Applying makeup the right way is not as simple as it sounds. And yes, as ideal as it would to just slid on some under-eye liner and swipe on blush,  ( respect to the ladies who can still pull that off) makeup has evolved into a slightly more meticulous and dare I say scientific process.

And though the hundreds and thousands of beauty Video bloggers put out content daily to help us get things right, we (including myself) are still doing some basic makeup faux pas without noticing and would most likely look much prettier avoiding all together.  I’ve also gone ahead and used myself in a few examples with Photoshop.

1.The Wrong Shade of Foundation

Sounds pretty basic right? Yeah well… you’d be surprised just how much of a frequent offense this is. Mostly because we either ask for something lighter or darker when we should simply find a shade that MATCHES our skin tone. Secondly, because most of the time when we’re shopping for makeup we usually already have makeup on, and as a result end up testing foundation on our arms rather than our faces.

2. Applying Way Too Much Bronzer-Everywhere.

It’s hard to believe but Bronzer is not to be applied all over the face as many ladies do. The face-baked look is never in. Simply put: it’s for the areas where the sun would naturally hit your face so that would be your forehead, cheekbones, nose and jawline- sort of like the drawing the number 3.

Ivy’s Tip: Bronzer goes on after makeup before blush and should only be  at most two shades darker than your natural tone.

3. Over-Defining Your Eyebrows.

If this were a crime, half our female population would be in jail. I observed a fair blonde lady the other day demanding a  charcoal black eyebrow pencil while the sales assistant kept advising her to go for the light brown one. Sure the Cara big bushy brows are a trend but you don’t see hers looking like markers, they look messy and natural. So lay off that super dark shader and use a pencil to simply fill-in sparse areas.

Ivy’s Tip: Brush upwards before applying then don’t forget to please put them back in place. Sign my Tattooed Eyebrow Petition here

4. Using A Dried Up Mascara

Mascaras have a much shorter life than advertised-even designer ones. But that’s the sticky truth. If you find that it’s getting clumpy and messy to apply from round one it means you need a new one. Mascara, like hair should be strangle free, and neat even when exaggerated. If your formula is drying up fast make sure you’re not pumping the wand in and out when you use it.

5. Exaggerated Lashes

We all love those big wedding lashes, but when did it suddenly become okay to wear them to brunch? When your makeup is simple and day-appropriate but your lashes are over-the-top, they look bulky, heavy and a little silly.

6. Over-Extending your Natural Lip Line

I know I know EVERYONE’S doing it. But bigger isn’t always better. Of course we can extend our natural lip line but nowhere close to our nostrils. And most importantly, always, always match your lip liner shade to your lipstick!

7. Clown Cheeks.

Applying Blush is one of the hardest things I’ve had to learn. By no means should it circular and as pretty as that shade looks on the counter it can look awful if it doesn’t match your tone. Blush is meant to look like a warm natural flush on your face, the kind you’d get when you’re feeling shy, in love or after a serious workout. Keep that in mind the next time you buy one.

Ivy’s Tip: If the sales assistant looks like she’s got war paint on then don’t let her assist you.

8. Dry Chappy Lips with Matte Lipstick.

I’m terribly  guilty of this mostly because I LOVE matte colors and constantly peel my lips with my teeth. Lips should be exfoliated too. And dabbing on some primer or concealer can do the trick.

9. Highlighter Overdose.

Remember when shiny cheeks meant greasy cheeks? Well apparently not anymore. Now everyone’s buying a gold sheer fluid and spreading it all across their cheeks bones. But unless you’re a contestant on Dancing With The Stars you should seriously rethink your quantities.

10. Bold Lips are not for everyone.

I’m sorry but it’s the truth. When you’re nose is a little too large or your lips are on the smaller side a strong lipstick can attract unwarranted attention to your not so favorite areas. And as much as we all want to go for the hot red lips trend, some of us are better off sticking to pretty nudes.

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