Makeup is meant to enhance your natural beauty, but sometimes, minor mistakes can have the opposite effect. You might be making some common blunders, aging you, or making your makeup look less polished than you’d like. Here’s what to avoid to keep your makeup looking fresh and flattering.
1. Rocking the Wrong Lipstick for Your Skin
The wrong lipstick shade can wash you out or make you look older. Stick to colors complementing your skin tone, and always use a lip liner to prevent smudging or feathering. A well-chosen lipstick shade can brighten your face and pull your whole look together.
2. Not Setting the Stage
Skipping primer might seem harmless, but it’s one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Primer preps your skin and helps your makeup last longer. It smooths your complexion, hydrates, and ensures your foundation doesn’t settle into fine lines or wear off halfway through the day.
3. Neglecting Your Brows
Brows frame your face, and leaving them out of your makeup routine can make your whole look feel unfinished. Even a quick swipe of brow gel can add definition and lift to your face, making your eyes look bigger and your features more balanced.
4. Being Heavy-Handed With Concealer
Less is more when it comes to concealer. Losing it on thick to hide dark circles is tempting, but overdoing it will only draw more attention to fine lines and creases. A small amount, blended well, is all you need for a bright, fresh look.
5. Not Applying Mascara
Even if you’re in a hurry, mascara should never be skipped. It adds definition to your eyes and makes you look more awake. A few quick swipes can open up your eyes, making them pop and giving you a more polished appearance.
6. Using Too Much Powder
Powder is great for setting makeup, but too much can leave your skin dry and accentuate wrinkles. A light dusting on your T-zone is all you need to control shine without dulling your glow or making your skin look cakey.
7. Overloading on Blush
Blush is essential for adding warmth and life to your complexion, but applying too much or in the wrong shade can age you. Opt for cream or liquid formulas in natural tones to give your cheeks a healthy, youthful flush.
8. Not Curling Your Lashes
It might seem like an extra step, but curling your lashes makes a world of difference. It opens your eyes, adds volume, and gives you a more lifted, wide-awake appearance. Always curl your lashes before applying mascara for the best results.
9. Piling on the Heavy Eyeliner
Thick, dark eyeliner can weigh your eyes and make them appear smaller. Instead, opt for softer shades or a thinner line for a more natural, fresh look. If you’re tired, skip the eyeliner and highlight other features.
10. Doing a Dodgy Nail Job
Chipped or messy nail polish can detract from an otherwise polished look. For a cleaner, longer-lasting finish, apply a base and top coat, or skip polish altogether if you’re short on time.
11. Not Blending Lip Liner
Lip liner can enhance the shape of your lips, but if it’s too heavy or unblended, it can look harsh and outdated. Blend your liner into your lipstick for a seamless, more natural look that still defines your lips without being too obvious.
12. Skipping Blush
Leaving out blush can make your face look washed out and dull. Blush adds warmth and life to your complexion. Choose a shade that flatters your skin tone and apply it lightly to the apples of your cheeks for a natural, radiant glow.
13. Going to Town on Your Face
Going heavy on both eyes and lips can overwhelm your face and make your makeup look dated. Stick to highlighting one feature at a time—either bold eyes or bold lips, but not both. This balance will give you a fresh, modern look.
14. Not Updating Expired Makeup
Using expired makeup can cause irritation or breakouts and won’t perform as well as fresh products. Check the expiration dates on your makeup and toss anything past its prime to keep your skin looking its best.
15. Choosing the Wrong Foundation Formula
Matte, heavy foundations can settle into fine lines and make your skin look dull and dry. Opt for a water-based or radiant formula that adds hydration and gives your skin a healthy, youthful glow without settling into wrinkles.