Only a True Makeup Maven Could Get a 100% on This Quiz

By: Lauren Lubas
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Only a True Makeup Maven Could Get a 100% on This Quiz
Image: Andresr / E+ / Getty Images

About This Quiz

Expert makeup artists have been creating names for themselves for years. Additionally, since YouTube has popularized tutorials people have become more and more interested in makeup and makeup techniques (this is because some of the most professional techniques look easy when we see other people do them). However, when you take this quiz, it isn't going to matter if you're a certified expert or just a YouTube-tutorial junkie. You can get the status of makeup maven if you know the answers to all of these questions, and though you might not be getting paid what the professionals get paid, you're definitely going to prove that you're on the right track. Fair warning: These questions are going to get a little tough at times, but if you power through, you may find that you're more of an expert that you originally thought (and we'll give you the results to prove it).

Do you think you have what it takes to tell us the difference between blending and blotting? Will you be able to properly name the brush we should be using for specific techniques? Take this quiz to see where you stand on a scale from newbie to maven in this intense makeup quiz.

Silicone sponge
Blanchi Costela / Moment / Getty Images
What do you call the egg-shaped thing if it's made out of silicone?
Cotton blender
Push brush
Rubby thing
Silicone blender
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The silicone blender wasn't a trendy thing 15 years ago, but since beauty bloggers have been going nuts with them, so have beauty enthusiasts. They help you apply your foundation and blend your products seamlessly.

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Setting veil
William Turner / Photodisc / Getty Images
Can you tell us what the clear powder you put on your face after you've applied your makeup is called?
Base wax
Waxed base
Setting veil
Clear steer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Setting veil is also known as setting powder or translucent powder. If you are worried about makeup smudges, your makeup being too shiny or your facial oils secreting, using setting veil can help with all of these things.

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holding lipstick
JumpStock / E+ / Getty Images
What should you do to your lips before applying lipstick?
Exfoliate and moisturize
Leave them alone
Add a dark base color
Add eyeshadow
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you exfoliate and moisturize your lips before you apply lipstick, you avoid cracking and chipping of your pigments. These steps help keep your lips healthy and give them a more puffy look. Here's a handy tip: Exfoliate them with a toothbrush and lip balm.

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kabuki brush
Pixabay by Stux
What is the kabuki brush used for?
Applying brow color to the eyebrows
Applying eyeliner to the eyes
Applying loose powder over a large area
Applying foundation to the face
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kabuki brushes are fat brushes with coarse bristles (or fibers). These brushes are meant to add your setting veils or other mineral makeups to help give you a finished matte look with your makeup.

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Mineral makeup
InkkStudios / E+ / Getty Images
A loose-powder makeup was released in the early 2000s. Do you know what it was called?
Liquid stone
Matte powder
Power powder
Mineral makeup
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When you boil it down to its essence, all makeup is mineral makeup, because all makeup is made by minerals. However, when the mineral makeup kits first hit the shelves, people were in love with how easy it was to apply and blend.

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eyebrows
Hinterhaus Productions / DigitalVision / Getty Images
How should you apply eyebrow pigments?
One long line
Short, fast strokes
Circles
Spots
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Using short and fast strokes helps you keep the textured look for your eyebrows while it gives you a thicker and fuller look to your browline. This is an excellent technique to help you ensure you keep a natural look as well.

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Fan brush
RunPhoto / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Do you know what the wide brush that looks like a rake is called?
Rake brush
Feather brush
Fan brush
Fallen brush
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you're a beauty-product enthusiast, you probably know what the fan brush is used for. However, if you aren't sure, it does help blend various areas, and it's perfect for applying your highlighter.

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eyelids makeup
Agostina Valle / Moment / Getty Images
What should you do to your eyelids before you put eyeshadow on?
Wash them
Add eyeshadow first
Add eyeliner first
Prime them
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You can buy an eye primer, or you can use your primer to give your eyelids a more even look and avoid getting oils mixed in with your eyeshadow. Additionally, it makes a great canvas for your colors.

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short-bristled stiff brush
InkkStudios / E+ / Getty Images
For what product would you use the short-bristled stiff brush?
Blush
Gel eyeliner
Mascara
Highlighter
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Eyeliner brushes are the skinny short-bristled brushes that look almost like pencils. They help you make accurate strokes with liquid or gel eyeliner products. They are easy to handle and don't hold too much product.

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Wash off makeup
Monzenmachi / E+ / Getty Images
How often should you wash the makeup off your face if you use it daily?
At least once a day
Three times a day
Twice a week
Seven times a month
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you wear makeup every day, it's important to wash it off when your day is over with. If you're having a long day and you need to apply additional makeup, be sure to remove every last trace of it before you go to bed, because it can clog your pores.

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makeup money
Ftwitty / E+ / Getty Images
Can you tell us what the makeup industry is worth?
$5 miilion
$14 million
$2 billion
$18 billion
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In this question, we are just asking about the makeup industry. If you include the entire beauty industry (makeup, hair care, skin care and perfume) you are looking at upwards of $100 billion.

