Finding a foundation that matches perfectly to your skin tone is a challenge faced. A good solution to this is to always test the foundation when you buy it in the store. Most stores will have tester bottles - so make sure to rub some onto your hand and blend it in to get an idea of what the makeup will look like on your face.
2. "Raccoon Eyes"
We've all been guilty of overdoing our under-eye makeup and looking like a raccoon-panda hybrid! It's easy to overapply the eyeliner, and it's even easier for the liner to bleed a bit past your waterline and get smudged.
A quick fix to this is to first only apply one layer of liner under your eyes. Try and stick with a sharp pencil for this, and aim for right under your waterline. Another tip to keep in mind: buy waterproof eyeliner whenever you can! It will bleed less and prevent smudging.
3. Clumpy mascara
Perfectly applied mascara is a difficult makeup goal to attempt. Clumps in your mascara are caused by either the application or the brush.
To start with, apply your mascara layer by layer. The best method is to dip the wand into the bottle, wipe off the excess, and apply the mascara by starting close to my eyelids and wiggling the wand in between lashes, all the way to the tips. This method makes sure that the solution gets applied evenly to all your lashes, for a totally voluminous look.
Mascara brushes are particularly important and every brush is shaped differently! Depending on whether you want long or full lashes, you'll decide between a round brush and a longer one. The best brushes have short bristles - like the one sold with Benefit's They're Real! mascara. If you find a brush you love, just wash it off and keep it - it can be used with any mascara for better application!
4. Forgetting to powder
Finishing powder is crucial to a perfectly smooth face. It locks your foundation in and airbrushes your makeup into a smooth, flawless finish. Always remember to apply powder if you've applied any other face makeup to your face!
If you forget, you might find your face getting oiler throughout the daily as the makeup mixes into your skin. In a quick pinch, you can use oil blotting sheets or tissues to reduce shine. However, it's always best to keep a finishing powder in your handbag for emergency touch-ups!
5. Incomplete blending
Blending your makeup is the only way to avoid looking like a circus clown - so make sure to blend your blush/bronzer/foundation thoroughly! Blur your blush/bronzer so the edges aren't noticeable, and your skin just looks naturally contoured.
You can use different brushes for blending - concealer brushes work best for liquid makeup. In a pinch, your fingers make excellent blending tools as well!
6. "Pulling" the foundation
A very common, and often overlooked, makeup mistake is forgetting about your neck and shoulders! If you're wearing any foundation or highlighter, it's very likely that your face will look lighter than the rest of your skin.
Always pull your foundation and powder down past your neck. There should never be a visible "line" between where your makeup ends and your neck begins - so blend, blend, blend!
