Use a dedicated primer, not just your daily moisturizer.
The Foundation’s Best Friend
I used to think primer was just a clever marketing gimmick. I would diligently apply my moisturizer and then go straight in with my foundation, wondering why my makeup looked patchy by noon and had completely slid off my face by the end of the day. One day, I decided to try a real primer. The difference was immediate. It created a smooth, slightly tacky canvas that my foundation could grip onto. My makeup not only applied more smoothly but also stayed flawless all day. I learned that moisturizer hydrates, but primer prepares.
Stop applying foundation with your fingers; use a brush or sponge for a more even finish.
The Flawless Finish
For years, my fingers were my go-to foundation tool. I thought it was quick and easy, but I always battled with streaks and an uneven finish, especially around my nose and hairline. It felt like I was just moving product around instead of blending it. The first time I used a damp beauty sponge, it was a revelation. It pressed and bounced the foundation into my skin, melting it in for a seamless, airbrushed look I could never achieve with my hands. I used less product and the finish was ten times better.
Stop applying concealer in a thick triangle; use targeted placement only where needed instead.
The Art of Concealment
I was a loyal follower of the giant, upside-down triangle concealer trend I saw all over the internet. I’d paint these huge triangles under my eyes, thinking it was the secret to a bright, lifted look. In reality, it was just a lot of product that looked heavy, settled into fine lines I didn’t even know I had, and creased instantly. I learned to apply just a small dot on the inner and outer corners of my eye. This targeted approach brightened my whole face using a fraction of the product and looked completely natural.
The #1 secret for creaseless concealer that makeup artists swear by is to let it sit for a minute before blending.
The Power of the Pause
My under-eye concealer was my biggest frustration. I would apply it and blend it out immediately, but it would always sheer out too much and crease within the hour. It felt like a pointless step. Then I saw a makeup artist’s tip: after applying the concealer, wait for a minute or two before blending. This allows it to self-set slightly and become a bit tacky. The first time I tried it, I was amazed. When I finally blended it, the coverage was better, and it stayed smooth all day long.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about makeup is that it’s bad for your skin.
The Modern Formula
For a long time, I was scared of wearing makeup every day. I believed the myth that it suffocates your skin and inevitably causes breakouts. I’d save foundation for special occasions, thinking I was “letting my skin breathe.” Then I started paying attention to ingredients. I discovered that many modern foundations are formulated with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and even SPF. I realized that as long as I was diligent about removing my makeup properly every night, it wasn’t the enemy I thought it was. It was all about the cleanup.
I wish I knew this about finding my undertone when I bought my first foundation.
The Undertone Revelation
My first foundation-buying experience was a disaster. I swatched a shade on my hand that looked perfect, but on my face, it was noticeably pink. I looked like I was wearing a mask. I had no idea about undertones. I wish I had known to look at the veins in my wrist; blue or purple veins indicate a cool undertone, while greenish veins suggest a warm one. Understanding that I had a warm, yellowy undertone was the key that unlocked a perfect foundation match, making my base look like a second skin, not a layer of paint.
I’m just going to say it: Baking your face is making you look dry and older.
The Baking Breakup
I was fully committed to the “baking” trend. I would pack on a thick layer of loose powder under my eyes and on my T-zone, let it sit, and then brush it away, expecting a flawless, poreless finish. What I actually got was skin that looked and felt like a desert. The technique sucked every bit of moisture from my face, emphasized fine lines, and gave me a chalky, aged appearance in person. I broke up with baking and switched to a light dusting of powder, and my skin immediately looked younger and fresher.
99% of beginners make this one mistake when filling in their eyebrows.
The Heavy Hand
When I first started doing my eyebrows, I took my dark pencil and drew a single, solid, harsh line from the inner corner all the way to the tail. I thought a defined brow was the goal, but mine looked like they were drawn on with a Sharpie. They looked unnatural and angry. The biggest mistake was using a heavy hand and creating a block of color. I learned to use light, feathery strokes to mimic the look of real hairs, focusing only on filling in the sparse areas. The result was a much softer, more natural brow.
This one small habit of warming up products on the back of your hand will change the way they apply forever.
The Artist’s Palette
I used to apply my concealer and cream products directly from the applicator to my face. They often felt thick and were difficult to blend, sometimes looking streaky or patchy. Then I saw a makeup artist always put the product on the back of their hand first. I tried it, and the simple act of warming up the product with my body heat made it melt into a creamier, more fluid consistency. It blended into my skin so much more seamlessly, creating a natural finish that looked like it was part of my skin.
If you’re still applying powder with a puff, you’re losing a natural, skin-like finish.
The Puff Pass
My pressed powder always came with a little puff, so naturally, that’s what I used. I would press it into the powder and then press it onto my face, depositing a thick, concentrated layer of product. It made my skin look flat, chalky, and heavy, completely covering up any natural glow. When I finally switched to using a large, fluffy brush, the difference was incredible. A light swirl in the pan and a gentle dusting over my T-zone set my makeup without making me look like a ghost.
Use a damp beauty sponge, not a dry one.
The Thirsty Sponge Secret
The first time I bought a beauty sponge, I used it straight out of the package. It felt stiff, soaked up almost all of my expensive foundation, and left a streaky, patchy mess on my face. I was so disappointed and ready to throw it away. Then I saw a tutorial where someone ran it under water. I tried it, and the sponge magically doubled in size, becoming soft and bouncy. It blended my foundation to a flawless, dewy finish and used half the product. That one simple step changed everything.
Stop pumping your mascara wand; swirl it gently to get product instead.
The Pump-and-Dry Problem
I was in a daily habit of pumping my mascara wand in and out of the tube, thinking I was getting it fully loaded for big, voluminous lashes. I couldn’t figure out why my brand new mascara would get clumpy and dry out within a month. I learned that the pumping action forces air into the tube, which dries out the formula at lightning speed. Now, I gently swirl the wand around the inside of the tube to coat the bristles. My mascaras last so much longer and apply more smoothly.
Stop testing foundation on your hand; match it to your jawline and neck instead.
