Makeup Mistakes We’re All Guilty Of Making
Putting on your makeup every morning takes a lot of effort. You want to make sure that you're putting effort into the right techniques so that you can stun the world with your beautiful blended eyeshadow and perfectly dewy skin. Too many people are making the same makeup mistakes, so we compiled this list of tips to help you get that runway-ready look that we're all after.
Keep reading to find out more about the makeup mistakes you could be making that make you look older.
Use An Eyeshadow Primer When Working With Bright Colors
Pigmented eyeshadows go on a lot smoother over a smooth base. That's why you should always prime your eyes before attempting a bold, colorful eye look.
![Alice + Olivia By Stacey Bendet And The Trevor Project Host Summer Kickoff Party For WorldPride Tessa Hilton attends the Summer Kickoff Party for WorldPride hosted by Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet and the Trevor Project on June 18, 2019](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/alice-olivia-by-stacey-bendet-and-the-trevor-project-host-summer-kickoff-party-for-worldpride.-74246.jpeg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=0&left=28&zoom=0.740740740741)
Really, you should prime your eyes any time you're putting on eyeshadow.
Don't Use Powder Foundation If You Have Dry Skin
Powder foundation can be great for people with oily skin who want to try out a more natural, bare-faced look.
![@maybeline_de Instagram powder foundations](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/@maybeline_de-Instagram-62484.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
But if you have dry skin, powder mascara will only make your face look cakey.
Choose The Right Foundation Color
Nowadays, there are so many different foundation shades that it's possible for almost everyone to find their perfect color.
![aj8 aj8](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/aj8-56299.jpg?width=800&height=533)
If you can't find your perfect color in your preferred brand, try mixing two or more shades together.
Wet Your Beauty Blender
A dry beauty blender is fine for applying some products, but when you're applying any kind of foundation, you want to make sure that you run your sponge under clean water first.
![square ad image - 2022-09-28T092541.234 weird chewed up beauty blender](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/square-ad-image-2022-09-28T092541.234-25137.jpg?width=800&height=800)
Tthen squeeze out all of the excess water so it's a little bit damp.
Prep Your Lips
Lipstick doesn't look very nice when it's applied to dry, peeling lips.
![@barva.beauty Instagram lip scrub](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/@barva.beauty-Instagram-23859.jpeg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=35&left=0&zoom=1)
Make sure that you prep your lips before applying lipstick. That means using a lip scrub and a light lip balm.
Don't Pump Your Mascara Wand
It's pretty tempting to pump your mascara wand in and out of the tube to get it covered with product.
![@artdeco_poland Instagra girl putting on mascara](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/@artdeco_poland-Instagra-99705.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
But every time you do that, you're forcing air into the tub which can dry out your mascara.
Throw Away Expired Products
Believe it or not, makeup has an expiry date.
![Arthur Arbesser - Backstage - Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2020-2021 KIKO MILANO look beauty product are displayed during backstage at the Arthur Arbesser fashion show on February 19, 2020 in Milan, Italy](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/arthur-arbesser-backstage-milan-fashion-week-fallwinter-2020-2021.-39250.jpeg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=235&left=0&zoom=0.666666666667)
As much as you might want to hold on to that lipstick from three years ago, it's probably full of germs and bacteria. Get rid of it!
Don't Use Glitter Shadows On Your Eyebrows
Glitter shadows are great for a glam eye look, and eyeshadow is a great product to use for filling in your brows.
![Street Style - LFW February 2020 Model Katrin with red glitter eye shadow during London Fashion Week February 2020 on February 14, 2020 in London, England](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/street-style-lfw-february-2020.-41168.jpeg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=218&left=0&zoom=0.666666666667)
But you definitely don't want to fill your brows in with a glitter shadow.
Set Your Face Before You Put On Mascara
Setting sprays are great, but make sure you spray them on your face after you apply mascara, especially if the mascara you're wearing isn't all that waterproof.
![vivianxbby Instagram setting sprays](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/vivianxbby-Instagram-66826.jpeg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=87&left=0&zoom=1)
You don't want mascara running down your cheeks.
Let Your Eyelash Glue Get Tacky
If you try to pop a false eyelash on your eyelid right after you brush it with eyelash glue, it's going to slide right off.
![Pantomime Dames Prepare For The Panto Season Ian Mowat, paints his pink eyelashes with Copydex glue before attaching them beneath his eyelids,](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pantomime-dames-prepare-for-the-panto-season.-35639.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
Let the glue dry on the lash for at least a minute before pressing it onto your lid.
Don't Layer Your Mascara Too Much
Two coats should really me the maximum amount when it comes to mascara. Any more than that and your makeup is going to start to look heavy and clumpy.
![Various Cosmetic Products A photo shows the close-up brown eye of a woman getting her eyelashes makeup using mascara at a make-up and cosmetic products shop in Ankara, Turkey](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/various-cosmetic-products.-72619.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
Avoid the temptation to apply more product.
