VIDEO: 12 Common Makeup Mistakes & Tips to Fix Them

Let’s face it, no one has perfect makeup! With billions of products and techniques for applying makeup we’re bound to make mistakes. I’ve compiled a list of 12 common makeup mishaps that I see all the time, and that I’ve even made myself! Makeup is all about having fun and enhancing your natural beauty so you feel confident in yourself. If you like how you do your makeup, then rock it. I’m just sharing some tips and tricks that I find helpful when applying makeup. 

1. Doing your makeup in the wrong lighting

You’d be surprised at the difference this makes. Many people do their makeup in the bathroom mirror, which typically means poor lighting and awful shadows from overhead light. The best lighting for makeup is natural daylight. If you get ready before the sun comes up like me, use a makeup mirror AND lamps that have white daylight bulbs, not yellow.

2. Wearing the wrong shade of foundation

This is a no-brainer, but so common. Finding the right shade of foundation is very tough, so check out my video on this topic for help! I always match my foundation to my chest, because my face is much lighter than my body.

3. Wearing too much face makeup

Caking on face makeup like a mask is so unnecessary. If you have blemishes or scarring to cover, apply concealer just wear you need it. If you do not have acne, opt for a light foundation, BB cream, or tinted moisturizer. I always recommend that young teens wear just concealer where they need it and a powder foundation all over. Click here to see How to Prevent Cakey Makeup.

4. Wearing the wrong shade of concealer

Just like foundation, not having the right shade of concealer can throw off your whole look. Yes, concealer can be used for highlighting under the eyes, but opt for one that is one shade lighter than your skin and be sure to blend really well! Concealer that’s too hard can make you look tired and aged.

5. Wearing too much concealer around the eyes

Caking on the undereye concealer can also make you look older because it appears dry and enhances fine lines. Always apply concealer first THEN powder. I have a video here packed with tips on How to Cover Dark Circles.

6. Applying bronzer all over the face

Unless you’re going for the bronzed disco-ball look, avoid using bronzer on your entire face. Bronzer is meant to lightly enhance your skin tone where the sun would naturally hit. Avoid bronzers that are orange-toned and overly shimmery, and only apply them in a “3” shape along your forehead, hollows of cheeks, and jawline. If you want to contour, only use a matte bronzer and a smaller brush. Check out my video here for an Everyday Natural Contour Routine.

7. Over-filling in your brows

The key to filling in your brows is mimicking natural brow hairs. If you’re using a pencil, use one that is very tiny and pointed, and apply it only to sparse areas of the brow using short strokes. Make sure you also go over them with a spoolie brush to soften the lines. Use a light hand when working with brow powders and pomades. Check out my Natural Full Brow Routine here.

8. Ignoring your brows all together

If you were born with naturally thick and defined brows, then you’re lucky! Just keep them tweezed to maintain their shape and you’re good to go. However most of us have brows that are far from perfect, and have little gaps or an uneven shape. Filling in your brows makes the WORLD of difference in your makeup and frames your entire face. It also makes you look more youthful!

9. Riming your eyes with eyeliner

Circling your eyes with eyeliner makes them appear small and closed off. It’s also harsh for your face and is more likely to smudge everywhere. Instead, apply eyeliner to the outer portions of your eye. Gradually thicken the line as you go towards the end, and extend it slightly past the outer corner. Connect it to the bottom under your lashes, but only take it about half way in. I have a video here for an Easy Eyeliner Tutorial for more on the correct way to apply eyeliner.

10. Not extending your eyeliner to the end of your eye

We all love a great winged liner, but nothing looks worse than stopping the line short of the end of your eye and flicking it up. I see this a lot, and I’m not sure where the mistake is coming from. It could be that your pulling your skin as you’re applying it, which you should avoid so you don’t get wrinkles! Instead, make sure the line goes to the end of your lid, and place your brush or pencil liner right in the corner and extend the wing up towards your brow. Check out my video to see how to properly apply winged liner.

11. Not blending your eyeshadow

If you’re still using sponge-tip applicators, toss those and get some good makeup brushes. There are so many affordable options where you don’t have to spend a fortune on great brushes. I have a whole video here from my Beginner on a Budge series featuring affordable makeup brushes. Use a fluffy blending brush and small circular motions to blur the edges of your eyeshadow. Check out my video on How to Apply Eyeshadow for step-by-step instructions.

12. Not washing your makeup brushes

You’d be shocked to know how much bacteria is sitting on your makeup brushes, and we don’t want to be spreading this on our faces. Not washing your brushes regularly can lead to breakouts and streaky foundation! Try to wash your face brushes at least once a week in baby shampoo. They’ll last longer too if you take proper care of them. Check out my video here on How to Wash and Dry Your Makeup Brushes.

Be sure to tell me in the comments what your makeup pet-peeves are, and what tips you have!

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