Gap between wing and lashes
Many items on this list will discuss liquid liner, and that’s because the liquid liner is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it gives us dramatically framed eyes. On the other hand, it isn’t exactly easy to become a pro at winger liner. Anyway, one of the common issues with liquid liners is the pesky gap that appears between the liner and your lash line. Try a super thin liner to allow you to get nice and close to your lashes.
Overfilling your brows
Brows have become big business in the last few decades. Whereas the ‘90s and ‘00s revelled in the skinny brow, fashion since then has fully leaned into the bushy brow. Everyone seems to be going bigger and darker, with models like Cara Delevingne leading the way. Whilst it’s tempting to keep drawing on and filling in your brows, it’s best to get them done professionally. A wax and tint are cheap, and mean you won’t have to bother with them for weeks!
Too much concealer under eyes
It’s very tempting to excessively apply concealer. Come on — it’s called concealer, surely that’s the point? However, some formulas will cake and settle on your face, leaving you with even worse-looking eyes. It takes some time to get used to different concealers and where they’ll work best on your face. For the undereye area, use something fine, creamy, and blendable. Remember to also apply to the inner eye as it usually has blueish tones that make circles look darker.
Wearing blush too low
It’s always a nightmare figuring out where to apply blush. Yes, there are various rules about where to put it, but people have different shaped faces! Some people can easily apply lots of rosy blush and look like a glowing English rose. Others can use the same amount and end up looking more like Pennywise the clown. Try to think of your blush as a finishing touch, rather than the main attraction — wearing it too low can drag the entire face down.
Putting makeup on dry skin
A common makeup mistake is to start the application without taking care of your skin. We can’t overestimate just how important skincare is too good makeup application. In fact, in many Asian countries, skincare is seen as more important than makeup, because beautiful skin will always show through. This is why Korea has a 12-step skincare routine! For beginners, we recommend a simple cleanse, tone, and moisturize routine. Micellar water is an incredibly easy product to use, and your skin will thank you!
Eyeliner that doesn’t last
It’s extremely annoying to apply your liquid liner and then realize hours later that it has faded off. Some formulas of liquid liner can harden and peel off, and others will flake off. The solution to this problem is to find a good brand of liner that works for you, but there are other options. You can bring your liner with you and fill in the faded bits whenever possible, or you can choose a waterproof brand that won’t budge.
Matte lipstick on dry lips
Kylie Cosmetics brought back the matte liquid lip with its endless libraries of lip colors and Instagram photos. However, to pull off this look, you need to have nicely moisturized lips. Otherwise, the matte lipstick will stick to every chapped crevice, leaving you with flaky, unappealing smackers. Moisturize your lips with lip balm, and experiment with exfoliators. Here’s a top tip for a homemade recipe — smear some sugar and coconut oil on your lips, rub, and ta-dah!
Messy wing tips
We’re back to liquid liner, and the many curses it rains upon us as we search for perfect cat-eye beauty. To be at its best, the winged liquid liner should be completely symmetrical. This causes a lot of anxiety while applying the liner, and usually escalates as you desperately add another tiny line to each eye, hoping that they’ll balance out. What can we say? You just have to practice until you can do sharp, clean, matching wingtips.
Overstretching your eyelids
Many people are in the habit of stretching back and holding their eyelids while they apply makeup. The logic is that you can get a clearer idea of where your eye makeup should go, but actually, the opposite happens. Whilst you might be able to see better with your eyelid stretched, your eye will return to a different position when you let go. This means that your wings will end up looking uneven and your eyeshadow could be at different heights. Avoid!
Wearing colored eyeliner on lower lid
In general, wearing eyeliner on your lower lid makes your eyes look smaller and more intense. Anyone who lived through the goth/emo/scene kid era has tried to line their eyes in black kohl before quickly learning that it doesn’t look great unless you have gigantic eyes. The same is true for colored eyeliner, which can throw off the whole shape of your eye if only applied to the lower waterline. Stick to using it on the top.
