Old Beauty Mistakes That Aren't Actually Mistakes

Trends are constantly cycling around — what's old is new again, and vice versa — so it would stand to reason that there are old beauty mistakes that aren't actually mistakes anymore. I mean, when you think about it, there are quite a few trends that were once considered big no-nos that are considered cool now.

It might sound like a crazy concept at first — after all, it's tough to imagine that something like the clown-level over-applied blush of the '80s, or the frosted pale pink lips of the '90s coming back into vogue again, but hey, it happens. Take the current obsession with strobing, for example — it's quickly overtaken the Kardashian-fueled love affair with contouring, and that's only happened in the past year or so. How many shakeups other have there been over the past few decades? How many trends have been upended and turned on their heads? Quite a few, as fate would have it.

In fact, in some ways, many of today's makeup trends have taken long-known beauty truths (like plucked eyebrows and matte skin) and thrown them to the wayside. So, with that in mind, let's take a look at some of the ways current makeup looks are bucking tradition.

Downward-Facing Cat Eyes

Cat eyes used to be all about the upwards flick — but nowadays, it's okay if you angle your cat eyes down. Doing so actually creates the illusion of larger, more doll-like eyes, and it's a popular look over in South Korea known as the "puppy eye."

Mascara Clumps

Clumpy mascara has long been considered a no-no, but that's been changing — heck, Maybelline even has an extra-clumpy formula now. Over-the-top, spidery lashes are officially in — so layer on that mascara with abandon.

Bushy Eyebrows

Bushy eyebrows were once thought to be something that called for a makeover. Now, on the other hand? Well, beautiful actors and models have been known to battle it out in shows of eyebrow strength judged by none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger.

These days, you'll actually find yourself stocking up for brow pomade in lieu of tweezers.

Too-Thick Eyeliner

You know that thing that happens when you draw one eye's liner thicker than the other's? Then, you have to add more to the other side to even it out? And then you keep on layering it on until you've basically lined up to your eyebrows? Well, fear the liner mishaps no more: It can make for quite the stylish look.

Smudged Liner

Similarly, you can actually use your smudged eyeliner to work in your favor — after all, celebrity makeup artist Jenny Patinkin told Bustle that the soft-focus rimmed eyes will be big in 2016. She explained that you can get the look by "[smudging] a soft black or graphite grey powder shadow or kohl liner all the way around your lash line."

Dewy Skin

The '90s were all about the immaculately-powdered matte look — but now, in the age of strobing, a little shine is considered sought-after and trendy.

In a way, it's kind of nice — it's somehow comforting to know that trends are constantly fluctuating; you'll always be able to find something that works for you. And if you can't? Well, forget the trends, and do your makeup however you damn well please!