The Sultry Smoky Eye
This makeup artist will prove to you it’s easier than you think. This Almay video uses the brand’s Smoky-i Kit, an affordable drugstore buy, and includes easy to-follow techniques.
How to Create Cat Eyes
If you want to achieve a cat eye, you shouldn’t rush with any type of video tutorial. I like that this YouTuber gives directions and products names before you watch her actually apply.
The Perfect Red Lip
While these step-by-step instructions seem tedious, they’re necessary to create the classic crimson lip, from prepping and moisturizing to concealing and fine-tuning excess pigment.
The At-Home Salon Blowout
Leaving the salon with the perfect blowout is probably the most treasured take-home gift (one that we try to prolong for as many days as possible). This tutorial not only gives you product ideas, but also explains how to blow-dry those hard to reach places. (PS—Our September guide to great hair salons in Washington also includes videos on how to create cascading loose curls and the perfect casual ballerina bun.)
Nail Art
If you’ve never tried DIY nail art, we suggest you subscribe to Cute Polish’s YouTube channel. With more than 100 nail-art tutorials, you’ll have a bevy of cool ideas. We’re particularly fond of these newspaper-print digits—a conversation starter for sure, but subtle enough for the office.
How to Apply Under-Eye Concealer
Whether you have issues covering up under-eye circles or aren’t quite sure how to properly apply concealer, this tutorial showcases a bevy of products you can combine to help cover up lines and circles.
How to Clean Makeup Brushes
This vlogger gives you three different ways to clean your makeup brushes, from the simplest technique to the most complex. We also like this video for the quick lesson on just how important it is to maintain clean brushes.
How to Tweeze and Shape Eyebrows at Home
Sometimes you find yourself between eyebrow appointments with a few strays you just can’t wait to get rid of. This YouTuber gives you step-by-step instructions for grooming your brows, and also busts some common beauty myths (like why it’s okay to shave your brows).
How to Contour
Highlighting and contouring your face can be tricky, but this simple four-minute video shows you how to achieve that subtle glow. We like this tutorial that shows you where to highlight and contour without making it look like you have dirt on your face.
The Day-to-Night Makeup Tutorial
Hands down, this is a must-watch for every working woman in the Washington area. Whether you’re off to a happy hour with colleagues or a black-tie gala, this Sephora makeup artist shows you how easy it is to amp up your daytime look with products you may already have in your makeup bag.
Kara Manos writes about all things beauty in the District on her blog, Politics of Pretty.
