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35 Common Mistakes You Don't Realize Make Your Hair & Makeup Look Bad

Plus how to get smoother foundation, shimmery hair, and lips that are so soft, they feel like satin pillows.

Written by Erin Celletti
35 Common Mistakes You Don't Realize Make Your Hair & Makeup Look Bad
Amazon
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Growing up, I quickly learned that some people are better at doing their own hair and makeup than others, and I wasn’t one of the naturally talented ones. So, I set out to improve my skills slowly over time and, while doing so, made a million mistakes. But with years of beauty experience now under my belt, I’ve got dozens of genius solutions to all the missteps I once made. If you’re not perfect when it comes to getting done up, don’t worry, you’re in good company. Here are 35 common mistakes you don’t realize are keeping you from getting your desired hair and makeup looks — and what you can do to fix them.

1

Mistake: You’re Not Cleaning Your Brushes When Swapping Shades

Fix: This Genius Pigment Remover Sponge

Getting your makeup brushes truly clean before swapping shades is a must to prevent muddy looks, and this color remover sponge makes it quick and easy. In just three seconds, the sponge absorbs leftover pigment, thanks to its dual-sided carbon design. It’s packed in a tin that makes it convenient for travel.

2

Mistake: You’re Not Giving Fine Hair Enough Oomph

Fix: This Thickening Lotion That Creates Next-Level Body

This hair-thickening lotion by Garnier is your solution if you have fine hair but are seeking a boost in volume and fullness. Its sheer, ultra-lightweight formula is infused with cotton flower extract to add body without the crunchy feeling of hair spray. With this, you can enjoy hair that looks thicker, with an ultra-soft feel and natural movement.

3

Mistake: You’re Damaging Your Hair By Using Tight Elastics

Fix: These Satin Scrunchies That Are Gentle On Strands

Tie your hair up without pulling and snagging with these satin hair scrunchies, designed for ultimate softness and gentleness. Unlike regular hair ties, these satin scrunchies won't compromise hair health, thanks to the smooth surface that glides across strands and doesn’t soak up moisture. They’re perfect for overnight or everyday wear, providing a secure hold without leaving dents or creases.

  • Available colors: 15

4

Mistake: You’re Ignoring Root Regrowth

Fix: This Touch-up Powder That Buys You More Time Before A Salon Visit

Save time and money in between trips to the salon with this root touch-up powder that offers a clever solution to conceal new growth. It uses an ultra-light binding powder that you apply with the included unique sponge applicator to ensure color correction while also achieving a natural shine without any sticky residue.

  • Available colors: 10

5

Mistake: You’re Applying Lipstick To Flaky Lips

Fix: This Exfoliating Scrub That Softens & Hydrates

Before applying lip color, give your dry, cracked lips the TLC they need (and deserve) with this sugar lip scrub made with a healing blend of Hawaiian cane sugar, kukui oil, and shea butter. It exfoliates and moisturizes, gently removing dead skin and leaving your lips looking more supple and smooth. It’s cruelty-free and vegan, too.

6

Mistake: You’re Having Trouble Blending Powder Blush

Fix: This Soft Cheek Tint For A Subtle Flush

Instead of piling on powder blush that can cake or be difficult to blend, this cream blush provides a soft and buildable tint that’s lightweight and natural looking. Just swipe it on using the doe-foot applicator and blend with your fingers for your desired look. Choose from five shades for a perfect flush of color.

  • Available shades: 5

7

Mistake: You’re Putting On False Lashes With Your Fingers

Fix: This Eyelash Applicator That Makes It More Precise

Apply fake eyelashes (both strips and singles) effortlessly with this lash applicator tool. It keeps your fingers free from messy lash glue and makes it easy to achieve perfect placement, so you won’t end up with a lopsided look. Made from stainless steel with an ergonomic design, it features a handy angled crescent tip that won’t get in the way.

  • Available colors: 3

8

Mistake: You’re Using High-Heat Tools To Curl Your Hair

Fix: This Heatless Curling Set That Minimizes Damage

Achieve bouncy, voluminous curls without a curling iron or wand, thanks to this heatless curling set by Kitsch. The soft, silky headband creates beautiful, heat-free curls or waves without any damage. Just wrap damp hair around the cushioned rod, secure with the included scrunchies, and wake up to a style that’s ready to go.

