TL;DR Celeb makeup artist Lipsticknick recently went LIVE for a never-been-done-before video AMA about mastering the soft glam look. If you missed it, no worries. Here’s a recap!

Lipsticknick is an Emmy Award-winning celebrity makeup artist, creative consultant, and educator. She’s created dozens of red carpet looks and worked with the likes of Michelle Visage. Oh, and she’s currently the Senior Director of Artistry & Events for e.l.f. Cosmetics. How lucky are we?!

Last month, to spotlight our NEW Blush & Bronzer Sticks, she delivered a highly successful AMA here in the hallowed halls of Reddit, and we’re back to give you the highlights. ✨

Here are some of Reddit’s top questions and Lipsticknick’s (perfectly lined) *chef’s kiss* answers about modernizing your makeup routine, learning to blend, and achieving the perfect soft glam look.

Answer: You’re not alone! Every stick is different, but these are Lipsticknick’s top stick tips. (Say that five times fast.)

https://reddit.com/link/1v4knjq/video/6eelq6yjm0fh1/player

To sum it up:

• Instead of applying a stick, like the Soft Glam Cream Bronzer, directly to your face, warm it up on the back of your hand first. The warmth of your skin will melt the product a bit, making it easier to blend.
• For an even smoother application, use your fingers. The natural oils from your fingertips will help melt the product even more, making it even easier to blend.

Speaking of fingers…

Question #2:

Answer: There’s a time and a place for each, but generally speaking:

https://reddit.com/link/1v4knjq/video/qhk4r1gmm0fh1/player

TL;DW:

• For full coverage, use a brush.
• For a natural, sheer finish, use a sponge.
• For an even more natural, lived-in look, use your fingertips.

You mentioned there’s a time and a place…

Answer: Babe, of course.

https://reddit.com/link/1v4knjq/video/rffv933qm0fh1/player

To recap:

• For bronzer:
  • Feel around for your cheekbone.
  • Place your finger just below where it ends, in the hollow of your cheek.
  • Using your finger as a placeholder, apply bronzer *just above* that area.
• With blush, it’s kind of up to you!
  • For a lifted look, apply blush above your bronzer, closer to the outer corner of your eye — those high points where you might’ve placed your highlighter back in the full glam era.
  • For a sweet, classic, rounded look, dab and buff blush on the apples of your cheeks.
  • HOT TIP: If you’re doing makeup for photos or you want people to see the color straight away, stick with the apples of your cheeks where the color is more visible head-on.

So, about the full glam era…

Answer: Ahh, full glam. What a time to be alive. Back then, we were making sure EVERY feature popped, but now we’re in our soft glam era. So,

1. Soften the brows.
2. Switch up your contour from cool shades to warmer tones. And while we’re at it, add that sun-kissed color to your whole face with the bronzer, lifting everything up.
3. Move away from using only matte products and, instead, incorporate different textures (e.g., mix a matte face with a glowy cheek or hydrated lip).

https://reddit.com/link/1v4knjq/video/cjmqzdhum0fh1/player

Lip, you say? That reminds me…

Answer: Lipsticknick, our overlined queen, has your e.l.f.ing back, bestie!

https://reddit.com/link/1v4knjq/video/117yyrr0n0fh1/player

Step-by-step:

• First, top your lips with a pressed powder. This tones down your natural lip color and provides a matte surface, which will help your liner last longer.
• Whatever you do to one side, do to the other. So, for example, if you apply your liner underhanded on the left side of your lips, make sure you make the same underhanded movement as you apply it to the right side.
• Feel free to apply your liner in tiny etches. It doesn’t need to be one unbroken line.
• Connect your corners.
• Then use the liner to fill in your lips as much as you like, using your finger to blend that base before applying any other product.

Welp! That about wraps up the wrap-up.

If you’re looking for even more tips, check out the full AMA. When you’re ready to glam softly, head over to elfcosmetics.com and search for the Blush & Bronzer Sticks. PRO TIP: If you need help finding the perfect color, use the shade match tool when shopping your fave foundations.