You can ace dressing that makes you look younger. You can go for haircuts that can chop off years from your face. Your makeup can add a jolt of radiance to your look. But unlike the clothing and hairdos, application of makeup comes with certain technical steps. If you don’t follow some simple yet important thumb rules, your makeup probably makes you appear older than you are. And there’s a good chance you might be making some of the most basic beauty blunders on a day-to-day basis. When we think of creating the perfect makeup look, we often talk about tips to get that chiseled face, plump lips and of course a flawless base. While it’s great to learn the tricks and hacks, it’s the mistakes that can make your look go down south.
Sure, buying the right products seems like the obvious first step in getting it right. But there are some application pointers to note when dolling yourself up. For example, not prepping the skin can make your makeup will bake or slide off. Imperfect foundation colour can make you look dark or ashy. In contrast, the correct application can guarantee a flawless face, whether you’re looking for a dramatic look or that au natural one.
There are tonnes of things that can go wrong, so we created a guide with tips and tricks you need to perfect and faux pas you need to be wary from. Now, you will see that this compilation isn’t a rulebook per se, but a revelation that much of the answers lie in the technique you are following or the lack of it. We suggest bookmark these solutions to always get your makeup game on point. After all, you don’t want all those hours and effort spent in front of the mirror go to waste.
Not prepping the skin
Whether you’ve an oily skin or dry, skipping skin prep before applying foundation is a no-no. A hydrating moituriser is a must regardless of your skin type, especially if you have parched skin. Another crucial step is primer. While it may seem like an avoidable product, your primer will help hold makeup longer by creating a barrier between skin and makeup. It will also ensure that product doesn’t sit between the fine lines.
Applying foundation before eye makeup
We often tend to apply the foundation before starting eye makeup. But this is a wasted effort as you are likely to see eyeshadow fallout while applying it. It’s why it’s recommended to do the lids before foundation. This way you can also fix any messy liner or mascara too.
Selecting the wrong shade and formula
Picking the right foundation shade is the foundational piece of the puzzle. Often times South Asian women inch towards a lighter shade in an attempt to look fairer. But sadly, this ends up looking very ashy on the skin and completely ruins the look. Another key factor is choosing the wrong formula. To most degree, the correct foundation formulation depends on your skin type. For example, liquid foundation is the best bet for dry skin, whereas super-heavy formulas are not ideal for mature skin as it can settle into those lines and draw more attention to them.
Using too much product
The more the better, right? Completely wrong! Sure, it may feel obvious to use a lot of product, particularly a foundation, when you have too many blemishes or prefer heavy coverage. But we would like to point out that too much product can look cakey, will dry out and also highlight wrinkles and lines. The best way forward is taking 3-4 pumps and using a damp beauty blender. Work in sections and apply products as required.
Not blending your foundation well
We recommend refraining from using heavy foundation for the day. But if you have a dry skin and prefer heavy coverage, then a liquid formula is great. You can also use a stick foundation very lightly with a moisturizing concealer. Either way, blending it well is key. Instead of a flat brush, use a stipple brush or a sponge dampened and really blend it into the skin.
Over contouring
Using a dark colour contour as a line can surely give the illusion of an uplifted look. But instead, if you go soft with the contouring and blend it well, it will look more natural and better. Go higher up on the cheeks for a better structure. Avoid a very dark shade for your nose too. When it comes to jawline, don’t apply the product directly on it. Wear it slightly below the jawline for better definition.
Not going easy on highlighter
Using a silvery highlighter is great if you have a formal event or your wedding day, when there’s going to be good lighting. Otherwise go easy on it. Don’t apply highlighter on the eye socket area—keep that area clean. I like Hourglass Cosmetics highlighter because it’s sheer and not very glittery. Avoid it if you have acne prone skin, especially shimmery products.
Filling in brows too dark
Brows on fleek on Instagram might be a huge thing, but in real life, it’s not the most flattering. Really dark brows and making it look stronger with foundation or arched brow is not a good look. I prefer pencil but gel works too. Anastasia Beverly Hills – Brow Definer is a good one. Go for hairier brows with brush strokes for a fuller look.
Overdoing mascara
Mascara is the perfect finishing touch to your eyes. And it’s easy to feel the urge to apply several coats for those long lashes. But limit your application to just two coats, or else your lashes will end up looking clumping. Don’t use mascara on your lower lashes the same way you apply on your upper lashes. Instead, hold the wand vertically and apply. It’s also imperative to replace your mascara every 3-4 months.
Skipping lip liner
Most of us go straight for that lipstick and consider lip liner like an add-on. But a liner will not only give definition, but also a fuller, long-lasting look. It will also ensure your lipstick doesn’t bleed. But the key is to avoid sharp, thin lip lines—the idea is to define, not create a border. Create a semi-smudged lip line with the pencil, almost as if you’re shading your lips. Also pick a shade that matches your lipstick.