9

Mistake: Your Eye Makeup Disappears Throughout The Day

Fix: This Primer That Keeps It Locked In

Keep your eye shadow locked in place with this fan-favorite primer that controls oil all day. It also allows for smooth application and enhances the pigment of your shadows, too. Just apply a pea-size amount to dry eyelids, wait about 30 seconds, and continue with your makeup.

10

Mistake: Your Foundation Makes Your Skin Look Dull

Fix: This Face Lotion That Turns Up The Glow

This hydrating, glow-enhancing lotion is enriched with glycerin and shea butter, providing all-day moisture and just the right amount of radiance. With four shades that cater to all skin tones, the lotion can be worn alone, layered under your foundation, or applied to specific areas for a luminous and lifting effect. It’s a great (and safe) way to achieve a sun-kissed glow without the risk of actual UV exposure.

  • Available shades: 4

11

Mistake: You’re Using The Wrong Brushes To Apply Your Makeup

Fix: This Set That Has Every Brush You Could Ever Need

Your makeup can only be as good as the quality of your brushes, and this premium makeup brush set has everything you need for a full, flawless face. The kit includes 14 in total: five brushes for foundation, powder, concealer, and contouring, along with nine brushes for eyeliner, eye shadow blending, and brows. You’ll even get a bottle of cleaning solution.

12

Mistake: Your Skin Feels Dull & Dry From Not Exfoliating

Fix: This Exfoliating Cleanser That Makes It Easy

Give your skin a fast, fresh scrubbing session with this exfoliating cleanser that’s great for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. It’s made with with 10% glycolic and salicylic acids for a gentle yet potent formula that reduces acne, dark spots, and uneven texture. It removes makeup and excess oil without drying, leaving your skin looking and feeling smooth and clean.

  • Available options: 6

13

Mistake: You Use A Face Serum But Not A Hair Serum

Fix: These Serum Capsules That Strengthen & Protect

Give your hair the therapy it deserves with this Italian-formulated hair serum. From the first use, you can achieve a reduction in breakage and split ends, while smoothing and controlling frizz for softer, shinier hair. It also protects against heat styling and sun damage — and the capsule design makes them easy to pack along while traveling.

14

Mistake: You’re Sleeping On Cotton

Fix: These Satin Pillowcases For Smoother Hair & Skin

Made from satin, these pillowcases offer silky smoothness and softness for a restful night's sleep that’s gentle on your hair and skin. The slippery surface is less likely to cause face creases and hair tangles, and it won’t soak up moisture either — attributes cotton can’t claim. Available in a whopping 35 colors, the pillowcases are machine washable and feature envelope closures.

  • Available colors: 35
  • Available sizes: 5

15

Mistake: You’re Not Dermaplaning

Fix: These Facial Razors That Make It Easy (& So Satisfying)

Achieve smoother, glowing skin and deep exfoliation with these facial razors made for at-home dermaplaning. The stainless steel blades effectively remove peach fuzz to help foundation go on more smoothly, while also whisking away dead skin buildup. The result? Brighter skin and makeup that applies and blends easily.

16

You’re Not Maximizing Your Heat Protectant

Fix: This Hair Serum That Offers Thermal Protection Plus Extra Shimmer

Using a thermal protectant before heat styling is a must — and this one even adds shimmer, thanks to one star ingredient: rock crystal extract. The lightweight spray doesn’t feel crunchy on hair, but provides excellent protection, light conditioning, and an infusion of body. The best part? One reviewer wrote, “This stuff smells like a marriage between mermaids and angels. Delightful.”

17

Mistake: You’re Not Using A Diffuser On Your Curly Hair

Fix: This Universal Diffuser That Fits On Any Hair Dryer

Give your your curls their due by ensuring they’re well defined and frizz-free with this volumizing hair diffuser attachment. It creates indirect heat to help enhance the natural shape of your hair while helping it maintain its body. The diffuser has a near-universal fit for hair dryer nozzles between 1.7 inch to 2.6 inches in diameter, making it a foolproof ally in your hair-care arsenal.

