The Most Common Makeup Questions

We may fancy ourselves beauty experts, but we never run out of questions to ask. Because we know you have plenty of questions too, we rounded up ten of the most common inquiries we get, and did the research to answer each and every one of them. From how to wear lip liner to how to prevent makeup pilling, read on for answers to your most pressing makeup questions. 

Q: How Do I Apply Foundation Over Acne?

A: Before you apply your foundation, consider some color-correcting tricks to help neutralize your blemishes. If you have a pimple that is very red, neutralize it with a green color corrector like the Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Camouflage Creator in Green. Use a small, stiff brush and tap the product directly onto the blemish. Then apply your foundation on top. 

Q: Why Does Makeup Pill?

A: Pilling can occur if you’re applying thick layers of products or if you’re trying layer powder formulas over cream or vice versa. To find out what to do if your makeup is pilling, read this. 

Q: What Does Lip Liner Actually Do?

A: Lip liner has several uses. If you use it to outline the lips, it can help prevent your lipstick from feathering and define the shape of your lips. If you use it to fill in your lips, it can be worn on its own or to amp up the color of your lipstick. 

Q: How Do I Keep My Mascara From Smudging Under My Eyes?

A: Waterproof formulas dry to a matte finish and only budge when in contact with an oil, so they are pretty much guaranteed to stay on the lashes and not smudge. For a few more smudge-proof tips, read this. 

Q: How Do I Apply Lipstick on Dry Lips?

There are tons of questions that we all want answers to. How to achieve the perfect liquid line, how to contour like Kim Kardashian, what is the perfect red lipstick for every skintone? The list goes on and on. Because we know that you're pressing questions need to be answered, we connected with top makeup artists from our favorite brands to give us all their secrets.

Below, are the most commonly asked questions makeup artists receive daily, and their ever-elusive answers.

1. How do I pick the perfect red lipstick?
Women are always on the prowl for this. Choose cooler "true" red tones with a bit of blue if you have pink in your skin or are super fair-skinned. A warmer orange-red tone works best for olive-skinned women. —Lori Taylor-Davis, Smashbox Global Pro Artist

2. How do I contour my face?
Contouring seems like a daunting task if you've never done it. The reality is it's easier than you may think. The simplest way to understand contouring is to imagine a light over your head. The areas of the face that the light will illuminate are the highlights and the areas cast in shadows are the contours. Finding the right products is easy, and may already be in your makeup collection. Use a foundation or concealer one shade darker than you skintone (the one you purchased after that last beach vacation), or a bronzer can do the trick. —Blair Patterson, Director of Global Makeup Artistry, Estée Lauder

3. Which foundation works best?
Foundation creates the illusion of a flawless complexion. First, you need to determine what type of coverage you want to achieve: sheer, medium, or full. Next, decide on the finish: matte, natural, or dewy. Estée Lauder has a huge variety, so they're usually my favorite. —Victor Henao, Global Makeup Artist, Estée Lauder

4. Can I wear foundation every day? How do I stop it from slipping off?
You can always wear foundation just make sure to wear PRIMER! You can customize the primer for your skin concern as there are so many different kinds. This is the easiest way to wear foundation so it stays put. —LD

5. How do I get rid of wrinkles?
Makeup is magical. It can help conceal imperfections, but it's not the answer to every beauty issue. Being educated on the right skincare routine is important to maintain your skin. Great makeup starts with great skin, so make sure to stock up on moisturizers that contain retinol for anti aging and hyaluronic acid for intense moisture. —BP

7. I have 5 minutes to do my makeup—what can I do that would make the most difference?
A little concealer under the eyes is the easiest way to look more awake and bright-eyed. Or sunglasses and a bright lip always do the trick. —LD

8. What is the one product you can't work without?
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair—I use it with everything. Apply it on clean skin before your moisturizer, mix it with your foundation and blush. It makes any makeup look more like real skin. —BP

9. What is the most memorable job you've done?
Whenever I work with a celebrity, it's always very special. I recently spent the day with Kendall Jenner on an Estée Lauder shoot and got to experience first-hand, the "Kendall Jenner Effect." It's great to be with a celebrity who is surrounded by so much positive light. —VH