Beauty hack 101: Are you mixing up these makeup products?

EVER followed a makeup tutorial only to wonder why your look doesn’t turn out as flawless as the influencers on TikTok? The secret often lies in using the right products the right way.

Let’s identify what each product actually does and how to use them correctly:

CONTOUR VS BRONZER

Contouring and bronzing are often confused, with many not knowing their actual purpose or how to apply them correctly.

According to beauty content creator Steph Hui, a contour sculpts and defines one's features while a bronzer adds warmth. Contouring uses cool-toned shades to enhance the natural shadows of the face, making the face appear sharper and slimmed down.

Meanwhile, bronzing is applied to the high points of the face — such as the cheekbones and forehead — where the sun naturally hits. This adds warmth, making the skin look sun-kissed, radiant, and three-dimensional.

SETTING POWDER VS FINISHING POWDER

Hui explained that a setting powder helps 'lock' recently applied makeup, especially cream makeup products, in place and absorbs any excess oil. This helps prevent makeup from 'slipping' or rubbing off and preserves your look throughout the day.

"It focuses on prolonging the longevity of the makeup," she said.

A finishing powder, on the other hand, focuses on the appearance of the makeup, she said. With the right techniques, the powder, often in a pressed form, would be used to give an airbrushed appearance and is the final step of the makeup routine.

"It functions to blur and smooth everything," she added.

FINISHING SPRAY VS SETTING SPRAY

A finishing spray extends the wearability of your makeup, and is typically applied before finishing powder, while a setting spray 'seals' your makeup under a thin layer of film for a more natural finish.

"If your makeup does not last after using a setting spray, it is because you are using a finishing spray instead," Hui said.

A setting spray delivers a more natural and skin-like look, especially when your makeup appears too cakey.

"It is a protective film over the makeup that locks it for hours, and I would usually use finishing spray first before ending my routine with setting spray," she said in an Instagram reel she posted.

Understanding the difference between these products can help you achieve a flawless makeup look that lasts. With the right techniques, your makeup can look just as polished as your favourite beauty influencers!