6 Makeup Mistakes You Might Be Making

Makeup can be a little mystifying. No matter how many YouTube tutorials you tune into or expensive products you buy, there are still things that always seem to go wrong. It can take thousands of hours of practice and lots of money before you become a true makeup guru. But there are a few things you can do to ensure you have A+ application and healthy skin underneath. Check out these tips to keep your face looking flawless:

You should wash your face before applying makeup to get rid of dry skin and apply moisturizer before applying makeup.
(Photo: 123rf)

1. Not washing and moisturizing before application

Makeup seems almost magical at times. It can make your lips look fuller, skin look clearer and brows seem perfectly shaped. But there is one thing it can’t do — cover up dirty dry skin. Before putting on the rest of your face, so to speak, take a few minutes to wash your skin well with something like a Clarisonic and don’t forget to moisturize. Getting rid of dry skin from the get-go can help set an even more flawless foundation. Plus, it will keep you from sealing in any dirt or oils that gather on your skin naturally.

2. Using the wrong concealer color

Concealer is meant to cover up the things you want to hide. But using the wrong shade can draw attention to the exact things you want to distract people from! Concealer that is too light can act as an inadvertent highlighter. Taking the time to get the perfect shade with the help of a professional can ensure you keep what you want hidden…well, hidden. Take that, Mr. Zit!

3. Overdoing the eyeliner

Eyeliner can make your eyes look bigger and lashes look fuller. But going overboard with the eyeliner can counteract the effect you are trying to achieve. Putting too much eyeliner on your lower lash line can actually make your eyes look smaller. To get that wide-eyed look, opt for a nude liner on bottom as opposed to the black you use on top.

4. Piling on the powder

Powder is one of those things where less is more — something that those of us who struggle with acne often forget. When applied lightly, it can work wonders filling in those pesky fine lines and evening out your skin tone. But putting on too much can get you in trouble. In some cases, makeup causes acne to worsen, and too much powder can take you from clear skin to cake face — and pimple city — in a matter of seconds. Stick to using it on the oiliest parts of your face like your T-zone. Steer clear of the area by your eyes, it will only can make your skin look dry and you look older.

5. Going overboard with blush

Everyone wants some nice rosy cheeks. But between choosing the right color, applying it in the right spot and putting on just enough, it is easy to go wrong. When in doubt, opt for soft and sheer colors. Drastic and heavily opaque colors can leave your face looking more sunburned than casually rosy. When applying blush, it is important to start light and apply more as needed. It is usually one of the last things you put on, so avoid messing up and having to take all the other makeup off! To find the perfect place to apply it, try smiling and putting blush directly on the apples of your cheeks before blending backwards.

When applying blush, start light and add more as needed. (Photo: 123rf)

6. Not taking it off

A lot of people ask the question, “Does makeup cause acne?” While using makeup won’t cause acne on its own, using it on a dirty face can seal in oils and bacteria, which causes acne. In addition, leaving makeup on overnight allows the oil and dirt you encounter during the day to settle into your pores, causing pimples. To avoid an overnight breakout situation, make sure to take makeup off every night and clean your skin. It is worth the extra two minutes.

Sure, you won’t become a professional makeup artist after reading one article, but keeping these helpful hints in mind can help you master the basics. Remember to rinse off both before and after and not overdo it. Makeup is made to look natural, so in general less is more. If you have been falling into one of these pitfalls, you are just one quick fix away from flawless. Make that change and work it girl!

Article by Melissa Frank