Simple Beauty Tips That Make A Big Difference

During our Babymoon at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts, I attended a few seminars that focused on fitness, health and beauty. One of my favorites was the seminar all about beauty basics. Since I consider myself a makeup novice, I was excited to learn some tips from makeup experts.

My beauty routine is pretty simple and most days I don’t wear any makeup outside of a little mascara since I work at a gym. On days I do wear make up, I follow the same beauty routine I’ve had for years and knew I could benefit from some tips that might help up my makeup game.

I promised you guys I would share some of my notes from the session with the hope that they that might also benefit those of you out there who feel a bit overwhelmed by makeup and hair styling at times like I do!

Here we go!

For the Face

• Use Primer

This was the number one tip from the makeup experts at Canyon Ranch. It’s actually one I echo myself because after I started using primer a few years ago, I noticed a HUGE change in the longevity of my makeup. They explained that primer also allows you to use less makeup and have it last longer (I love my Smashbox primer, which they said is great. I buy mine at Ulta.)

So when do you apply primer? After you’ve cleansed your face and applied your moisturizer/SPF, apply primer before foundation, concealer, blush and bronzer.

Recommended primers: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, NARS Pro-Prime Oil Free Primer, Laura Mercier Radiance Primer

• Apply Foundation “Out and Down”

I loved this simple tip and began implementing it immediately. When applying foundation, apply it in lateral motions across the face and then down. This follows the natural lines of your face and lessens the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. When you apply foundation in a circular motion, it can emphasize the appearance of fine lines by settling in creases rather than smoothing the skin’s appearance and gliding over creases.

• Twirl Mascara (Don’t Pump It!)

When removing your mascara wand from the base, twirl it to get it out. Avoid pumping your wand to make sure it’s properly coated in mascara, as this allows excess air to get into the base and can dry out your mascara. By twirling the wand as you remove it, you’ll get a nice coat of mascara on the brush and avoid pushing air back into the tube.

• Clean Your Makeup Brushes

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When was the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes? When the women leading the beauty basics session asked our group this question, an embarrassed silence came over the crowd. Cleaning makeup brushes is incredibly important, as this keeps bacteria at bay and can significantly help reduce breakouts. The professionals at Canyon Ranch recommended using basic alcohol to clean makeup brushes. Simply spritz your makeup brushes with alcohol and wipe clean. Allow to dry before using again.

• Use Lipstick and Gloss Over a Lip Stain To Prevent Dryness

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My lips are very pale and lack any real pink color, so I was curious to hear what the professionals at Canyon Ranch had to say about long-lasting lip color. They weren’t huge fans. They said that regular use of most long-lasting lip stains can really dry out the lips. Using a lip stain for a special occasion or night out can be is great since you don’t want to have to reapply lip color all the time, but they encouraged more frequent daily use of lipstick or lip gloss, as both often moisturize the lips while providing a pop of color.

For the Hair

• Use the Nozzle When Blow Drying Hair

When blow drying your hair, use the nozzle to help direct heat and prevent breakage. Using the nozzle allows you to target the heat and reduce frizziness. The nozzle also helps give the appearance of smoother, shinier hair!

• Limit Hot Showers

Hot water can dry out the hair. Try not to wash your hair under hot water too frequently!

• Brush Your Hair

This was the number one tip the professionals at Canyon Ranch shared regarding hair care. They said that brushing your hair is the perfect way to distribute your hair’s protective oils. They recommended brushing your hair with a boar bristle brush rather than a comb because the soft bristles detangle hair and rather than rip through it.

Though quite expensive (um, I kind of died a little inside when I saw how much a boar bristle brush costs!), a quality boar bristle brush can last forever and the Canyon Ranch experts reiterated the fact that it’s a worthwhile investment if you use it regularly. They also said they hear about people who often avoid brushing their hair because they feel like it makes them lose hair… This simply isn’t the case for the vast majority of people. Each hair has a 4-year life  span, and you’re supposed to shed old hair! New hairs are growing in their place and brushing your hair will only help keep your locks healthy and increase their strength since you’re distributing the protective oils to each strand by brushing!

Recommended brush: Mason Pearson

• Dry Shampoo Is Great… But Try Not To Use It Daily

Dry shampoo is the best thing going for refreshing dirty locks, but the professionals at Canyon Ranch cautioned against using it daily, as this can cause dryness and prevent the distribution of the natural oils of the hair. Use it to help bring your hair back to life, but try not do use it every single day.

Favorite dry shampoos: Blopro Dry Shampoo, Klorane Extra Gentle Dry Shampoo (<— I discovered that one through my Birchbox subscription and it’s my all time favorite!)

• Opt for Ceramic and Ionic Heat Styling Tools Over Metal

Metal heat tools do not heat evenly and can make styling hair very difficult. Choose ionic or ceramic styling tools for even heat and a longer-lasting style.

Favorite styling tools: Chi Flat Iron, Sedu Pro Ionic Ceramic Flat Iron (I own both and love them!)

Question of the Day

• What is one change you’ve made to your beauty routine that you felt like made the biggest difference for you?
• If you could only use one beauty product for the rest of your life, what beauty product would you use?

For me, using primer made the biggest difference. As for the one beauty product I’d use if I could only use one for the rest of my life? I’d have to go with mascara. My blonde eyelashes disappear without it!