When it comes to cosmetics, there are some lessons you simply have to learn by trial and error. However, some expert advice certainly never hurts, especially when it can save you time and frustration. With these tips under your belt, you’ll nearly be a makeup pro yourself.

Contrast colors
You’ve heard opposites attract, and the same goes for eyeshadow shades. When you’re trying to make eyes stand out, go for makeup in a hue that’s on the opposite side of the color wheel. NBC Today Style suggested a shade with orange undertones to make blue eyes look vivid. Rebecca Prior, educator at Napoleon Peredis’ Makeup Academy in Hollywood, told the news source that you don’t need to choose a particularly garish or obvious orange – it could be peach with gold shimmer or a bronze with coppery orange flecks. The same goes for choosing a reddish tone to make green eyes pop: Look for shades that have a subtle tint, like a brownish burgundy or a dusty rose. While brown eyes can wear almost any color, Prior recommended a purple or blue hue.

Mix it up
Since everyone’s skin is different, it can be nearly impossible to find a formula that will perfectly meet your unique needs, concerns and preferences. Thus, it might be time to mix your makeup for a custom formula. According to NBC Today, Makeup Academy instructor Gil Romero advised mixing primer with cream foundation for sheer coverage. The feel is lightweight on your face, but you’ll still get optimal coverage. You could also try mixing moisturizer into your primer for extra hydration. In Cosmopolitan magazine, makeup artist Mally Roncal advised adding eye cream to your concealer to smooth fine lines while camouflaging dark circles.

Monochromatic
One foolproof look that works for every complexion is monochromatic makeup. In Cosmopolitan, celebrity makeup artist Troy Surratt suggested matching your cheeks to your lips by blending some moisturizer with a small amount of lipstick and creating a cream blush. You can also use a shimmery bronzer as an eyeshadow for a more consistent, all-over glow.

Bold brows
Move aside, skinny brows: Bold shapes are in style and utterly stunning, as long as they’re groomed properly. A stencil can help you to achieve the ideal arch. After plucking to perfection, Surratt recommended spraying hairspray onto a toothbrush and grazing your brows with the bristles to keep them from looking unkempt. A dab of highlighter on the browbone can accent the arch and make your eyes look more awake.