Using Too-Dark or Warm Contour Shades
Here’s what you know about contouring before you start: your contour shade should be darker than your foundation and much darker than your highlight — it’s purpose is to “contour,” so this makes perfect sense. But that doesn’t mean any dark shade will look its best on your skin. Depending on your skin tone, a too-dark or too-warm contour shade can make your skin look muddy and dirty.
If you’ve already applied a contour that looks too dark, grab a damp sponge or blending brush and try to remove some makeup and correct the problem. Then find a shade that’s lighter and cooler in tone.
Using Powdered Foundation
It’s not that powdered foundation should NEVER be used — if it suits your skin type and doesn’t make your skin dry, it may be the right formula for you. But if you find that it highlights texture on your face, such as fine lines, you need a more moisturizing foundation. Experiment with liquid or cream foundations that have a satin or dewy finish instead.
Don’t Contour Your Entire Face
You don’t need to contour your entire face to give your features a lift, and doing so can look unnatural. Instead of contouring your cheeks, forehead, nose, chin — the whole nine yards — focus only on one or two areas, like your jawline and cheekbones.
Don’t Forget to Blend
Whether you’re applying foundation or contour makeup, the number one mistake so many make is neglecting to blend well. Whether your blending tool of choice is a damp sponge or blending brush, make sure you blend your makeup and don’t forget to include your neck when blending.
Not Considering Your Skincare First
Before you apply your first stitch of makeup, consider your skincare routine. Are you adding a creamy moisturizer and SPF? If so, remember to be patient and wait for your skin to absorb products before you add makeup. If you don’t wait, you might have to deal with pilling and streaking.
Not Applying Primer
Primer is important because it creates a barrier between your skin and your makeup, blurring pores and texture and making your makeup look more natural. Primer also helps make makeup colors look more pigmented and last longer. Choose a primer that complements your skin type — you may need more hydration from a lotion or may benefit from a gel primer that works better on oily skin.
Using Too Much Highlighter
Highlighter should whisper and never scream. If you use too much highlighter anywhere on your face, it can appear glittery and unnatural. Using a minimal amount to provide contrast from your contour shade will, instead, brighten your features and make your skin look more luminescent.
Using the Wrong Application Tools
We already discussed the importance of blending — for both foundation and contour makeup. The tools you use to apply and blend your makeup matter a great deal and will make a difference in the outcome. Investing in a good set of brushes and some makeup sponges is key — a damp sponge is a favorite among many makeup artists for applying foundation, and brushes are great for contour, but everyone has their preferences. The thing NOT to do is to rely on your fingers for everything. They’re great sometimes, but can’t blend the way a tool can.