We’ve all had makeup moments we’d rather forget. These common mistakes are easily fixed once you know what to look for.
Mistake #1: Wrong Foundation Shade
The Problem: Foundation that’s too dark, too light, or wrong undertone creates an obvious mask line.
The Fix:
- Test on jawline, not hand or wrist
- Check in natural daylight
- Wait 5 minutes – some foundations oxidize
- If between shades, buy both and mix
- The right shade “disappears” into your skin
Mistake #2: Skipping Primer
The Problem: Makeup slides, fades, and settles into pores and fine lines.
The Fix:
- Always use primer after moisturizer
- Match primer to concern: mattifying for oil, hydrating for dry skin
- Wait 60 seconds before foundation
- Don’t forget eyelid primer!
Mistake #3: Over-Powdering
The Problem: Cakey, textured skin that emphasizes lines and looks flat.
The Fix:
- Use powder only where you get oily (T-zone)
- Apply with a damp sponge for natural finish
- Choose finely-milled translucent powder
- Press, don’t swipe
- Use setting spray instead of powder on dry skin
Mistake #4: Harsh Brows
The Problem: Over-filled, drawn-on brows that look fake or angry.
The Fix:
- Use light, hairlike strokes
- Choose a shade lighter than your hair color
- Blend with a spoolie after filling
- Focus product on sparse areas only
- Use brow gel for hold and softening
Mistake #5: Ignoring Undertones in Lipstick
The Problem: Lipstick that washes you out or makes teeth look yellow.
The Fix:
- Cool undertones: Blue-based reds, berries, pinks
- Warm undertones: Orange-based reds, corals, peaches
- For whiter-looking teeth: Blue-based colors
- Avoid yellowy nudes if teeth aren’t white
Mistake #6: Harsh Under-Eye Concealer
The Problem: Bright triangles under eyes that don’t blend with face.
The Fix:
- Use a shade only 1-2 tones lighter than skin
- Warm up cool-toned concealers with color corrector
- Apply in thin layers
- Blend edges thoroughly
- Set with minimal powder
Mistake #7: Mascara on Bottom Lashes
The Problem: Heavy, spidery lower lashes that age the face.
The Fix:
- Hold wand vertically, use just the tip
- One light coat only
- Use a smaller brush or different mascara
- Or skip bottom lashes altogether
- Focus product on outer corners only
Mistake #8: Wrong Blush Placement
The Problem: Blush that’s too low, too close to nose, or in a stripe.
The Fix:
- Apply on the apples when smiling
- Blend upward toward temples
- Stop at pupil line (don’t go closer to nose)
- Use a fluffy brush for diffused application
- Build color gradually
Mistake #9: Unblended Contour
The Problem: Obvious brown stripes on cheeks that don’t look natural.
The Fix:
- Use a shade with gray undertone (not orange)
- Blend immediately after application
- Use a damp sponge for seamless blending
- Check in natural light
- Less is more – build gradually
Mistake #10: Neglecting Setting Spray
The Problem: Makeup that fades, transfers, or disappears by midday.
The Fix:
- Finish every makeup look with setting spray
- Apply in X and T motion across face
- Let dry naturally (don’t fan)
- Choose matte for oily skin, dewy for dry
- Reapply throughout the day if needed
Quick Tips Recap
- Always check makeup in natural light
- Blend, blend, blend
- Less is often more
- Build products gradually
- Match products to your skin type
- Take photos to check how makeup translates
Everyone makes these mistakes sometimes! The key is knowing how to recognize and correct them.
