Glow smarter, not harder. From viral lip combos to colour correcting made simple, here’s your ultimate cheat sheet for turning your make-up bag into a magic kit. 

Beauty hacks are those little insider tricks that make-up artists swear by and beauty TikTok can’t gatekeep fast enough. Whether you’re a minimalist who loves a swipe-and-go moment or a maximalist layering four lip products for the perfect pout, knowing the ‘how’ behind the glam is just as important what to use. 

These are the ultimate make-up tricks and trends —the cult lip combos, the art of colour correcting, blush placement that lifts your face and how to lock it all in so your facebeat stays flawless throughout brunch and everything beyond it. 

Level up your lip combo  

There’s no higher compliment than someone asking, “Wait, what’s your lip combo?” Lip layering is a versatile technique, whether it’s a quick swipe of gloss or a carefully curated blend of multiple products to achieve the perfect combination. There’s an option for every preference.  

@coco_floflo I want my face beat but still clean girl makeup @Lancôme black liner – teint idole bronzer -highlighter teint idole @Valentino.Beauty @LOOKFANTASTIC twin liner @Jordana Ticia Cosmetics contour @L’Oréal Paris ink liner @Charlotte Tilbury lip cheat liner @Fenty Beauty nude lip liner & gloss bomb @Boots UK @MarcJacobsFragrances daisy wild perfume #makeup #fragrance #glossbomb #cleangirlmakeup #cleangirl #facebeat ♬ TRINIX Vaitimbora feat Mari Froes – TRINIX

Trendy lip combos to try:  

• The ’90s classic: Deep brown liner + nude lipstick + clear gloss. Iconic. Always flattering.  
• Cherry cola lips: Start with a dark plum or black cherry liner, add a juicy red lipstick and blend with a bit of gloss. It’s bold but wearable.  
• Gloss on stain: Want something low maintenance but long-lasting? Apply a lip stain, then layer a hydrating gloss on top for that effortless glow.  
• Double lipstick combo: Mix a darker shade on the outer corners with a lighter one in the centre to get a fuller pout. This is ideal for creating an ombre lip, too.  

Top tip
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Your perfect lip combo might come from products you already own — it’s all about how you layer them. 

1. Maybelline Lifter Lip Liner in 003 Player R129.95 
2. Rimmel Thrill Seeker Glassy Gloss in Frosted Berry R189.95 
3. Essence Extreme Shine Volume Lipgloss in Crystal Clear R39.95 
4. Luella Matte Liquid Lip & Liner Duo in Fierce Fire R199 

Lip layering is a versatile technique; there’s an option for every preference

Cheeky business  

Blush can take any make-up look to the next level and is a great tool to have in your make-up arsenal. It warms the face and lifts your features —but placement is everything.  

Blush placement techniques based on your desired make-up look:  

• For a lifted look: Apply blush high on the cheekbones and blend upwards toward the temples.  
• For a youthful flush: Dab it on the apples of your cheeks, then blend slightly outward.  
• For a sun-kissed vibe: Sweep it across the bridge of your nose and upper cheeks, and you’ll look like you just got back from a beach day.  

1. MAC To the Future Skinfinish Cream Blush R750 
2. Foschini All Woman Angled Blusher Brush R89 
3. Essence Baby Got Blush R79.95 

Top tip
Trying to choose between blush and bronzer? Don’t! You can use both — just apply bronzer first to warm up the skin, then pop blush on top to keep the colour fresh and vibrant. Cream formulas make layering easier and more seamless. 

Slay all day 

 How to lock down your make-up for a smudge-proof beat:  

1. Prep your skin: Always begin with fresh, moisturised skin. 
2. Prime time: Use a primer suited to your skin type (e.g. hydrating, mattifying). 
3. Strategic layering: Apply thin, even layers of make-up and blend well.
4. Use setting products wisely: 

• Setting powder for oily zones. 
• Setting spray to melt make-up into the skin and boost wear time. 

5. Blot, don’t wipe: If you get shiny, use a beauty blender to tap, not drag.

1. Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Skin Refining Setting Powder R1100 
2. Maybelline Lasting Fix Setting Loose Powder R229.95 
3. L’Oreal Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist R299.95 

Hue got this  

Forget filters — colour correcting is the real-life version and is a great way to tackle some of your skin concerns. The variety of shade options may seem daunting, but they can be magical when used right. It’s important to note that different colours target different skin concerns.  

Colour corrector crash course: 

• Green cancels redness and is perfect for acne, rosacea or random flushes.
• Peach or orange tackles dark circles or dark spots on medium to deep skin tones.
• Pink brightens dullness and is great for under-eye fatigue on fair skin. 
• Purple neutralises yellow undertones and adds brightness. 
• Yellow corrects purple or blue tones, which is great for veins or bruises. 

How to: Apply a tiny amount of colour corrector with your finger or a brush, blend gently then layer your foundation or concealer over the top. Don’t skip blending it into your skin.  

1. Foschini All Woman Colour Correcting Concealer R75

Prices were correct at time of publishing. 

By: Mecayla Maseka
Photography by: Getty Images, Shutterstock
Text courtesy of Balanced Life magazine