The Perfect Match Myth
In every drugstore, I would dutifully swatch new foundations on the back of my hand. The color would look like a perfect match under the bright store lights. Then I’d get home, apply it to my face, and see a distinct line of demarcation along my jaw. The skin on our hands is often a completely different tone and texture than our faces. I finally learned the secret is to test shades directly on the jawline, blending slightly down onto the neck. This ensures a truly seamless match between your face and body.
The #1 hack for a perfect winged liner that gurus use is starting with the flick outwards.
The Wing Blueprint
My attempts at winged eyeliner used to be a daily struggle. I would carefully draw the line across my lash line and then try to add the flick at the end. They were always uneven, asymmetrical, and ended in frustration. The game completely changed when I learned to draw the wing part first. I’d create the small upward flick from the outer corner of each eye, making sure they were symmetrical. Then, all I had to do was connect that line back to my lash line. It was like creating a blueprint for a perfect wing.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about contouring is that everyone needs to do it.
The Contour Conspiracy
I fell deep into the contouring trend, believing it was an essential step for everyone. I bought palettes with stripes of brown and beige, trying to carve out cheekbones and a slimmer nose, following tutorials that weren’t designed for my face shape. More often than not, it just looked like a muddy, obvious stripe on my face. I finally realized makeup is about enhancing your own features, not creating new ones. I ditched the heavy contour for a soft bronzer and blush, and I looked so much more like myself, only fresher.
I wish I knew this about cleaning my makeup brushes when I was a teenager.
The Breakout Brush
As a teenager, the concept of washing my makeup brushes was completely foreign to me. I used the same foundation brush and eyeshadow brushes for months on end. I couldn’t figure out why my skin was always congested and my eyeshadow colors always looked muddy and blended together. I wish someone had told me that those dirty brushes were a breeding ground for bacteria and old makeup, which I was smearing back onto my face every single day. The moment I started a weekly brush-cleaning routine, my skin and makeup application improved dramatically.
I’m just going to say it: Your full-coverage foundation is emphasizing your texture.
The Coverage Conundrum
I have some acne scarring and redness, so for years, I thought the only solution was to spackle on the most full-coverage, matte foundation I could find. I was trying to create a flawless, uniform canvas. But instead of hiding my skin texture, the heavy foundation seemed to highlight every single bump and dry patch, looking like a thick mask. I discovered that a more lightweight, dewy formula actually softened the look of my texture. Letting a little bit of my real skin show through was far more flattering than trying to completely cover it up.
99% of people make this one mistake when applying cream blush.
The Post-Powder Problem
I loved the natural, dewy look of cream blush, but my application was always a disaster. I would apply my foundation, set my entire face with powder, and then try to blend the cream blush on top. It would always look patchy, grab onto the powder underneath, and lift my foundation. The mistake was applying a cream over a powder. I learned that all cream and liquid products need to be applied before any powders. Now, I apply my cream blush over my foundation, blend it out, and then lightly set everything with powder.
This one small action of spraying setting spray on your brush/sponge will change the way your makeup melts into your skin forever.
The Melting Method
I used setting spray as the very last step, misting it over my finished face. It worked fine, but I learned a trick that took my base to the next level. Before blending my foundation, I started spritzing my brush or damp sponge with a little setting spray. This simple action helps to infuse the setting power directly into my base layer. It makes the foundation blend more seamlessly and really melt into the skin, giving it a much more natural, skin-like finish and incredible longevity. It looks less like makeup sitting on my skin.
If you’re still sleeping with your makeup on, you’re losing your chance for clear, healthy skin.
The Nightly Neglect
There were many nights I’d come home exhausted and fall into bed with a full face of makeup on. I told myself it was just one night and it wouldn’t make a difference. But “one night” would turn into a habit, and I’d wake up with dull skin, clogged pores, and new pimples. Makeup traps dirt and environmental pollutants on your skin, and sleeping in it prevents your skin from its natural renewal process overnight. Committing to cleansing every single night, no matter how tired I am, was the single best decision I made for my skin’s health.
Use a color corrector for dark circles, not just a lighter shade of concealer.
The Color Theory
I tried to cover my dark, purplish under-eye circles by piling on a concealer that was two shades lighter than my skin. Instead of hiding the darkness, it just mixed with it to create a strange, ashy grey cast under my eyes. It actually drew more attention to the area. The real solution was color theory. Using a peachy or orange-toned color corrector first neutralizes the blue and purple tones. Then, applying a thin layer of my regular concealer on top makes the darkness vanish completely, without any strange grey hue.
Stop applying bronzer all over your face; focus on where the sun would naturally hit.
The Sunkissed Strategy
When I first started using bronzer, I thought it was meant to make my whole face look tan. I would take a big, fluffy brush and dust it all over, from my forehead to my chin. The result wasn’t a healthy glow; I just looked a bit dirty and my face looked flat. I learned that bronzer should be applied strategically, only to the high points of the face where the sun would naturally hit you. A light dusting on the top of the forehead, across the cheekbones, and over the bridge of the nose creates a genuine, believable, sunkissed warmth.
Stop using a shimmery highlighter on textured skin; opt for a satin or matte formula instead.
The Shimmer Trap
I loved the idea of a blinding, shimmery highlighter. I wanted my cheekbones to be seen from space. But I have some skin texture and acne scars in that area. When I would apply a super glittery highlighter, it acted like a spotlight, emphasizing every single bump and pore. It was the opposite of the smooth, glowy look I wanted. I switched to a highlighter with a satin or pearlescent finish, rather than overt glitter. It gave me a beautiful, lit-from-within glow without drawing attention to my skin’s texture.
The #1 secret for making eyeshadow pop that the pros know is using a white or nude eyeshadow base.
The Canvas Creator
I used to be so disappointed when the vibrant eyeshadow color I saw in the pan would apply as a dull, muted version on my eyelids. It never had the intensity I wanted. The secret I learned from makeup artists was to neutralize my eyelid color first. Our eyelids have natural discoloration and veins. By applying a layer of a white or nude eyeshadow base or even a light-colored concealer first, you create a blank, even canvas. This makes any color you put on top show up brighter and truer to its color.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about primer is that you need an expensive one.
