For those who use makeup, it can be a wonderful tool that enables us to dress up and feel empowered every day. While some of us have been dabbling with cosmetics since childhood, others have been gradually learning as they age. Although there are several great methods for applying it, we have put together a list of makeup errors that women should steer clear of. Have Fun!
Pumping the Mascara Wand
We should begin with the most basic advice on makeup application. When you first open a mascara wand, try not to pump it. Although it may seem tempting and even give you a sense of professionalism, pumping it is considered amateur and not recommended.
When you pump your mascara wand, air gets inside it and brings bacteria along with it, which can be harmful. Moreover, pumping the brush leads to too much product being applied. Hence, it’s better to take out the wand, clean off the extra product, and then apply it.
Gap Between Wing and Lashes
A lot of topics in this list will cover liquid eyeliner. This is because liquid eyeliner has its positives and negatives. While it enhances the look of our eyes, it also requires some skill to perfect the winged look.
One of the frequent problems with liquid eyeliner is the annoying space that shows up between the eyeliner and your lash line. To solve this issue, use an ultra-fine eyeliner to enable you to get very near to your lashes.
Wearing Bronzer All Over
Let’s take a moment before moving forward to acknowledge that, like with any beauty suggestions, these should be taken with caution. If you prefer a heavy foundation and lots of bronzer, then that’s perfectly fine, and we won’t argue with you. However, as a rule, it’s advisable to avoid using too much bronzer.
Try to give a bronze tone to the areas of your face that would typically get tanned by the sun such as the cheekbones, jawline, and forehead. Test out various options and find out which ones you prefer.
Overfilling Your Brows
In the last few decades, eyebrows have evolved into a profitable industry. While thin brows were trendy in the ’90s and ’00s, the current fashion leans towards fuller, bushier brows. The trend has become immensely popular, and many individuals are opting for larger and darker brows, often seeking inspiration from models like Cara Delevingne.
Although it may be alluring to continuously draw and fill your eyebrows, the optimal solution is to have them professionally tended to. Having them waxed and colored is not expensive and will save you from having to worry about them for several weeks.
Using the Wrong Lighting
Makeup application is not solely dependent on the quality of the products you use. The lighting during the application process also has a significant impact on the end result. It is recommended that you utilize natural lighting or an illuminated mirror that produces bright, white light to achieve desirable outcomes.
If you apply makeup in dim lighting or in a yellow hue, it will alter the appearance of your skin. You may notice that you have put on more makeup than planned when you look in a reflection outside.
Too Much Concealer Under Eyes
Using too much concealer can be quite tempting. After all, it is called “concealer” for a reason, right? But, be cautious as some formulations can result in a cakey and settled appearance, making your under-eye area look even worse.
It is necessary to allow some period to adjust to various concealers and figure out the ideal spots where they should be applied on the face. To conceal the area beneath the eye, select a concealer that has a fine texture, is smooth, and can easily be blended. It’s important to cover the inner eye area as well, as it typically has bluish tones that can intensify the appearance of circles.
Sticking to Only One Eyeshadow
It is true that certain monochromatic eyeshadow styles may appear quite impressive. Nevertheless, using only one eyeshadow on the entire eyelid is not ideal for everyday use. This approach flattens the eyelid and can lead to a lacklustre or monotone look on the face.
Instead, try applying a lighter hue underneath the eyebrow, try out a darker hue on the outer edge, and include a touch of metallic on the inner corner. Adding a sweep of metallic shadow will instantly enhance the dimension.
Wearing Blush Too Low
Figuring out where to apply blush can be a very frustrating experience. While there are guidelines available, the variation in facial structures makes the process more difficult. Certain individuals can effortlessly apply generous amounts of blush and appear as a radiant English rose.
Some people might use the same quantity of blush, but it can have a different effect on their appearance and they may resemble Pennywise. It is advisable to consider blush as a final detail rather than a striking feature; wearing it too low can make the whole face appear saggy.