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gel nail polish
Mikroman6 / Moment / Getty Images
What kind of nail polish helps you avoid chipping?
Gel
Acrylic
Mascara
Sallie Hansen
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Don't get jealous when you see people with unchipped nails. It can be difficult for people to keep their nails in good shape, but if you use gel nail polish, you might have a better chance of keeping your color longer.

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Stipple
Miora Rajaonary / Moment / Getty Images
How do you stipple?
Push the brush down on your face in small motions
Splash makeup on your face
Rub liquid foundation into our face with your hands
You don't stipple.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A stippling brush is the best tool to use when stippling. This brush has hairs that are two different lengths. This helps spread the makeup throughout the skin, even in very porous areas.

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setting spray
ShotPrime / Moment / Getty Images
Do you know what setting spray is used for?
Keeps your makeup in place
Makes you feel important
Gives you a base for the rest of your makeup
Takes your makeup off
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Many makeup lovers think that setting spray is optional. However, for those who want to make sure their makeup stays right where it is, this product is essential. It also helps you avoid smudging and smearing.

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lipstick pat and smudge
Image Source / Photodisc / Getty Images
When should you use the pat-and-smudge technique for your lipstick?
When you want to be bold
When you don't have any left
When you want lipstick on your cheeks
When you want just a hint of color
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

For a more natural look, you can pat a little bit of lip color on your lips and smudge it around. This technique gives you just a hint of artificial color while your natural lip color and shape still comes through.

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Woman thinking
Roos Koole / Moment / Getty Images
Where is your T-zone located?
Across the shoulders, down the sternum
Across the hand, down the wrist
Across the forehead, down the nose
Across the cheeks, down the jawline
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Women have two areas that need the most attention on their face: the T-zone and the U-zone. These areas create a map that shows you where you should pay the most attention during different steps in the beauty process.

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Eyeshadow
Irina Marwan / Moment / Getty Images
Do you know the name for various eye pigments that can make your eyes look bigger?
Lip gloss
Eyeliner
Mascara
Eyeshadow
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Eyeshadow can be a very scary thing when you aren't sure how to blend. Luckily, various tools can help you. When it comes to choosing the right eyeshadow color, you have to first think about the color and shape of your eyes.

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Full Eyebrows
Igor Alecsander / E+ / Getty Images
Do you know what product to use to make your eyebrows look fuller?
Eyeliner
Brow gel
Blush
Highlighter
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the 1990s, thin eyebrows were terrific, but these days, you actually want something above your eyes. Brow gel was specifically created to give your eyebrows a fuller look without the fear that it will smudge or smear.

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Undereye Bags
Pixelfit / E+ / Getty Images
Can you tell us the best product to hide the dark circles under your eyes?
Foundation
Concealer
Setting veil
Eyeshadow
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Concealer can be used for many things; among them is hiding those dark circles under your eyes if you've had a long night or you simply always have them. This is one of the best tools to use before applying foundation.

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nail polish
Blanchi Costela / Moment / Getty Images
When was nail polish first patented?
1800
1919
2006
1872
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It might be odd to think about, but nail polish does have a patent. The first patented nail polish color was a pale or faint pink color. These days, there are thousands of colors to choose from.

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Girl with Brush
PeopleImages / E+ / Getty Images
Where are the best places to apply highlighter?
The top of cheekbones
The base of your chin
The sides of your nose
Just next to your ears
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you apply highlighter next to your nose, it might make it look a little bigger, which is fine if that's what you're going for. But the best place to put highlighter is above your cheeks and the inner corners of your eyes.

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Blush
Pixabay by Purplegillian
What kind of brush should you use to apply blush?
Contour brush
No brush necessary
Blush brush
Eyeliner brush
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The blush brush is shaped very much like a foundation brush or a powder brush, except it's a little shorter. This brush is the perfect size and shape to apply any blush you might add to your makeup kit.

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Eyeshadow Blend
Plume Creative / Photodisc / Getty Images
How do you make eyeshadow look good?
Blend, blend, blend
Only use one color
Don't use mascara
Don't use eyeliner
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Never stop blending your eyeshadow. With every color of eyeshadow that you add to your eyes, make sure you blend it with the previous color.

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Small Nose
Medioimages/Photodisc / Photodisc / Getty Images
How do you make your nose look smaller?
Apply blush to it
You simply cannot do this.
Apply eyeshadow to the tip
Apply slightly darker foundation or powder on the sides of it
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Just a touch of darker foundation or powder can help your nose look a little smaller. You don't have to go all out and get a shade at the opposite end of the spectrum, but maybe one or two shakes deeper will work.

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French Tips
Krisanapong detraphiphat / Moment / Getty Images
What is it called when you have a natural nail color with a white tip?
French tips
Manicure
Two tones
Scratchers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

French-tip nails are a great way to show elegance as well as class. They aren't too much, and they look very professional. Many people are adding tiny embellishments to French tips as a current style choice.

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Elizabethan eyeliner
D-Keine / E+ / Getty Images
Do you know what people who lived in Elizabethan times used as eyeliner?
Whale dung
Coal
Nothing
Graphite
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

We absolutely do not recommend you use coal or charcoal as any form of makeup. It can make you blind, and it is flammable ... And not to mention how bad it smells (not that people in the Elizabethan era cared about smells).