The Primer Paradox
I was convinced that for a primer to be effective, it had to be from a high-end, luxury brand. I spent a fortune on primers that promised to be magical elixirs for my foundation. While some were nice, I discovered that many affordable, drugstore primers performed just as well, if not better. The key isn’t the price tag, but the ingredients. Finding a good silicone-based primer for smoothing or a hydrating one for dry skin from any brand is what truly matters. An expensive primer is not a prerequisite for a flawless base.
I wish I knew this about the difference between setting powder and finishing powder when I started doing event makeup.
The Powder Puzzle
When I started doing makeup for friends’ special events, I thought “setting powder” and “finishing powder” were interchangeable terms. I would pack on a heavy setting powder at the end, thinking I was locking everything in. But in photos with flash, their faces would have a ghostly white cast. I wish I had known that setting powder is for absorbing oil and locking makeup in place, while finishing powder is a much finer, light-reflecting powder meant to be used sparingly at the very end to blur imperfections and create a soft-focus finish.
I’m just going to say it: Eyebrow trends are fleeting, but a classic shape is forever.
The Brow Betrayal
I have lived through many eyebrow trends. The super-thin, overplucked brows of the 90s, the super-defined “Instagram brow,” and everything in between. I dutifully followed each trend, plucking and shaping my brows into submission. Now, I have sparse areas that refuse to grow back. I learned the hard way that chasing fleeting trends can lead to permanent regret. The best approach is to find a classic, natural shape that complements your own face structure. It will always be in style and will save you from future brow-related sorrows.
99% of people make this one mistake when trying to cover a pimple.
The Pimple Pile-On
Whenever a big, red pimple appeared, my immediate reaction was to pile on the thickest, driest concealer I could find. I would just keep dabbing it on, trying to completely erase the redness. But this method only created a cakey, obvious patch that drew even more attention to the blemish. The mistake was trying to cover it with just one product. The real trick is to first color correct the redness with a hint of green, then apply a tiny amount of a hydrating concealer, and finally set it with a very light dusting of powder.
This one small habit of curling your lashes before mascara will change the way your eyes look forever.
The Instant Eye-Lift
For years, I just slapped on mascara and called it a day. I thought my lashes were hopelessly straight and short. An eyelash curler seemed like a scary, intimidating medieval torture device. When I finally worked up the courage to use one, I was shocked. Taking just 10 seconds to gently curl my lashes before applying mascara made my eyes look instantly bigger, brighter, and more awake. It was the single most impactful, yet simple, step I was missing from my routine. My mascara now had a lifted base to work from.
If you’re still using a one-shade-fits-all brow pencil, you’re losing a natural, dimensional look.
The Dimensional Brow
My eyebrow routine used to consist of one medium-brown pencil that I used to fill in my entire brow. It did the job, but it always looked a bit flat and unnatural, like a solid block of color. The look became so much more believable when I started using two different products. I use a lighter, softer powder to fill in the front part of my brow for a gentler start, and a slightly darker, more defined pencil to create hair-like strokes through the arch and tail. This combination creates dimension and a much more natural-looking brow.
Use a lip liner to define and fill, not just to outline.
The Liner Lesson
I always thought lip liner was just for creating a harsh outline around the lips to prevent lipstick from bleeding. I’d draw a line and then fill it in with a different lipstick color. It often looked dated and unnatural. The real game-changer was when I started using the lip liner to not only outline my lips but also to fill them in completely before applying lipstick. This creates a long-lasting, uniform base color, so even when my lipstick starts to wear off, I’m left with a beautiful stain instead of a weird ring around my mouth.
Stop over-powdering your entire face; only set your T-zone and under-eyes instead.
The Powder Placement
My goal was always to be completely matte. After applying my foundation, I would take a huge brush and dust setting powder all over my entire face, from forehead to chin. This left my skin looking flat, dry, and lifeless, and it would often settle into my smile lines. I learned that you only really need to apply powder where you tend to get shiny or crease. Now, I use a smaller brush to strategically set my oily T-zone and under my eyes. This keeps me shine-free where it matters while letting the rest of my skin have a natural, healthy glow.
Stop applying liquid lipstick on dry, flaky lips; exfoliate and hydrate first.
The Liquid Lipstick Lie
I loved the bold, long-lasting power of liquid lipsticks, but they always made my lips look like a shriveled-up desert. The matte formula would cling to every single dry patch and flake, making my lips look and feel awful within an hour. I thought it was just the product’s fault. The truth is, liquid lipstick requires a smooth canvas. Now, before I even think about applying it, I gently exfoliate my lips with a scrub and apply a hydrating balm. This simple prep work makes my liquid lipstick glide on smoothly and feel comfortable for hours.
The #1 tip for a “no-makeup” makeup look is using a tinted moisturizer instead of foundation.
The Sheer Secret
I struggled to achieve a convincing “no-makeup” makeup look. I would use a tiny amount of my regular foundation and try to sheer it out, but it always looked a little too “done” and mask-like. The real secret was to switch the product entirely. Using a tinted moisturizer or a skin tint instead of a foundation was the key. It provides just enough coverage to even out my skin tone and hide minor redness, but it’s sheer enough to let my natural skin, including freckles, show through. It truly looks like my skin, but better.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about waterproof mascara is that it’s good for daily use.
The Waterproof Wear-Down
I thought I had found the holy grail: a waterproof mascara that would never smudge or flake, no matter what. I started wearing it every single day. I noticed over time that my lashes seemed to be getting sparser and more brittle. The problem was the removal process. Waterproof formulas are incredibly tenacious, and the harsh rubbing and special removers required to get them off every night were taking a toll on my delicate lashes, causing them to break. Now, I save waterproof mascara for special occasions and use a regular, easily washable formula for daily wear.
I wish I knew this about how to apply false lashes when I was going to prom.
