7 Common makeup mistakes and how to fix them

It’s easy to make makeup mistakes without even realising it, from mismatched foundation to forgetting primer. These small blunders can have a big impact on your overall look. 

To help you perfect your makeup game, we reached out to pro makeup artist Renee de Wit, who shares her expertise on how to avoid common beauty pitfalls. From skincare prep to the right brush technique, Renee reveals how to fix these everyday makeup mistakes and get your look on point every time.

Skipping skincare

Mistake: Jumping straight into makeup without prepping your skin.
What it does: Skipping skincare can cause uneven application, dry patches, and a dull finish.
The fix: Start with a clean, hydrated base for the best makeup application. Begin by thoroughly cleansing your face to remove any traces of old makeup or impurities. Follow up with a serum and moisturiser tailored to your skin type to lock in hydration and create a smooth, radiant surface. Makeup can be applied more evenly and lasts longer on hydrated skin. Don’t forget sunscreen - it protects your skin and helps your makeup glide on smoothly. Proper skin prep ensures your makeup sits perfectly, giving you a flawless finish.

Not using primer

Mistake: Skipping primer before makeup.
What it does: Without primer, makeup may fade and settle into fine lines.
The fix: Moisturiser alone won’t help your makeup stick. Choose a vitamin-rich primer to build a barrier between your skin and makeup, ensuring a smooth base. It helps create a flawless finish and enhances the longevity of your makeup. Don’t forget to use an eye primer too - this will prevent eyeshadow from creasing and smudging.

Doing foundation before eye makeup

Mistake: Perfecting foundation before eye makeup.
What it does: If eye shadow falls out or mascara smudges, it’s harder to fix without disturbing your foundation.
The fix: Always do your eyes first and save your foundation for last. This allows you to easily fix any fallout from eye makeup without ruining your base. Plus, you can touch up any smudges or mascara mistakes before applying foundation, saving you time and effort in the long run.

Using the wrong foundation shade or formula

Mistake: Choosing a foundation that’s either too light, too dark, or not suited for your skin type.
What it does: A mismatched foundation shade creates a harsh line between your face and neck, making your makeup look unnatural. But the formula is equally important - choosing the wrong one for your skin type can cause your makeup to either slide off or look patchy. 
The fix: Test foundation on your jawline or wrist in natural light to find your perfect shade. If you're between shades, mix them or sheer out the product with a moisturiser. Blend foundation into your neck to avoid an unnatural line. When selecting the right formula, opt for a hydrating foundation for dry skin, mattifying formulas for oily skin, and long-lasting foundations for combination skin. Choosing the correct shade and formula ensures your foundation looks seamless and stays in place all day.

Concealer overload

Mistake: Applying too much concealer, especially under the eyes, leading to a heavy, cakey look.
What it does: Over-applied concealers can settle into fine lines and highlight imperfections.
The fix: Apply concealer in thin layers, starting with a small amount and gradually building where needed. Use a dense brush or your finger to press the product into the skin - avoid swiping, as it can disrupt the product and cause creasing. The goal is to blend well for a natural finish, not a heavy mask. A lighter touch will enhance your features without making you look overly made up.

Uneven eyeliner

Mistake: Struggling to achieve perfectly even eyeliners on both eyes.
What it does: Uneven eyeliner can make your eyes look unbalanced or smudged.
The fix: Remember, eyeliner is "sisters, not twins," so don't stress if they're not identical. If one is thicker than the other, use a small, angled brush and makeup remover to clean up the edges. You can also slightly thicken the other eyeliner to match, then use a smudging brush for a soft, smoky effect. This way, both eyes look balanced and defined.

Too much strobing

Mistake: Overusing highlighter, resulting in an overly shiny face.
What it does: Too much highlighter can leave you looking oily and unnatural.
The fix: Apply highlighter strategically, focusing on the tops of your cheekbones, cupid’s bow, and inner tear ducts. Avoid the center of your face, like the forehead, to keep the glow subtle. Use a light hand, tapping a cream highlighter in key areas for a natural, lit-from-within glow. Think ‘less is more’ when it comes to strobing.

Overdoing or forgetting eyebrows

Mistake: Either over-filling or neglecting your eyebrows.
What it does: Overly bold brows can look harsh, while unfilled brows can make your makeup look unfinished.
The fix: For overfilled brows, start by softening the look. Use a spoolie or brow brush to blend the product, gently brushing through the brows to diffuse any harsh lines. If the colour is too intense, use a cotton swab or makeup remover to lightly wipe away excess product. For under-filled brows, aim for a natural look by filling in sparse areas with light, feathery strokes using a brow pencil or powder. Always blend well and avoid harsh lines for a softer, more natural finish. 

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