Makeup has become a best friend to many, don’t make an enemy out of it by making simple mistakes and overdoing it.

We all think we know how to use makeup– after all, applying lipstick isn’t rocket science. But even women who have been using makeup for years can make common mistakes that can actually make you look older, a few kilos heavier or even unattractive. Makeup is not meant to look unnatural, it is supposed to blend onto your skin and highlight your natural beauty. Don’t be like those women that others talk about and use as an example of “bad makeup”. Here is a list of the most common mistakes and how to correct them.

Starting with dry skin

Makeup professionals start with a moisturiser and so should you because it makes it easier to apply makeup evenly and to blend – natural looking makeup is all about blending! The trick is to apply moisturiser or makeup base about five to ten minutes before you apply makeup. Pat it gently into the skin and wipe off the excess with a tissue.

Wrong foundation

Foundation isn’t supposed to give your skin a bit of a tan, it’s supposed to create a perfect, smooth complexion and cover up any imperfections. This is why you should always use a foundation that blends in with your skin. It is best to try foundation on your jaw line and then check it in natural light (the lighting in stores can be very deceptive). If you tan often/ make use of a sun bed, then it is advisable to purchase a darker foundation as well for the summer months. You can also experiment by mixing the two together; you may find the perfect colour.

Too much blush

The magic of blush is obvious, it is fast fix beauty. It warms up the skin, contours the cheeks, exaggerates an attractive hollow and ideally creates a glow on your face that looks like it comes from within. Never judge blush just by looking at it, it comes in different shades and textures. The right colour will look natural and the wrong colour will stand out. Test it on the inside of your forearm if you’re already wearing makeup to make sure you get a suitable colour. Once the perfect colour has been found, do not, I repeat, do not overdo it with the blush!

Globs of mascara

Too much mascara can make your eyelashes look fake and “stringy”. It can even cause eyelashes to break. Stick to two coats, and let the first coat dry before applying another. Then comb out any clumps with and old, clean mascara brush. Some also tend to hang onto their mascara for much longer than they should – flaking is a good sign that either your mascara is not a good formula or it needs to be replaced.

Lip Liner Abuse

Avoid making lips too plump with lip liner, to get plump lips experts say to line subtly. Also make sure the contrast isn’t too drastic. Keep the liner in the same family as the lipstick you choose. Going further than your natural lip line could end up looking very unflattering and obvious.

Less is more

You don’t have to put on tons of makeup to look fabulous – you have to apply it right and put on just enough to make your look natural. Always choose one asset to highlight, either eyes or lips – if you choose to make your eyes dark, stick to a lighter lipstick. If you are sporting the bright red lipstick look then some eyeliner and mascara will finish that look off perfectly without looking too “made up”. A fully highlighted, dark face can result in an older look.

Your face is your canvas, so enjoy experimenting and learning new things about the art of makeup as well as learning from your mistakes. At the end of the day we all want to look like a masterpiece.