The Prom Lash Panic
For my prom, I bought a pair of huge, dramatic strip lashes. I had no idea what I was doing. I applied a thick glob of glue, immediately tried to stick them on, and ended up with a crooked, half-attached lash poking me in the eye all night. It was a disaster. I wish I had known the two most important tricks: first, trim the lash to fit your eye shape, and second, let the glue get tacky for 30-60 seconds before applying. This helps it adhere properly and stay put.
I’m just going to say it: You’re using way too much concealer.
The Concealer Overload
In my quest for a flawless complexion, I was over-relying on my concealer. I would paint it on in thick layers under my eyes, around my nose, and on any blemish. Instead of looking perfect, my face just looked heavy and caked in makeup. The product would settle into lines and look obvious. I learned that less is truly more. Using a smaller amount of a good quality concealer and placing it strategically only where I need it, then blending the edges, creates a much more natural and effective result than trying to spackle my entire face.
99% of people make this one mistake when applying highlighter.
The Stripe of Light
When I first discovered highlighter, I was so excited that I would take a brush and swipe a thick, shimmery stripe from my cheekbone all the way back to my hairline. In certain lighting, it looked like a metallic racing stripe. The mistake was applying it in a straight, harsh line. Highlighter should be applied to the very highest points of the face and blended in a “C” shape, from the top of the cheekbone up and around to the brow bone. This creates a more diffused, natural glow that catches the light beautifully.
This one small action of blotting your lipstick with a tissue will change the way it wears throughout the day forever.
The Blotting Breakthrough
I used to apply my lipstick and immediately run out the door. Within an hour, it would be on my teeth, on my coffee cup, and fading from the center of my lips. I was constantly reapplying. Then I learned the classic, old-school trick of blotting. After applying my lipstick, I now take a tissue, separate it into one ply, and gently press it against my lips. This removes the excess oils and emollients, leaving behind the pigment. It sets the color and dramatically increases its wear time, making it last for hours.
If you’re still using black eyeliner in your waterline, you’re losing the chance to make your eyes look bigger and brighter.
The Waterline Wake-Up
My go-to dramatic eye look always involved lining my lower waterline with a harsh, black kohl pencil. I thought it looked intense and smoky. In reality, it was visually closing off my eyes and making them appear much smaller. The simple switch to a nude or white eyeliner pencil for my waterline was an absolute game-changer. It instantly neutralizes any redness and creates the illusion of a wider, brighter, more awake eye. It’s one of the quickest and most effective tricks to look more rested.
Use a fluffy brush for blush, not a dense, stiff one.
The Blush Brush-Off
I could never get my blush to look right. I was using a small, dense brush, and every time I applied it, I would end up with a concentrated, clown-like circle of intense color on my cheeks that was impossible to blend out. I thought I was just bad at applying blush. The problem wasn’t my technique; it was my tool. Switching to a large, fluffy, less-dense blush brush allowed me to pick up less product and apply it in a soft, diffused wash of color. It made getting a natural-looking flush practically foolproof.
Stop trying to perfectly replicate a makeup tutorial; adapt it to your own face shape instead.
The Tutorial Trap
I would spend hours watching makeup tutorials, trying to replicate the exact look on my own face. I’d follow every step precisely, but the end result never looked as good on me as it did on the influencer. I’d get frustrated, thinking I just wasn’t skilled enough. I finally realized that the techniques they were using were tailored to their specific eye shape and face structure. The key is to take inspiration from the tutorial but adapt the placement of contour, blush, and eyeshadow to flatter your own unique features.
Stop buying makeup just because it went viral; consider if it actually suits you first.
The Hype Hangover
I was a serial purchaser of viral makeup products. If it was all over TikTok, I felt a compulsive need to own it. My drawers were filled with trendy but untouched items: a foundation that was the wrong shade for me, a glittery eyeshadow I’d never wear, and a contour wand that didn’t work for my skin type. I was buying into the hype, not my own needs. I learned to pause and ask, “Will this actually work for my skin tone, type, and lifestyle?” before clicking “buy.” It saved me so much money and clutter.
The #1 secret for smudge-proof eyeliner is setting it with a matching eyeshadow.
The Eyeliner Lock-Down
My creamy pencil eyeliner was always a smudgy mess by the end of the day. It would transfer to my upper lid and settle into the outer corners of my eyes, giving me a tired, raccoon-like appearance. I thought I just had to live with it. The secret weapon I was missing was powder. After applying my pencil liner, I now take a small, angled brush and press a tiny amount of a matching colored eyeshadow (like black or brown) directly on top. This simple step sets the creamy pencil in place and keeps it sharp and smudge-free all day long.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about makeup expiration dates is that they don’t matter.
The Expiration Revelation
I used to be a makeup hoarder. I had mascaras from years ago and lipsticks that were ancient. I thought that as long as they still looked okay, they were fine to use. I didn’t take expiration dates seriously. After a nasty eye infection from an old mascara, I learned my lesson the hard way. Liquid and cream products are a breeding ground for bacteria, and expired products can cause infections and skin irritation. Now, I pay close attention to the little “period after opening” symbol and toss old products without hesitation.
I wish I knew this about tightlining my eyes when I wanted a fuller lash line.
The Invisible Eyeliner
I wanted my lashes to look fuller and thicker at the base, but I didn’t always want the look of a heavy eyeliner line on my lid. I tried everything, but my lash line still looked sparse. I wish I had known about tightlining sooner. This technique involves taking a pencil eyeliner and gently applying it to the upper waterline, underneath the lashes. It fills in the gaps between the lashes, creating the illusion of a much denser, darker lash line without any visible liner. It’s a subtle trick with a huge impact.
I’m just going to say it: The cut-crease eyeshadow look is not wearable for most people.
The Cut-Crease Casualty
I was determined to master the sharp, defined cut-crease I saw all over Instagram. I spent hours with concealer and tiny brushes, trying to carve out a perfect line. On my hooded eyes, it looked strange and disappeared the moment I looked straight ahead. It was a look designed for a specific eye shape and for photos, not for everyday life and movement. I learned to embrace a softer, blended eyeshadow look that actually flattered my eye shape, and I saved myself a lot of time and frustration. It was a reminder that not every trend is for every person.
