11 Makeup Mistakes That Could Make You Look Unkempt

Makeup helps us bring out our attractive features and hide our imperfections. For that reason, it is important to know how to apply it correctly, as well as how to use the right amount and the right product, according to your skin type and tone. That said, we tend to make certain mistakes, which can make us look very different than we intended.

Bright Side has collected 11 frequent makeup mistakes that make us look more tired and even older.

1. Not preparing your skin before applying makeup

Good makeup starts even before applying any product. First, you need to clean and balance your skin to eliminate any residue and purify its pores. Then it’s time for a primer. Primers not only help your makeup last all night long but they can also come in handy for hiding small blemishes.

You just need to apply the primer to your well-moisturized skin so as to soften your wrinkles, reduce your pores, and make your skin look smoother.

2. Wearing a concealer that’s far to light

When we want to cover those dark circles under our eyes, we usually choose a lighter shade, thinking that it’ll do wonders. But it’s quite the opposite: it tends to make these bags look even ashier, resulting in us looking even more tired. The correct way to hide our dark circles is by covering them with a slightly lighter primer than the tone of our foundation. Then apply a concealer that’s the same tone as your skin.

3. Not using a brush to apply foundation

Using your fingers to apply foundation may lead to an unwanted finish. Besides, it’s not very hygienic. Instead, opting for a brush will help minimize how much product you use and will achieve a neater effect on your skin.

You need to be careful when following this step since this is the product that provides a uniform tone to your complexion and will be the base layer for the rest of your makeup. For instance, wearing too much foundation will make you look as if you have a “mask” on. It may even sink into fine lines and wrinkles, accentuating them.

4. Using mattifying products

Foundation, concealers, and mattifying powder are designed to make your T zone (forehead, nose, and chin) shine-free or to set your makeup. But if they’re used for a different purpose or are not applied the proper way, they will decrease your complexion’s luminosity and won’t give you that well-rested look. Moreover, they will accentuate any wrinkles on your skin.

These types of products are usually recommended for oily skin and should only be applied to the T-zone. If you have dry or normal skin, it’s better to avoid them and to control any oiliness with a good skin care routine, not with makeup products.

5. Using too much gloss

It may be pretty and help us stand out, but sheen and gloss should only be applied for the right reasons. Foundation and shadows that have a glossy effect or that are too shiny tend to highlight the texture of our skin, so avoid using them on areas with wrinkles or dark circles.

On the other hand, we love glitter. But shiny eyeshadows or the kinds that contain glitter make your crow’s feet and under-eye bags more visible.

The same thing happens with our mouth — glosses and lipsticks with a vinyl finish will highlight fine lines in that area.

6. Going overboard with bronzing powder

This can make you look way overdone and the opposite of fresh and natural. Makeup experts suggest controlling how much powder you use and recommend applying it gradually until you get the desired effect. It should be applied to the following areas: the hairline, across the middle area of your face (making its way from one cheek to the other, going across the nose), and the chin.

7. Applying too much mascara on the lower lashes

Mascara is our greatest ally when we want to brighten up our look and widen our eyes. However, you should be careful when applying it to your lower lashes, as it may make wrinkles more visible.

Conversely, you should use the right amount of product to avoid making your upper eyelid look smaller and narrowing your look. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a smudgy layer on your eyelashes or with clumps that can give you an unkempt look.

8. Neglecting your eyebrows

Eyebrows are considered the frame of the face. The way we look heavily depends on how we pluck, comb, and put makeup on them. It’s important to shape them correctly, so as not to end up looking tired or old, and to use the right shade of makeup, according to their color.

A useful trick is to comb them outward, drawing them slightly up. Then, apply some gel or soap and outline them with an unused and/or clean mascara wand.

To apply some makeup to them, choose an eyeliner that boasts a lighter shade than the color of your brows (they will look more natural and not as stiff), and outline them as if you were filling in hair.

9. Applying thick eyeliner

Applying eyeliner is one of the trickiest things when it comes to putting on makeup. You need to be meticulous and have a steady hand. One of the most common mistakes is applying a thick layer of eyeliner, causing your lids to appear smaller and hooded. It’s also not advisable to apply the liner on the lower lash line nor to pull the lid tight. Because of this, it’s always best to draw a thin line close to the lid.

10. Using intense matte lipstick colors

Using matte lipstick in burgundy, brown, wine, or dark purple tones makes you look weary and old since it highlights signs of aging and makes your face look less harmonious. Also, it gives off the effect of chapped lips, which will only accentuate as time goes by. It’s better to apply some colored or neutral-toned gloss or balsam to your lips — they’ll look more moisturized this way.

11. Choosing a lipstick different from your natural tone

Another common mistake when doing our lips is choosing a color that clashes with our skin tone. For example, opting for a brown shade when we have a pale complexion won’t look good. This will bring about an unnatural-looking result, especially if you’re feeling tired. Always keep your skin and eye color in mind, as well as the thickness of your lips.

We believe that it’s important to go over these mistakes since they can lead to counterproductive results. Makeup is an important ally in the way we look and how we feel about ourselves, so we should make the most of it.

Do you make any of these mistakes? Which tricks do you use to highlight your beautiful facial features?