Helpful makeup tips I've learned and use

I use this face scrub everyday. It's my new daily favorite that's replaced my St. Ives peach scrub.

- Exfoliating the skin and body twice a week helps buff away the dead skin cells and helps even out my skin tone. I even exfoliate my lips which helps give a smoother lipstick application.

- I wipe all eye makeup off first before washing my whole face. This helps avoid harsh scrubbing and spreading of the black makeup all over the face.

- Even if I didn't wear makeup for the day, I still cleanse my face or use a face wipe to get rid of any dirt and oils that may have built up.

- I skip the black eyeliner on the bottom eye rim during the day. This helps the appearance of an open and awake look. I do line the upper eye rim, however. It's a subtle difference, but a difference none the less.

- Now that I'm past my teen years, no more glitter makeup..anywhere.

- For my oily skin, I use a sponge instead of a makeup brush when applying any foundation. This helps absorb the oil in the makeup but still applies the color tint with a more matte look.

- Face highlighters come in handy for those early work mornings. I sweep some across my cheekbones and a little across the bridge of my nose to give off that "bright and beautiful" awake look.

- I clean my makeup brushes after every use, or at least every other use to prevent breakouts.

- Drinking plenty of water helps hydrate and bring out the natural glow in the skin.

- Mixing foundation and primer together helps give coverage without the caked look. I use this tip mainly during the winter when my face is more on the drier side.

- I noticed the darker I shadow in my eyebrows, the older I look. Days that I keep them natural, I look younger.

- If I don't have time to do a full face makeup routine, I at least throw on some pink blush and two coats of mascara to look somewhat put together. This is better than looking bare faced when rushing to work or out running errands.

- I wear SPF on my face and neck on a daily basis. This is the most important face regimen to me yet. 

What are yours? I'd love to hear them!