Let’s face it, we’ve all been there: you’re trying to beat your makeup look to perfection –with no creases involved, or perfect your skincare routine, only to end up with an unanticipated beauty mishap. From cakey foundation to a smudged eyeliner or even using foundation that doesn’t match your skin tone, occasional beauty fails are universal. But don’t worry—this article has got you covered.
Below, I’ve enumerated some of the most common beauty mishaps that we often experience, and listed out how to fix them like a professional makeup artist.
1. Cakey Foundation
What Happens:
Your foundation looks thick and patchy, and this can make your makeup look heavy and unnatural.
Common Causes:
- Using too much product
- Applying foundation on dry or badly prepped skin
- Over-powdering
How to Fix It:
- Start with a hydrating primer to create a smooth base.
- Use a damp beauty sponge to blend your foundation to give a smooth finish.
- Set with a lightweight setting spray instead of heavy powder.
2. Smudged Eyeliner
What Happens: The painstaking winged liner you managed to draw perfectly, ends up looking like a raccoon’s mask by midday.
Common Causes:
- Using non-waterproof eyeliners
- Humid weather
- Rubbing the eyes
How to Fix It:
- Use a waterproof eyeliner to prevent smudging.
- Set your eyeliner with a matching eyeshadow to lock it in place.
- Keep makeup remover wipes handy for quick touch-ups.
3. Lipstick on Your Teeth
What Happens: You’re feeling pretty cool about your makeup game until you realize your lipstick has migrated to your teeth.
Common Causes:
- Excess lipstick product applied on the lips
- Talking or eating
- Not applying your lipstick properly
How to Fix It:
- After applying lipstick, put your finger in your mouth, close your lips around it, and pull it out to remove excess product.
- Opt for long-wear lipsticks or lip stains to minimize transfer.
- Outline and fill in your lips with a lip liner before applying lipstick. This creates a base that helps the lipstick stay in place.
4. Clumpy Mascara
What Happens: Your lashes are stuck together in unflattering clumps.
Common Causes:
- Excess product on the wand
- Old or dried out mascara
- Applying too many coats
- Not combing through the lashes while applying
How to Fix It:
- Wipe off excess mascara from the wand before applying.
- Use a lash comb to separate lashes while the mascara is still wet.
- Replace your mascara every 3 months to avoid clumping.
5. Bad Blending
What Happens: Your eyeshadow or blush looks patchy, unnatural and uneven.
Common Causes
- Using incorrect blending technique
- Using cheap or dirty tool
- Having dry or uneven skin texture
How to Fix It:
- Invest in high-quality brushes or sponges for seamless blending.
- Use a transition shade to soften harsh edges.
- Blend in circular motions for a more natural finish.
6. Foundation That Doesn’t Match
What Happens: Your foundation is either too light, too dark, or the wrong undertone.
Common Causes:
- Ignoring skin undertones
- Oxidation (some foundations darken after application due to a chemical reaction with your skin or the environment)
Seasonal skin changes
How to Fix It:
- Test foundation on your jawline in natural light before buying.
- Mix foundations to create your perfect shade.
- Use a bronzer or lighter powder to adjust the tone if needed.
7. Over-Contouring
What Happens: Over-contouring happens when harsh, unblended lines create a striped or muddy appearance instead of subtle, clean definition.
Common Causes
- Choosing shades too dark for your skin tone
- Using too much product or a heavy hand
- Not blending the contouring or using dense brushes that deposit too much pigment.
How to Fix It:
- Use a lighter hand and build up product gradually.
- Blend, blend, blend with a damp sponge or brush.
- Opt for cream products for a more natural finish.
Bottom Line
Occasional beauty fails happen to the best of us, even professional makeup artists, but the good news is that most of them are fixable. With these tips enumerated in this article, you can turn your beauty blunders into learning experiences and come out with a flawless look.
Always keep in mind that practice makes perfect—so don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your beauty routine.
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