Putting makeup on naked lips
We’ve already mentioned that it’s best to exfoliate and moisturize lips if you plan to wear lipstick. However, when it’s time to apply that lipstick, you can’t just put it straight onto your lips. Not! Instead, always apply primer, foundation, or concealer to your lips before adding lip products. They provide a nice blank base for your lipstick and give it something to cling to. Seriously — your lipsticks will pop in a completely different way if you wear them on top of a base.
Not priming your eyelids
In the same way that you should never apply product to a naked lip, you shouldn’t apply anything to a naked eye. The eye area is extremely delicate, and it’s best to treat the skin before applying any makeup. You can use your regular facial primer on your eyelids, but many brands also make a special formula just for lids. You can also use a color corrector or a thin layer of foundation so your eyeshadow has a neutral base to stick to.
Concealing instead of correcting
It’s all too tempting to just slap concealer over any facial blemish. Dark under eyes? Pass the concealer. A gigantic red spot! Just cover it with concealer. Veins on your eyelid? Concealer, quickly! But, that often just leaves you with a patchy face and a cakey texture. Instead, invest in color correcting palette. Different shades of lilac, green, and yellow correcting cream come together to balance the blue and orange tones in the skin. Or, try a color-correcting primer.
Ending up with spider lashes
For those of us that aren’t blessed with luscious lashes, it can be tempting to just keep applying mascara in the hope that we’ll suddenly have some. However, that often leads to dreaded spider lashes — the thing our mothers warned us about. Applying too much mascara means that each lash becomes excessively coated in the product. This results in clumpy eyes that look like they have spiders perched along with their lids. That might be OK for Halloween, but not for everyday life!
Buying the wrong products
For some people, using makeup is a fun pastime. These people enjoy buying and using lots of products. For other people, dealing with cosmetics is a stressful situation. They don’t know what to buy, and they panic and buy whatever everyone else has. Just because something looks good on your friend, that doesn’t mean it will look the same on your skin. Make use of samples and experiment to see what works with your routine, your skin’s texture, and your skin tone.
Powdering the entire face
Beauty trends change, and what was once normal might now be frowned upon by those in the know. Whilst it was a trend in the ‘90s and ‘00s to have a heavily powdered, matte face, that’s no longer the case. Increasingly, beauty trends favor glossy or dewy skin, and everyone is obsessed with highlighter now. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t still use powder, though. Just apply it to areas where you tend to get oily, like on your T-zone.
Using too much eyelash glue
Applying false eyelashes is an art in itself, but before you even begin — make sure you don’t use too much glue! It’s a common problem, so try to avoid it right from the get-go. The best method is to put a small amount of glue on the false lashes, and let them dry for 40 to 50 seconds (regardless of what the packaging says), before applying. Apply a touch more glue to the outer lashes because they are more likely to fall out.
Over-blending the eyeliner
When Avril Lavigne first appeared on the scene, she was recognizable by her long straightened hair, her angsty Canadian pop-rock, and her smudgy black eyeliner. However, that look has evolved, and we no longer aspire to Avril’s zombie-style eye makeup. It’s completely reasonable — nay advisable — to blend your eyeliner, but just don’t get carried away. Use a small brush to gently blend the eyeliner on your lower lid. Using a large brush will lead to big black circles, otherwise known as panda eyes.
Wearing too much foundation
Foundation is a tricky thing, and many people struggle with deciding on one to suit their skin and lifestyle. Think about it — there’s cream, powder, full coverage, tint. You can apply it with a sponge, a brush, or your fingers. And then there are the shades; we all know it can be a nightmare when it comes to choosing the right one. If you’re experimenting and learning what makeup you like, then go light on the foundation. You can always build it up, but you most definitely want to avoid a cakey face.
Pumping the mascara wand
Let’s start with the most fundamental of makeup tips. Do not pump your mascara wand when you open it up. Yes, we understand that it can be tempting. And we understand that it feels quite professional to give your mascara a quick pump. However, it’s very amateur. You see, pumping forces air into your lovely mascara, and with air comes bacteria. Also, pumping means your brush ends up overloaded with product. Just remove your wand, wipe excess, and apply!
