Your Most Commonly Asked Beauty Questions, Answered

Having worked as a makeup artist for over a decade, I’ve been asked many, many questions about skincare and beauty. But over time, I’ve learned the handful of things that everyone wants to know about, whether it’s someone shopping in store, or a model backstage at a runway show. In an effort to demystify some of the tips and myths that tend to swirl around, I’m revealing my answers to the most common beauty questions I’ve received.

How many coats of mascara is too many?

There is no limit! More is more in my book. However, if the formula you’re using dries quickly, I’d say stick to 2 coats to avoid clumping or flaking as it’s drying.

Should I use mascara on my top lashes only? Or both?

Either/or. Some people have small lower lashes and mascara on the bottom might not work. In that situation, I would say stick with a little bit of eyeliner or neutral matte shadow to give balance to the lower lash line.

A few tips:

1. Do a fresh dip of mascara for the top lashes, then use whatever is left on the brush for the lower lash to avoid excess on those finer bottom lashes.
2. If you have hard-to-reach lashes, try coating a flat brush (like the liner side of the Expert Shadow & Liner Brush) with mascara and painting onto your lower lashes, or even into tiny inner corner lashes.
3. If mascara tends to gather under your eyes or “run,” try using a waterproof formula, or the above tips, to limit the amount of product you’re applying.

Should I apply eyeliner on top, the bottom or both? What’s the difference?

It’s really up to you and your personal preference, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

• If you want to make your eyes look larger, avoid liner on the lower inner rim. Instead, apply it just under the lower lashes.
• If you don’t think lower lash liner works for you but you love a bold, dark, top liner, try balancing the lower lash line with a matte, neutral eyeshadow for depth, plus a bit of mascara. Otherwise the eye may look off-balanced and flat.
• Lower lash liner can be fun on its own, creating what I call a “reverse cat eye,” which is when the focus color is stronger across the entire lower lash line, like a cat eye but from the bottom lash line! Balance out the top of the eye with multiple coats of mascara.
• When it comes to liquid liner, this is normally applied on the top lid only. If you want liner on the bottom, choose a pencil or powder shadow to create the lower line. Tight lining, or applying liner to the top inner rim of the eye, is great to fill any flesh-colored gaps between lashes and liner on the top lid. You can also create a very fine black line at the root of the top lashes to give the illusion of extra fullness.
• If you want to create an elongated look to the eye, line more heavily on the outer third of the eye, and extend slightly past the outer corners.
• If you don’t have a lot of top lid space, try keeping your top liner thinner to give the look of a wider, brighter eye.

Should I wash my face in the shower or in the sink? 

There’s no wrong answer here. Personally, I wash my face in the shower in the morning, then in the sink at night. Either way your skin is getting clean and that’s what is important!

Any tips for filling in my eyebrows naturally?

Always begin by brushing your brows up and out so you can see the most natural shape and direction of hair growth. Then, begin filling in your brows at the arch. This will help you avoid over-filling. It’s commonly thought that you should start in the front, but brows tend to be naturally fuller in the front. By starting at the fullest part of the brow, you’ll be playing a game of “catch up” as you continue to fill brows to the tail. Another thing to keep in mind is to apply in short, hair-like strokes. By doing this, you’re mimicking your natural hairs and will be able to follow the direction they grow.

Is it OK to use an eyeshadow brush as a foundation brush?

Yes! When it comes to brushes, just because it says it’s for one thing doesn’t mean it won’t work for another. For example, The Diffused Shadow Brush is actually my favorite brush for a creamy, liquid concealer. Just remember to keep the brush clean in between uses if applying it to multiple areas of the face. Or, even better, get two of the same brush; one for your eyes and one for your foundation.

Can you make your pores look instantly smaller? 

Pores can look smaller when you use a primer. Most primers are meant not only to extend the wear of makeup, but to help smooth skin’s pores and texture, in order to allow for a better foundation application. PRIME TIME Foundation Primer is perfect for this! It’s great to also incorporate a skincare regimen like the PORELESS Collection to help reduce the appearance of pores over time if that’s a concern.

I just can’t figure out liquid liner. Any tips? 

Yes! I used to hold my breath when I applied liquid liner. Now it’s a breeze to do on my clients or on myself, even while my preschooler is climbing on my back. The first thing to know is that it’s near impossible to get liquid liner perfect in one continuous line, so try not to be intimidated. Instead, hold the pen on its side, laying it parallel to the lash line. Apply the product in short strokes, using the side of the pen to create small, connecting “dashes”. Use the point to go back in and fill any small or jagged areas. Don’t be ashamed to have makeup remover or small cotton buds available! They’re great tools to help clean up any mishaps or edges as you’re learning to perfect your liquid liner application. If you have oily eyelids, apply a powder shadow first all over the lid or a powder like MINERAL VEIL Finishing Powder to help absorb oils. Also, apply the liner, then let it dry with your eye closed for a few seconds to avoid transfer.

Do I really need an eye cream?

My question is: “Why not?” Eye creams are formulated differently than face moisturizers. They’re specifically created for the more delicate, thinner skin around the eyes. Eye creams can also have luminous properties which help fight darkness in the undereye area. You can use eye creams both in the morning and at night, but if you’re using eye cream in the morning before makeup, allow the cream to fully absorb, to ensure the best wear of your makeup products.

How do I get that gorgeous glowing skin I see on my Instagram feeds?

It all begins with skin. Skincare prep is so important for a glowing makeup look. Begin with products to help cleanse, treat and moisturize the skin. A few of my go-to products are:

• PURENESS Gel Cleanser, which gently cleanses without stripping skin
• SKINLONGEVITY Vital Power Infusion Serum, which leavesa fresh-looking glow to the skin
• PORELESS Essence, one of my essentials to gently exfoliate any of those tricky dry patches or flakes
• BARE HAVEN Essential Moisturizing Soft Cream, which gives skin silky-soft moisture that’s perfect before makeup

Next, choose a foundation that has a naturally luminous finish, like ORIGINAL Loose Mineral Foundation. But don’t be afraid to layer products! A little pro tip is to layer a liquid illuminator under foundation, then top with a little powder highlighter over the foundation. But be sure to keep the glow on the high points of the face.

If you’re adverse to shimmer, try taking a little bit of SKINLONGEVITY Serum and pressing it at the tops of the cheek bones to create a natural, healthy-looking glow. Try adding other textures and finishes that have a touch of luminosity, like BOUNCE & BLUR Blush.

Above all else, drink water and try to keep healthy eating habits. What you put into your body will always reflect on your skin!

Meet Carly

Carly Giglio (@carlygiglio) is a celebrated celebrity makeup artist and beauty educator with a passion for color, glowing skin and celebrating her client’s unique beauty. With almost a decade of industry experience, including red carpet and editorial photoshoots, brand creative campaigns and New York Fashion Week, Carly is all about the details when it comes to creating beauty looks.

“My makeup and artistry philosophy is about enhancing each individual’s natural features, not covering them up,” says Carly. “I love helping people to feel their best and most confident, while exploring the possibilities with makeup.”

A self-taught makeup artist, Carly first discovered her passion for color and artistry at a young age through her love of painting and a background in fine arts. One of her favorite aspects of working in the beauty space is connecting with people and making them feel good about themselves through the power of makeup – transforming a blank canvas into a work of art.

“I love creating beautiful, glowing skin with elements of color and luminosity throughout, and I’m all about seamless builds of color and structure,” Carly says. “But the best payoff is seeing how confident my clients become once they learn some simple makeup tips.

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