99% of people make this one mistake when choosing a red lipstick.
The Undertone Offense
I always wanted to be a person who could pull off a bold red lip, but every shade I tried looked “off” on me. Some looked too orange, some looked too pink. The mistake I was making was ignoring my skin’s undertone. Just like with foundation, your undertone is key to finding the right red. If you have cool, pinkish undertones, a blue-based red (like a raspberry) will be stunning. If you have warm, golden undertones, an orange-based red (like a coral-red) will be your perfect match. It’s all about finding the red that harmonizes with your skin.
This one small habit of cleaning the neck of your foundation bottle will change the way you keep your makeup sanitary forever.
The Clean-Up Crew
The neck of my liquid foundation bottle used to be a complete mess. It would get caked with old, dried-up product that would sometimes flake into the fresh foundation when I opened it. It was messy and unhygienic. I started a simple habit: after each use, I take a cotton swab with a little makeup remover and wipe the threads and cap of the bottle clean. This takes five seconds but prevents product buildup, keeps my makeup sanitary, and ensures a clean application every single time. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
If you’re still applying your makeup in bad lighting, you’re losing the chance for a seamless blend.
The Lighting Lie
I used to do my makeup every morning in my dimly lit bathroom. I would think my foundation and concealer were perfectly blended. Then, I would get in my car, glance in the rearview mirror in the bright daylight, and be horrified. I’d see unblended streaks, a harsh contour line, and a foundation that didn’t quite match my neck. Bad lighting was sabotaging my application. I started doing my makeup in front of a window with natural light, and the difference was astounding. I could finally see what I was actually doing.
Use an eyeshadow primer, not just concealer, to prep your lids.
The Primer Power
For years, I used concealer as a base for my eyeshadow. I thought it was a great hack to cover veins and create an even canvas. But by midday, my eyeshadow would be a creasy, oily mess. While concealer helps with coverage, it’s not designed to control oil or lock eyeshadow in place. The day I switched to a dedicated eyeshadow primer was a game-changer. My eyeshadow applied more vibrantly and, most importantly, it stayed perfectly in place, without a single crease, from morning until night. It’s a product that truly delivers on its promise.
Stop neglecting your makeup sponge; wash it after every use instead.
The Sponge Situation
I was guilty of using my makeup sponge for days, sometimes even a week, without washing it. It would get stained and cakey with old foundation. I never made the connection between my dirty sponge and the random breakouts I was getting. A damp sponge is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, and I was pressing that onto my face every day. I started washing my sponge with soap and water after every single use. Not only is it more hygienic and better for my skin, but my makeup also applies more smoothly with a clean tool.
Stop applying foundation to your forehead first; start in the center of your face and blend outwards instead.
The Center-Out System
My instinct was always to start applying foundation on the biggest surface area, my forehead, and then work my way down. But this often resulted in too much product around my hairline and a heavy, mask-like look. A makeup artist taught me to start in the center of my face—around my nose and cheeks—where you typically need the most coverage for redness and discoloration. Then, I blend the remaining product outwards towards the perimeter of my face. This creates a more natural finish, with the most coverage where you need it and less where you don’t.
The #1 hack for fixing cakey makeup is a spritz of setting spray and bouncing a damp sponge over it.
The Cakey Cure
There have been days when I’ve gone a little too heavy-handed with my powder, and my face ends up looking dry, heavy, and cakey. My first instinct used to be to try and wipe it off, which just made a mess. The best hack I’ve ever learned is to take a hydrating setting spray, give my face a good spritz, and then gently press and bounce a clean, damp makeup sponge all over my skin. This magical combination helps the powders melt into the skin, removes the excess, and brings back a natural, skin-like finish.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about setting spray is that they are all the same.
The Spray Spectrum
I used to think all setting sprays were just fancy water in a bottle. I’d buy whatever was cheapest, assuming it would do the job. But after my makeup still melted off on a hot day, I started looking closer. I realized there’s a huge spectrum. There are mattifying sprays with oil-control ingredients, hydrating sprays with glycerin for a dewy look, and heavy-duty sprays designed to lock makeup in place for hours. Choosing the right spray for your skin type and desired finish is just as important as choosing the right foundation.
I wish I knew this about multi-use products when I was a student on a budget.
The Budget Beauty
As a student, I was constantly broke, and buying a full face of makeup felt like an impossible luxury. I had a separate blush, eyeshadow, and lipstick, and it all added up. I wish I had discovered the magic of multi-use products sooner. A cream blush stick can be used for a pop of color on the cheeks, a sheer wash on the eyelids, and a tint on the lips. A bronzer can double as a natural-looking eyeshadow. Embracing these versatile products would have saved me so much money and space in my small dorm room.
I’m just going to say it: You own too many nude eyeshadow palettes that look the same.
The Palette Purge
I opened my makeup drawer one day and had a startling realization: I owned six different nude eyeshadow palettes. While they all looked slightly different in their packaging, when I swatched the colors, I found I had about ten versions of the same shimmery champagne and matte medium-brown. I was buying into the hype of each new release, collecting palettes that were essentially duplicates of what I already owned. I consolidated my favorites into one magnetic palette and realized I had everything I needed. It was a lesson in mindful consumption.
99% of people make this one mistake when applying glitter eyeshadow.
The Fallout Fiasco
I loved the idea of a sparkly, glittery eye look, but every time I tried it, the execution was a disaster. I would have more glitter on my cheeks and under my eyes than on my actual eyelids. The mistake was applying the glitter last, over a dry powder shadow. The glitter had nothing to stick to, so it would just fall everywhere. The key is to use a sticky glitter glue or primer. Applying a thin layer of that first gives the loose glitter particles something to adhere to, ensuring it stays exactly where you want it.
This one small action of using a separate mascara for your lower lashes will change the way you avoid smudging forever.
