I have been dabbling in makeup for over 25 years. So, I have seen it all, done it all and have made all the mistakes along the way. Thankfully, I believe my rookie mistakes are behind me and I am now able to now share with confidence, 10 of the top makeup mistakes to avoid AND how to fix them.
Also, if you need 1:1 help with your makeup, I have makeup coaching available. This is where I teach you the technique on how to apply makeup for your unique features. No more endless youtube searches or trying to figure it out on your own. Click to book a session with me today.
Now on the these makeup oops, plus the tips and video tutorials on how to fix them…
1. Wrong shade of foundation
In 2022, there is no reason for anyone to be wearing the wrong foundation. Hello Fenty Beauty. From the fairest of fair to the deepest ebony, there is a brand and formula to match.
When picking your correct shade, test them out on your jawline, then blend it downwards to your neck. Your correct shade should match the color of your neck.
2. Not blending your foundation
After you’ve chosen your correct foundation shade, be sure to continue to blend it down to your neck and upwards into your hairline for a seamless transition.
3. Foundation only without bring back dimension to your face
Foundation, especially full coverage foundation, creates a blank canvas to your face. It completely flattens out your natural dimension and shadows that make you look like human at not a mannequin.
So, after applying foundation, bring back your real life dimension by using contour, blush or highlighter.
4. Outlined eyebrows
I am going to chalk up this mistake up to people being in a rush, but I do see this mistake more often that I should. Drawing an outline with which to fill your eyebrows in is not my recommended way to fill in your brows. I think it looks unnatural. But if that’s your method of choice, remember to finish it out by filling in the outline and then blending out the harsh lines with a spoolie or brush before stepping out the door.
5. Overdrawn eyebrows
Listen, I could teach a semester’s long course just on eyebrows. They can make or break a look because they frame your eyes which are central to your face.
It’s so easy to go too far with the eyebrow pencil. But if you keep in mind that your eyebrows should look as natural as possible, that will help you remember when to put the pencil down.
6. Skipping brows completely
Remember when I said eyebrows are important? Yea, and most of us do need to fill in the sparse spaces in your brows. And this is especially true when you have a full face of makeup. It needs to be balanced by bringing a bit of extra life to your brows.
7. Lipstick and blush clashing
I don’t see much instruction on this and it pains me so much to see a beautiful woman with clashing blush and lipstick.
Not every blush and lipstick belong together on your face at the same time. So keep these tips in mind when putting your look together.
Here are 3 classic lip + blush combos to remember:
- Classic Red Lip + Neutral Blush
- Plum Lip + Cool-toned Peach Blush
- Nude Lip + Peachy/Pink Blush
But when in doubt, use a bit of your lipstick as your blush and you’ll never miss.
8. Applying lipstick before exfoliating
Don’t skip this step! Lipstick alone will not moisturize your lips and it will embarrass and expose you. Before you apply lipstick exfoliate your lips. I keep a jar of my homemade lip scrub and gently rub it on my lips in a circular motion to remove all the dry flaked skin. Wipe off the residue and then you’ll have a soft smooth surface for your lipstick to sit.
9. Applying makeup in bad lighting
Your bathroom might not be the best place to put your makeup on, especially if there is no window.
The best lighting to apply your makeup with is natural light, but if that’s not possible (hopefully you have a ring light) your light source should be positioned in front of you and not behind you. When your light source is behind you, it casts a shadow, making it impossible to see yourself properly. Have a clear view of your face while applying makeup is the best way to assess your progress. You can tell if your shades match your skin and if you’ve applied too much or too little product.
10. Makeup flashback
The amount of photos that have been ruined from this tragic mistake are too many to count. When I posted this mistake on my Instagram, one of my followers shared the story of how all her senior prom pictures were ruined from the flashback of her makeup. Yikes!
When your foundation or concealer is too light for your skin tone or you have gone too heavy handed with your setting powder – flashback is sure to follow. So make sure to stick to shades close to your skin tone.
Use proper lighting to apply your makeup so you get an accurate vision of how you’re doing.
But, my best tip to avoid makeup flashback is, before you head out the door, check your makeup by taking a picture of yourself with the flash on. This picture will reveal the truth and you can correct any mistakes before you have another ghost-like picture tragedy.
I could on and on, especially when it comes to eyebrow mistakes, but these are the top 10 makeup mistakes and the simple solutions on how to avoid them. Did you see any that you have been a victim of? What are your tips to correcting past makeup mistakes?
With Love & Confidence,
