5 Common Beauty Blunders

Heavy Concealer/Foundation

We've all been guilty of this before...loading on the foundation or concealer in a desperate attempt to make our skin look perfect. Instead, we ended up looking like we just came out of an oven (can we say "cake-y hot-mess"?). Less is always more when it comes to foundations and concealers...in fact, the products usually work better this way.

Tip: Always start with a little bit at first, as you can always add more until you get the desired coverage. But again, be careful not to add too much if you want that naturally flawless look.

Clumpy Mascara

Mascara is supposed to enhance and lengthen your lashes...not make it look like something that just crawled off the set of "Arachnophobia". Goopy, clumpy, spider-like eyelashes are never cute.

Tip: If you have this problem, try switching to a brand with a less clumpy formula (such as Le Frou Frou by NYX, which you can buy for around $6). Another option (if you have the funds) is to invest in a higher-end product, such as Lancome's Hypnose mascara (approx. $31). Or, if you don't want to change mascaras, simply use less and try not to layer (only use one coat).

Bad Eyebrows

If your eyebrows look like something out of a geometry textbook, stop. If they are a completely different colour from your hair, stop. If they look like they've been drawn on with a crayon, stop. Eyebrows should look like eyebrows! Thankfully, there are a variety of ways to help fix these mistakes.

Tip: If you prefer using an eyebrow pencil, try creating small strokes so that the lines look like hairs. This will help to get rid of that "crayon eyebrow" look. If you're more of an eyebrow powder person like me, though, make sure you start of with a light amount and build up slowly to the desired shape/darkness. Also, make sure that the colouring is correct and matches your hair colour. These methods will help you to create a softer, more natural looking brow.

Sloppy Eyeliner

There are a variety of ways that eyeliner could be considered "sloppy"; the line isn't touching the eyelash line, your wing looks like it's gonna fly away (too long or uneven)...but thankfully, there are ways to make your eyeliner go from "sloppy" to "sophisticated" (or at least presentable).

Tip: Put some thought and care into it; create your line based on your eye shape (enhancing your shape), or the shape you desire to have. Use a liner that is comfortable for you to use and control (for me, this is a liquid liner with a built-in brush), and find a brand that is long-lasting and smudge-proof (to avoid those raccoon eyes). Use quick, short strokes to ensure precision, and make sure your eyeliner is touching your lash line! Because why would you not (unless you like the double-eyelid look)?!

Messed Up Lips

Too-light lipstick (like in this lovely photo, found here), lipstick going over your lip-line (see Miranda Sings), different colour lip liner and lipstick...all of these are high-offence beauty crimes. But as always, there are ways to redeem yourself from these fashion faux-pas.

Tip: Simply don't do any of the above. And keep your lips soft by exfoliating them gently with a toothbrush, then applying lip-chap before using your lipstick. That's seriously all there is too it.

In the end, makeup is an art, and like any art it simply takes practice! If you are guilty of any of these blunders and want to fix them, take the time to try out some of these tips and experiment. Also, I find that looking up tutorials on YouTube is extremely helpful...it's actually how I learned how to do my own makeup! So keep trying, and please feel free to share any other tips/makeup blunders that you know of. :)

<3 Ashley

#beauty #makeup #fail