The Lower Lash Lock
I used to use the same big, fluffy mascara wand for my top and bottom lashes. While it worked great for my top lashes, it was too bulky for the tiny lower ones. I would inevitably get black smudges on my under-eye area during application. I started using a dedicated lower lash mascara with a tiny, micro-wand. This small change was revolutionary. The tiny wand could coat each lash perfectly without touching the surrounding skin, resulting in a clean, defined, smudge-free look that lasted all day. It was a problem-solver I didn’t know I needed.
If you’re still using makeup that breaks you out, you’re losing your skin’s clarity for a temporary fix.
The Breakout Betrayal
I had a favorite foundation that gave me the most beautiful, flawless finish. I loved how it looked, but I noticed a pattern: every time I wore it, I would get new pimples the next day. I was in denial for a while, telling myself it was a coincidence. But I was sacrificing the long-term health of my skin for a temporary cosmetic effect. I finally had to “break up” with my favorite foundation and find a new one that didn’t clog my pores. It was a reminder that no makeup look is worth compromising your skin’s clarity.
Use a spoolie to brush through your brows, not just a pencil.
The Spoolie Solution
My brow routine used to be a one-step process: fill them in with a pencil. This often left them looking a bit harsh and unnatural, with obvious pencil lines. The simple act of adding a spoolie (the little mascara-like brush on the end of most brow pencils) transformed my brow game. Brushing through my brows with the spoolie before I start helps to shape them, and brushing through them after I apply product softens any harsh lines and blends the color for a much more natural, feathery finish. It’s a non-negotiable step.
Stop storing your beauty sponges in a dark, damp bag; let them air dry completely instead.
The Moldy Mess
I used to wash my makeup sponge and then immediately toss it back into my dark, enclosed makeup bag. I was traveling once and opened my bag to a horrible, mildewy smell. My beloved sponge had grown little black spots on it—it was mold. A damp sponge stored in a dark place is a perfect recipe for mold and bacteria growth. I learned my lesson. Now, I always let my sponge air dry completely on a clean, open surface before putting it away. It’s essential for both hygiene and the longevity of the sponge.
Stop applying bronzer with a heavy hand; build it up in light layers instead.
The Bronzer Buildup
When I wanted a sunkissed look, I would load up my brush with bronzer and try to apply it all in one go. This usually resulted in a muddy, streaky mess that was impossible to blend out. I’d have to either start over or walk around with an obvious brown stripe on my face. The key to a natural-looking bronze is to build it up slowly. I now use a light hand, tap the excess powder off my brush, and apply it in sheer layers, adding more only where I need it. This gives me complete control and a believable, blended finish.
The #1 secret for a natural-looking contour is using a cool-toned shade.
The Shadow Secret
I struggled with contouring for years. I would use my warm, orangey bronzer to try and sculpt my face, but instead of looking chiseled, I just looked like I had a muddy, unnatural stripe on my cheek. The secret I was missing is that a contour is meant to mimic a natural shadow, and shadows are cool-toned and greyish, not warm and orange. Switching to a cool-toned taupe or grey-brown contour powder made my contour look like a real shadow, creating believable depth and definition without looking like makeup.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about “dupes” is that they have the exact same formula.
The Dupe Deception
I love saving money, so I was obsessed with finding “dupes” for high-end makeup products. I would buy the cheaper alternative, convinced it would be identical. While some dupes are fantastic in terms of color, I learned that they rarely have the exact same formula. The expensive product might have a smoother texture, better blendability, or longer staying power due to higher-quality ingredients. A dupe can be a great affordable option, but it’s a lie to think you are getting the exact same product in a different package.
I wish I knew this about depotting my eyeshadows for a custom palette when I started traveling more.
The Custom Compact
As someone who loves to travel, packing my makeup was always a challenge. I would have to bring three or four bulky eyeshadow palettes just to get all the shades I wanted. It took up so much space and weight. I wish I had known about depotting sooner. The process of carefully removing the individual metal pans of eyeshadow from their palettes and placing them in a magnetic Z-palette was a game-changer. I was able to create one slim, custom palette with all my favorite shades from different brands, saving me a ton of space.
I’m just going to say it: The “Instagram brow” is officially dead.
The Brow Evolution
For a few years, I was a devotee of the “Instagram brow.” It was a labor of love involving concealer to carve out the shape, a dark pomade for a sharp, faded effect, and a strong brow gel to lock it all in place. It was a high-maintenance, dramatic look. But styles have evolved towards a softer, fluffier, more natural aesthetic. I’ve since abandoned the heavy pomade for a fine-tipped pencil and a tinted fiber gel. It takes half the time and looks much more modern and effortless. Trends come and go, and this one has definitely gone.
99% of people make this one mistake when using a color-correcting palette.
The Correction Overload
When I first bought a color-correcting palette with all its green, purple, and peach shades, I thought I had to use them all. I would put green on every red spot, peach under my eyes, and yellow on my dark spots. The mistake was using way too much product. You only need the tiniest, sheerest layer of a color corrector to neutralize the discoloration. Piling it on just creates a thick, colorful base that is difficult to cover with concealer and ends up looking cakey and unnatural. Less is definitely more.
This one small habit of using a lip scrub twice a week will change the way your lipstick applies forever.
The Smooth Canvas
I used to battle with my lipstick application. The color would always cling to dry patches on my lips, making them look flaky and uneven. I thought my lips were just perpetually dry. The habit that changed everything was incorporating a gentle lip scrub into my routine two or three times a week. Taking a minute to gently buff away the dead skin creates a perfectly smooth canvas. Now, any lipstick I apply, from creamy satins to bold mattes, glides on effortlessly and looks infinitely better.
If you’re still matching your eyeshadow to your outfit, you’re losing a more modern and chic look.
The Monochrome Myth
In my early makeup days, I lived by the rule of matching my eyeshadow to my outfit. If I was wearing a blue shirt, I’d reach for my blue eyeshadow. If I was wearing green, on went the green shadow. While it can be fun for a specific look, as a daily rule, it can look quite dated and unsophisticated. A more modern approach is to choose eyeshadow shades that complement your eye color, like coppers for blue eyes or purples for brown eyes. This creates a much more chic and harmonious look.