Don't Keep Your Makeup In The Bathroom
There are a lot of germs floating around in your bathroom at any given time.
![EXCLUSIVE - Princess Maja von Hohenzollern North Rhine-Westphalia, Location: Princess Maja von Hohenzollern stands in front of a mirror in a photo studio during a photo shoot of her new bathroom furniture](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/exclusive-princess-maja-von-hohenzollern.-67659.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
Those germs can float right onto your makeup and makeup brushes and set up shop there.
Don't Forget To Put On Sunscreen
It's best to apply your makeup onto a clean and well taken care of canvas, which is why skin care is so important.
![Richmond Tigers Training Session Jake Aarts of the Tigers applies sunscreen in action during the Richmond Tigers AFL training session at Metricon Stadium](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/richmond-tigers-training-session.-15322.jpeg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=10&left=0&zoom=0.666666666667)
Sunscreen helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Pay Attention To Makeup Formulas
Products that are formulated with oil don't work so well with water-based products.
![Galeria shopping mall reopens in St Petersburg after lockdown Galeria shopping mall reopens in St Petersburg after lockdown](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Galeria-shopping-mall-reopens-in-St-Petersburg-after-lockdown-71473.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
Read your makeup labels so you know what's in them and what you're putting on your face.
Clean Your Brushes
If you keep using the same makeup brushes day after day without cleaning them, you're spreading oil and bacteria around your face which isn't so good for your skin.
![Simona Marziali - MRZ - Backstage - Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2021 A model during the make up in backstage at the Simona Marziali - MRZ fashion show during the Milan Women's Fashion Week](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/simona-marziali-mrz-backstage-milan-fashion-week-springsummer-2021.-16380.jpeg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=225&left=0&zoom=0.666666666667)
Make sure you're cleaning your makeup brushes at least once a week.
Don't Fall Asleep Wearing Makeup
Sleeping with makeup on is a recipe for breakouts and other unsightly skin issues.
![Johanna Johnson Presented By Capitol Grand - Backstage - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2015 A model prepares backstage ahead of the Johanna Johnson Presented By Capitol Grand show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2015 at Carriageworks o](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/johanna-johnson-presented-by-capitol-grand-backstage-mercedes-benz-fashion-week-australia-2015.-43972.jpeg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=290&left=0&zoom=0.666666666667)
Your pores need to be able to breathe while you sleep. Make sure you remove all of your makeup before going to bed.
Don't Line Your Lips Too Harshly
Using a super dark lipliner with a lighter lipstick is a trend that died out ages ago.
![Various Cosmetic Products : A photo shows the close-up of a various types of eye shadows, perfume bottle, highlighter, lipstick and lip liner at a make-up and cosmetic products shop in Ankara,](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/various-cosmetic-products.-61709.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
If you're using lip liner, make sure it's the same color as whatever lipstick you're using.
Don't Apply Foundation With Your Fingers
There is a whole bunch of bacteria on your fingers and you don't want to spread that bacteria all over your face.
![Jhené Aiko Appearance at Sephora for Kat Von D Beauty True Portrait Foundation Launch Jhené Aiko Appearance at Sephora for Kat Von D Beauty True Portrait Foundation Launch](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/jhene-aiko-appearance-at-sephora-for-kat-von-d-beauty-true-portrait-foundation-launch.-98518.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
Put on your foundation with a makeup sponge or a brush.
Follow The Fake Tan Directions!
There's nothing wrong with a little fake tan. It gives you a gorgeous glow and you don't have to expose yourself to harmful UV rays.
![@alexvinklarek Twitter girl with fake tan running down her face](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/@alexvinklarek-Twitter-94737.jpg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=416&left=0&zoom=1.18518518519)
Make sure you follow the package directions carefully, though, or else you could end up like this girl.
Put Your False Lashes On The Right Eyes
It does actually matter which eyelash goes on which eye.
![EYELASHES--11/05/2007--MAC package of false eyelashes for glossy fashion extra section. (Tara Walton EYELASHES--11/05/2007--MAC package of false eyelashes for glossy fashion extra section. (Tara Walton](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/eyelashes-11052007-mac-package-of-false-eyelashes-for-glossy-fashion-extra-section.-tara-walton.-85442.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
The lashes should be slightly longer towards the outer corner of your eye to give your eyes a fluted, elongated effect.
Don't Blend Your Eyeshadow With The Same Brush You Used To Apply It
Blending your eyeshadow with the same brush you used to put it on is a recipe for muddy colors.
![HOLLYWOOD, CA., FEB. 22, 2011Celebrity makeup artist Pati Dubrof's alltime favorite Oscar beauty Celebrity makeup artist Pati Dubrof's alltime favorite Oscar beauty tips, plus she demonstrates how she got Gwyneth Paltrow's look from the 2005 Oscars and basic red carpet tips for flawless skin](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/hollywood-ca.-feb.-22-2011celebrity-makeup-artist-pati-dubrofs-alltime-favorite-oscar-beauty.-75347.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
Always apply your shadow with one brush and then blend it with another clean brush.