Badly Sharpened Pencil
It’s advisable to always keep your makeup pencils sharpened. Even though you may still be able to use an old and worn-out brow pencil to some extent, it’s more convenient to use a sharp one instead. This also holds true for lip liners, eyeliners, and any other type of liner that you may have.
It is suggested to have a compact and attractive sharpener in your makeup pouch. It’s advisable to select the one that has a storage compartment for pencil waste.
Putting Makeup on Dry Skin
One of the most common mistakes people make while applying makeup is they do not properly take care of their skin before starting. It is crucial to understand that skincare is an essential aspect of getting the perfect makeup look. In some Asian countries, people consider skincare to be more important than makeup as healthy and glowing skin contributes significantly to one’s appearance. That’s why Korea has a 12-step skincare routine that they follow rigorously.
If you are new to skincare, we suggest a basic cleansing, toning, and moisturizing regimen. Micellar water is a very convenient item to incorporate into your routine, and it will leave your skin feeling grateful.
Testing Foundation on Wrong Spots
Swatching has become a popular practice in the age of YouTube beauty bloggers and social media-based businesses, such as Kylie Cosmetics. Essentially, swatching involves applying a small amount of a product onto your hand or arm to evaluate how it appears on your skin.
Although it may be enjoyable to view makeup swatches on Instagram videos, it’s not the optimal approach to determining the right shade. Hands usually have a distinct skin tone than the face, therefore it is better to try the foundation on the jawline instead.
Eyeliner That Doesn’t Last
Discovering that your liquid liner has vanished after a few hours can be terribly frustrating. Certain liquid liner formulas may become stiff and chip away, while others may crumble. Of course, the remedy for this predicament is to seek out a reliable brand of liner that suits your needs, but there are alternative solutions available.
There are two options you can consider in order to prevent your liner from fading. Firstly, you can carry your liner with you and touch up the faded parts whenever you can. Alternatively, you can select a waterproof brand that is resistant to smudging.
Poorly Blended Makeup
We have come to realize the significance of blending with the introduction of beauty bloggers. We can no longer apply eyeshadow carelessly and expect it to look good. Nowadays, we need to use seven different shades in a specific sequence and blend them thoroughly in order to achieve the desired look similar to that of Michelle Phan.
Learning how to blend can have a great impact on your overall makeup look, so it is recommended to invest time in it. The preferred tool for blending appears to be sponges.
Matte Lipstick on Dry Lips
Kylie Cosmetics reintroduced the popular matte liquid lip trend by offering a wide range of lip color options and showcasing their products on Instagram. However, achieving the desired look requires adequately hydrating your lips. Otherwise, the matte lipstick will adhere to any dry areas, resulting in an unattractive and flaky appearance.
To keep your lips hydrated, use lip balm regularly and try using different exfoliators. An excellent DIY recipe is to mix sugar and coconut oil, apply it on your lips, and scrub gently to achieve smooth and soft lips.
Using Unwashed Makeup Brushes
It’s a well-known fact that makeup brushes accumulate plenty of bacteria, dust, and hair. Despite organizing and storing them upright, you still expose yourself to this accumulation when using the brushes on your face and applying them onto different cosmetic products. Perhaps, it’s feasible that these makeup brushes are causing you to experience breakouts.
It is recommended to clean your brushes using a gentle baby shampoo or a special makeup brush cleaner. It is important to prevent the glue holding the bristles from getting wet in order to maintain their position.
Messy Wing Tips
We’re back to liquid liner, and the many curses it rains upon us as we search for perfect cat-eye beauty. In order to be at its best, winged liquid liner should be completely symmetrical. This causes a lot of anxiety while applying the liner, and usually escalates as you desperately add another tiny line to each eye, hoping that they’ll balance out.
What can we say? You just have to practice until you can do sharp, clean, matching wingtips.
Using Too Many Contouring Products
Contouring originates from the world of drag, but it was popularized by the Kardashian-Jenner family. We all used to be perfectly happy just applying makeup to our faces in a regular way, but now we’re obsessed with drawing on our own faces with various different colors and textures.
