Most women love putting on make-up, whether every day or for special occasions. And many of us are self-taught, or depend on advice from friends, a sister or mother. If that includes you, you’re probably making mistakes that mean your make-up isn’t perfect, or the results aren’t what you had in mind.
Here are 8 pointers to help you steer clear of the errors most of us make when applying make-up.
- Applying too much foundation. The result is tired-looking, unnatural skin: it’s much better to apply sparingly and correct imperfections with a concealer that matches your skin tone.
- Not keeping your brushes clean. No matter how new your products, or how on-trend your techniques, if you apply make-up with old, dirty brushes or unwashed sponges, it’s not going to look fresh – and can even cause skin problems. Keep brushes clean and replace sponges regularly.
- Not being open to change. Great make-up is an art form: it’s evolving every day and you need to be aware that what you were taught years ago may no longer apply, or needs updating.
- You can define lip outlines in pencil at the end. This helps the lipstick spread out – and acts as a protective barrier.
- Thinking eyeliner is “just a line.” Not true: eyeliner should be triangular and angled upwards, to create a more elongated, stylised eye shape.
- Applying lip colour directly from the stick. Do it like this and the colour won’t last as long on your lips. Make-up pros use a lip brush to apply lipstick more precisely.
- ‘90s blush. Picking up too much powder on the brush and plastering it on your cheeks isn’t the most natural look. You should start with the rounded parts of your cheeks that appear when you smile, gradually blending the colour in circles, moving upwards towards your cheekbones.
- Only applying mascara to the underside of your lashes. What about the top side? Most of us neglect it — but it’s the key to perfect, well-defined lashes with volume.
