Wouldn’t it be great to have 24/7 access to your very own glam squad – you know to ensure you makeup was always incredible. Unfortunately, this is something most of us can only dream about. Amazing, flawless makeup application is an art to master, so it’s really no surprise that whilst in the process of trying to master it, mishaps happen. Contouring, anyone?

So, here are our four fave how-to hacks for fixing some common makeup fails:

1. Mismatched foundation
I think we’re all guilty of this one. Choosing the perfect foundation colour is hard. Too light, too dark, too orange! Our best advice is that you don’t need to use just one foundation to create the perfect base. There are lots of skin tones on the face and neck area, so try mixing multiple shades to create the perfect tone. The Real Techniques Expert Face Brush is the perfect tool for blending foundation on the face to give a buffed, airbrush finish. Plus, it’s ideal for liquid or cream foundations.

2. Bad brows
OK we all know it – brows are probably one of THE most important features on our face. But, they are also one of THE easiest features to get wrong. The key is to add a little shape and definition, and match them as closely as possible to your natural colour. This will keep them looking natural. Brows should be textured, fuller in the centre and taper lightly outward. 1000 Hour Eyelash & Brow Dye Kit will help you achieve this. It is quick and easy to apply with a mascara wand, no smudge and waterproof! This product is a must have for beautiful defined brows (that last up to six weeks – hello summerJ)

3. Our word on contouring
We’re pretty sure there are two types of people in the world. Those who just won’t contour because they are too scared (PS we don’t blame you) and those who have gotten it really wrong. What contouring does is define areas of your face to appear more sculpted (think the cheek and forehead area) by using a darker colour to create shadow. It should not look like lines have been painted on your face. Blending really is the key to achieving a contoured look! Real Techniques Sculpting Brush has a flat, wide head specifically designed to create this type of definition. You can also create shadows or highlight your favourite facial features using a Real Techniques Sculpting Sponge. The small side of the sponge is great for precision and the large side for controlled contouring. If your contour is too harsh use your regular foundation shade and blend it into the darker one until you have softened the look.

We’d also like to add a tip picked up from Sam & Nic Chapman of Real Techniques during their recent Australian visit. Not everyone needs to contour. If you already have defined cheeks, or you don’t need to create a narrowing effect on your forehead, then don’t.

4. Unblended eye shadow
Unblended eye shadow will do the complete opposite of your desired look! The dark smoky eye you hope to achieve can look “muddy” making your eyes appear smaller; it will also look harsh and unfinished. In order to achieve fabulously done eye-makeup, the Real Techniques Miracle Mini Eraser Sponges are ideal for blending into small creases, sweeping up eye shadow fall-out and fixing mishaps. It’s also great for blending colour close to the lash- line!  

5. We’re drawing the line on overdone lips
There’s no denying that Kylie Jenner has made a huge splash on the beauty world, and all of a sudden/once again full lips are the hottest trend. Yes, defined lips can give you an Angelina Jolie pout, but if they’re not naturally full you can also end up looking a little like you’ve just escaped from the circus minus the clown suit! For plumper lips use Real techniques Retractable Lip Brush to apply a natural shade colour on the very edge of the lip line and then blend well. This brush perfectly applies colour smoothly and expertly lines the contours of the lips for added definition. Be sure to go all the way into the corners of the lips as it will make them look bigger. If you go outside the lines, use a little foundation on a Real Techniques Miracle Mini Eraser (double duty) to gently erase the line and start again. Fake it to you make it beauties!

So there you have it, some great products, tips, and tricks for fixing four of the most common makeup fails!