If you want to contour, then keep it simple. Grab a matt bronzer, and a light powder, and use those to create the illusion of light hitting your face.
Overstretching Your Eyelids
Many people are in the habit of stretching back and holding their eyelids while they apply makeup. The logic is that you can get a clearer idea of where your eye makeup should go, but actually, the opposite happens.
Whilst you might be able to see better with your eyelid stretched, your eye will return to a different position when you let go. This means that your wings will end up looking uneven and your eyeshadow could be at different heights. Avoid!
An Unrealistic Eyelash Curl
If you’re a fan of lush, curly lashes (and who isn’t?), then don’t forget about the trusty eyelash curler. It can seem like a bit of an old fashioned piece of makeup equipment, but it definitely does the trick. Remember — don’t use eyelash curlers on lashes with mascara.
The mascara will dry on your lashes, and they’ll snap off when in contact with a curler. Also, press gently so your lashes don’t bend into an unrealistic curl. Spend about 10 seconds on each eye.
Colored Eyeliner on Lower Lid
In general, wearing eyeliner on your lower lid makes your eyes look smaller, and more intense. Anyone who lived through the goth/emo/scene kid era has tried to line their eyes in black kohl before quickly learning that it doesn’t look great unless you have gigantic eyes.
The same is true for colored eyeliner, which can throw off the whole shape of your eye if only applied to the lower waterline. Stick to using it on the top.
Forgetting About Primers
We all have different ideas about what items are central to a good makeup kit. Most people will have a foundation, concealer, mascara, and lip color, but not everyone will have a primer, highlighter, or color corrector. Primers are incredible because they prime your skin for the makeup to come.
This means that the makeup sits on the primer, and doesn’t fade into your skin or smear over your face. Plus, primers can be mixed, so experiment to find a combination you like!
Putting Makeup on Naked Lips
We’ve already mentioned that it’s best to exfoliate and moisturize lips if you plan to wear lipstick. However, when it’s time to apply that lipstick, you can’t just put it straight onto your lips. Absolutely not!
Instead, always apply primer, foundation, or concealer to your lips before adding lip products. They provide a nice blank base for your lipstick, and give it something to cling to. Seriously — your lipsticks will pop in a completely different way if you wear them on top of a base.
Painted Inner Lower Lid
We’ve already mentioned the perils of colored liner on the lower lid, and now we’re here to advise against putting liquid liner down there. Yes, some people like to apply a little bit of liquid eyeliner to their lower waterline, but it always ends up bleeding. And who wants cloudy black liner in their eyes?
If you’re insistent on lining your lower lashline, then stick with a pencil. Although avoid kohl pencil — it’s far too smudgy!
Not Priming Your Eyelids
In the same way that you should never apply product to a naked lip, you shouldn’t apply anything to a naked eye. The eye area is extremely delicate, and it’s best to treat the skin before applying any makeup.
You can use your regular facial primer on your eyelids, but many brands also make a special formula just for lids. You can also use a color corrector or a thin layer of foundation so your eyeshadow has a neutral base to stick to.
Using the Same Foundation
It’s easy to get nostalgic about makeup. Lots of us remember the first lipstick we ever bought, or the color of eyeliner we were wearing on a special day. However, it’s good practice to experiment with different formulas and brands.
Of course, many people will learn what mascara they like and will stick with it for decades, but it’s not the same situation for foundations. Think about it — your skin changes as you age, so you’ll need to change up your formula.
Concealing Instead of Correcting
It’s all too tempting to just slap concealer over any facial blemish. Dark under eyes? Pass the concealer. A gigantic red spot! Just cover it with concealer. Veins on your eyelid? Concealer, quickly! But, that often just leaves you with a patchy face and a cakey texture.
Instead, invest in a color correcting palette. Different shades of lilac, green, and yellow correcting cream come together to balance the blue and orange tones in the skin. Or, try a color-correcting primer.
