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This article has been updated since its initial publish date to include more expert insight.
Sometimes you want your makeup to create major drama and intensity. Other times you’re yearning for something soft and minimalist, maybe — a touch of blush and lip gloss and you’re out the door. But what about those times where you wake up feeling blah, look in the mirror, and would do anything to just appear fresher and more alert?
If you want your makeup to deliver an instant facelift, there’s some good news: not only is this achievable, but it doesn’t take major makeup application skill or heaps of money to do so. We checked in with experts Marylisa Diaz, artistic director of makeup at Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa and . who shared four quick makeup hacks that makeup artists rely on to give you an instant facelift.
1. Fan Eyeliner Out From Your Eye
Eyeliner is the gift that keeps giving if one of your makeup goals is to give the upper part of your face a lift. But the trick is knowing how to use this tool in the best possible way. “You can lift your eyes by placing eyeliner,” Diaz says. “Begin at the tear duct precisely thin along the lash line. As you approach the middle of your eye, start to go slightly up with a bit of thickness. This will also make your eyes appear wider and larger. This can be done with powder, pencil, gel or a liquid eyeliner.”
One of Diaz’s favorites is the Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen Liquid Eyeliner Duo, which features a fine calligraphy tip on one end and a brush on the other. “Victoria Beckham pencils are amazing,” she adds. If you prefer the softer finish of a pencil, try Victoria Beckham Satin Kajal Liner, which comes in so many fun colors, including shimmering shades.
2. Drape Your Blush
We’re so used to hearing that the most youthful way to wear blush is to place it all across the cheek — the idea being this will give cheeks more definition and sculpt the face. But there’s a better way, Diaz says. “Instead of placing blush on the apple of the cheek, you can use a technique called blush draping,” she says. “Applying blush along the top of the cheek bones, this will elongate the face and makes it appear lifted. I suggest trying the Christian Dior Rosy Glow Blush.”
3. Blend Contour Makeup Upwards
If you choose to contour your face, Diaz recommends making sure to blend upwards after placing the color. “This will create an instant lift,” she says. “One of my favorites is Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Sticks.”
4. Heat Your Eyelash Curler And Use Waterproof Mascara
Mintara has a helpful trick for those who curl their lashes or want to begin doing so. This hack can enhance your eyes and shift focus to your lashes, rather than any unwanted fine lines or wrinkles. Additionally, she emphasizes the necessity of using waterproof mascara for a flawless and smudge-free appearance.
"The worst thing that contributes to an aging effect when it comes to mascara is when it starts running onto your eyelids and into wrinkles," She points out. "To avoid this, you should make an effort to use waterproof mascara, and you should always heat your eyelash curlers before using them."
According to Mintara, taking this small measure will not only keep your curl intact for a longer duration but also lower the chances of any transfer from your lashes to the skin. "However, you should wait for the eyelashes to cool a bit before applying the mascara, or you will heat up the product and cause it to have a runnier consistency," she recommends.
Employing a blow dryer serves as a swift approach to apply warmth to your metal curler, subsequently bestowing upon your eyelashes a 'curling iron'-esque outcome that can be further accentuated by the application of waterproof mascara.
The Bottom Line
Overall, avoiding some of the most common makeup mistakes that can drag your face downward is also a wise move if your goal is to look fresher. Keep eyeliner on the top of your lid (and not on the bottom waterline, where it can pull your face downward), choose lightweight foundations that won’t seep into pores, avoid too-dark eyeshadow colors, and don’t overload your skin with drying powders. Avoiding mistakes and following a less-is-more approach with makeup can help you look instantly pulled together.
