These Pro Tricks Will Keep Your Makeup from Creasing

Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

There aren't many things that can ruin a perfect face of makeup like two huge parentheses around your mouth (aka those smile lines). Even the delicate skin underneath your eyes can fall victim to tiny folds, but there are a few tips and tricks that will help minimize cosmetic creasing. We turned to makeup expert Fiona Stiles, and she explained the steps that she uses on celebrity clients like Gabrielle Union and Elizabeth Banks.

First, she assured us, those fine lines and wrinkles aren't so bad. Most are a result of movement, which means that you probably have a lot to smile about. The constant expressions, she explained, cause "makeup to gather in the areas it's pushed into."

The pro said that tackling the problem with great skin care is key. "Using the right cream for your skin type hugely impacts the staying power of makeup." It doesn't matter if you have dry or oily skin, hydrating with formulas that are tailored to your complexion is crucial.

Stiles also settled the cream makeup versus powder debate once and for all. "I lean towards cream products and powder minimally. Even though creams tend to move around a bit more, powders really 'settle' into fine lines and creases." And there's one area to always avoid: "Steer clear of too much powder under the eyes. It just exacerbates the problem!" she said.

When applying foundation on her clients, Stiles takes a less-is-more approach. "The more there is on the face, the more product there is to snuggle into creases and lines." She prefers to use a two-step application technique to get full coverage with the smallest amount of product possible. "I find that a foundation brush and a damp Beautyblender ($20; sephora.com) gives the most flawless results. If two steps seem like one step too many, then opt for the foundation brush. It really does make a difference in how the product sits on the skin."

VIDEO: 5 Products to Help Winterize Your Skin

And if you still end of noticing a line or two, "a clean concealer brush can work wonders for freshening up the face!" said Stiles. You can really control the product with the helpful tool, and smooth out any ridges. She also suggested keeping a small amount of blotting powders on hand to help smooth out your look. "They don't have a lot of pigment in them and just take away the shine without adding more product to the skin."