Wearing bronzer all over
Before we proceed any further — as with all beauty advice, these are to be taken with a pinch of salt. If you like a face full of foundation and a full application of bronzer, then don’t let us tell you otherwise. However, in general, it’s best to avoid piling on the bronzer. Aim to bronze the parts of your face that would be naturally tanned by the sun — your cheekbones, jawline, and forehead. Experiment with different options and see which you prefer.
Getting ready in the wrong lighting
When it comes to makeup, it’s not just the products that matter. The light that you use to apply your makeup is extremely important in terms of how your face will eventually turn out. Ideally, you want to use natural lighting, or an illuminated mirror that replicates strong, white light. Applying makeup in the dark, or yellow light will distort how your skin looks. You’ll end up walking outside, glancing in a reflection, and realizing that you’re wearing ten times more makeup than you intended.
Sticking to just one eyeshadow
Admittedly, some monochromatic eyeshadow looks can be very cool. However, for general use, avoid using just one eyeshadow on the entire eye. It tends to remove any dimension from the eyelid and gives the face a flat or dull appearance. Instead, use a lighter shade under the brow, experiment with a darker shade at the outer corner, and add a pop of metallic to the inner corner. A sweep of metallic shadow will add dimension immediately.
Using a blunt pencil
As a rule of thumb, keep all of your makeup pencils well-sharpened. You may have learned to still get a reasonable brow out of your ancient stubby brow pencil, but it’s easier all around to just use a sharp one. The same applies to lip liner, eyeliner, and whatever other liners you have lying around. We recommend keeping a small, yet cute, sharpener in your makeup bag. It’s best to choose one that stores all those pencil shavings!
Testing foundation on the wrong spots
In the age of YouTube beauty bloggers, and social media businesses like Kylie Cosmetics, swatching is a big thing. For the uninitiated, swatching is applying a smear of product to your hand or arm to see how it looks on the skin. While this is quite satisfying to watch on Instagram videos, it’s not the best way to test makeup shades. Hands tend to be a different tone than your face, so instead, try foundation on your jawline.
Not blending properly
With the rise of beauty bloggers, we’ve all learned how important it is to blend, blend, blend. Gone are the days when we can hastily apply some eyeshadow and hope for the best. Now, we must apply seven different shades in a particular order, and blend our limbs off, hoping to transform into Michelle Phan. It’s worth learning how to blend, though, as it will make a huge difference to your entire makeup game. Sponges seem to be the preferred tool.
Using unwashed makeup brushes
Makeup brushes pick up a lot of bacteria, dust, and hair. Even if you keep them organized and upright, you still smear your brushes over your face and dip them in various products. It’s certainly possible that your makeup brushes are giving you breakouts. You can wash your brushes with mild baby shampoo, or buy one designed for makeup. Avoid soaking the glue that holds the bristles in place — we need them to stay there!
Using too many contouring products
Contouring originates from the world of drag, but it was popularized by the Kardashian-Jenner family. We all used to be perfectly happy just applying makeup to our faces in a regular way, but now we’re obsessed with drawing on our faces with various colors and textures. If you want to contour, then keep it simple. Grab a matt bronzer, and a light powder, and use those to create the illusion of light hitting your face.
Over-curling the eyelashes
If you’re a fan of lush, curly lashes (and who isn’t?), then don’t forget about the trusty eyelash curler. It can seem like a bit of an old-fashioned piece of makeup equipment, but it does the trick. Remember — don’t use eyelash curlers on lashes with mascara. The mascara will dry on your lashes, and they’ll snap off when in contact with a curler. Also, press gently so your lashes don’t bend into an unrealistic curl. Spend about 10 seconds on each eye.
Forgetting about primers
We all have different ideas about what items are central to a good makeup kit. Most people will have a foundation, concealer, mascara, and lip color, but not everyone will have a primer, highlighter, or color corrector. Primers are incredible because they prime your skin for the makeup to come. This means that the makeup sits on the primer, and doesn’t fade into your skin or smear over your face. Plus, primers can be mixed, so experiment to find a combination you like!
