'I speak to makeup artists all the time. There are 7 makeup tips I wish I’d learnt years ago'.

If there's one thing I love doing more than pestering innocent dermatologists with questions, it's asking some of the top makeup artists to spill all their JUICY secrets and promising I won't tell anyone (HA).

From the brands and products they actually rate to the non-negotiable 'rules' they swear by - I'm nosy as hell and I ask it all. And hooly dooly, have I learnt a lot of stuff over the years! 

Watch: I tried the lube makeup trick. And the results kinda surprised me. Post continues below.

So, I'd thought I'd share some of the tidbits I've picked up that I kinda wish I'd known about earlier.

Here are some juicy insider secrets that will help you take your makeup game to the next level.

1. Skin prep before makeup is more important than you think.

This? This one is a biggie. Prepping your skin before applying makeup is terribly important and wildly underrated. Not only does it help with achieving a smoother, more seamless-looking finish, but it also does a lot on the longevity front. 

To get your complexion in the best possible shape pre-makeup, you should have clean skin and the correct moisturiser and sunscreen for your skin type.  

The key with skin prep? Makeup artists say your skin should feel supple and plump, rather than wet or slippery to touch. 

So, don't overload on serums and oils - just concentrate on tending to your main concerns (dehydration! redness! oiliness!).

2. Apply foundation from the centre, outwards.

I cannot stress enough how much this tip changed the way I apply makeup. (HEAPS).

I used to slap on foundation willy nilly, but have since learnt that the best way to do it is to do it sparingly and always start from the centre of the face (near the nose), working your way out to the jawline and hairline.

Not only does this help to create more of a natural finish, but it's where most of us require coverage, anyway. The centre of the face is also the area our eyes are drawn to first - so it makes sense to treat it as the most important part of your makeup look, tbh.

3. A damp beauty blender works better than a dry one.

Okay, confession time. Whenever I was applying makeup, I used to go straight in with foundation and a dry beauty blender and (try to) blend. And yes, she was patchy. And the dry sponge soaked up more makeup.

Bless.

For best results, that's why the pros always recommend wetting your sponge before dipping it into makeup/using it on your face. 

Another nifty trick? The back of your (clean) hand is actually really good at being a makeshift palette. How about that! 

So, you can pop your foundation or product on the back of your hand and bounce the sponge right onto your face.

4. Only use coverage where needed.

When I was in my early 20s, I would go HARD with foundation and powder, making sure every.single.inch of my skin was covered. But, fast forward to me in my 30s, and I've pared it back a bit (a LOT).

Since then I've learnt that you should only really apply coverage where it's actually needed. Which kind of makes a lot of sense. So, basically, just focus on any areas of concern you can still see (redness around the nose! Spots on the chin!) - after your first overall layer.

Because while you might have one area of the face that may need a little extra coverage, it doesn’t mean your entire face also needs it.

5. Face mapping for makeup is crucial.

I remember celebrity makeup artist Michael Brown telling me this - and it's so dang important! Looking at your facial movement and bone structure is the best way for you to know where to correctly apply product, as well as how much product you should apply to a particular area.

For example, if your cheekbones are already very visible and sharp, you should steer clear of applying shading products and instead opt for a fresher blush tone on the apple of the cheek to provide balance. 

If you find that your forehead or crow's feet area creases a lot with expression, makeup artists will recommend avoiding applying lots of product on these areas to increase the wear time of your makeup.

Once you know this tip and start applying it into your routine, trust me - it's a game changer (way more fresh as opposed to 'made up').

6. Curl your lashes for 60 seconds.

Another goodie? This cheeky lash curler rule. Because if you're anything like me, you would usually squeeze the curler in little pulses and work it up from the root to the tip. Yes?

Well, apparently, the best way to do it is to curl as close to the lash line as possible, for 60 seconds. 

Celebrity makeup artist Mia Hawkswell once told me that there's no need to 'walk' your curler along your lashes because one crimp at the base is enough to lift and open the eyes. 

7. Press your hands into your skin as the last step.

This was a tip from makeup wizard Alphie Sadsad. He once told me that after applying all your liquid and cream products, you should rub both of your hands together to warm them up and lightly press them onto the skin. 

Turns out, this simple act is the best way to help melt makeup into the skin, making everything look seamless and uniform. 

Try it!

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Do you have any makeup tips you'd like to share? Go on! Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Supplied/Erin Docherty