Groom Your Brows Before You Fill Them In
Before you start filling in your brows with a pomade or eyeshadow or eyebrow gel, make sure that you comb through them with a spoolie.
![Shi.Rt - Backstage - Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2021 A model is seen backstage at the Shi.Rt fashion show during the Milan Women's Fashion Week on September 27, 2020 in Milan, Italy.](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/shi.rt-backstage-milan-fashion-week-springsummer-2021.-20724.jpeg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=134&left=0&zoom=0.666666666667)
That way you can make sure that all the hairs are going in the same direction.
Don't Expect Your Brows To Be Perfect
The old saying is that eyebrows are sisters, not twins. You're never going to get those two little buggers to match perfectly.
![Shi.Rt - Backstage - Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2021 make up artist does the final touch of gel eyebrow during the line up before the show is seen backstage at the Shi.Rt fashion show during the Milan Women's Fashion Week on September 27, 2020 in Milan, Italy.](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/shi.rt-backstage-milan-fashion-week-springsummer-2021.-25697.jpeg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=137&left=0&zoom=0.666666666667)
Just get them as even as you can and move on.
Don't Put On Concealer Under Foundation
Generally, concealer is more expensive than foundation. That's why it's better to use it after you've already seen how much coverage you've gotten from your foundation.
![Make-up course for cancer patients A woman with cancer is holding a concealer stick in her make-up class.](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/make-up-course-for-cancer-patients.-37334.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
You'll end up using much less product and saving money.
Don't Wear Waterproof Mascara Every Day
Waterproof mascara is great for stage makeup or for your wedding day or special occasions, but it can actually damage your eyelashes over time.
![Simona Marziali - MRZ - Backstage - Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2021 A model, hair deatail, poses backstage at the Simona Marziali - MRZ fashion show during the Milan Women's Fashion Week on September 23](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/simona-marziali-mrz-backstage-milan-fashion-week-springsummer-2021.-90562.jpeg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=69&left=0&zoom=0.666666666667)
It can be hard to remove and you often end up pulling out a few lashes every time you try to scrub it off.
Make Sure You Have Good Lighting
Don't try to do your makeup in the dark. Good lighting is essential for making sure that your foundation matches your skin color and that you've blended everything properly.
![Dressing Room circa 1950: A group of European dancers prepare themselves for a performance in their dressing room.](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/dressing-room.-73995.jpeg?b=0&c=0&width=800&height=533&top=80&left=0&zoom=0.666666666667)
Do your makeup by a bright window if you have to.
Tight Line Your Eyes
Some people just put eyeliner above their lash line which is lovely, but don't neglect your upper waterline.
![Various Cosmetic Products A photo shows the close-up brown eye of a woman getting her eyelashes makeup using eyeliner at a make-up and cosmetic products shop in Ankara, Turkey](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/various-cosmetic-products.-67537.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
Filling in your upper waterline can make your eyelashes look a whole lot thicker.
Avoid Large Swathes Of Eyeshadow
We've all been through the too-much phase of makeup where we just keep adding thinking that the more there is...the better it looks.
![makeup-mistakes-1 woman showing how not to do your makeup](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/makeup-mistakes-1-75811.jpg?width=800&height=418)
Avoid doing that with eyeshadow. If you add a lot, especially in bright shades, it ends up making you look dated. Just put a little earth-toned shadow on the corners of your eyes. If you want to make your eyes look bigger, simple draw it underneath the corner slightly.
Apply Blush According To Your Face Shape
If you have a round face, apply your blush in a triangle shape under your eyes.
![Young woman applying make up Young woman applying make up](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/young-woman-applying-make-up.-21441.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
However, if you have an oval face, apply your blush in a circular shape on the apples of your cheeks.
Use A Transition Shade
It's hard to blend a dark eyeshadow color straight into your crease, so always use a mid-tone color first and then blend darker colors into that.
![Various Cosmetic Products A photo shows the close-up of an eyeshadow palette and a brush at a make-up and cosmetic products shop in Ankara, Turkey on September 04, 2018](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/various-cosmetic-products.-34715.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
Your makeup will look a lot more seamless.
Don't Hold Your Eyeshadow Brush So Close To The Bristles
If you want a really dark and grungy look (like the one pictured above) you can use harder pressure and hold the brush closer to the bristles.
![Philipp Plein - Backstage - Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2020-2021 A model is seen backstage at the Philipp Plein fashion show on February 22, 2020 in Milan, Italy.](https://www.thecouplething.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/philipp-plein-backstage-milan-fashion-week-fallwinter-2020-2021.-65250.jpeg?width=800&height=533)
But if you want a softer, more natural look, hold the brush from the tip and use really light pressure.