  • Available colors: 7

18

Mistake: Your Sleek Hairstyle Is Rife With Flyaways

Fix: This Finishing Stick That Shows Them Who’s Boss

Tame flyaways and stray hairs in a flash with this two-pack of hair finishing sticks. Each wand is filled with a gel-like formula made with natural plant ingredients that provide a long-lasting, moisturizing hold without a greasy feeling or sticky residue. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to bring with you for on-the-go touch-ups whenever and wherever you need.

19

Mistake: You’re Neglecting Dry, Chapped Lips

Fix: This Mask That Makes Them Softer Overnight

A thorough skin-care routine doesn’t neglect the lips. Infused with coconut and jojoba oil, this intensive overnight mask leaves them soft and smooth, while helping to protect sensitive lip skin from environmental stressors for a plumper, calmer appearance. Plus, its peach scent is ah-mazing.

20

Mistake: Mascara Alone Just Isn’t Cutting It

Fix: This Eyelash Curler That Lifts & Opens

If you’re skipping lash curling because it seems unnecessary, you’re missing out. You can give your lashes more volume and lift instantly with this pro eyelash curler that costs less than the price of coffee. It features a comfortable, ergonomic design for convenience, along with a specially contoured curve and strong spring that makes using it a breeze. It comes with an extra rubber pad for easy replacement, too.

21

Mistake: Your Eyeshadow Travels When You Apply It

Fix: These Makeup Shields That Make It A Problem Of The Past

These half-moon shields are perfect for protecting the under-eye area from makeup fallout when you’re applying eyeshadow, eyelash glue, or mascara. They also help guide you in applying a flawless cat eye or winged eyeliner look, serving as a reliable edge you can trace next to. The shields are backed with a gentle self-adhesive for easy use.

22

Mistake: You’re Not Using A Setting Spray

Fix: This Dewy-finish Spray That Locks In Your Look

Keep makeup from melting throughout the day with this lightweight setting spray that reduces shine and oil for a fresh look that lasts. Extending your makeup wear for up to 16 hours, the spray is the final step in your getting-ready routine — just spritz it on. It comes in multiple finish options, including dewy and matte.

  • Available options: 8

23

Mistake: Your Hair Is Dull & Dry Looking

Fix: This Game-Changing Rinse That Works In 8 Seconds

In just eight seconds, L’Oréal’s Wonder Water will leave your hair looking and feeling silkier, shinier, and healthier — i.e., it’s one of the most low-maintenance beauty hacks out there. It uses lamellar water technology to uniquely target damaged areas of hair, smoothing and hydrating it without weighing it down or making it look greasy.

24

Mistake: You’re Relying On The Sun For A Bronze Glow

Fix: These Tanning Drops That (Safely) Do The Job

Achieve a vacation-inspired, sun-kissed glow, without the negative effects of real UV rays, with these fragrance-free self-tanning drops. Designed for your face and neck, they allow you to gradually build up a natural-looking bronze color when blended with your favorite moisturizer or serum. They’re formulated with hyaluronic acid for extra hydration, so they won’t dry out your skin.

25

Mistake: You’re Using Your Fingers To Blend Your Makeup

Fix: These Cult-favorite Sponges That Blend Smoothly & Flawlessly

Stop blending your face makeup with your fingers and use these latex-free makeup sponges instead — they boast an impressive 4.7-star overall rating on Amazon. They’re great for applying and blending BB cream, foundation, concealer, powder, and liquids for full coverage or contouring. They can be used wet or dry for a smooth and even finish that your fingers just can’t achieve.

26

Mistake: Your Routine Doesn’t Include Toner

Fix: This Classic Toner That Improves Skin Texture

Toner is often a step that’s skipped in skin-care routines — but it shouldn’t be. This gentle face toner delivers hydration and pH balance to the skin, using 98% natural-origin ingredients like witch hazel and aloe vera. Dermatologist tested, it also reduces the appearance of pores, balances oil, and improves skin texture. No wonder it has a 4.7-star overall rating after 120,000 reviews.