Only Using One Concealer
Concealer can be an amazing makeup item. Sure — it used to be pretty boring, but there are so many types now! There are fine elastic textured creamy ones, thick heavy coverage waterproof ones, light and airy mousse ones, and firm bullet ones. It’s a concealer connoisseur’s delight.
So, make sure that you avail of the plentiful concealer bounty and don’t just use one concealer for all of your concealing needs. Different parts of the face need different textures, so have fun playing!
Ending Up With Spider Lashes
For those of us that aren’t blessed with luscious lashes, it can be tempting to just keep applying mascara in the hope that we’ll suddenly have some. However, that often leads to dreaded spider lashes — the thing our mothers warned us about.
Applying too much mascara means that each lash becomes excessively coated in product. This results in clumpy eyes that look like they have spiders perched along their lids. That might be OK for Halloween, but not everyday life!
Always Resorting to Contouring
We’ve already advised that you stick to a small amount of products when contouring. But, have you considered not contouring at all? Let’s think this through — contouring was initially used by drag artists to give an exaggerated appearance and to make features pop on stage.
It was then used by celebrities who are photographed all day and have entire teams of people to beautify them. So do we really need such exaggerated and thick makeup? There’s nothing wrong with mixing it up every now and then.
Buying the Wrong Products
For some people, using makeup is a fun pastime. These people enjoy buying and using lots of products. For other people, dealing with cosmetics is a stressful situation. They don’t know what to buy, and they panic and buy whatever everyone else has.
Just because something looks good on your friend, that doesn’t mean it will look the same on your skin. Make use of samples and experiment to see what works with your routine, your skin’s texture, and your skin tone.
Not Prepping the Undereye
There are various arguments when it comes to what order you should apply your makeup in. Traditionalists will say you should start with the base and build from there. But, others will argue that you should do the eyes first so that you can tidy up before building your perfect base.
If you do decide to start with your eyes, then make sure you prep your undereye, as well as your eyelid. Add some serum, and then apply primer.
Powdering the Entire Face
Beauty trends change, and what was once normal might now be frowned upon by those in the know. Whilst it was a trend in the ‘90s and ‘00s to have a heavily powdered, matte face, that’s no longer the case. Increasingly, beauty trends favor glossy or dewy skin, and everyone is obsessed with highlighter now.
This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t still use powder, though. Just apply it to areas where you tend to get oily, like on your T-zone.
Using Too Much Dark Eyeshadow
While everyone is excited by a smoky eye now and then, it’s wise to be cautious when it comes to piling on the dark shadows. When it comes to eyeshadows in black, plum, indigo, navy, or deep brown, less is more.
Dip your brush in, blow off the excess, and lightly apply the color. You can then build up the color until it’s at the right intensity. Stick to using dark shadows on the outer corner of your eyelid, rather than applying it all over.
Using Too Much Eyelash Glue
Applying false eyelashes is an art in itself, but before you even begin — make sure you don’t use too much glue! It’s a common problem, so try to avoid it right from the get-go.
The best method is to put a small amount of glue on the false lashes, and let them dry for 40 to 50 seconds (regardless of what the packaging says), before applying. Apply a touch more glue to the outer lashes because they are more likely to fall out.
Only Lining the Outer Lips
In the ‘90s and ‘00s, lip liner was applied to the perimeter of the lips, and then the lips were covered in super sticky lip gloss. Girl bands and RnB singers of this era sported deep brown or burgundy lip liner, with a sheen of frosted gloss on top. Still, the times they are a-changin,’ and now it’s advised to wear lip liner all over the lips.
This nifty tricks gives your lips more depth of color, and provides a good base for lipstick, or gloss…
Heavily Blended Eyeliner
When Avril Lavigne first appeared on the scene, she was recognizable by her long straightened hair, her angsty Canadian pop-rock, and her smudgy black eyeliner. However, that look has evolved, and we no longer aspire to Avril’s zombie style eye makeup.
