If highlighter application had a 101 class, most of us would fail miserably. It's not our fault; mastering the tool is really tricky. That's why mixing an illuminizer and a skin moisturizer is a great way to get a glowing complexion without all the precise dabbing. "Apply this combo before you layer on foundation for a natural, dewy base," says Paul. For an even more sheer effect, celebrity makeup artist Lusine Galadjian (her clients include Victoria Justice and Ashley Greene) suggests pairing the illuminator with tinted moisturizer, which means you can skip foundation altogether. Just be sure to go a little lighter in the T-zone area when applying; oil production is heaviest there and highlighter can make your forehead, nose, and chin look shiny instead of glowy. Mix both the illuminzer and moisturizer in the palm of your hand and spread across your face using your fingers.
The best way to instantly hide scars, blemishes, and spider veins on your body isn't actually concealer. "I like to mix foundation with a mineral sunscreen," says Paul. "The combo melts really nicely into skin. Plus, natural sunscreen has a reflective quality that enhances your glow and camouflages flaws beautifully."
There's a reason you are loyal to your go-to makeup products: They work. They look great with your complexion. But what if we told you that you could make your favorite makeup look even better by mixing it with other beauty products you already have? Just call this little act of fine-tuning: DIY makeup.
Customizing your own makeup is a technique that top pros have been using behind the scenes since the dawn of primping. "Mixing makeup creates a one-of-a-kind tone and texture that you can keep tweaking until you find what works best for your skin and complexion," explains makeup artist Jeffrey Paul. "Plus, it�s the best way to adjust the depth, brilliance, and sheen of your products."
Think you need to be a pro to pull off this kind of makeup mixology? Trust us, it's easier than a kindergarten paint class. And the payoff is huge, say makeup artists: Mixing your makeup and products is the ideal way to fake professional blending and application techniques.
Another big bonus of using this technique: You save a heap of cash. You know that old product graveyard underneath your bathroom sink? Learning how to mix products can bring all of those half-used oldies back from the dead.
Here's the rub: You have to know which products complement each other. (Like, say, knowing that you can mix that foundation that wasn't quite right for your skin with sunscreen to cover up body scars and blemishes.) Check out these easy -- and effective -- beauty concoctions to start mixing now. Mastering the DIY makeup trend has never been easier.
