Ashley Springer is a Los Angeles-based makeup artist and currently lead makeup artist at Belle & Blush. She gives her top tips for how to avoid the common makeup pitfalls and make sure you are always looking your best.

What is the one thing that every woman could do to instantly make her makeup look better?

I can’t stress this enough: skincare first, makeup second! Take care of your skin and always apply moisturizer before your foundation. Even if you’re oily, there is a correct moisturizer out there for you. Moisturizer will help bind the foundation to your skin as well as give you a youthful glow.

What is your beauty pet-hate?

I really think that primer is over rated. Primer puts a wall between the makeup and the skin. It doesn’t allow the two to become one. Most of the time if you feel your foundation/makeup doesn’t last, it’s because you are in the wrong formula. There are a few primers I will mix into foundation like the Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Primer, and I always use eye primer to help eye shadow stay in place. But generally speaking, good foundation and skincare should take the place of primers.

Beauty starts on the inside, what health tips do you give?

Inside or outside, antioxidants are great for your skin. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals that damage your skin and cause fine lines and wrinkles. Antioxidants slow down the process of aging. My favorite moisturizer right now is the Goldfaden MD Plant Profusion Night Cream. (I even use it for the daytime.) It combines plant stem cells and antioxidants. It’s extremely moisturizing, regenerative and even helps clear up breakouts!

What is the beauty essential that every woman should have in her kit?

Concealer gives you an instant facelift. Use a brush to apply because your fingertips have oil on them and won’t allow a smooth application. Concealer is the one thing that can instantly make you look less tired. I often blend together By Terry concealers that have pink and yellow undertones to hide dark circles.

What are the best anti-aging makeup tricks?

Fill in your brows — thick eyebrows are usually associated with youth, and loss of eyebrow definition is one of the most significant signs of aging. Make sure not to overdo it. Harsh lines and too dark a color will age you. Always find a color that is in between your hair color and your skin.

What is the best way for a woman to figure out what makeup look/colors she should be going for?

See an experienced professional makeup artist to help determine your skin undertones and what colors complement your eyes. Stick with what you feel good in, but also don’t be afraid to think outside of the box and try something new.

You can find Ashley at Belle & Blush at The Promenade at Chenal. To schedule an appointment call 501.448.2290