Over time, we all develop habits in applying our makeup — and some could prevent you from achieving your best look. Here are some common beauty blunders we’re all guilty of — and what to do instead.
GOING TOO LIGHT WITH YOUR UNDEREYE CONCEALER
It just seems logical that to brighten your undereye and cover dark circles, you’d need to use a lighter concealer — but that’s not always the case. In fact, if your undereye area is particularly shadowy or hollow, with tints of blue or purple, you’ll need to use a concealer that is equivalent to your skin tone. This will help to neutralize any darkness and give you a fresher, more awake appearance.
For added brightness, try setting your concealer with a brightening powder, after concealing any darkness. Just a dab of Bare Minerals Well-Rested Eye Brightener Broad Spectrum SPF 20 ($22) will do the trick.
YOUR EYELASHES FALL FLAT
This may seem self-explanatory, but you need a lash curler. Start by positioning your curler at the base of your lashes, making sure every little lash is included. Press down on your curler and hold for about 5 seconds before pumping it open and closed six to eight times. Repeat this process two more times while moving your lash curler up to the middle of your lashes, finishing with the tips.
Now coat your lashes generously with a waterproof mascara. I don’t know what it is about waterproof mascara, but it’s the key to getting an all-day curl without causing the mascara to weigh your lashes down and fall flat within the hour.
My favorite waterproof mascara is MAC False Lashes Waterproof Mascara (maccosmetics.com) because it stays all day but isn’t a pain to remove at night.
NEGLECTING YOUR EYEBROWS
I know this one can be tricky, because when it comes to brows, it’s easy to go overboard. However, eyebrows are the picture frames of our face – so we shouldn’t overlook them.
Most of my clients are shocked to learn that I prefer a powder over a pencil or pomade. This is because powders are softer and more forgiving, and mistakes can be wiped away easily. Start by grabbing a double-ended brow brush (one with an angled brush on one side and a spoolie on the other) and dip it into a brow powder (or even an eyeshadow — just make sure there’s no shimmer!) Then, simply underline the shape of your natural brow. Follow by filling in the tail.
Now, with the little bit of product left on your brush, lightly shade in the front of your brow, avoiding making it too stark or blocky. Take your spoolie and brush through any areas that may have picked up too much product. Pro tip: For unruly brows, try brushing the tiniest amount of Got2b Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Gel ($4.69, target.com) through your brows for intense hold.
Crissy Cox is a freelance makeup artist on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, specializing in on-location wedding and special event makeup. Contact her or learn more at facebook.com/CrissyCoxMUA.