It’s completely reasonable — nay advisable — to blend your eyeliner, but just don’t get carried away. Use a small brush to gently blend the eyeliner on your lower lid. Using a large brush will lead to big black circles, otherwise known as panda eyes.
Not Changing Seasons for Foundation
It’s important to change your foundation as you get older, but also depending on the time of year. In winter, you might be using a lighter shade of foundation, and prefer fuller coverage. However, by the time summer has arrived, you might have a sunny glow and only want to wear a tinted moisturizer.
Your skin has needs that will change according to the temperature, humidity, and light. Have a variety of foundations that you can use throughout the year.
Wearing Too Much Foundation
Foundation is a tricky thing, and many people struggle with deciding on one to suit their skin and lifestyle. Think about it — there’s cream, powder, full coverage, tint. You can apply it with a sponge, a brush, your fingers. And then there are the shades; we all know it can be a nightmare when it comes to choosing the right one.
If you’re experimenting and learning what makeup you like, then go light on the foundation. You can always build it up, but you most definitely want to avoid a cakey face.
Even as the world transforms rapidly around us all, these traditional wedding dresses around the world have barely changed over the course of centuries.
Ghana
When a Ghanaian man proposes to a woman, they don’t exactly have privacy. The traditional way to propose is to visit her house – with his entire family in tow. He better hope she says yes…otherwise it could get embarrassing. Ghanaian couples usually match their ceremonial attire to each other. The outfits will be made of kente, a type of cloth handwoven in Ghana, and it’s custom for them to feature bright, colorful patterns and intricate geometric designs. These unique outfits should emphasize the couple’s unique love.
Morocco
In Morocco, the wedding ceremony can last for up to a week and includes many parties. Fist, the bride and groom have separate parties to celebrate with their own families. Then, they come together for the legal procedure and a joint celebration, which symbolizes their marriage and the marriage of their two families together. The bride wears a dress called a takchita, and the groom and his family carries the bride on a 4-legged amariyah to demonstrate his ability to support her.
Eritrea
Eritrean weddings last for an entire week! First, the families exchange gifts to each other. The next day will be full of song and dance, celebrating the match. Then the two families share a large feast, to symbolize long health. Following the feast, two traditional songs are mandatory to sing: the Awelo, naming and honoring each member of the family, and the Masse, honoring the women who prepared traditional food for the feast. The bride and groom have their outfits matching colors as a symbol of their bond.
Nigeria
Nigeria is a big country with around 250 ethnic groups of many religions and ethnic backgrounds, meaning that wedding ceremonies can be quite different from region to region. But one thing that is true of almost all these areas is that Nigerian brides will wear brightly colored wedding clothes, along with a unique head tie called a Gele in most parts of the country. As is the case in many African cultures, brides and grooms in Nigeria usually match the colors of their wedding outfits.
Sri Lanka
On the island of Sri Lanka, east meets west in a way that is especially easy to see at a traditional wedding. Their heavily embroidered silk saris are shared culturally with nearby India and beyond, while their long lace veils show an influence from Europe. Along with the sari and veil, the bride will wear a headpiece called a nalapata Grooms will wear a 4-cornered hat, a velvet jacket, and a long white waistcloth called a mul anduma.
Scotland
“An nglacfaidh tú liom mar chéile?” That’s Scottish Gaelic for, Will you marry me? If you’ve seen or heard of Scottish men in skirts, it’s not quite what it sounds like. Wait-wrapped clothes in Scotland, called kilts, bore the colors and emblems of the clan they were born into. On their wedding day, men in Scotland traditionally wear the kilt of their clan. After the ceremony, the groom’s family gives the bride a shawl in the colors of their clan to signify her transition into his family.
Indonesia
Much like the architecture in the region, most Indonesian weddings across many regional subcultures feature a lot of gold, featured especially on headdresses and jewelry from head to toe which results in the bride and groom sparkling literally all over their bodies. It’s easy to see from its architecture that Indonesian empires had their fair share of glory and richness in the region, with many gold-adorned monuments. By wearing gold, the bride and groom as honor Indonesia’s past as well as its kings and queens.
