Ever look at old pictures of yourself and think wtf was I thinking?

The first couple of years that I started experimenting with makeup were definitely fun at the time, but now I wish I would have thought twice before walking out the house like that. Thin eyebrows, wrong shade of foundation, uneven eyeliner and the list goes on.

It wasn’t until I met my friend Alex (who is the best damn makeup artist) that I learned all the secrets to having my makeup look perfect. I’ll never forget I was attending and covering a Hublot event with some players from the Miami Heat at the W South Beach and I needed to get my makeup done. I went to MAC where Alex was working at the time, we hit it off, became great friends and 5 years later she still amazes me more and more everytime she does my makeup.

She literally taught me everything I know about makeup, so I’m going to be the Alex in everyone’s life who is just starting out with makeup.

1. Correct foundation – You need to make sure it is your exact color and the brand that you choose is good for your skin type. EX: If you have naturally dry skin you have to make sure you get a great foundation that will keep your skin moisturized. I recommend going to Sephora and having someone there match you to whatever foundation is best for you. Giorgio Armani Luminous Foundation is my go-to foundation!

2. Lipstick – I always recommend putting a lipliner on prior to applying lipstick. It definitely makes the lip color pop.

3. Highlight- Find a highlighter that looks great with your skin tone. I always get gold or a rose gold highlighter since it matches better with my skin tone. There is so many beautiful silver highlighters, but I would look crazy with it on because it would clash with my skin tone.

4. Contour – Blend, Blend and when you think you blended enough, blend some more. Even though it may look like you blended enough, if you really didn’t you will know for sure the second you take a picture. Don’t be that person with the white stuff all over your face in pictures because you didn’t blend well enough!

5. Eyebrows – This took me almost a good year before I mastered this. You have to apply the eyebrow pencil very gently, don’t do it too dark if you want it to look natural. Make sure you clean up your eyebrows. I use concealer on the bottom and foundation at the top.

6. Eyeliner – The easiest way to apply eyeliner is with a liquid eyeliner. I pull the side of my eyelid up and apply the liner from in to out. If I’m doing a winged eye, I draw the wing on first then apply the liner from in to out.

7. Concealer – I also recommend going to Sephora so that they can match you with your correct color. Concealer can be used to brighten under your eyes, to clean up your eyebrows, cover up dark spots and much more.

8. Brushes – Remember there is a different brush for each thing you’re doing. Foundation, concealer, highlight, powder, blush, etc are all different brushes.

9. Sponges – I’ve started using sponges to apply my foundation. I just think it looks more natural and is a lot faster for me. I also use sponges for my concealer.

10. Setting Powder – Apply this after your done with all your makeup so it will stay flawless all day. I love setting powder, some people do makeup setting spray instead. I personally hate the spray.

Beauty carousel Makeup Sincerely Courtney