Women often apply makeup daily, and with such regular practice, occasional mistakes are inevitable. However, these slip-ups are easy to correct, and with a bit of luck and learning, you can achieve flawless makeup every day!
Pale Foundation
This is a common issue, especially among those striving for a fairer complexion. However, using a foundation that’s too pale can actually make you look older. It washes out your natural glow, leaving your skin looking dull and lifeless.
Keep reading to find out more make-up mistakes you need to avoid!
Overzealous Eyes
If it’s Halloween, feel free to go all out with your eye makeup. Otherwise, aim for a natural or at least tasteful look. Heavy eye makeup can often appear tacky, and that’s definitely something to avoid!
Creams Over Powders
This is a common misconception. Many women believe creams are always the best for moisturizing, but this isn’t necessarily true. When given a choice, opting for powder over cream is often a better decision. Creams can sometimes accentuate fine lines and wrinkles by settling into them, making your skin appear older.
Not Taking Care of Your Skin
Your face deserves care even when you’re not wearing makeup. Daily washing, moisturizing, and damage control are essential. One of the best things you can do for your skin is to give it a break from makeup for a day.
Wrong Eyeshadow Colors
Brown is the safest choice for eye makeup and works best when applied to the creases, giving your eyes a bolder, more vibrant look. For the eyelids, natural green tones or gem colors are ideal, offering a beautiful variety and enhancing your overall appearance.
Doing Lips First
Or rather, not leaving them until last. It’s a rookie mistake that many of us have made. If you don’t save your lips for the final step, you risk getting powder on them or messing up the defined lines.
Too Many Layers of Mascara
We all desire long, thick lashes, so it’s easy to overdo it occasionally. However, brushing your lashes with 100 strokes is not recommended. Instead, apply one coat of lengthening mascara followed by one coat of thickening mascara for the best results.
Dark Lipstick
Bold lipstick is great for a fun night out, but for everyday wear, it can make your lips appear thin, dry, and dull. Instead, choose mauve or lighter shades, and don’t forget to add a swipe of clear gloss for a youthful look.
Out-lining Your Lips
While outlining your lips is fine, it’s crucial to stay within your natural lip line. Apply lip liner first, following the contour of your lips, and then add your lipstick and gloss afterwards.
Going Too Catty
Cat eyes can be striking, as long as they look somewhat natural. A good rule of thumb is to extend the liner no more than a quarter of an inch past your natural eye. Ensure you keep a steady hand and take your time to make both sides symmetrical.
Matching Your Eyebrows
This applies to your hair. If your eyebrows naturally match your hair, that’s great. However, if you bleach your hair, avoid bleaching your brows as well. It’s better if your eyebrows remain slightly darker for a more balanced look.
Overdone Eyebrows
We understand that bold eyebrows are trendy right now, but that doesn’t mean you have to overdo it. Every brow is unique, and they should stay that way. A little plucking is fine, but aim to keep your eyebrows looking natural!
Thick Lower Lash Mascara
You can apply mascara to your lower lashes, but use it sparingly. It doesn’t take much to make them look exaggerated and unnatural. For a more natural appearance, ensure the mascara on your top lashes is thicker than on the bottom.
You’re a Contouring Nightmare
Contouring is arguably the most challenging aspect of applying makeup. To master it, watch a video tutorial and ensure you blend well, using two different foundation shades.
Concealing Instead of Correcting
Dark circles often differ in color from the rest of your face, so using concealer alone may not effectively cover them, potentially leaving your face looking uneven. Instead, try using a corrector specifically designed to neutralize the darkness before applying concealer for a more even and flawless finish.
Skipping the Upper Lid
We’ve all been there—lining the lower lid seems easier and more impactful at first. However, neglecting the top lid can make your eyes appear less bright and can even drag down your overall look. Don’t forget to give the top lid the attention it deserves for a balanced and bright-eyed appearance.
Applying in Bad Lighting
If you’re applying makeup at home, choose a room with the best natural lighting. Overhead lights with yellow hues can distort your perception and lead to overdoing it. Experiment with different rooms until you find the perfect lighting that allows you to apply makeup accurately.
Too Much Shimmer and Shine
A touch of glitter can be fun occasionally, but it shouldn’t be the main component of your eyeshadow. Instead, opt for a base color and add a subtle shimmer to the edges for a glamorous yet sophisticated look.
Too Much Foundation
One of the most common and crucial mistakes made today is overusing foundation to cover up skin imperfections. Creating an entire new layer of foundation can look unnatural and unprofessional. Try to use less foundation next time, but don’t forget to apply a moisturizing primer to ensure a smooth and hydrated base.
Not Staying Hydrated
You might think hydration has nothing to do with your makeup routine, but you’d be mistaken. Drinking plenty of water can lead to smoother, younger-looking skin that’s easier to apply makeup onto. So, remember to stay hydrated for a flawless makeup application!
Wearing For A Different Skin Type
Each person has a unique face, with varying skin types—some are oily while others dry out easily. It’s crucial to ensure that your makeup suits your specific skin type. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a makeup expert at Sephora or online!
