5 makeup tricks to give your everyday look a boost

MANILA, Philippines – Most women have a go-to beauty routine – for a night out, a day at the office, a first date, something safe and familiar that will always do the trick.

Though familiar and reliable beauty routines are great, it’s best to update your look every now and then. (READ: The weekend beauty routine)

Scared of major experiments that may leave you looking too high-fashion for your taste and comfort? No need to worry. Here are simple steps to update your look without making major changes:

For fuller, luscious lips 

Who doesn’t want to have Angelina Jolie’s sexy pout? We know we do. But when you have a thinner set of lips, it would take a bit more than lip gloss to achieve that look. Sure, you can outline your lips with lipliner outside your actual lip lines. However, that would look very unnatural for just a night out with friends.

A simpler way of making an illusion of fuller lips is by using white eyeshadow. After applying your favorite lipstick, dip your finger or a small brush into your white eyeshadow pot. (Matte and shimmery whites are fine, the kind with flecks of glitter are a no-no.) Brush it over the center of both your upper and lower lips. Let it set for a bit before applying a thin coat of lip gloss. Remember, there’s a fine line between sexy, pouty lips and looking like a fish. So try not to go overboard.  (READ: Red lipstick and your skin tone)

Make your eyes look bigger, look more awake

Tired eyes? Brighten up your usual office-day look by using white eye liner on your lower lash line. 

It will open up your eyes and make them look fresh despite staying out late last night with your girlfriends. It can also help keep them from looking bloodshot.

Want to take it to the next level? Use a bit of the eye liner (or white eyeshadow) on the inner corners of your eye and blend it in using your finger. 

(READ: The beauty alphabet: BB, CC, DD, and EE creams)

Make your lashes look more dramatic

We all crave for longer and fuller eyelashes but not all of us girls are eager to get extensions due to all the maintenance it entails. No need to worry. You can fake sweeping lashes with just a bit of loose powder and your favorite mascara.

After applying eyeshadow, sweep the eyelids and lashes with a coat of loose powder. Apply some mascara and let it set for a bit. You’ll immediately see the effect on your lashes – they’ll look longer and fuller. Repeat the process, and remember to let the latest coat of mascara dry first before sweeping on another layer of powder. You wouldn’t want the mascara to spread on your face with every sweep.

Define your eyes without eyeliner

Go for a softer, day time look without sacrificing eye definition. Most of us love putting black eyeliner on the top lash line as it helps opens our eyes. However, black eyeliner can sometimes be a tad too much for a day look. 

Instead of black eyeliner, try using brown eye shadow to define your eyes. Sweep it over your upper lash line using an angled brush.

Want to add more drama? Sweep some of the eyeshadow right below your lower lash line, starting from the outer corner of your eye, making sure the color looks faded as it approaches the middle of your eye’s lower lash line.

(READ: Beauty oils 101: Argan, tea tree, marula, jojoba, and more)

Make your brows bolder and more defined

It’s the classic trend that’s making a huge comeback. Dark, well-defined eyebrows can either make or break a look. After all, the brows frame your face. Though we all wish we can pull off Cara Delevingne’s look, we must admit that her eyebrows won’t work for everyone.

A simple way to make your eyebrows darker: Define using either an eyebrow pencil or brow powder. 

Don’t know where to start, end, and emphasize the arch? That’s easy. Measure your brows first before defining. Grab a thin makeup brush (or anything straight-edged like a pen) and hold it over your nose’s outer most edge and your eye’s inner corner. The line will determine where you should start. For your arch, make sure you are looking straight ahead. Twist the brush towards the outer side of your eye, stopping over the outer edge of your iris. The intersection between your brush and eyebrow is where the arch should be. And for the end of your brow, angle the brush further until it’s over your eye’s outermost edge. The brow and brush intersection should be the end of your brow.

Define your eyes, opting for a shade one step darker than your usual, then blend it using a spooly brush. Make the hairs stay put with brow gel.

Use white eyeliner to line a small space under your brow’s arch, known as your brow bone. Carefully line towards the outer end of your brow and blend using your fingers. This will make your arch stand out and your brows more defined. 

Bonus tip: switch up your lipsticks! 

Feeling braver after trying out these tips? Try a bold lip color you don’t usually go for – a fiery red for a night out, bright pink for a short trip to the mall, or even something purplish or closer to lavender for brunch with your girlfriends. Spring collections for makeup brands are already out and a lot of them usually come out with bright and exciting shades to go well with the good weather and blooming flowers. Using an entirely different shade of lipstick will do wonders for your face and will instantly update your look. (WATCH: Kate Upton is the new face of Bobbi Brown cosmetics)

Got a few tips of your own? Let us know in the comments section below. – Rappler.com

Image of woman putting on lipstick with brush, from Shutterstock

Update your look with these makeup tricks! Use makeup you already have or treat yourself to new ones. Check out everyday deals and discounts here.