We all know how to use makeup—after all, applying lipstick isn’t rocket science. But even women who’ve been using makeup for years can make common makeup mistakes that can actually make you look older and fatter! Or, the makeup looks unnatural, like it sits on your face rather than seamlessly blending into your skin and highlighting your natural beauty.
Here are some of the most common makeup mistakes, and tips from makeup professionals on how to make your makeup look natural and flawless.
Makeup mistake # 1: starting with dry skin
Makeup professionals always apply a makeup base or moisturizer. This makes it easier to apply makeup evenly, and to blend—and natural-looking makeup is all about blending!
The trick is to apply moisturizer or makeup base about 5 to 10 minutes before you apply makeup. Pat it gently into the skin, and then gently dab off excess with tissue.
Makeup mistake # 2: using the wrong foundation
Your foundation should exactly match your skin tone. Also consider whether you have a pink or a yellow undertone. It’s best to try foundation on your jawline and then check it in natural light (the lighting in the stores can be very deceptive).
Makeup mistake # 3: emphasizing both eyes and lips
This is just too overpowering and can make you look very old and your face too harsh. Emphasize either the eyes or the lips. For example, if you are wearing a very bold lip color, like red, just use eyeliner and mascara for your eyes. If you are trying a very dramatic, smoky-eyed look, use a pale or natural color for your lips. (Read our tips on applying eyeshadow.)
Makeup mistake # 4: Globs of mascara
Too much mascara can smear and make your eyelashes look fake and ‘stringy.’ You can even cause eyelashes to break! Stick to two coats, and let the first coat dry before applying another. Then, comb out any clumbs with an old, clean mascara wand.
Makeup mistake # 5: Too much shimmer
Apply shimmery product on just one part of the face. For example, when you use a shimmery eyeshadow, keep the rest of the face matte. If your lipstick is very glossy, keep your eyes neutral.
Makeup mistake # 6: Overdefined lips
Go easy on the lip pulmpers (unless you want to look like someone punched you in the mouth). And when you use lipliner, blend it with the lipstick, and use a color that matches your skin tone so you still look normal after your lipstick has faded. The lipliner should only prevent the lipstick from smearing, not actually create a visible lip line.
Makeup mistake # 7: Overlining the eyes
Don’t apply eyeliner all around the eyes, because it will make your eyes look smaller. Instead, line the upper eyelid, blending carefully. You can apply a little powder eyeshadow in the bottom corners to create the illusion of thicker lashes, but don’t completely line the lower rim.
Photo from puttingonmakeup.net