Long Blush Strokes
That’s “blush strokes” and “brush strokes.” Many people begin applying blush from their mouth and sweep it all the way to their temples. While this technique works for fuller faces, it can make others appear tired. Instead, try shorter strokes starting just below the eyes for a more flattering effect.
Missing the Neck
This is especially crucial as you age. Many older women have youthful faces but necks that betray their age because they’ve only applied makeup to their faces. However, blending is essential at every age to ensure a seamless transition between your face and neck.
Not Exfoliating
Just to clarify, this step isn’t the same as moisturizing. It should be done before moisturizing to cleanse your pores and remove dead skin cells. Starting with a clean slate is the essential first step to the perfect skincare routine.
Branch Out From Black
When it comes to eyeliner, we often default to black because it seems to go with everything. However, it’s important to remember that other options exist. As we age, especially, our brows and lashes may thin, making black liner stand out in unflattering ways. Consider trying softer shades that complement your features more gently.
Single Shadow Blunder
Using just one color on your eyes, especially if it’s a bright shade, can be risky. To create depth and dimension, it’s best to use different colors on the crease and above the eye than on the rest of the lid. When using bright colors, apply them tastefully to avoid overwhelming the look.
Using Dirty Brushes
Your makeup brushes may last for years, but they still need regular cleaning. It’s important to wash them with a bit of shampoo about once a week or month to remove buildup and bacteria. You’ll notice the immediate difference in how your makeup applies and how your skin looks.
Not Changing With the Seasons
Fall colors can indeed be stunning on the eyes! It’s also worth noting that our skin tone changes with the seasons, so our foundation should adjust accordingly. Reevaluate your tone each season and invest in at least one new foundation shade to ensure a seamless match year-round.
Testing on Wrist
Testing makeup colors on your hand isn’t ideal because it’s often a different color than your face. For the most accurate results, try the makeup on your jawline, where your skin tone is closest to that of your face. And don’t forget to carry a makeup remover wipe in your purse for easy clean-up!
Never Mixing It Up
While wearing blue eyeshadow every day may look good, it might not be as fun over time. Experiment with different colors like brown or neutral green to keep things interesting. Change up your eyeshadow routine at least once a week to add variety. And remember to stay away from neons for a more classic and versatile look.
Applying Eyeliner Like Everyone Else
Indeed, eyeliner application varies based on individual eye shapes. For those with wide-set eyes, applying thicker liner on the inner corners can help balance the appearance. Conversely, for those with close-set eyes, thicker liner on the outer corners can create the illusion of more space between the eyes. Adjusting your eyeliner technique to suit your eye shape can enhance your overall look.
Applying Blush on the Apples
To avoid a flushed look, consider applying blush to the hollows of your cheeks rather than the apples. Watching a tutorial on blush application can provide valuable tips and techniques to ensure you get it just right.
Using Soft Lipstick Lines
Allowing lipstick to bleed onto your skin can detract from the defined look you’re aiming for. To fix this, use a good quality lip liner or lipstick brush to precisely apply the lipstick, starting from the center and brushing outward. This helps maintain clean lines and enhances the overall appearance of your lips.
Too Much Bronzer
Bronzer isn’t meant to replace concealer or foundation. It’s best used sparingly to add warmth and dimension to your face, especially during the summer when you might feel washed out. Apply bronzer only where the sun would naturally bronze your skin, such as the high points of your face like the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline.
Matching Your Clothes
Matching your makeup to your outfit can be fun, but it’s easy to overdo it. While it’s fine to stick with cool or warm colors that complement your attire, it’s best to avoid going overboard. Wearing purple makeup just because you have a purple dress can sometimes be overwhelming and may not always be the best choice. It’s important to strike a balance and ensure your makeup enhances your overall look without overpowering it.
Never Going Natural
Transitioning from heavy makeup to a lighter, more natural look can indeed be challenging, but it’s worth it. Embracing a lighter makeup routine that accentuates your natural beauty can make a significant difference. It allows your skin to breathe and shine through, resulting in a fresh and radiant appearance.
Forgetting to Curl
Absolutely, the eyelash curler is often underutilized but can make a big difference in opening up your eyes. Before applying mascara, hold the curler for about fifteen seconds on each side to give your lashes a beautiful lift. It’s a simple step that can really enhance your overall look.
Using Expired Makeup
Even if makeup doesn’t have a specified expiration date, it’s important to consider how long you’ve had it. If you can’t remember when you bought it, it’s probably a good idea to replace it to ensure its effectiveness and safety.
Only Using Foundation
Skipping highlighter, bronzer, or blush can leave your face looking flat and lacking dimension, especially if you’re using foundation. These products help to add depth and warmth to your complexion, creating a more natural and radiant look. If you’re not going to use them, it might be best to forgo foundation altogether to avoid a flat appearance.
Using a Eyeliner Pencil
Indeed, liquid eyeliner has gained popularity for good reason. Pencils can tug at the delicate skin around the eyes, potentially causing premature aging. Liquid eyeliner offers a smoother application and a more precise line, making it a preferable option for many. So, if you’re up for the challenge, go ahead and rock that liquid eyeliner with confidence!
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