Whether you’re a makeup newbie or a beauty veteran, you’ve probably heard of some makeup no-nos to always avoid. While brushing your hair while it’s wet and wearing your makeup to bed are pretty common tips on what not to do, it can be tricky to discern between a beauty myth and a genuine beauty don’t. Never fear — we’re here to guide you in the right direction. From finding the right foundation to how to store your makeup bag, here are 11 beauty mistakes you might currently be making — and how to fix them.
1. Skipping Sunscreen: Applying sunscreen is one of the most important steps to take when it comes to your beauty routine, especially during the warmer months. Just because you have a layer of makeup on your face doesn’t mean it’s protected from UV rays and skin damage. Include this ingredient along with your foundation and mascara, and make sure you use 25 SPF or higher if you want it to last the day.
2. Using the Wrong Shade of Foundation: Whether you use a heavy foundation for winter or a light tinted moisturizer for summer, you want to make sure that it complements your skin tone. Before you buy foundation, make sure to test it on your neck or jawline to find an accurate color match. While some people choose to test it on the back of their hand, that can actually result in a mismatch, because your hands can be a slightly different color than your face.
3. Not Using Lip Liner Correctly: If you want the perfect red pout, it’s important to use a lip liner for a more refined finish. You should not only line your lips with the pencil, but also fill them in. This will provide a nice base for when you apply your lipstick.
4. Skipping the Skincare: Your skin is the canvas for your masterpiece, and if you don’t take care of it, you won’t have a nice surface to work on. Note everyone has the time for a 14-step Korean beauty routine, but it’s important to have some sort of daily skincare regime so your face will feel soft and clean. All you really need is a good cleanser, moisturizer and eye cream. And feel free to use sheet masks every now and then to give your skin that extra glow it deserves.
5. Not Setting Your Concealer Correctly: Just a heavy swipe of concealer over your dark circles will not keep those guys at bay. To prevent your concealer from smearing and settling into the creases under your eyes, try setting it with a translucent powder. This will also help keep the concealer in place so you won’t have to reapply later on.
6. Sleeping in Makeup: Sleeping in your makeup is one of the worst things you can do for your skin. If you sleep with your makeup on, you’re not allowing your pores to breathe while your skin goes through its nightly rejuvenation process. Even if you’re feeling extra lazy, try to at least have makeup wipes next to your bed so you can at least give your mug a quick rubdown before you go to sleep.
7. Not Using a Lip Scrub: The skin on your lips is very sensitive, and if not taken care of properly can result in a harsh, cracked surface for your lipstick. At least once a week, make sure to use a lip scrub to get rid of all the dead skin. This process will also provide some much-needed moisture, so your lips will feel soft to the touch. If you’re going to use a matte or bold lipstick, make sure you use a lip scrub right before for a smooth finish.
8. Not Blending Your Foundation Down to Your Neck: When applying your foundation, it’s important to blend it down to your neck for a seamless look. If you only apply it down to your jawline, it will create a visible line that will separate your neck from your face — and no one wants that.
9. Keeping Your Makeup Bag in the Bathroom: While it might seem like a good idea to leave your makeup bag in the bathroom, it can actually wreak havoc on your products. The humidity in the bathroom can dry up your makeup and allow bacteria to grow, which can spread all over your face once you use the products. Ideally, you want to store your brushes and makeup in a cool, dry place, like your bedroom.
10. Using Too Much Dry Shampoo: It’s easy to get excited over dry shampoo, especially for us #lazygirls. But using too much dry shampoo can dull your locks and can even damage them. A little goes a long way when it comes to this product. Try to use it before you go to bed, so the dry shampoo can absorb all the oils when you sleep, and you can wake up with a flawless ‘do.
11. Not Cleaning Your Brushes: Just like everything else in your house, it’s important to clean your makeup brushes. They can collect bacteria, oil and dead skin between the bristles, which can be applied back on your face if they’re not washed properly (ew!). You can either use a makeup brush cleanser or baby shampoo to help clean your brushes to get them back in tip-top shape.
(Photos via Getty)
