Whether you’ve decided to brave the elements and wear your efforts proudly or wiped your face and started all over again, don’t take those blunders to heart! Anyone can get the hang of the makeup look they’re going for, and you’ll be happy to know that the mistakes you’re making are more simple than you might think.
Keep reading to learn 10 of the most common makeup mistakes people make and how to get the basics right.
Your beautiful face is a canvas, and like any work of art, you need to prep it before application! One of the biggest makeup mistakes people make is not using a primer before applying the foundation or skin tint, which leads to uneven application and makeup that doesn’t last.
Always start with a good primer suited to your skin type. Think of primer as the base coat for your face—it smooths everything out, helps your makeup last longer, and can even tackle specific skin concerns like redness or oiliness.
You don’t even have to be a genius, either, when it comes to matte versus glossy primer. Just apply a small amount after moisturizing and before foundation, and you’ll notice a huge difference in how your makeup wears throughout the day.
Our lovely dolls, please hold our hands as we say this:
Please wear a foundation shade that matches your skin tone. For bonus points, make sure it complements your undertones, too!
Otherwise, wearing a foundation shade that doesn’t match your skin tone can result in an unnatural appearance, whether it’s too pale, jaundiced, or extremely tan.
Not sure how to make sure your foundation is just right? We’ve got you!
Test foundation shades on your neck or jawline, not just your wrist or hand. The skin on your face is often a different shade than the rest of your body, so matching it to your neck will give you the most natural look. The right shade should blend seamlessly into your skin without leaving a noticeable line. If possible, check the match in cool, natural light to ensure it looks right. And don’t be afraid to ask for samples or help from beauty advisors—they’re there to help you find your perfect match!
Likewise, applying too much foundation can make your skin look heavy, cakey, and mask-like. And while nothing to be ashamed of, if you deal with blisters and acne, overuse is just going to make those features even more pronounced underneath. Those makeup products are formulated strongly, and little goes a long way, especially if your foundation is full-coverage.
Use a light hand and build coverage gradually. A damp makeup sponge or brush can help you achieve an even, natural finish. Remember, less is often more. You can always add more if needed, but starting with a thin layer helps avoid that cakey look. Plus, your skin will look more like, well, skin!
Looking to achieve that radiant and rejuvenated makeup appearance? The key is a consistent skincare routine! Not sure where to start? We’ve got you.
Harsh lines and unblended makeup can detract from an otherwise polished look.
Take your time to blend your makeup thoroughly. Use clean brushes and sponges to blend foundation, contour, and eyeshadow, ensuring there are no harsh lines. Blending is especially important around the edges of your face and jawline. It might take a few extra minutes, but the seamless finish is totally worth it.
Your eyebrows are often one of the first features that draw attention to your face. Even with a simple soft glam look, neglecting your eyebrows can make your makeup look incomplete.
Use a brow pencil, powder, or gel that matches your natural brow color and follow the natural arch of your eyebrows for a polished look. Add a dash of well-blended concealer to the tops of your brows to make their shape more pronounced and clean up any makeup mistakes with your styling tool.
To make upkeep easier, groom your eyebrows regularly and fill them in to define their shape. Well-groomed brows can frame your face beautifully and make a huge difference in your overall look.
Don’t go overboard, though. If you’re not going for a purposefully dramatized drag or editorial look, remember that your brows are sisters, not twins, and they don’t have to be perfectly and unnaturally symmetrical. Also, don’t make them so harshly dark or over-laminated to the point that they look pasted on or like they were drawn with a Sharpie.
Applying eyeliner with a steady hand can be super hard, leading to heavy, thick eyeliner that makes your eyes look smaller and more closed off.
For a more flattering look, take your time and apply a thin line of eyeliner close to the lash line. You can always build up intensity if needed. Experiment with different styles, such as a subtle wing or tight lining (lining the upper waterline), to enhance your eyes without overwhelming them. Remember, eyeliner should enhance your eyes, not overpower them.
While mascara seems like one of the easiest steps in the routine, one of the most common makeup application mistakes is creating clumpy, spidery lashes that can ruin the appearance of your eye makeup.
Use a clean mascara wand to comb through your lashes after applying mascara to remove clumps. Wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes and then sweep upward for even coverage. Consider using a lash primer for added length and volume. And don’t forget to replace your mascara every few months to keep it fresh and clump-free!
On the subject of lashes, if you’ve been experimenting with falses, make sure your glue is drying properly and you’re applying them close enough to the lash line. Your glue should be completely clear and tacky before application—not in its liquid state. And if it’s not close enough to the lash line, it won’t seamlessly blend into your natural lashes, making it pretty obvious for anyone to clock that they’re not real.
You’ve seen the TikToks. Applying too much blush or using the wrong shade can give you an unnatural flush.
Avoid a clown-like appearance and choose a cream blush shade that complements your skin tone. Smile and apply it sparingly to the apples of your cheeks, blending upward with your makeup brush toward your temples. A light touch is key to achieving a natural, healthy glow. If you do accidentally apply too much, a bit of translucent powder can help tone it down.
You’ve worked way too hard for your beat not to last! Not setting your makeup can lead to it fading or sliding off throughout the day, especially in the summer.
Use a setting powder or spray to lock your makeup in place. A translucent setting powder can help control shine, while a setting spray can give your makeup a long-lasting finish. This step is especially crucial if you have oily skin or live in a humid climate. It takes just a few seconds but makes a world of difference.
Protect your skin at all costs! Know that sleeping in your makeup can clog pores and cause skin issues.
Always remove your makeup thoroughly before bed. Use a gentle makeup remover, followed by a cleanser, to ensure all traces of makeup are gone. This step is crucial for maintaining healthy, clear skin. Your future self will thank you for this one—clear, glowing skin starts with good cleansing habits!
Elevate your makeup artistry and avoid makeup mistakes by learning from the experts at Brillare Beauty Institute. Whether you’re aspiring to be a professional makeup artist or just aiming to enhance your everyday look, our hands-on programs provide the foundation and advanced skills you need. Schedule a tour today and start your journey to mastering the perfect makeup application.
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