Makeup application should be an art form, right?
It really takes some skills to do it perfectly and flawlessly. I’m not one of those people to whom it comes naturally, so I definitely need all the help I can get. And apparently, I’m not alone.
Check out these makeup mistakes we’re all making without even knowing it.
1. Not Applying Blush According To Your Face Shape
This is all starting to make sense now. No wonder every time I apply blush it ends up looking awkward. Problem solved.
2. Not Using Proper Light
This sounds like a no-brainer but we have all applied our makeup in less than perfect lighting when we were in a hurry. Don’t do it!
3. Wearing Waterproof Mascara Regularly
Unless you work outside and are subjected to rain, there’s no point wearing waterproof mascara every day. It’s just too harsh to remove.
4. Using Concealer Before Foundation
This one still baffles me but apparently, if you use concealer after putting foundation you’ll use less of it and it won’t wipe away.
5. Not Prepping Those Eyebrows
If you want gorgeous and flawless eyebrows you must prep them first. Brush them out and trim them if necessary. You’ll see the difference.
6. No Such Thing As Perfect
We all want perfection, right? But when it comes to your brows, those more natural and fluffy ones actually look much better. Less work!
7. Not Contouring Correctly
I’m not big on contouring so I need to take a lesson in this. But if you want to create a sharp jawline, contour beneath it.
8. Buying The Wrong Foundation Shade
We’ve all made this beauty faux pas when buying foundation. Figure out your undertone or ask a beauty professional for help to get the perfect match.
9. Using A Powder Foundation On Dry Skin
Just try applying powder foundation to your dry skin. I guarantee it’s not going to turn out pretty. Go for a liquid foundation instead.
10. Holding Your Eye Shadow Brush Incorrectly
Makeup guru Tati says you shouldn’t hold the brush at the base because you’ll end up with too much pressure. So listen up!
11. Not Using A Skin-Tone Shade Before Eye Shadow
Who knew this was so important? By using a lighter shade it will allow your darker shade to blend more perfectly. Wow!
12. Forgetting To Tightline That Eyeliner
This technique calls for applying eyeliner on your upper waterline. When done correctly, it will make your eyeliner appear much fuller. Be cautious with sensitive eyes.
13. Not Prepping Those Lips
Your lips take a lot of beating when it comes to the elements, so before you put on that lipstick, prep them with a lip scrub.
14. Using The Same Brush To Blend Your Eye Shadow
This way you will avoid applying more shadow than you originally intended and it will blend much better. Good tip!
15. Not Using The Correct False Eyelashes
Who knew this was a thing, but apparently, false eyelashes have a right and left side. Turn the box facing away from you for the correct sides.
16. Outlining Your Lips
Remember that awful trend of outlining your lips with lip liner? That’s a no-no. Lip liner is meant to define your lips and not outline them.
17. Forgetting To Remove Makeup Before Bed
This one is elementary but most of us have committed this beauty sin once in a while. Your skin needs rest just like you do.
18. Not Washing Your Makeup Brushes Often
Imagine all the makeup buildup your brushes have on them and the abuse they take over time. This all needs to get washed off.
19. Using Expired Makeup
Are you a makeup hoarder like me? I feel your pain when you have to get rid of that expensive item but it’s a must.
20. Not Wearing Your Sunscreen
This one is essential even on a cloudy day especially with the current state of the ozone layer. You must protect your skin every day.
21. Storing Makeup In Your Bathroom
This one is hard space-wise, but the humidity can make your products go bad so use caution. Ugh!
22. Don’t Set After Mascara
So those setting sprays are a great tool to use but never use them after applying mascara or you’ll end up with raccoon eyes.
23. Using Too Much Mascara
Sometimes too much of a good thing is actually bad. Don’t end up with raccoon eyes when you go too heavy on those mascara coats.
24. Pulling your eye area in an attempt to make a perfect flick.
It may seem like an intuitive thing to do, but by pulling your eye area you’re not only tugging on sensitive skin, but you’ll also end up with an uneven line.
25. Outlining your eyebrows.
It may seem like a simple coloring book concept: trace the outline of the eyebrow and fill in. But in reality, you should only trace a fine line at the base of the brow and use a brush to spread the color. This results in a more natural looking brow.
26. Applying lipstick to bare lips.
Most people pack a lipstick in their purse for quick and easy touch-ups. But makeup artists advise prepping lips first if you want your lippy to last longer. Try dabbing some light facial moisturizer on them first, let dry, and then you’ll be able to slick on your favorite color easily and with long-lasting results.
27. Testing foundation colors on your hands.
We’ve all treated the back of our hands like a paint chip, but the fact is, you’ll end up with a foundation shade that’s too dark for your skin tone by using this method. Instead, swipe it on the side of your neck and your cheek.
28. Tossing your mascara too soon.
If your mascara is still under four months but it’s getting clumpy, dilute it with two to three drops of saline solution and stir with your wand.
29. Not testing self-tanner before applying it.
Repeat after me: self-tanner should not be orange. To avoid ending up looking like a carrot, patch test the product to make sure it’s the right tone.
30. Not choosing a focal point on your face.
To avoid makeup overload, choose one feature you want to play up and focus on that. Use more subdued colors and techniques on the rest of your face.
31. Wearing too much mascara on lower lashes.
Applying mascara on both your upper and lower lashes will open up your eyes, but if you put too much on your lower lashes, it will just draw attention to any fine lines you have in that area.
32. Wearing very dark lipstick when you have thin lips.
The darker the color, the thinner your lips will appear.
33. Waiting too long or not long enough between moisturizing and applying makeup.
It’s important to have hydrated skin before putting on makeup because it will make it easier to apply and extend its life. But if you apply too soon, it’ll be difficult to blend; wait too long, and your skin will be too dry. You want to apply your makeup between one and 10 minutes after moisturizing.
34. You’re pumping your mascara tube.
You may think that by pumping your wand you’re getting more product on the brush, but all you’re doing is getting air and bacteria into your mascara. You want to swirl the wand, not pump it.
Who knew there were so many things we were doing wrong when it comes to makeup?
Aren’t you glad you found these out so you can now be more pro?
Last Updated on September 9, 2021 by Kasia Galifi
