Problem: This happens to every woman. Even if you've found the perfect color for your skin, the foundation you buy in August will not work for you in February. Also, watch out for foundation that oxidizes throughout the day and changes color.
Solution: Every woman should have at least two different colors of foundation, but three is better. That way you always have colors to mix to get the right color for your skin year-round. Focus on finding a good formula that works with your skin tone and doesn't turn orange (from oxidation) as it interacts with the oils in your skin. (Keep in mind that your face should look like it matches your body. Sheer formulas are better if your face is paler than your chest. Tinted moisturizers are terrific if you don't need much coverage.) The same holds true for concealers. (Tip: Use under-eye concealers that have a subtle light reflective quality and use matte concealers to hide spots.) Also, using a truly translucent powder (like Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Loose Powder, $13.95) when you set your foundation (and for touch-ups during the day) will help combat a shift in color.
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5. Makeup Overload
Problem: A full-on eye with a full-on lip with a full-on face of foundation, blush, bronzer and more is only going to make you look older.
Solution: You don't need to focus equal attention on every feature at the same time. Whether you love experimenting with makeup or not, pick one feature and accentuate it. For example, pair a bright lip color like fire engine red or electric pink with a fresh, natural face -- not too much foundation, blush or eye makeup like Denise Richards, right. Focusing color on the eyes? Go easy on the mouth with a pale, sheer lip color. "It will make the strong eye look modern and more interesting," says Stiles. "Anything thick or heavy will look aging."
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6. Flakey/Smudgy Mascara
Problem: Women tend to hang on to their makeup for much longer than they should. Flaking is a good sign that your mascara is either not a good formula or needs to be replaced -- whether you've finished the tube or not.
Solution: If you find that your mascara runs and smudges under your eyes during the day, try a waterproof formula (like CoverGirl LashBlast Waterproof Mascara, $7.99) or one of those "tubing" mascaras (like Clinique Lash Power Mascara, $14). Tip: Waterproof mascara can be difficult to get off so one solution is to use your regular mascara and then just use a layer of a waterproof formula over it, or just use it on the bottom lashes.
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7. Too Much Glitter
Problem: "The thing that bothers me the most about glitter in makeup, besides the fact that it shouldn't be worn by anyone over the age of 14 (fabulous club kids get an exception here) is that it travels on your face ... leaving strange sparkly spots where they shouldn't be," says Stiles.
Solution: If you have a sparkly personality and must express it through your makeup, a more grown-up option would be to ditch shadows that contain large flecks of in-your-face glitter for those with very, very finely milled luminescence or shimmer (like L'Oreal HiP Shocking Shadow Pigments, $12). And always apply with a restrained hand. (See mistake No. 9 for how-to.)
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8. Overbronzing
Problem: Too much bronzer can make your face look dirty or too orange, or too shimmery if you're using a bronzer that isn't matte.
Solution: "I do like a bronzer with a little sheen to it, just be careful where you apply it or you'll be guilty of mistake No. 9," says Stiles. "There are a few companies that make lovely matte bronzers that look completely realistic. Benefit Hoola, $28, is always in my kit. Physicians Formula is almost entirely made up of bronzers." The color of your bronzer, like foundations, should change throughout the year as well. A little bronzer in the winter can add a touch of warmth without making you look too tan.
Tip: Guerlain Terracotta Spray Bronzing Powder Mist, $57, is a foundation in a spray that offers a very realistic tan color. Spray it in your hand then apply with a flat foundation brush to cover tan lines or add a touch of color on your forehead and cheekbones to warm up skin without it looking like makeup.
Before you make up your next face, there are 10 crucial no-nos we'd like you to know so you don't end up on this list. To ensure your efforts aren't wasted, we asked celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles to share her expert beauty tips on nipping these common mistakes in the bud.