11 Typical Makeup Mistakes and How to Fix Them!

Have you ever looked at your makeup look and wondered why it doesn’t look as good as what you see on professional artists or influencers? You’re not alone!

Who hasn’t Googled tips while staring at a too-heavy contour or messy mascara in the mirror? We’ve all been there. Making makeup mistakes can take the fun of getting ready, whether due to too much makeup or aging mistakes.

Everyone’s makeup style differs, but some mistakes must be fixed quickly. You don’t want to waste all that time spent in front of the mirror! While trying new looks, check out our list of 11 makeup mistakes to avoid! Learn how to avoid these common mistakes!

11 Common Makeup Mistakes to Avoid

Makeup Mistake #1: Not Washing Your Brushes and Tools

Your makeup brushes are like the tools of an artist. If you don’t keep them clean, they won’t give you great results. When you use your brushes, they pick up natural oils, makeup leftovers, and even bacteria from your skin. 

If you don’t wash your brushes regularly, this buildup can cause breakouts, clogged pores, and even infections. Don’t forget to wash your pillowcases as part of your skincare routine!

According to research, Microbial contamination was found in Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus, and fungi. The highest rates were in brushes, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus detected at 100%. Fungi were most common in sponges, occurring in 70% of samples.

These bacteria can lead to skin problems like breakouts, infections, and allergic reactions. If you use your brushes daily, especially with oily skin, aim to wash them at least once a week. 

Therefore, beauty sponges should be replaced every 1 to 3 months, depending on use. If your sponge starts to look moldy or smells bad, it’s time to toss it. Don’t forget to wash your brushes weekly or monthly, depending on your usage.

Makeup Mistake #2: Sharing Makeup

Even if your brushes are clean, germs can easily transfer from one person to another. If you ever need to share or borrow makeup, disinfect it with 70% isopropyl alcohol before using it. (This won’t work for wands that dip into tubes, like mascara or lip gloss.)

“Consider the case of a woman in the US who sued a cosmetics store for getting herpes from using their lipstick tester. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks of using makeup products testers in cosmetic stores, as they contain harmful bacteria and viruses. Always prioritize your health and hygiene when trying out beauty products!”

Also, cleaning your brushes and tools between clients is crucial if you’re a makeup artist. Never use dirty brushes or sponges on clients, and avoid double-dipping your mascara wand or liquid liner! 

Makeup Mistake #3: Not Prepping Your Skin

One of the biggest mistakes people make is skipping the prep work for their skin. Consider makeup as an art form and skincare routine like a canvas. Before you start applying makeup, always use a moisturizer. Regularly moisturizing your skin will keep it hydrated and smooth, making a big difference in your makeup.

Makeup Mistake #4: Using a Dry Beauty Blender

One important rule is never to use a dry beauty blender on your face. A damp beauty blender helps create a smooth, even makeup look. To use it correctly, soak your beauty blender in water until it expands. Then, squeeze out the excess water before blending. This way, you’ll achieve a flawless base without any cracking.

Makeup Mistake #5: Choosing the Wrong Foundation Shade

Picking the right foundation shade is crucial. Avoid going too light or too dark. Always choose a shade that closely matches your skin tone for a natural look. Try at least three shades on your jawline to find the perfect match when shopping for foundation. Once chosen, apply a thin layer first and build up coverage where needed.

Makeup Mistake #6: Forgetting to Hydrate the Undereye Area

Does your under-eye area look dry after applying concealer? If so, the culprit is likely a lack of hydration. Dry under-eyes can make dark circles more noticeable, so using a quality eye cream before your makeup is essential.

We recommend Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Eye Gel for its deep-hydrating properties, perfect for eye contour and eyelids. Bonus tip: you can also use eye cream as a lip balm for added hydration!

If you’ve applied eye cream but your under-eye area still looks dull, try mixing a little eye cream with your concealer before applying. Alternatively, buff eye cream directly over your concealer with a makeup brush. 

If you’re using a matte concealer that isn’t working for your skin, consider switching to a hydrating and luminous formula, like Kiehl’s Avocado Eye Treatment, Nourishing, and Hydrating Eye Cream.

Makeup Mistake #7: Going Overboard with Concealer

When we have dark circles from late nights, we often reach for concealer. Remember, a little goes a long way! Always apply foundation first, then use concealer for touch-ups. Avoid thick concealers that can accentuate wrinkles. You can use e.l.f. Hydrating lightweight Camo Concealer for a natural, glowy makeup look that doesn’t feel heavy.

Makeup Mistake #8: Layering On Too Much Mascara

Is your mascara smudging on your eyelids or flaking onto your cheeks? This could mean you’re applying too many layers or that it’s time to replace your mascara. 

Remember, you should change your mascara every three months to avoid eye infections and to ensure you’re not using dried-up products. Using mascara past its shelf life is a definite no-no!

Here are a few simple tips to improve your mascara application:

• Use an Eyelash Curler: Incorporate an eyelash curler into your makeup routine. Squeeze it at the lash line to lift your lashes and make them look longer. For an added trick, lightly heat the curler with a hairdryer to help maintain the curl.
• Limit Your Coats: Stick to 2 or 3 coats of mascara. After each coat, dust some translucent powder on your lashes before applying more mascara. This helps create extra volume without piling on layers. We recommend Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara; it’s smudge-proof and gives you great results!

Makeup Mistake #9: Overdrawing Your Lips

While pouty lips are in style, overdrawing your lip liner can look unnatural. Focus on overlining the cupid’s bow and just below the bottom lip for a fuller appearance. To finish, add a bit of concealer to the edges of your lips for a clean look, similar to contouring but for lips.

Makeup Mistake #10: Using the Wrong Blush Shade

A common mistake is choosing the wrong shade of blush. While it’s tempting to try every pretty color, pick a shade that complements your skin tone. Avoid shades that are too dark or too light. Blush should give a subtle glow, so apply it lightly and blend well for a natural look.

Makeup Mistake #11: Not Taking Your Makeup Off

Dermatologists and makeup artists both agree: never sleep with your makeup on! Always remove your makeup before bed, no matter how tired you feel. Taking these steps can prevent breakouts and other skin issues. Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, so always cleanse your face gently with a makeup remover before hitting the pillow.

Due to this awareness, the makeup remover market was valued at $2.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 4.8% from 2024 to 2032. 

Final Words

Avoiding these common makeup mistakes can significantly enhance your makeup routine and overall skin health. With these tips in mind, you’ll not only look great but also feel more confident in your makeup application. So, take a moment to evaluate your makeup routine and make these simple adjustments for a more radiant appearance!

Let us know in the comment section how this information helped you to elevate your makeup look!

FAQs

How to Correct Permanent Makeup Mistakes?

To address errors in permanent makeup, consider cosmetic tattooing to modify the color or design or explore one of the available removal methods.

What’s the Essential Rule for Makeup Application?

Always prepare your skin with a proper skincare routine and sunscreen. These steps are crucial for any effective makeup application, significantly influencing its longevity and finish.