Makeup Mistakes You Don't Realize You're Making

In theory beauty editors shouldn't be making makeup mistakes. We interview expert makeup artists all the time,

                             

In theory beauty editors shouldn't be making makeup mistakes. We interview expert makeup artists all the time, we try new makeup products daily, and we write about bad makeup on celebrities and vow never to do the same to ourselves. But in reality, even the most experienced makeup mavens can mess up now and then.  Join in and share which ones you're guilty of -- no judgment.

Mistake No. 1: Wearing the wrong foundation shade
Foundation isn't supposed to give your skin a bit of a tan. After all, that's what bronzers are for. Instead, "it's supposed to create a perfect, smooth complexion and cover-up any imperfections. This is why you should always use a foundation which blends in with your skin." That way you can try it at home -- and look at your skin in various lighting situations -- to make sure the shade you choose looks natural.


Mistake No. 2: Applying makeup on dry, flaky skin
The results of slathering on foundation over chapped skin as horrific. Foundation will only emphasize the flakes by sitting on top of them instead of blending in with your skin. Fix the dryness by exfoliating regularly (to get rid of flakes) and following that up with a rich moisturizer. Smoother skin means a much smoother application and finished look.

Mistake No. 3: Wearing blue eyeshadow
"Blue eyeshadow works for some people. If you aren't one of the aforementioned people, don't wear it. Enough said." Harsh, but truer words have never been spoken.

Mistake No. 4: Trying to "plump" your lips

You've probably heard, or tried, the trick of lining just outside your natural lip line to make your lips look bigger. But it's way easier said than done. If you are going to attempt it, use a lip liner the same shade as your lipstick on the outer line of your lips, without passing over it. Fill in your lips as well -- that way if your lipstick fades, you don't wind up with only a line around your mouth. 

Mistake No. 5: Wearing an entire eye palette on your lids

"Just because your compact came with four or more colors packaged together doesn't mean you have to paint them all onto your eyelids at once. Instead, wear no more than three shades at a time: a medium one on your lids, a lighter one near your brow bone and a dark one as liner. But for everyday, you really only need a sweep of one shade across your lid. 

Mistake No. 6: Using pencil on your eyebrows
"A penciled eyebrow looks painted and weird.  Nevertheless, many women still go this route to fill in brows. A better option: Choose an eyeshadow color that matches your hair color and apply with a thin, stiff, angled brush using tiny strokes.

Mistake No. 7: Wearing black eyeliner in the daytime
"Here is a general rule: dark colors shrink and recede.  Light colors advance and bring forward, that's why it is recommended to skip black eyeliner (especially underneath eyes) during the day, so your eyes look more open and awake.