SELF’s Best Beauty Tips

When you lift and separate lashes, it's easier to apply mascara evenly. Before you pick up that magic wand, curl lashes in three places: First, gently clamp along the lash line, then move forward to the center of lashes, and finally hit the tips. "The effect is like a push-up bra for your lashes," says Napoleon Perdis, a celebrity makeup artist in Los Angeles.

Remember, a little really does go a long way. For undetectable coverage, use foundation only where you need it. Why put it everywhere when you need to hide darkness only under your eyes, redness around your nose or a few sun spots on your cheeks? Use your (clean) fingers to rub it in: Body heat helps you create a natural faux finish.

When it comes to bronzer, there's a fine line between looking sun-kissed and covered with dirt. Try the five-point connect-the-dots method from Troy Surratt, a makeup artist in New York City: Sweep a large blush brush across the left temple, apple of the left cheek, tip of the nose, apple of the right cheek, and the right temple. Glow get 'em!

Lipcolor is the smartphone of makeup: You feel naked without it and use it all the time. Nix potential mishaps: Dab color in the center of lips with your finger, then tap it out to edges, says Renato Almeida, a makeup artist in NYC for Shiseido. Your finger feels your natural lip line better than a tube or wand can. Good call!

Ditch "meh" shades for a bunch that look amazing on you. Tubes should come with a warning: The color inside may not be even close to what you'll see on your lips. "Some might be sheer even though they look opaque. Others might have way more shimmer or be more matte than you think," Surratt says. Instead of exiling tubes to the beauty-drawer black hole, he says, "layer two or three that are in the same color family but have opposite textures to customize a finish you love."

31% reach for makeup to feel sexy. 27% say it makes you look professional. 24% wear it to show off confidence. 11% use makeup to get a mood boost.

Black mascara is your best bet to make eyes pop instantly. "It creates high contrast, making eyes brighter and bigger," says Emily Kate Warren, a makeup artist in NYC. Always flick your wrist in a windshield-wiper-like motion. Mascara builds up most at the tip of the wand; this technique creates thicker lashes in one swoosh.

Cream blush looks natural without a lot of fuss. Plus, it typically has more concentrated color than powder, so it won't fade. (Try Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cream Blush, $24.) Forget your finger and use a small blush brush to get a realistic flush.

48% of you prefer to shop at specialty stores.

41% buy makeup at drugstores.

The secret? Be nice! It's that simple. On a department store beauty floor, you'll typically get a little swag if you make a purchase; but if you're browsing and can't decide, ask the salesperson for a tester to try at home. When products you don't need are tossed in your shopping bag, politely say that you don't think you'll use them and ask if there are any other new products you can try. You never know what they have stashed in the back.

3 TRICKS YOU WANT TO ACE
1. Apply liquid liner stick-straight Survey takers say mastering liquid liner is their ultimate struggle. But when applied right, it adds subtle, sexy definition. For liner newbies, use a liquid liner pen (the Sharpie of makeup) instead of the classic dip-in-an-inkwell kind. "The pen puts out an even amount of pigment so you can draw a perfect line," Surratt explains. "Plus, it's easier to hold than a skinny wand is." Try the dash technique: Make small strokes (not one movement) along your lash line, starting at the inner corner of your eye. Place a mirror on your vanity and look down as you apply to get a clearer view of your lash line, Surratt says.

3 TRICKS YOU WANT TO ACE
2. Layer several shades of shadow When aiming for a sultry eye, some of you say you end up with a muddled mess. Use only two complementing shades and apply them from light to dark, Surratt suggests. Surefire combos: bronze and dark brown, deep teal and forest green, sheer gray and charcoal. Starting below the crease, sweep the lighter color across your entire lid with one shadow brush. Then apply the darker shade directly into the crease with a smaller, more tapered brush. An optional extra step: Add a hint of highlight. Use a shimmery beige shade past the crease and apply it up to your brow bone.