Top 6 Makeup Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Gone are the days of glitter eyeshadow, bronzer as finishing powder, and wearing so much lip gloss that your lips looked constantly wet (of which we were all guilty). However, just because we’ve made it past these atrocities doesn’t mean we’re not still making makeup mistakes in our daily lives.

These makeup “mistakes” we’re referring to aren’t necessarily mistakes; they’re spots in your routine that can make a huge difference in your overall look. Hence, we’ve compiled some tips to help you avert common makeup blunders that are easy to integrate into your current routine. These are 6 common makeup mistakes made by beginners and our tips on how to avoid them.

Using a Sponge to Apply Foundation

Foundation is meant to look natural and blend in with your skin as much as possible. To avoid an uneven appearance, do not use the sponge that comes with the foundation. This is a common makeup mistake that can make you look heavy and uneven in select areas. We recommend applying your  powder foundation with a brush to cover your entire face.

Not Using a Primer Prior to Applying Foundation

Priming your skin is often overlooked either because of limited time or not knowing what it actually is. Priming involves applying a base lotion, similar to a moisturizer, to your face prior to foundation. A primer is designed to prep your skin for further makeup application. If you don’t apply a primer prior to using makeup, the pores in your skin will absorb the makeup and become irritated. To avoid this makeup mistake, apply a primer to your face to receive a consistent application that soothes out imperfections.

Choosing Shades of Makeup That Don’t Compliment Your Skin Tone

The key to your makeup appearing seamless is making it look like you have none on in the first place. How to do that? Make sure you’re applying the right shade. When shopping for makeup, shop for the skin tone you are now, not the one you hope to be later. A noticeable makeup mistake to avoid includes purchasing a tan foundation at the beginning of the summer with pale skin.

You can find the right color by getting color-matched at your favorite cosmetics counter. But, if you’re on your own or even at the drugstore, test a makeup shade by swiping some along your jawline. This takes into account the color of neck, which is often paler than your face. The makeup should disappear into your skin and blend between your jawline and neck for an overall even complexion.

Applying a Concealer to Your Skin Prior to Using Foundation

A common makeup mistake that beginners make is applying concealer before using foundation. In fact, it’s best to put a concealer on after you’ve finished with your foundation. It will actually offer more coverage because it will not be bogged down by your other makeup products and have a thicker form. In addition, your foundation and powders have natural concealing qualities as well, so dotting on concealer as a final step ensures you don’t use more than is actually needed.

Closing Your Eyes to Apply Liquid Eyeliner

We’ve all been there: you’re in a rush to get out the door but you need a dramatic look for the night. So, you stick to your trusty method of closing your eye and tugging on it slightly to apply eyeliner on a smooth surface so it forms a continuous line across your eyelid. Done. We hate to burst your bubble, but this makeup mistake doesn’t actually do you as many favors as we’re all taught.

First, it’s recommended to keep your eyes as open as possible so you can visually see how one eye’s liner is compared to the other. Second, try not to tug on your eyelid. When you’re finished applying your eyeliner and releasing your eyelid, the eyeliner also bounces back and creates a bumpy texture because of the missed spaces. Instead of tugging on your eye to form a seamless line, try holding down your skin with your fingers and tracing out a line with eye pencil beforehand, “connecting the dots” as you move along.

This is particularly good for achieving a winged eye or cat eye look. You can draw a dot as far as you want your wing to go, connecting with the outer corner of your eye with liquid eyeliner, gradually moving towards the center of your lashline.

Using Dirty Makeup Tools

Dirty tools are a no-go. Old makeup and germs stay on your tools and go back into your skin when you reuse them. Plus, the makeup will not appear fresh and clean. It’s best practice to either replace your tools or clean them properly with a cleanser (or as instructed by the manufacturer) every year. This will make your makeup application process smoother. Applying makeup with contaminated tools is an ordinary makeup mistake that may cause breakouts and skin conditioners in the long term.

Are you interested in joining the growing beauty industry? Enroll in a Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics, or Makeup class at Pivot Point Academy in Bloomingdale, Illinois. Our instructors will teach you the latest makeup application techniques to prepare you for a career as a celebrity makeup artist, performance makeup technician, or spa makeup specialist. Give us a call by phone at (847) 985-5900 to learn more about our beauty programs.