Lining the inner lower lid
We’ve already mentioned the perils of colored liner on the lower lid, and now we’re here to advise against putting liquid liner down there. Yes, some people like to apply a little bit of liquid eyeliner to their lower waterline, but it always ends up bleeding. And who wants cloudy black liner in their eyes? If you’re insistent on lining your lower lashline, then stick with a pencil. Although avoid kohl pencil — it’s far too smudgy!
Using the same foundation for years
It’s easy to get nostalgic about makeup. Lots of us remember the first lipstick we ever bought or the color of eyeliner we were wearing on a special day. However, it’s good practice to experiment with different formulas and brands. Of course, many people will learn what mascara they like and will stick with it for decades, but it’s not the same situation for foundations. Think about it — your skin changes as you age, so you’ll need to change up your formula.
Only using one concealer
Concealer can be an amazing makeup item. Sure — it used to be pretty boring, but there are so many types now! There are fine elastic textured creamy ones, thick heavy coverage waterproof ones, light and airy mousse ones, and firm bullet ones. It’s a concealer connoisseur’s delight. So, make sure that you avail of the plentiful concealer bounty and don’t just use one concealer for all of your concealing needs. Different parts of the face need different textures, so have fun playing!
Always resorting to contouring
We’ve already advised that you stick to a small number of products when contouring. But, have you considered not contouring at all? Let’s think this through — contouring was initially used by drag artists to give an exaggerated appearance and to make features pop on stage. It was then used by celebrities who are photographed all day and have entire teams of people to beautify them. So do we need such exaggerated and thick makeup? There’s nothing wrong with mixing it up now and then.
Not prepping the under eye
There are various arguments when it comes to what order you should apply your makeup. Traditionalists will say you should start with the base and build from there. But, others will argue that you should do the eyes first so that you can tidy up before building your perfect base. If you do decide to start with your eyes, then make sure you prep your under eye, as well as your eyelid. Add some serum, and then apply primer.
Using too much dark eyeshadow
While everyone is excited by a smoky eye now and then, it’s wise to be cautious when it comes to piling on the dark shadows. When it comes to eyeshadows in black, plum, indigo, navy, or deep brown, less is more. Dip your brush in, blow off the excess, and lightly apply the color. You can then build up the color until it’s at the right intensity. Stick to using dark shadows on the outer corner of your eyelid, rather than applying it all over.
Only lining the outer lips
In the ‘90s and ‘00s, lip liner was applied to the perimeter of the lips, and then the lips were covered in super sticky lip gloss. Girl bands and RnB singers of this era sported deep brown or burgundy lip liner, with a sheen of frosted glass on top. Still, the times they are a-changing,’ and now it’s advised to wear lip liner all over the lips.
Not changing foundation with the seasons
It’s important to change your foundation as you get older, but also depending on the time of year. In winter, you might be using a lighter shade of foundation, and prefer a fuller coverage. However, by the time summer has arrived, you might have a sunny glow and only want to wear a tinted moisturizer. Your skin has needs that will change according to the temperature, humidity, and light. Have a variety of foundations that you can use throughout the year.
Applying too much mascara to your lower lashes
A few coats of mascara on your top lashes can make them look thicker and fuller. But if you’re also applying mascara to your lower lashes, keep the amount light so that no one focuses on the wrinkles below your eyes. Just add one coat, and you’ll be fine!
Using the wrong applicator
Fingers can be convenient for applying makeup, but they aren’t ideal if you’re concerned about aging. Pulling on your skin can cause wrinkles and sagging to appear earlier than they otherwise would. To make your makeup go on more smoothly and prevent waste, try using a damp sponge instead of your fingers or a brush. Store your sponge in a silicone case between uses.
Using a too-light concealer
Many women rely on concealer to help get rid of dark circles and other signs of aging, but applying it incorrectly can actually make your appearance look worse. To improve the appearance of dark circles under your eyes, apply a lighter-colored concealer than your natural skin tone. Warm the product on the back of your hand and then use a brush to apply it gently under your eyes.
