These were Google’s 10 most-asked beauty questions in 2018

Internet searches are pretty revealing: ‘IKEA Malm drawers’, ‘are Dennis Quaid and Harrison Ford related?’, ‘what time does Dominos in Willesden shut?’. Along with the generic help-me-solve-my-problem searches, Google regularly round up the most-asked beauty questions. From magnetic eyelashes (yes, really), to finding the right concealer for you, here are the top 10. With the answers too, obviously.

By Rachel Spedding

• 1 How to do a cat eye

  There are heaps of ‘hacks’ online for perfecting winged eyeliner, but our favourite comes in from a Reddit user. MDL1994, thank you for your wisdom: “I do my eye makeup before my foundation, I make a messy wing, then I grab a makeup wipe, fold it, and wipe the eyeliner into a sharp edge”. She calls it foolproof (and we agree). To make your ‘wings’ symmetrical, I’d suggest drawing the end point first on each eye – hold you liner in front of your pupil, then move directly to the side and mark a dot. Draw a line from the dot back towards your eye. Simple. ​
• 2 How to fix cakey makeup

  The key is really in the prep – finding the right products, and getting to know your skin type. Make sure your face is squeaky clean pre-makeup application, as foundation will blend more seamlessly onto a fresh base – that means no lingering makeup from the night before. Primer will help too, acting as a barrier between skin and makeup. It will prevent oil seeping from the skin, forcing foundation to slide, or stop the skin from ‘drinking’ foundation on drier skin types. No more patchy or unevenness. ​
• 3 How to apply magnetic eyelashes

  Magnetic eyelashes. Two words as troubling to me as ‘light mayonnaise’. Alas, it’s a real thing, and pretty highly rated in the beauty world. The idea is super simple, and if you struggle with the glue and tweezer method on regular strip lashes, you may want to give these a try. Apply mascara (if you normally would), then gently place the top strip of lashes as close to your natural lash line as possible. Hold it there, then place the lower lash line just beneath. They’ll ‘connect’ together straight away. Easy (they say). ​
• 4 How to apply aloe vera

  Aloe vera is widely known as a great product to apply onto the skin to clear your complexion, and reduce inflammation. Boasting antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins A and C, it can help to treat burns too – sunburn included. Clever stuff. To a cleansed face, apply aloe vera gel – with your fingertips is fine – and massage into the skin. If it’s an elsewhere-issue (aloe works wonders on ingrown hairs), just smooth a little gel over the affected area. Done, done. ​
• 5 How to glue down eyebrows

  Gaga, with the brows, in that Star Is Born scene. Brow Cluedo. But, how’s it done? A quick search on Youtube will bring up all the advice you need (Courtney Act is my particular favourite), but, in short, it takes four easy steps. Comb the hairs upward with a spoolie brush, coat in washable glue (aka Pritt Stick), cover with loose powder, coating all sticky residue, then conceal with a thick consistency foundation, or concealer.  Et voila. ​
• 6 How to take off makeup without makeup wipes

  Sometimes it’s 1am, and you’ve enjoyed a bottle or two, and post-homemade burrito of cheese, beans and whatever else is in the cupboard, you really can’t be chuffed to crack out the micellar. There are a number of other methods for makeup-removal, like coconut oil. Just gently rub it across your face to wash away makeup real quick. Alas, micellar truly is the easiest of all, and it’s not uber pricey. Squeeze onto cotton pads and rub across the face (and eyes) to remove all traces of that *perfect* winged eyeliner. As swift as a makeup wipe – promise. ​
• 7 Which hair colour looks best on me

  Your natural shade – cheeky, but true. You could read about the latest trends to hit the hair world here, or listen to our experts. According to the pros at RMUK, balayage is a good idea for all: “the technique is great for every client that would like to enhance their colour, as it is bespoke for every client. It uses face-framing techniques and soft baby lights, so you can also create a stronger more defined look. Basically, the results are a very versatile colour to suit everyone.” Balayage it is. ​
• 8 What is a lash lift?

  Consider this a perm for your lashes – natural look, slightly curled, to give the illusion of length. It’s like using a really great eyelash curler, but the results last 6-8 weeks. But, how’s it actually done? Once your lashes are cleansed, a silicone shield is stuck to the skin with a gentle adhesive. The lashes are combed into shape, then a perming solution is applied. This stays put for 6-12 minutes (depending on how your lashes take to it – your technician will know), then a nourishing solution follows. Locked in shape, your lashes will be ‘lifted’. Lush.
• 9 What concealer to use?

  Few things to consider here: what you’re concealing, and your skin type. Blemish and undereye coverage are two different kettles of fish. For combination skin that’s breakout prone, try liquid. For dry and sensitive skin, go stick. And for normal skin, cream is best. As for colour choice? Yellow-toned concealer evens out skin tone, peach shades counteract blue (one for the under eyes), and green will tone down redness in blemishes. Remember when covering-up spots (if you’re bothering), less is more. Use a thin, pointed brush, and dab.
• 10 How to remove individual eyelashes?

  Firstly – bravo – applying individual lashes inspires Phillip-Schofield-on-The-Cube levels of pressure. ​If it's lashes you've applied at home, the glue is temporary, and often latex-based, meaning it won't be waterproof. Simply soak a cotton pad in an oil-based cleanser, and gently hold across on your eye to loosen the glue. Repeat until the lashes pull away with the pad. If it's semi-permanent extensions you're removing, the same method wil apply (though you may need to repeat the soaking stage). Never pick, pull or twist. This will damage your natural lashes. No one wants that.