Use a fan brush for a light dusting of highlighter, not a dense eyeshadow brush.
The Fan Favorite
I wanted a subtle, lit-from-within glow, but I was applying my highlighter with a dense brush. This picked up way too much product and deposited it in a concentrated, glittery stripe on my cheek. It was anything but subtle. The tool that changed my highlighting game was a fan brush. Its sparse, fanned-out bristles pick up the perfect light amount of product and sweep it gently across the high points of the face. It delivers a diffused, ethereal glow that looks natural and beautiful, not like a streak of glitter.
Stop applying mascara to your bottom lashes first; do your top lashes first to avoid smudging on your lid.
The Smudge Solution
I was in a frustrating cycle of applying my mascara perfectly, only to smudge it. I used to apply it to my bottom lashes first. Then, when I looked up to do my top lashes, the wet mascara from my bottom lashes would transfer to my under-eye area. The simple solution was to reverse the order. Now, I always apply mascara to my top lashes first. Then, when I tilt my head to do my bottom lashes, my top lashes are already dry and won’t smudge against my brow bone.
Stop trying to cover your freckles; use a sheer foundation to let them shine through instead.
The Freckle Freedom
I spent years trying to cover up my freckles. I would use full-coverage foundations to create a uniform, blank canvas, thinking that was the ideal for beautiful skin. But it always felt like I was hiding a part of myself. I finally embraced my freckles and switched to a sheer-coverage foundation and tinted moisturizers. Letting my natural skin and freckles show through not only looked more authentic and youthful but also felt incredibly freeing. I learned that makeup can be about enhancing what you have, not just covering it up.
The #1 tip for fuller-looking lips that isn’t filler is overlining with a nude pencil.
The Lip Illusion
I always wished for slightly fuller, more defined lips, but I wasn’t interested in getting fillers. I thought I was just stuck with my natural shape. The best illusion trick I ever learned was how to properly overline. The key is to take a nude lip pencil that is very close to your natural lip color and trace just slightly outside your natural lip line, especially on the cupid’s bow and the center of the bottom lip. Then, fill in the rest of the lips with the pencil. It creates a believable illusion of volume.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about blush is that you should only apply it to the apples of your cheeks.
The Blush Lift
The age-old advice is to smile and apply blush to the apples of your cheeks. I followed this rule for years, but it sometimes made my face look rounder. The lie is that this is the only way to apply it. A more modern, lifting technique is to apply the blush higher up on the cheekbones, sweeping it upwards towards the temple. This creates the illusion of a higher, more sculpted cheekbone and gives the entire face a lifted appearance. The placement of your blush can completely change your face shape.
I wish I knew this about how to properly sanitize my makeup when I started sharing with friends.
The Sanitation Station
In high school, my friends and I would always share makeup before a party. We’d pass around lipsticks and eyeshadow palettes without a second thought. It makes me cringe now. I wish I had known how unhygienic this was and how easily bacteria and infections like pink eye can be spread. I learned later that you can sanitize products by spritzing pressed powders with 70% isopropyl alcohol and shaving off the top layer of a lipstick before use. It’s a crucial step for anyone who shares makeup or for makeup artists.
I’m just going to say it: Matte liquid lipsticks are incredibly drying and overrated.
The Matte Misery
I was completely swept up in the matte liquid lipstick craze. I loved the look of a bold, velvety, completely transfer-proof lip. But the reality of wearing them was often miserable. Within an hour, my lips would feel like the Sahara desert, and the product would crack and flake off from the inside out. While they have their place, I’ve come to believe they are overrated for daily wear. I’ve since rediscovered the comfort and flattering look of traditional satin and cream lipsticks, and my lips have never been happier.
99% of people make this one mistake when trying the “soap brow” trend.
The Soggy Soap
I wanted to achieve that fluffy, laminated “soap brow” look that was all over social media. I grabbed a bar of soap, a wet spoolie, and went to town. The mistake I made was using way too much water. This turned the soap into a sudsy, bubbly mess in my eyebrows that never really dried down and left a white, crusty residue. The key is to use a barely damp spoolie. You just need enough moisture to create a waxy paste with the soap, not a lather. This gives you the strong hold without the suds.
This one small action of looking down into a mirror to apply eyeliner will change the way you get a straight line forever.
The Angle Advantage
Applying liquid eyeliner used to be my personal Everest. I would stand in front of the mirror, trying to draw a line on my open eye, but my lashes would always get in the way and the line would be bumpy and uneven. The simple trick that changed everything was changing my angle. I now place a small mirror flat on my desk and look down into it to apply my liner. This position smooths out the eyelid, giving you a perfect, unobstructed canvas to draw on. It makes getting a straight, clean line so much easier.
If you’re still not blending your eyeshadow, you’re losing a professional and seamless finish.
The Blend Is Your Friend
When I first started wearing eyeshadow, I would just place the colors on my lid, one next to the other. I had a distinct line where one color ended and another began. It looked amateurish and harsh. I didn’t understand the importance of blending. Taking a clean, fluffy brush and using small, circular motions to diffuse the edges where the colors meet is the most crucial step. It’s what separates a beginner’s application from a professional-looking one. Blending creates a soft, seamless gradient that looks polished and beautiful.
Use a setting powder with a brush, not the included puff, for a lighter application.
The Puff Problem
Most setting powders come with a small powder puff. For a long time, I thought this was the intended tool for application. I would press the puff into the powder and then press it onto my skin, which always deposited a thick, heavy layer of product. It made me look cakey and overly powdered. I learned that for a light, natural-looking application, a large, fluffy brush is a much better tool. It distributes a fine, even dusting of powder that sets your makeup without looking heavy.
Stop using a concealer that’s more than two shades lighter than your skin tone; it will look grey.
The Reverse Raccoon
In an attempt to get a super bright under-eye, I used to buy concealers that were many shades lighter than my actual skin tone. I thought lighter meant more brightening. But instead of looking bright and awake, the stark white concealer would mix with the darkness under my eyes and create a weird, greyish, ashy cast. It looked like I had reverse raccoon eyes. I learned that a concealer that is just one or two shades lighter is perfect for brightening without creating that dreaded grey look.