Going overboard on glittery highlighter
Highlighting your features can make you look more youthful and vibrant. But the wrong type of product, or using too much highlighter, can make you look older than you really are. For the most flattering results, choose a highlighter with a glowy finish instead of one that looks super shimmery or glittery.
Neglecting your face for the rest of the day
To prevent your makeup from looking caked on, keep your skin moisturized. As you age, your skin becomes drier and less flexible–making it harder for even well-applied makeup to stay looking fresh all day. A hydrating face mist can be used to refresh your makeup during the day. Simply spritz some on your face and neck to hydrate any dry patches that might be forming.
Not using hyaluronic acid
If you want to keep your skin looking young and fresh, try adding hyaluronic acid to your beauty routine. The right amount of moisture can make your skin look and feel smoother, softer, and younger. It can also help makeup go on more evenly and last longer. Makeup with hyaluronic acid can help maintain the look of youth by keeping skin hydrated.
Applying concealer before foundation
When you apply foundation, you’re working toward the goal of wearing less makeup. A good foundation will cover blemishes, even out skin tone and provide a smooth base for your other makeup products. Grabbing your foundation first will help the rest of your makeup go on smoother, and it will also help cut down on how much concealer you’ll need. This will create a more natural look.
Using a dry blending sponge
When using makeup sponges, it’s important to wet them before squeezing out any excess water. This will help the sponge hold more product and help you apply it more evenly. Saturating your sponge with water before applying makeup will also help it absorb less product, which means less waste and a more flawless finish.
Applying creams on top of powders
The order of application matters when it comes to makeup. Put powder on top of cream or liquid products, not the other way around. Don’t apply powder products around your nose and mouth if you have dry skin; instead, use a moisturizer there first. If you have oily skin, you can skip the cream or liquid products entirely.
Applying highlighter before blush
Highlighting before blush is a common practice, but not one that you should follow in most cases. Highlighting first creates a visible line between the two products, which can look odd and unnatural. The right way to apply highlighter is to layer it on last. This way, you can use blush as a base for your shimmery makeup, making your wrinkles less noticeable and keeping your skin looking glowy.
Not storing your makeup in the fridge
Some beauty products could be damaged by heat. For example, natural oils and waxes used in lotions and hair products can become too liquidy when exposed to high temperatures. To keep your natural or organic beauty products fresh longer, store them in the fridge. This will also help protect them from extreme heat and preserve the beneficial ingredients.
Over-tweezing your brows
To enhance the appearance of your eyes, it’s important to groom your eyebrows. As we age, our brows tend to get thinner. Plucking them too much can damage the hair follicles and prevent them from growing back. Pluck only the stray hairs around your brows, but leave most of them alone for a natural look.
Wearing too many eyeshadow shades
If you want to wear more than one color on your eyelid at once, it’s important to choose shades that complement each other. A medium-toned lid color, a lighter shade near the brow bone and a dark shade as liner are versatile enough for everyday wear. But if you’re just looking for an easy way to brighten up your eyes, try brushing a light wash of one color across your lid.
Using a pencil for your brows
It’s a myth that you have to pencil in your eyebrows. Eyebrow powder and a brush are all you need. If you have light hair, try using a brown eyeshadow. If you have dark hair, try using an ash brown shade. To apply the color, use a thin brush and make tiny strokes.
Avoiding the neck
Makeup can accentuate your best features, but if you don’t apply it to the neck as well, you may end up looking unnatural or unfinished. Neck skin is often the same color as face skin, so it’s easy to forget to match your foundation to it. But if you don’t blend well, you’ll end up looking older than you really are – not a good look!
Sleeping with makeup on
It’s important to take off your makeup before heading to bed. Makeup remover wipes aren’t enough; you need to use a cleanser and a toner as well. To prevent breakouts, use a makeup remover with ingredients that target acne-causing bacteria. You can also double cleanse your face before going out at night.
