Applying a Too-Light Concealer
Concealers and foundations are not the same as bronzers and highlighters. Here’s what we mean by that: using them to either deepen your skin tone or lighten it in the hopes of “blurring” out things like pimples or discoloration is going to backfire and look unnatural or chalky.
Concealer is also NOT a color corrector. All of these products have distinctive characteristics and functions and it’s worth your time and effort to buy them separately and use them in unison to achieve a flawless look.
If your concealer is too light, it can leave you with a pallid shadow that looks off compared to the rest of your face, especially when you place it under your eyes. Concealer should ideally be 1-2 shades lighter than your skin — not more.
If you purchased the wrong shade of concealer, you can try mixing it with a touch of foundation to deepen the color. But your best bet is to visit a Sephora or a similar shop where beauty experts can match you to a great shade that will conceal, brighten, and look natural.
Another great technique to conceal under-eye circles or zits is to first prime these areas, then cover them with a color corrector in a shade that counters your discoloration. For example, if you have redness, a green color corrector can neutralize ruddiness, while peach tones can conceal blue shades under the eyes.
After you’ve applied color corrector, follow up with your concealer, blend well, and set it with translucent powder.
Dark Eyeliner in the Bottom Waterline
Eye makeup is easy to goof up — and can, unfortunately, show its flaws pretty easily. If you are only placing dark eyeliner in the lower waterline of your eye, you could be unknowingly creating a look that makes the eye appear saggier and older, as the effect is to draw the eye downward.
As we age, the face naturally descends a bit. Placing your eyeliner on the top of your lid or even on your upper waterline creates the illusion of a natural lift, while also making your lashes look darker and plumper.
Not Contouring Your Eyes
Another eye makeup technique that many of us sleep on because it seems more complicated than it is is contouring the eye. All of those gorgeous shades of eyeshadow in your palette each serve a purpose. But let’s start by using just three: applying a medium shade to the crease of your eyelid creates contour that opens up the lower lid and makes it appear more spacious. This is an especially cool magic trick if you have hooded or drooping eyelids. Apply a lighter shade to your lower eyelid and then save the darkest shadow of all and use it as a powder eyeliner that you apply only along the upper lash line.
Blend all of your shadows really well to avoid harsh lines and seal the deal with two coats of volumizing mascara.
These two common makeup mistakes have simple solutions: and adjusting your technique slightly will really brighten your eye area and make you look rested and rejuvenated.