Peru
Color is the name of the game at a Peruvian wedding. Women wear bright handwoven skirts, called polleras, and men wear headdresses. The bride and groom will both also wear a cloak, or poncho. These decorations and styles are reminiscent of the powerful Incan empire that once inhabited the region and beyond, with their capital Macchu Picchu in the mountains of Peru. Peruvians even decorate their cakes in the same colors as their dress – as well as hiding a ring inside on a ribbon.
Sardinia
In Sardinia, the dresses can be very elaborate, with ornate details that display influence from all around the Mediterranean from Northern Africa to Greece and northern Europe, including jeweled stitching, a velvet jacket, and a long veil. Unique to this island, there is even a special wedding pasta that you’ve probably heard of. Ziti has long been a local wedding tradition, with hollowed centers that can hold all kinds of pasta toppings. This was designed to fill up the bellies of famously large Italian families, who will all be celebrating, of course.
Poland
Traditional Polish weddings are not hard to find today. Bridal outfits include a special veil/cap (welon) that has its own ceremony (oczepiny) during the wedding. The groom puts on a flower matching the bride’s bouquet. During the ceremony, brides will move their dresses to cover their husband’s shoe – believing that this will give her a position of dominance in the relationship. Polish also believe that a bride can die of unhappiness, and the flower crown is created for her in the days before her wedding to manifest a happy, fertile marriage.
China
At traditional Chinese weddings, brides and grooms often opt for red outfits, as the color is culturally recognized as lucky. It keeps away evil spirits, as well as representing love and prosperity. Like in many other cultures, they are dressed by their respective families. The groom will then go to the bride’s family house, but he will first be blocked by her chosen bridesmaids. Once she gives him permission to pass, the families join each other for a tea ceremony.
Caucus Mountains, Georgia
In the Caucus mountains of Georgia, wedding customs have stayed the same for many centuries. Many of their traditions reflect the warring nature of these mountains, where various groups of people have had to fight constantly for their survival. The bride is carried under a four-post canopy to symbolize her protection, while the groom wears a sheath in his belt. Towards the end of the ceremony, the bride will be kidnapped by her family, in order to make the groom prove he’s capable of rescuing her.
Tonga
Like many other Polynesian islands and cultures, Tongan weddings are strongly symbolic of the environment around them. As can be seen from the hand-made attire from Tiare ‘O Patitifa, women wear a colorful wrap that covers their bodies only from the torso to the knees, while the men’s wraps will cover everything from the waist down. The priest who marries them wears a feathered headdress to symbolize the divine right given to him by higher powers, and the couple go to sea in a canoe to symbolize the isolation of their love from the world around them.
Greece
At Greek weddings, ancient pagan traditions are combined with those of the Greek Orthodox church. Older tradition demands that the bride’s family places a lump of sugar in her glove to ensure a sweet life, and a gold coin to the inside of her shoe to bring good fortune. The groom puts a piece of iron in his pocket to ward off evil spirits throughout the day. A priest places crowns joined by a ribbon (called stefana) on the couple’s heads, representing their new unity.
Ukraine: Hutsul People
Near the border of Ukraine and Romania live the Hutsul people, who are most likely descended from the old Rus tribe and still practice many of their customs. At their weddings, they ride to church on horseback, and celebrate for two or three days in a large wedding tent. Their dresses are made by the delicate handwork of women in both families. Like certain other cultures, they strictly invite an odd number of people, believing odd numbers to be luckier because they can’t be divided!
Khazakstan
Traditional Kazakh weddings involve the bride wearing a headdress called a “Saukele.” This tall, conical hat is trimmed with fur and is the most expensive article of any wedding ceremony. For wealthier women, the upper part of the hat is often decorated with semi-precious stone, blue velvet fabric, or gold thread. However, less prosperous women tend to make their “Saukele” from cheaper materials such as satin and will often use less precious beads made from glass to decorate the headgear.
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