  • Available varieties: 6

27

Mistake: You’re Not Color Correcting Redness

Fix: This Irritation-Soothing Primer That Does It For You

Using a color corrector before applying your foundation can make a world of difference in the end result. This redness-correcting base neutralizes tones and splotches of redness with its green pigment, reducing the appearance of acne scars, rosacea, and irritation. It’s infused with calming cica extract, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and oil-minimizing pumpkin seed oil.

  • Available options: 5

28

Mistake: Your Lashes Are Clumpy Or Stuck Together

Fix: This Eyelash Comb That Gently Separates Them

Keep your lashes from getting clumped together with this eyelash comb that individually separates your lashes while removing excess mascara, too. It features fine teeth separated at an optimal distance to weed out tiny clumps and flakes for a smooth, fluffy-looking finish. It’s made from durable stainless steel and offers a comfortable grip.

29

Mistake: You’re Damaging Your Hair With A Regular Cotton Towel

Fix: These Gentle Microfiber Hair Wraps That Reduce Drying Time

Ditch your rough, terry cloth towels and dry your hair with these super absorbent microfiber hair wraps instead. They’re designed to quickly soak up excess water from all hair types while the plush, static-free fibers minimize breakage, split ends, and frizz. Just wrap your hair up in the easy-to-use twist-and-loop system, and multitask as your hair dries.

30

Mistake: You’re Not Protecting Fragile, Damaged Hair

Fix: This Leave-in Treatment That Works Wonders For Breakage

Aside from traditional shampoo and conditioner, elevate your hair game with this nourishing anti-breakage hair serum. It’s suitable for all hair types and textures, as the formula hydrates and strengthens strands, while leaving them with a frizz-free shine. It’s made from coconut milk and egg white protein, and smells like warm vanilla, tangerines, and coconut.

31

Mistake: You’re Neglecting Your Eyebrows

Fix: This Micro Brow Pencil That Creates Realistic “Hairs”

Filling in and shaping your brows can totally transform your look and the Micro Brow pencil by NYX makes it easy, thanks to the ultra-fine tip that creates precise, hair-like lines. It’s waterproof, smudge-resistant, and buildable, with a spoolie brush on the other side to blend and fluff.

  • Available colors: 13

32

Mistake: You Went To Bed Late & Have Puffy Eyes

Fix: This Anti-Puff Roller That Reduces Swelling & Brightens Eyes

Combat under-eye puffiness with this ingenious anti-puff roller. The roller releases a gel cream formulated with caffeine, mint, and vitamin C to tighten, soothe, and brighten skin. It offers a cooling sensation that feels totally refreshing, too. One reviewer wrote, “I have been looking for something to put under my eyes to just brighten them and make me look/feel more awake throughout the day and this product is the answer.”

33

Mistake: You’re Not Completely Removing Makeup At Night

Fix: This Cleansing Balm That Melts It Away

If you’re washing your face, but skipping makeup removal, you’re probably left with a thin layer of residue on your skin that may lead to breakouts. This cleansing balm makes cosmetic removal a satisfying process, since the oil-based formula melts away pigment while hydrating and soothing skin. It’s made with just 10 ingredients and has a fresh, citrusy scent.

34

Mistake: You’re Not Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

Fix: This Automatic Spinner That Essentially Does It For You

Keeping your makeup brushes clean should be an essential part of your routine, but for so many of us — it’s not. Thankfully, this electric makeup brush cleaner makes it easy, doing most of the work for you as it spins and dries your brushes in minutes for more hygienic, residue-free bristles. The set includes a spinner, brush handle adapters, a break-resistant cleaning bowl, and a charging cable.

35

Mistake: You’re Applying Makeup Under Bathroom Lighting

Fix: This Backlit Makeup Mirror With Magnification

Apply your makeup in a new light (literally) with this backlit makeup vanity mirror that features LEDs around the perimeter for enhanced clarity. It has options for 1x, 2x, and 3x magnification, making it a perfect companion for applying precise and detailed eye makeup, tweezing, blackhead removal, and more. Plus it has a lightweight design for portability and dual power supply for home or on-the-go use.