If I’ve learned one thing above all else in my years as a beauty editor, it’s that no amount of high quality, luxurious products can make up up for less than effective application. When it comes to flawless makeup, technique really is everything. In the way of celebrities that seem to have the airbrushed, perfect makeup application down to a science, Hailey Bieber is the first to come to mind. While we’re used to watching the Rhode founder applying her own products on TikTok and Instagram, the beauty influencer learned from the best. And now we can learn the same way, as Bieber’s makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes just dropped her biggest makeup dos and don’ts that are bound to revolutionize your routine.
Katie Jane Hughes’ Makeup Dos and Don’ts
In a user-friendly, easy-to-understand makeup tutorial posted to her Instagram this week, Bieber’s MUA Katie Jane Hughes called out her biggest tips for seamless, lasting makeup application, and we’re taking major notes. Hughes’ first no-no is one we’ve all undoubtedly experienced before. Instead of applying blush directly to the cheeks and using elbow grease to try and blend, Hughes recommends putting your blush product on your palm and working it into the brush from there for a much more graceful application. Similarly, her next don’t is in regards to concealer and complexion products, which she says you should never apply directly to your skin f you want to avoid creasing and pilling. Hughes assures you’ll have much more control over the coverage and blendability if you apply your product to your hand first and work it into the brush. If you need more blur, tap the product into your skin with the warmth of your finger, Hughes says.
When it comes to lip liner, Hughes’ tips are somewhat revolutionary even for someone like me whose full time job is lipstick. Instead of over-lining the whole perimeter of the lips (unless you have natural fullness you’re trying to enhance), Hughes suggests lining around the cupid’s bow and at the center of the bottom lip where the lips are most full, and blurring the product across the rest of the lip line with your finger for a natural look. Lastly, when it comes to powder and finishing touches, Hughes recommends swapping your big, fluffy powder brush for a smaller size and focusing on small, controlled movements as opposed to sweeping ones for maximal coverage.