Fashion

7 Mistakes That Are Messing Up Your Beauty Routine

by Alexa Dragoumis

Being a self-proclaimed makeup guru, I've mostly learned about beauty faux pas through trial and error. The more you play with products, the more you learn what works and what doesn't right? Most importantly, knowing what not to do has made my beauty routine so much easier to apply, and so much more effective. That's exactly why I'm about to share a few sneaky makeup mistakes that could be messing up your beauty routine without you even realizing it.

After we get ready in the morning or before an event, sometimes we find ourselves asking all kinds of questions. Why does my foundation always seem to be too light/dark when I leave the house? Why does my bronzer look overdone? Why doesn't my supposedly long-wear lipstick ever stay on? If these inquiries sound familiar, you might be guilty of making some of these mistakes.

Some of the things on this list will seem small, but I promise you they'll make a world of difference in your makeup application. If you have ever looked in the mirror when you got to work or school and said to yourself, "I didn't think I looked like this when I left," then these are for you! And trust me, we've all been there.

Here are the mistakes you can avoid to help make your beauty routine so much more effective.

1. Skipping Eyeshadow Primer

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, $20, Amazon

Not only does eyeshadow primer help keep your shadow in place and prevent creasing, but it also helps intensify the colors. If you're finding that the shades you purchase seem to go on much lighter than you thought they would, then an eyeshadow primer is your solution!

2. Forgetting To Exfoliate Before Applying Self-Tanner

Clarins Exfoliating Body Scrub, $38, Neiman Marcus

If your self-tanning job looks splotchy, forgetting to exfoliate could be the cause, according to Beatisol. Since dead skin is dryer than healthy skin, it tends to soak up more product. Removing it before you apply a tanner helps to ensure that the application is even.

Also consider: 100% Arabica Natural Coffee Body Scrub, $14.50, Amazon

3. Not Using Proper Lighting

Simple Human Sensor Makeup Mirror, $129.99, Amazon

In order to make sure you're not applying too much bronzer or overdoing it with your eyeshadow, it's important to get ready in natural light. If your bathroom doesn't get much light from a window, consider purchasing a mirror with different light settings. This Simple Human makeup mirror is especially handy because it's motion activated and it even comes with a travel case!

4. Not Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

Using dirty brushes not only messes with the color of your eyeshadow, it also can cause acne, according to The Gloss. Bacteria, dust and dirt can collect on your makeup brushes — and none of those things should be in your pores! In the above video, Lauren Curtis explains how you can properly clean your makeup brushes.

Try: Japonesque Brush Cleaner, $11, Amazon

5. Matching Foundation On The Back Of Your Hands

VirginN Pure Minerals Foundation, $38.00, Virgin N Mineral Makeup

To make sure that your foundation matches your face, test foundation on your jawline and neck instead of the backs of your hands. Often times, our hands get a different amount of sun exposure than our faces, leading us to buy foundations that are either too light or too dark. This foundation from Virginn Pure Minerals actually adjusts up to two shades based on the PH of your skin, so if you find yourself having trouble finding the right shade, this may be worth a try. You can even send a selfie to the team at virginnmineralmakeup.com to have an esthetician match you with the perfect shade.

6. Skipping Lip Liner

Nudestix Lip & Cheek Dual Pencil, $24, Amazon

Lip liner not only helps define the edges of your lips, but also helps make your lipstick last longer throughout the day. The most common myth is that lip liner should only be applied to the edges of your lips. Feather it lightly onto the lips as well to take advantage of its lipstick primer effects. Nudestix makes a great product to have because you can also use it as a blush!

7. Applying Concealer To Dark Circles Only

In the above photo, I am applying concealer the wrong way. If you only apply concealer to your dark circles — stop! Instead, apply it in an upside down triangle formation underneath each eye. This helps create a much more natural look as well as an overall brightening effect.

Hopefully, these small but incredibly useful tricks will help your beauty routine go oh-so-smoothly from now on!

Images: Courtesy Brands, Alexa Dragoumis/Bustle