When properly applied, makeup can really enhance your natural beauty and features. However, there are several makeup mistakes that can take away from that beauty and the overall look you may be trying to create for yourself. Here are 3 common mistakes and tips to avoid or fix them.
- Foundation
Mistake: Foundation selection and application is the most common mistake.
The purpose of foundation is to give the illusion of a flawless complexion. However, there are a few mistakes made when trying to do so:
- Choosing the foundation color that does not match your skin complexion.
Fix: Test the color in the daylight (store lighting isn’t always the best for matching up color). I recommend visiting the makeup counter at a department store or a beauty store like Sephora where you can try the product first. The foundation may cost more than department stores. However, they give you the ability to test it and have great return policies.
- Choosing the wrong type of foundation.
Fix: If you have oily skin, you should choose oil free, pressed powder or cream to powder foundations. If you have dry skin, you should choose liquid foundations. If you have fine lines, you should also avoid powder foundations and use liquid foundation. Most powders settle in lines drawing more attention to them.
- Forgetting to blend. Fix: To avoid looking like you’re wearing a mask, blend your foundation on the face and down onto your neck. This is a very common mistake women make.
- Applying foundation on flaky, dry skin. This exaggerates the dryness making your skin look uneven and older.
Fix: Exfoliate regularly and use a great day moisturizer under makeup. If it’s really dry, you can even get a moisturizing primer.
- Eyebrows
Mistake: Overdrawn eyebrows and over plucked eyebrows are two common eyebrow shaping mistakes.
Properly groomed and shaped eyebrows enhance your eyes and give definition to the entire face. However, eyebrow tweezing, waxing, or threading can often be overdone. Too thinly shaped eyebrows take away from the natural structure of the face and can make you look older. At the same time, eyebrows that are not at all groomed lack the polished look you need when attempting to apply a great makeup look.
Fix: When getting your eyes done by a professional, make sure that they just clean up the natural arch of your brows and never take away the length of the overall brow. If you pluck your own, remember the goal is to make them neat. Pluck your eyebrows sparingly and follow only the natural arch of brows. Use eyebrow powder that essentially does the job of an eyebrow pencil in a natural way.
- Blush
Mistake: Two common mistakes made with blush
- Apply to the wrong area of the cheeks
- Too much blush
Fix: Apply blush from the apple of your cheeks up to your ears and hairline. You can smile to better find the apple and see where to place it. Tap excess powder blush off your brush before taking it to your cheeks. You should apply all makeup lightly, but especially blush. It’s much easier to add more than it is to take away when you make a mistake.