Makeup is a wonderful way to build confidence and express one’s personal taste. However, there is a learning curve involved, and most beginners find themselves stumbling before they’re even out the gate. Like all skills, the art of applying makeup and learning how to do natural makeup looks will take patience, perseverance, and a lot of practice. You may not get it right on the first try, but there are ways not to get it completely wrong. Read on for the 4 most common makeup mistakes that beginners make:
Omitting Skincare and Sun Protection
Think of makeup as though it were paint, and think of your face as if it were a canvas. Painting over a rough, uneven canvas will most certainly result in a patchy application, with your paint settling in areas where it shouldn’t. Putting makeup on dry skin without making sure that it has been properly hydrated and moisturized is a huge no-no. It can cause your makeup to look dull while caking up and catching in any fine lines, wrinkles, or dry patches.
Proper cleansing and exfoliation can buff off the cells of the surface of your skin to reveal new, smooth skin beneath. Applying your favorite moisturizer before your base also creates an even surface that will ensure a flawless finish for your makeup.
Another common mistake that beginners often make is failing to protect themselves from the harmful rays of the sun. UVA and UVB light can cause skin damage and premature aging! If you’re heading out, put on a sunscreen with an adequate level of SPF before applying your makeup. You can boost its effects by using SPF makeup or mineral makeup, which offers built-in protection from the sun.
Choosing the Wrong Foundation Shade
Those just starting to get into makeup can feel easily overwhelmed by the sheer variety of products and choices available on the market. When it comes to foundation, it isn’t as simple as walking up to the nearest shelf and plucking off the first product you see. You’ll want a product that matches your skin tone, but how are you supposed to know which one that is when there’s 20 or 25 on offer?
Take your time choosing a foundation shade. Don’t swatch it on the back of your hand or the inside of your wrist. For ideal results, swatch the foundation against your neck, or the skin beneath your jaw.
Don’t give in to pushy salespeople; most of them just want to make the sale and get you out the door as soon as possible so that they can attend to the next customer. Don’t trust the tricky store lighting, either! After you’ve obtained a couple of likely swatches, step out of the store and go for a little stroll. This allows the foundation to oxidize, which lets you see how it performs under natural lighting.
Using the Improper Blending Technique
One of the words you’ll hear most often in the makeup world is “blend”: blend your foundation, blend your eyeshadow. Blending is a crucial makeup application step that ensures even application and gives your makeup a more natural look.
There are different ways to blend different products, and you may need additional tools to achieve makeup perfection. However, the blending cardinal rules are as follows: always blend your foundation into your hairline to prevent that odd mask-like look, and don’t be afraid to take it low into your neck, too.
Not Taking Makeup Off Before Heading to Bed
We’ve all been there – you’re exhausted after a long day at work or you’ve gotten in late from hanging out with your friends all night, and all you want to do is crawl into bed and knock out for a few hours. The makeup can wait until tomorrow, right? Wrong.
Failing to remove your makeup before you catch some z’s is one of the worst things you could do to your skin. Leftover base can dry your skin and clog your pores, resulting in nasty breakouts. Leaving your eye makeup on can cause sties around your eye area or infected lash roots. Not taking off your lipstick can cause your lips to dry out, swell up, and become chapped and irritated. You will regret it, so take a handful of minutes out to cleanse your face of all of that gunk before turning in.
Dermatologists recommend a thorough cleansing with an oil or balm product that can melt even the toughest waterproof makeup off, but on the days when you really can’t be bothered, just go in with a moisturizing makeup wipe and supplement with an intensive cleanser when you wake up.
Even the experts were beginners at one point, so don’t be afraid to mess up—chances are, we’ve all been through the same trials! The important thing to do is to have fun with makeup while constantly learning how to better your technique.
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