Some beauty knowledge is so essential, it should be taught in school. These 10 hacks aren’t trendy tricks — they’re foundational techniques that make everything else easier.
Master these, and your entire beauty routine becomes more efficient.
Updated for 2026 with timeless essentials.
Foundation & Base
1. Match Foundation on Your Jawline, Not Your Hand
Your hand is a different color than your face. Always test foundation on your jawline in natural light. The right shade disappears completely.
Pro tip: Test 2-3 shades and walk outside to check. Store lighting lies.
2. Let Skincare Absorb Before Makeup
Wait 5-10 minutes after moisturizer and SPF before applying foundation. Applying too soon causes pilling and sliding.
The order: Cleanser → Toner → Serum → Moisturizer → SPF → Wait → Primer → Foundation
3. Less Product = Better Coverage
Counterintuitive but true. Thin layers blend better and look more natural than thick applications. Build coverage gradually where needed.
Eyes
4. Curl Lashes Before Mascara
Curling after mascara causes lashes to stick to the curler and break. Always curl first, then apply mascara to set the curl.
5. The “3” Rule for Mascara
Three coats maximum. More than that leads to clumping and spider lashes. Let each coat dry slightly before the next.
6. Set Concealer Under Eyes
Under-eye concealer creases without setting. Lightly dust translucent powder with a small brush to lock it in place.
Lips
7. Exfoliate Lips Before Matte Lipstick
Matte formulas cling to dry patches. Gently exfoliate with a toothbrush or lip scrub, apply balm, blot, then lipstick. It glides on evenly.
8. Line Slightly Outside Your Natural Lip
For fuller-looking lips, line just outside your natural lip line (1mm max). Fill in with lipstick. More than 1mm looks obvious.
General
9. Clean Your Brushes Weekly
Dirty brushes cause breakouts, muddy color application, and bacterial growth. Baby shampoo and warm water works perfectly.
Quick clean: Brush cleaner spray between deep washes.
10. Good Lighting Changes Everything
Do your makeup in the same lighting you’ll be seen in. Bathroom lighting is usually too yellow or too harsh. Natural daylight (near a window) is most accurate.
Bonus: The Mistakes to Avoid
- Pumping mascara wand — pushes air in, dries out product faster
- Sharing eye products — spreads bacteria and infections
- Ignoring expiration — mascara 3 months, liquid products 12 months, powders 24 months
- Skipping SPF — the most anti-aging thing you can do
- Matching foundation to your tan — your tan fades, foundation doesn’t
Final Thoughts
Beauty trends come and go, but these fundamentals stay constant. Once you nail these basics, experimenting with trends becomes much easier because you have a solid foundation (literally).
For more essential knowledge, see our beauty tricks guide.
Editorial Note: These tips apply to most people but individual results vary based on skin type and personal preferences.