh color on the lower waterlines does definitely open up the eyes. But I also recommend using a light color on the tear duct, like MAC Eyeshadow in Naked Lunch ($15). It’s a universally flattering light pink champagne frost that really does do the trick," Liza says.
For overly plucked brows
For thin, overly-plucked brows, Liza recommends using an eyebrow pencil, like MAC Eye Brows ($15) to help draw in the your desired shape. "Then take a small angled brush to fill the brow using a color a shade lighter than your hair. Clean it up using a concealer."
For the perfect red lip
"Red tends to bleed out after a while and you can end up looking like the joker. Defining your cupid bow (with a lip liner) is important when wearing deep colors so it looks neater." Try a lip liner pen, like Make Up For Ever Aqua Lip Waterproof LipLiner Pencil ($18) in a shade that matches your lipstick. "Also, using a lip brush helps a lot. I tend to put more color on the bottom then press the lips together. And last, a trick older than time, blot!"
For defined cheek bones
To achieve perfectly defined cheekbones, Liza suggests contouring. "Use a cream or powder color about two shades darker than your skin, then draw a line where there would be cheek bones. If you don’t know where to draw, simply suck in your cheeks. Then blend, blend, blend." Try e.l.f Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder ($3).
For a thinner nose
When it comes to making the bridge of your nose appear thinner, Liza says it’s all about contouring and highlighting. "With the same shade you used for your cheeks, draw a line from your brow bone down to the end of your nose on both sides. After you’ve blended outward, choose a color a few shades lighter than your skin and apply it on the bridge of your nose. Then blend." I like NARS Bronzing Powder ($34) for contouring.
For the perfect cat-eye
"Liquid liners are great and easy to use. But I personally prefer using a gel liner with a small angled brush. Start out thin from where your iris starts and as you pull it away make the line thicker. An easy trick is to create a line up from where your eye ends and make a backwards V top where your liner ends. Then color it in." A great gel liner? Try Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($23).
For hiding imperfections
"I have loads of scars on my face and the best trick I’ve learned is using concealer before and after foundation. I like Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer ($45) on primed skin. Blend it over the imperfections then put the foundation on. You don’t need heavy foundation on top of this product. I love the Beauty Blender ($20) when applying foundation. Your skin looks airbrushed. If you still see marks or flaws use a full coverage concealer (over foundation) like Becca Dual Coverage Compact Concealer ($38)," advises Liza.
