Makeup is meant to enhance your beauty, but sometimes the techniques we think are helping can actually do the opposite. Small mistakes in application or product choice can make your look appear harsh, unbalanced, or even outdated. Here are six common makeup tricks that might secretly be working against you—and how to fix them.
1. Using the wrong application method
The way you apply your products matters just as much as the products themselves. For example, swiping foundation with your hands might leave streaks, while over-blending eyeshadow can make colors muddy. Instead, choose the right tool—brushes, sponges, or even your fingertips—depending on the product, and apply in gentle, controlled motions.
2. Using black eyeliner
Black eyeliner can be too harsh for everyday looks, especially on the lower lash line. It can make your eyes appear smaller and older. Swap it for brown, navy, or even plum liners—they add definition while keeping your look softer and more flattering.
3. Using wrong forms of products
Powders on very dry skin, heavy creams on oily skin, or matte formulas on mature skin can emphasize flaws instead of concealing them. Always choose formulas that work with your skin type and needs. For instance, cream blushes look dewy on dry skin, while mattifying products control shine on oily skin.
4. Over-doing the brows
Strong, boxy brows can overpower your face and make your makeup look unnatural. Instead, focus on filling in sparse areas with light, hair-like strokes. A tinted brow gel or a fine pencil is enough to keep them polished without going overboard.
5. Using a light-colored concealer
Going several shades lighter than your foundation with concealer can create a stark contrast and make your under-eyes look ashy. Stick to a shade that’s just one or two tones lighter than your skin for a brightening but natural effect.
6. The “blush blindness”
Many people either skip blush completely or apply it in the wrong place. Without it, your face can look flat; with too much, it can look clownish. The trick is balance—apply a soft wash of blush on the apples of your cheeks and blend it upwards for a fresh, lifted look.
Credit:brightside.me
