Makeup

11 Makeup Mistakes You Don't Realize You're Making

How do we know? Because we were making them too -- until we got this advice

by Sarah Carrillo

2 of 12

Mistake No. 2: Applying makeup on dry, flaky skin Patel describes the results of slathering on foundation over chapped skin as "horrific," and we have to agree. Foundation will only emphasize the flakes by sitting on top of them instead of blending in with your skin. Fix the dryness by exfoliating regularly (to get rid of flakes) and following that up with a rich moisturizer. Smoother skin means a much smoother application and finished look.

We confess: "I'm in my 30s, and I don't exfoliate as much as I should," says executive editor Meghan. "While most experts recommend I do it at least once a week, preferably twice, I'm probably more in the exfoliate-twice-a-month category. As a result, I've fallen prey to putting makeup on too-dry skin -- and I end up looking less than cute. Note to self: Take an extra couple minutes to exfoliate twice a week before bed. It takes more time to fix makeup that looks awful after it's been put on parched, flaky skin."

SEE NEXT PAGE: Mistake No. 3: Wearing blue eyeshadow

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Older comments

I used to always wear black eyeliner all day, everyday. But lately I've been using brown eyeliner and I completely agree.

by jessielynn17 Monday, May 6, 2013 at 12:49AM Report as inappropriate

I agree with most of the tips. I do a smoky eye often, and really like black eyeliner in my water line once and a while.

by Dee Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 05:11PM Report as inappropriate

oh boy i agree with some of these tips.

by Yecenia Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 05:11PM Report as inappropriate

Lol, as I read this I am wearing a smoky eye consisting mainly of blue eye shadow. For my foundation, I did a light contour for my cheekbones. I pencil in my eyebrows because the are already full with only a few minor imperfections. And to top it off, I'm wearing black eyeliner! (It's daytime) However, I am complemented often on my makeup. So I agree with some of these, but others, not at all.

by kerry1920 Thursday, April 18, 2013 at 12:18PM Report as inappropriate

Some of these tips I agree with and some I don't.

by cyndi_albritton_hall Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 05:15PM Report as inappropriate

I use black eyeliner in the day time and it works for me.

by rna Friday, March 29, 2013 at 07:54AM Report as inappropriate

yes we all have different opinions.. from "make-up should be whatever you prefer" to "maybe I do use to much bronzer" but this article is for woman who are trying to achieve the most natural (I barely try at all and still look flawless look) these are clearly tips to not looking like fake barbie dolls. Now if you like your your eyes to look like Rocky got mad at them, and your eyebrows to look like you get them waxed weekly and let your daughter play artist.. by all means do your thing... Me on the other hand would love to learn how to look like im wearing absolutley NOTHING... (:

by ElizabethCoral Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 06:09PM Report as inappropriate

I love blue eye makeup as well...may not b for every1 but i love colored mascara ...Chanel's mascara in purple is super cute at tips of lashes too

by farrah11 Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 09:01PM Report as inappropriate

i love some of the tips but wow i disagree with #3 i love blue eyeshadow in my eyes #8 i use pencil for my eyebrows with a little bit of brown eyeshadow #9 wearing black eyeliner i love black eyeliner i can wear it all day..great article but i debate for #3 #8 #9

by Ross1113 Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 05:39PM Report as inappropriate

hit and miss for me, i love some of these tips while some are up for debate, i use pencil for my brows and it works better than shadows/brow powders.

by rayshaviolet Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 05:04PM Report as inappropriate