Celebrity make-up artist reveals her tricks of the trade – including using mascara as an eyeliner

A world renowned celebrity make-up artist has revealed how you can achieve an A-list look on a budget.

Erika La Pearl, from the US, who has 307k followers on Instagram, has painted the face of musician Cardi B and has worked with many clients across the entertainment business and reality television industry.

Her work has also been showcased at various high-profile events including the Met Gala, New York Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, The Grammys and VMAs. 

And now, she’s exclusively revealed to Femail some of the unusual hacks she’s learned along the way – including using hair gel for your brows and mascara as an eyeliner. 

1. Two Tone Brows

When it comes to pulling your make-up look together, nothing quite tops it off like flawless eyebrows. 

If you want a super sleek brow, steer clear of single shades and go for a multi-tonal effect. I try to stay clear of black to make the eyebrow look more natural so I often use Iconic’s two tone sculpt and boost eyebrow cushion. 

Always make sure your eyebrows are shaped and clean before application. It comes with a double-sided applicator that has a spoolie at one end and an ultra-thin angled brush on the other which makes for the most natural-looking, flawless brows. 

It’s great for precise hair-like strokes and the colours are both smudge-proof and sweat resistant to ensure long-lasting eyebrows. I also use a hair gel to help sculpt the final look.

2. Ditch Brushes

Your choice of make-up applicator and primer play a big role in how your foundation looks – it’s not all about picking the right shade. 

Try to stick to silicone based primers and it’s always better to use sponges. It helps to smooth and fill in the pores. When it comes to perfecting your base and eye make-up, invest in a make-up sponge and I use the tips of my fingers to apply eyeshadow. 

Celebrity make-up artist Erika La Pearl (above) has created looks for various high-profile events including the Met Gala, New York Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, The Grammys and VMAs

I just find it better than using a brush. Not only do your fingers allow for more precise, controlled application, especially in the corners but it means you can really pack on the colour too. 

3. Mascara as eyeliner

To line the eyes, I suggest using waterproof mascara – the consistency means it provides a smoky defined line without smearing. 

Sometimes, even professionals have a hard time getting their winged liner to be perfect but this is sharp. 

I use a liner brush to draw an elongated cat eye along the lash line. Using a fine-tip brush dipped into a mascara tube gives the most precise shape and a super snatched eye. 

Create the line from outward to inward. This is one of my top hacks as I find the formulation of mascara as eyeliner more bold, buildable and intensely black.

The makeup artist revealed Cardi loved a dramatic eye and isn’t afraid to try colour. She advised: ‘Be dramatic. Find that palette that works best for your skin colour’

4. Swap Brow Gel for Hair Gel

To set your brows in place for hours on end, go for an unconventional approach with something like hair gel.  

Dip a spoolie brush in a small amount of gel and comb it through the brows, distributing evenly throughout the hairs brushing slightly upwards (not sideways) for a much more natural, fluffy look. 

5. Simply Smile

One simple trick will ensure you nail your contour every time. My tip is to simply smile and apply your contour from the hairline next to the brows down to the bottom of the cheeks. 

I use a multi-use powder contour palette to contour, define and shade. I apply the contour shades in hollows of cheeks, below hairline, and along the jawline to create definition. And the lighter shades on the top of the cheekbones, cupids bow and brow bone.