15 Beauty Skills You Need to Master

ILLUSTRATIONS BY ANNA SUDIT.

When it comes to her beauty routine, we believe it’s every woman’s right — nay, responsibility — to experiment. How else are you supposed to find what works best for you (and what really, really doesn’t)? Curiosity about primping can lead to the discovery of wonderful things. Hey, if we hadn’t picked up that cranberry lipstick in the drugstore aisle in junior high, we might never have known the joy that is red lips. And, that, dear reader, would have been a crime.

With this in mind, we’ve drawn up the ultimate beauty bucket list: fifteen things every girl needs to try. Now, we’re not saying everything on this list is going to work or be ideal for everyone. In fact, there are likely going to be a few things that are totally wrong for you. But, it’s the experience of trying something new that we think is important — how it makes you feel and what you learn from it.

Keep reading for the trends, looks, products, and treatments you’ve got to try at least once in your life.

By Megan McIntyre

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Get your foundation custom-matched.

No matter your budget, base makeup is almost always the most expensive part of your cosmetics bag. It also happens to be one of the hardest products to pick out. So, rather than waste time and money, identify a brand you love, and then go to the store or counter and have a professional find the perfect one for you. If your skin tone isn’t accurately represented by conventional foundation offerings, it’s worth your while to seek out a custom foundation-matching service, like the one at Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Spa Union Square location. An attendant will use a high-tech device to take a “swatch” of your skin color, and a machine will use that to blend pigments to create an exact match. It may be a bit pricey, but in the long run, it will save you money, time, and frustration.

Master liquid liner, once and for all.

First things first: Liquid liner should not scare or intimidate you. It’s makeup. So, let’s quit with the excuses and finally learn how to do it properly, okay? There are about a billion tutorials and articles out there telling you how to use it. Set aside some time and test them out. Not every trick is going to be right for you, so try a few until you find the one you’re comfortable with. Then, practice, practice, practice — no one in history has picked up a liquid liner and instantly drawn a perfectly symmetrical cat-eye their first time.

Uncover your perfect red lipstick.

We’ve written more than a few articles professing our dedication to and admiration for red lipstick. That’s because nothing makes us feel more confident, sexy, and all-around awesome than a stellar scarlet on our pout. It’s the LBD of makeup. But, not every red is going to be right for you. Are you a red-orange kind of girl, a blue-toned diva, or more of a deep cranberry? Only one way to find out: Test 'em all. You can read all those articles about undertones this, and pigments that, but the best way to meet your red soulmate is to try a bunch of different ones and see which stands out (in a good way). You wouldn’t buy a staple wardrobe piece without trying it on first, right? Again, it may seem like an investment at the outset, but once you discover that go-to shade, it will all be worth it.

Get a haircut that makes you feel like a star.

Unless you are an unbelievably lucky individual, you’ve had a bad haircut experience. But, not everyone can say they’ve gotten a true superstar chop — the one that gets you all of the compliments. Finding that cut can be a bit of a white whale. If it were easy, we’d all have one — but if you do your research and find a stylist you trust (more on that later), it is possible.

Get (gasp!) bangs.

If you’re lucky, you’ll be one of the small percentage of people — which includes Alexa Chung, Zooey Deschanel, and Jane Birkin — who look baller with bangs. If not, well, at least you’ll be able to chime in next time all of your friends start complaining about how awful of an idea bangs are. Related: How To Upgrade The Basic Braid

Find a hairstylist who knows your hair and your soul.

A good hairstylist is so much more than the person who does your hair — they are your confidant, your ally, and sometimes even your therapist. Finding one who understands you as a person is one of the most beneficial things you could do. If you’ve already found them, then congrats to you. Hold on tight, and thank your lucky stars you have someone you can rely on to make you feel amazing. For those of you still on the hunt, start off by doing some research, reading up on buzzed-about salons and stylists in your area (here are some of our favorites in NYC, L.A., San Francisco, and Chicago) and asking people whose hair you really like where they get it done. Once you’ve identified the pros you want to check out, go in for a consultation, which most salons offer for free. In our experience, meeting with a stylist is a great way to gauge whether they will understand your hair, your needs, and your style. It also allows you to articulate what you’re looking for and communicate what you expect from the relationship. Of course, nothing’s ever a guarantee until you get the actual haircut, but doing your homework will put you one step further on the path toward finding hair bliss.

Finally learn how to do that %$^#& fishtail braid.

Nothing will make you feel more like a beauty badass than being able to effortlessly twist your hair into an intricate fishtail braid. Like many primping techniques, it takes practice to master, but once you do, you will feel pretty confident about your styling skills. Fortunately, we live in an age when the knowledge and skills are at your fingertips. Thanks, YouTube!

Get a facial with a top-notch aesthetician.

We all aspire to great skin. As much as we’d like to believe that there’s some lotion or potion out there holding the secret to a flawless visage, the truth is that it’s a combination of care, problem-solving, an ironclad routine, and a little bit of professional knowledge that will get you the skin of your dreams. With that in mind, we can’t recommend the services of an experienced aesthetician enough. Sure, a dermatologist is going to be key in helping you troubleshoot medical issues like rosacea or acne, but it’s an aesthetician who will teach you the proper methods to care for your skin. Even if you can’t afford to go regularly, book an appointment with a well-regarded pro at least once in your life to learn the fundamentals — everything from your skin type to your problem areas, to the right mix of products you need to use and the best way to apply them.

Invest in one really fancy beauty buy.

It should be something that makes you feel like a million bucks. Now, it doesn’t have to cost a million bucks — just a bit more than you might normally spend on a beauty product. Whether it’s lipstick, mascara, nail polish, or moisturizer, let it be a fancy-lady buy that makes you feel good whenever you see its pretty packaging or apply it. Related: Make Waves, Not War, With Your Hair Texture

Find a brow pro who understands that your arches aren’t for over-tweezing.

What a difference good brows can make — their transformative powers know no bounds. Which is why finding a pro you can trust and who understands the intricacies of a great arch is priceless. Whether you’re in need of waxing, threading, tweezing, or even tinting, find yourself an expert who will do everything they can to make sure your brows are always on fleek.

Discover your signature scent.

Or, if you’re more of a “variety is the spice of life” kind of girl, then build yourself up a perfume wardrobe. Having a go-to fragrance — one you can rely on when you want to feel a certain way or create a specific mood — is an easy way to feel like a super classy dame. And, who doesn’t love that feeling?

Get that Mason Pearson brush already.

Yes, it’s a hair brush. And, yes, it costs an arm and a leg. But, a billion hairstylists can’t be wrong — and seriously, they all swear by this thing.

Go blonde — and, if you are blonde, then go anything but blonde.

We’re in no way saying blonde is the ideal shade, or that everyone should always be blonde. But, something happens when those with darker hair take the plunge — a shift in the way they see themselves and others see them. The same is true for blondes who go, well, any other color. That feeling of transformation is one we think every girl should experience at least once in her life. Just be sure to get yourself a really good hair mask— your locks are going to need it after all that bleach.

Craft your very own 10-minute beauty routine.

Once you do, getting ready will never be easier or more enjoyable. Challenge your go-to beauty professionals and best friends to streamline your routine — because ain’t nobody got time for unnecessary steps. You should know your face and hair like, well, the back of your hand.

Buy a non-red, non-nude lipstick.

Whether it’s pastel, super bright, or some other off-the-wall hue, it should scare the crap out of you — and take you out of your makeup comfort zone. You’ll learn to love it, promise. Read the Rest on Refinery29!