Biggest Makeup Mistakes
Now we’re not one for saying there are make up rules because you should always do what makes you feel happy. If that means using an eyeshadow as a highlighter on lipstick as a cheek tint then go for it. In the words of our favourite vlogger Jaclyn Hill – you do you. However there are some definite don’ts when it comes to makeup which we should all aim to avoid.
Foundation not matching your body
Whether you have purchased the wrong shade of foundation or have deliberately layered on the wrong shade in the hope it matches, you’re not alone – this is one of the most common makeup mistakes. Yes, you might want to look tanned however if your face doesn’t match the rest of your body, this is the only thing people will be focusing on.
Our first tip is always try before you buy. Large department stores often have technology to match you to your perfect shade (although not always reliable), or they offer small samples for you to take home and try.
Contrary to popular belief, you should always test your foundation on your cheeks or around the centre of your face instead of your jawline. As the sun doesn’t directly hit your neck, you should match your foundation to the colour of your arms and when applied, it should be blended down to your neck and decolletage for a more natural look.
More importantly, you should always apply your foundation in natural light to ensure it matches your body perfectly.
Tip: if you do go for a foundation shade which is too light or too dark it’s not the end of the world, simply mix it with a shade at either end of the spectrum to create your perfect shade. Pairing your foundation with a primer will make you catwalk ready in seconds, seriously.
Wrong shade of concealer
Do you apply concealer before your foundation? Think again. Applying your foundation first will cover a lot of imperfections you want to cover and can reduce the amount of concealer you have to apply afterwards – not to mention it provides more coverage this way. When selecting a shade, your concealer should be one to two shades lighter than your skintone as this will help neutralise and brighten darker areas (such as your under eye).
Overdrawn Brows
The phase of over tweezed brows has passed and we’re in an era where everyone seems to be going all Cara Delevigne on us. So, if this is the look you’re going for, be careful not to go overboard. If your brows are too heavy, too thick or too arched, it can make you appear older when all you want is the youthful look.
Tips: pencil lines can often appear harsh so if you’re starting out with slight over-drawn brows, we recommend using an eyeshadow matching your brow colour alongside a stiff brush to apply. Products such as the Brow Wiz from Anastasia Beverley Hills are incredibly easy to use and very popular as it creates precise, hair-like strokes.
Clumpy Lashes
After spending some time beautifying yourself, the last thing you want to do is ruin is with clumpy, messy looking mascara. Mascaras should only be kept for a maximum of 3 months, should be applied and combed through with a wand to prevent clumps and don’t forget the lower lashes as they also help frame the face.
Tips: waterproof mascara should be avoided for everyday use. Waterproof mascaras are a lot harder to remove than normal mascaras and this tugging and wiping of the eye area each day can cause your under eye skin to sag. Reserve that waterproof mascara only for when it’s needed.
Glowy Face
You must be new around here if you haven’t heard us talk about highlighters yet – we do love a dewy glow. However, unless you are doing the full face highlighter challenge, the amount of highlighter you use should be kept to what is suitable for your face. Of course use highlighters to emphasise those features you want to focus on however be careful as many highlighters can create texture on your face and if placed in the wrong place, can emphasise larger pores.
Glitter Glam
It’s no secret we love a bit of sparkle but be careful not to get too carried away with glitter for your everyday makeup look – this should be reserved for your evening makeup look. There are plenty of highlighting and radiance boosting moisturisers and concealers out there so embrace these for an everyday natural look.
Own up, have you made any of these makeup mistakes and do you have any more to add? Drop us a message over on Twitter or Facebook.