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Lipstick Shopping
Sky View / Photodisc / Getty Images
Does lipstick come in a liquid form?
Yes, of course it does!
No, it's too messy.
No, it's impossible to sell.
I've never heard of it.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lipstick does come in a liquid form. You can apply it with a wand that comes with the product or you can use a brush to apply it as well. Liquid lipsticks generally have a deeper color that lasts longer.

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Eyebrow Brush
PeopleImages / E+ / Getty Images
When preparing your eyebrows, what direction should you brush them?
Downward
Upward
Inward
Outward
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Use a spoolie (mascara wand) if you don't have an eyebrow brush or comb. Before you even attempt to go near your eyebrows with a pigment, make sure that they are brushed, otherwise you're in for disaster.

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chapstick
South_agency / E+ / Getty Images
How do you make sure that your lipstick doesn't look too dry?
Apply lip balm
Bite your lips
Add lip gloss
Lick your lips
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Applying a clear lip gloss after your lipstick has dried will give it a nice barrier as well as a nice shine. This works especially well if you choose to use a light shade of lipstick or a nude color.

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toxic makeup
Adam Gault / OJO Images / Getty Images
How many toxic ingredients are banned from makeup worldwide?
11
1,300
75
750
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While worldwide there are 1,300 ingredients banned from makeup, if your makeup is manufactured or distributed in the United States, there are only 11 banned ingredients (yes, you read that correctly).

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Roman painted lips
Herkulaneischer Meister / National Archaeological Museum of Naples / Wiki Commons
Why did men in the Roman era paint their lips?
To show social rank
To look pretty
To protect their lips
To prepare for war
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Makeup wasn't always a way to bring out your natural beauty or to make a statement. In the Roman era, men used makeup to show where they landed on the social hierarchy; more specifically, they used lip pigments.

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spoolie
Pixabay by Kinkate
Do you know what a spoolie is?
Eyebrow brush
Eyeliner brush
Mascara wand
Kabuki brush
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you've ever opened up a tube of mascara, you have seen a spoolie. While some beauticians call them mascara wands, they can go by either name. They are necessary for applying even amounts of mascara.

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Eyeliner Application
FatCamera / E+ / Getty Images
What is the best way to apply eyeliner?
Just go for it
One long line
Using the dot method
Get it tattooed on
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

By creating a row of dots that you can connect, you are basically giving yourself an outline of where to draw. This helps you apply the eyeliner in a seamless fashion without major mistakes.

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Lipstick Thinking
Janie Airey / Cultura / Getty Images
What should you do if you want to apply a lipstick shade that is lighter than your own lips?
Add extra lipstick
Trace around your lips with the lipstick
Never use a color lighter than your skin
Apply concealer first
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When using a lighter shade of lipstick (for example, nude lipsticks or light pinks), you should always apply a little bit of concealer first. This will help the actual color of the lipstick you've chosen to stand out.

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tapered brush
Carol Yepes / Moment / Getty Images
Before applying liquid foundation, what should you do to your tapered brush?
Dip it in oil
Nothing
Bend it to your liking
Dip it in water
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Foundation brushes work best when they are a little softened, so the best thing to do is to dip it in warm water before you start applying the makeup. If you are prone to overheating, consider dipping it in cool water (just not too cold).

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Long Eyelashes
Efenzi / E+ / Getty Images
Is there a better way to get longer eyelashes without applying falsies?
Eyelash extensions
Mascara
Eyeliner
There is no better way.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Eyelash extensions are a semi-permanent solution for short, thin eyebrows. They help your eyebrows look longer in a more natural way than mascara or even false lashes can, and they aren't too expensive.

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shimmer lipstick
Lorado / E+ / Getty Images
What is the most common ingredient that makes lipsticks and glosses shimmer?
Fish scales
Diamonds
Graphite
Quartz
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

That's right, to get your shiny appearance, the majority of shimmery lip products are not vegan. Fish scales are a popular ingredient when it comes to creating glowing products.

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small angled brush
Kidsada Manchinda / Moment / Getty Images
The small, angled brush with stiff bristles is used for what?
Eyeshadow
Eyeliner
Setting veil
Foundation
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This stiff brush is perfect for making exact brush strokes along the curve of your eyes. It can help you blend, smudge and contour your eye makeup to make it look seamless and flawless.

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Transition color
Christopher Robbins / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Do you know which color to add first when applying eyeshadow?
Boldest color
Transition color
Base color
I had no idea you could use more than one eyeshadow color
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Always begin with your transition color; this is the color that generally ends up around the crease of your eyes. This will help you blend all of the colors together as you apply them.

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flat tapered brush
Pixabay by Monfocus
Do you know what the flat, tapered brush is used for when applying makeup?
Highlighting
Mascara
Liquid foundation
Blush
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While a lot of people attempt to avoid liquid foundations, they are actually applied more evenly, and the flat, tapered brush helps with the application of liquid foundations as the base of your entire makeup kit.

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You Got:
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Andresr / E+ / Getty Images