Using expired products
You should replace your mascara every three months, eyeliner and eyeshadow every six to twelve months, and foundation every one to two years. Makeup that has expired can be bad for your skin. Liquid or cream-based cosmetics, especially, can retain organisms that cause infection if you continue to use them after their expiration date.
Wearing makeup daily
Makeup can leave your skin feeling clogged and congested, just as wearing too much of it can cause or aggravate acne breakouts. Going without makeup for a day can help your skin in two ways: by giving it a break from the chemicals found in cosmetics and by giving your pores a chance to breathe.
Wearing waterproof mascara daily
Waterproof mascara is great for special occasions, but it shouldn’t be your everyday mascara. Waterproof mascaras are specially formulated to resist water. However, this formula can dry out your lashes and make removing the mascara more difficult than usual which can weaken your lashes.
Applying makeup immediately after moisturizing
Whether you have dry, oily or combination skin, it’s important to moisturize after washing your face. However, applying moisturizer to your face too soon after washing can cause the makeup to thin out or slide off. If you wait too long – more than ten minutes – your skin will start to dry out. You should wait one to ten minutes between washing your face and applying moisturizer.
Not blotting excess lipstick
For some women, red lipstick is their best friend. For others, it’s a makeup mistake they’re trying to avoid. When you wear lipstick, be sure to blot the center of your lips. Blotting will help keep color from smearing on your teeth when you smile or eat something.
Not knowing your skin’s undertones
To find out whether your skin tone is warm or cool, look at how you tan. If you burn, but then turn a rosy/cinnamon color, you have a cool tone; if you never burn, but still tan a lot, your skin is warm. You should choose a foundation with pink or red undertones for cool tones and yellow undertones for warm tones.
Matching your brows to your hair
If you want to make your eyebrows look natural, don’t choose a shade that exactly matches your hair color. If you have light hair, choose a brow pencil that is one or two shades darker than your hair color; if you have dark hair, choose a brow pencil that is one or two shades lighter than your hair color.
Setting your makeup with powder
Many women believe that the only way to keep their makeup from smudging or melting off is by using powder. However, this method can make skin look dry and unnatural, as well as clog pores. Setting spray provides a better alternative to traditional powder.
Applying extra makeup to cover blemishes
Try not to rely on makeup to conceal your acne. Acne-prone skin should be treated with the utmost care and needs to breathe, so it’s best not to cover it up with layers of foundation or makeup. Avoid using heavy makeup and opt for oil-free and hypoallergenic brands.
Wearing cheap makeup
When it comes to makeup and skincare, the cheaper the product, the more likely it is to be of poor quality. Research products before you buy them because you don’t want to end up with a skin reaction due to an ingredient used in an unknown brand. Focus on investing in a few quality products rather than buying many that aren’t of good quality.
Applying eye makeup after foundation
While you don’t need to do this, it helps to finish your eye makeup first before applying concealer, especially if you’re going with a colourful eye. It’s inevitable that some eyeshadow will fall onto your cheeks when you apply it. So, finish up your eye makeup, wipe off the excess and then apply concealer and foundation.
Wearing bold eyeshadow and lipstick
When applying makeup, keep your focus on one bold feature. If you want to accentuate your eyes, then tone down the rest of your look by using less dramatic lipstick and eyeliner. Let the occasion help you choose which color to wear. If you’re not sure what to pick, try a natural hue.
Sharing mascara
Your best friend may have the prettiest lashes, but that doesn’t mean you should borrow her mascara. Your eyes are much more susceptible to catching infections than your skin is, so it’s best to avoid sharing eye makeup. As a general rule, you should never share makeup with friends. If you’re determined to do so anyway, the safest way is to use disposable wands.
Wearing eyeliner that’s too dark for your skin tone
If you have a darker skin tone, black eyeliner can look great. However, if you have a lighter skin tone, brown liners are more flattering. Black is not recommended if you have blond hair and blue eyes because it can make your eyes appear smaller. For a fresh, wide-eyed look, use a nude pencil on your waterline.
