MAKEUP MISTAKES

It's a bit much.

We all make them.  Remember: only YOU can prevent makeup mishaps! Keep reading to see if you’re a repeat offender.

Overindulgence. A little this, a little that, and suddenly it looks like a unicorn exploded all over your face. Instead of trying to play up each and every one of your features, just pick one to go all out on and keep the rest simple. Translation: For days that you want to sport heavier eye makeup, keep your lips natural. And vice versa – if you’re want bright red lips, keep the eyes more neutral and simple. Once you get the hang of balance and colors, you can start messing with the formula.

Major case of color denial.

Color Denial.  We’ve all met her … she starts talking and all you notice is how her face and neck are two distinctly different colors. Tell her to get to a mirror and fess up to her true colors! Now, awkward question… Is this you? Sometimes you can’t help it – lighting in retail stores can be very different than those in the office/house. Your best bet is to test foundation before you take it home. Still, the easiest way to avoid the detached-face-look is blending. Your foundation shouldn’t stop at your face, but instead blend into your neck so there are no harsh lines. Just take any excess product left on your brush after application and brush from chin to neck. It’s a small trick that can save you some embarrassment!

Miley aces our test. Gorg!

Cakeface. Oh, cakeface. This is when you can actually see the layers of powder just hanging out on someone’s face instead of blending into the skin. And usually, everything looks okay until you get up close. I had a friend in high school, gorgeous girl, who had minor breakouts along her chin. To compensate, she ALWAYS had caked up powder and blotchy makeup was extremely unfortunate. It turned the very flaws she was trying to hide into the only thing people saw. People don’t usually notice their own cakeface, because to them, they’ve concealed imperfections and don’t pay any mind afterwards. Cakeface is caused by applying to much product, but it’s also about application. The round sponges that often come with drugstore products are fine at piling makeup on, but it doesn’t do a darn thing to blend into the skin. To combat, take a fluffy brush before you’re ready to go and sweep it around your face to remove excess product. If you are a drugstore sponge user, check out these quality and affordable brushes. If you are a beginner who wants to spend a bit more for quality, check out the Sonia Kashuk brush line from Target.

get the look :: OSCARS 2013!

OSCARS 2013 MAKEUP:

GET THE LOOK

Adele

Soft muted lips and lushes lashes FINALLY stole the show! Vixen red lips and dramatic eyes were found in small numbers as the A-listers opted for the naturally pretty look. What I love about this look is that we can all try it on Monday - you don't have to wait for a special occasion.

Reese Witherspoon

[ get the look ]

[ FACE & BROWS ] To recreate the look, apply foundation and a matte powder. Use a strong concealer under the eyes because the key to this look is brightness, and it will help add contrast with dark lashes.  Brows are very structured, groomed, and clean, so best to shape your brows and then line with your favorite brow pencil or gel.

Jennifer Lawrence

[ CHEEKS ] A soft pink or light peach blush on the length of your cheekbone is a must. Contour with a highlighter through the top edge of your cheekbones instead of bronzer. 

 

Megan McCarthy 

[ EYES ] Mute your eyelid with a skin tone concealer or primer, and then cover your entire lid with skin-toned shadow. Highlight under the brow as usual. Line your top lids into a slight cat wing with jet-black liner. Natural false lashes are also a must in these looks, Ardell 105 lashes ($5.00 in drugstores) would work perfectly. 

Anne Hathaway

[ LIPS ]  Just like the blush, keep it light and pretty.  Use your favorite matte soft pink or nude. Perfect options in all price ranges: MAC Myth ($14) MAC Cremesheen ($14), Revlon Nude Attitude ($6.00), Revlon Primrose ($6.00). After applying your chosen shade, blot with a tissue. Don't top this look with any gloss or shine unless you want to - but tonight's lips were generally matte. Highlight the center of your lips with a lighter shade lipstick to top it all off. 

Sandra Bullock

Comment a picture of you trying this look below!! I want to see!