Stop applying foundation all the way to your hairline; blend it carefully to avoid a makeup mask.
The Hairline Hazard
I used to apply my foundation all over my face, right up into my hairline. I thought I needed to cover every inch of skin. The result was a dreaded makeup “halo” where the foundation would get caught in my baby hairs, creating a very obvious and unnatural line. It was a dead giveaway that I was wearing a mask of makeup. I learned to apply foundation to the center of my face and blend it outwards, stopping just short of the hairline and carefully blending the edges for a seamless, undetectable transition.
The #1 secret for a smooth foundation application on dry skin is mixing in a drop of oil.
The Oil Infusion
I have very dry skin, and foundation application can be a nightmare. It often clings to dry patches and looks flaky, no matter how much I moisturize. The best secret I ever learned was to mix a single drop of a facial oil into my foundation on the back of my hand. This simple infusion transforms the foundation, making it more emollient and hydrating. It glides over dry patches instead of clinging to them and gives my skin a beautiful, dewy, healthy-looking finish. It’s my secret weapon for a smooth base.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about contour sticks is that they are easy for beginners to use.
The Stick Struggle
Contour sticks are often marketed as a quick and easy way to sculpt the face. Just draw on the lines and blend! I bought one thinking it would be foolproof. The reality was that the formula was often very pigmented and dried down quickly, making it incredibly difficult to blend out. I would be left with muddy, unblended stripes on my face. I learned that a powder contour is actually much more forgiving for a beginner, as it’s easier to build up slowly and blend out if you make a mistake.
I wish I knew this about the power of a good finishing spray when I wanted a “glass skin” look.
The Glass Skin Gloss
I was obsessed with achieving the “glass skin” trend—that super dewy, almost wet-looking, healthy glow. I would pile on hydrating serums and dewy foundations, but I still couldn’t get that specific luminous finish. I wish I had known about luminous finishing sprays sooner. A finishing spray is different from a setting spray; its primary purpose is to affect the finish of the makeup. A good dewy or glass-skin finishing spray melts all the powders together and leaves a visible, glossy sheen on the skin that is the true key to that look.
I’m just going to say it: You’re wearing the wrong color blush for your skin tone.
The Blush Blunder
I used to think that any pink blush would work on anyone. I would use a cool-toned, bubblegum pink blush on my warm-toned skin, and it always looked a bit “off” and unnatural, like a sticker on my face. I’m just going to say it: you’re probably wearing the wrong color blush. The key is to match the blush undertone to your skin’s undertone. Peachy and coral blushes are stunning on warm skin, while cool pinks and mauves are beautiful on cool-toned skin. Finding the right shade makes it look like a natural, healthy flush.
99% of people make this one mistake when trying to achieve a “sunkissed” look.
The Bronzer Blunder
When I wanted to look “sunkissed,” I would take my shimmery bronzer and apply it not only to my cheeks and forehead but also in my contour areas, like the hollows of my cheeks. The mistake was confusing bronzer with contour. Bronzer is for adding warmth where the sun would hit, while contour is for creating shadows. Using a shimmery, warm-toned product to create a shadow looks incredibly unnatural. A true sunkissed look involves a warm bronzer on the high points and a separate, cool-toned matte product for any sculpting.
This one small habit of letting your skincare fully absorb before primer will change the way your makeup sits forever.
The Pilling Prevention
My makeup used to pill and ball up on my skin, and I would blame the foundation or the primer. It was so frustrating. The real problem was my impatience. I would rush through my morning routine, applying my moisturizer, then my primer, then my foundation, all within a minute. The products didn’t have time to absorb, so they were just slipping and sliding on top of each other. I started waiting five minutes after my skincare before applying primer, and the pilling completely stopped. My makeup finally had a stable base to adhere to.
If you’re still using dark, glittery shadows for daytime, you’re losing a fresh and awake look.
The Daytime Dilemma
I love a dramatic, dark, smoky eye. But I used to wear the same heavy, glittery charcoal eyeshadow look to my 9 a.m. class that I would wear to a party. It felt glamorous, but in the bright light of day, it just looked heavy, harsh, and actually made my eyes look smaller and more tired. I learned that for a daytime look, less is more. A simple wash of a neutral matte or satin shadow, a bit of liner, and mascara can define your eyes beautifully while still looking fresh, awake, and appropriate for the setting.
Use two different shades of foundation for a more dimensional look, not a single flat color.
The Dimensional Base
I used to use one single shade of foundation all over my face. While it evened out my skin tone, it also erased all the natural dimension and shadows, making my face look like a flat, one-dimensional mask. A professional makeup artist taught me to use two different shades. I use a shade that matches my skin tone in the center of my face, and a slightly darker, warmer shade around the perimeter. This simple technique brings back the natural dimension to my face and looks so much more realistic and less mask-like.
Stop forgetting to prime your eyelids; even a little concealer set with powder will help.
The Crease Control
I would spend so much time blending my eyeshadow, only to have it look like a creasy, oily mess within a few hours. I thought it was just my oily eyelids and there was nothing I could do. I was completely forgetting the most crucial step: primer. Priming your eyelids, even if it’s just with a thin layer of concealer that you set with a translucent powder, makes a world of difference. It creates a barrier that stops the oils from breaking down the eyeshadow and gives the shadow something to grip onto.
Stop applying powder blush directly over liquid foundation; set with a translucent powder first.
The Patchy Problem
I could never get my powder blush to blend smoothly. I would apply it directly over my still-tacky liquid foundation, and it would grab on in one spot, creating a patchy, un-blendable splotch of color. It was so frustrating. The solution was a simple intermediate step. After applying my liquid or cream products, I now lightly set my entire face with a thin layer of translucent powder. This creates a smooth, dry canvas for my powder blush to glide over, allowing it to blend out evenly and seamlessly.
The #1 hack for reviving dried-out mascara that the pros use is adding a few drops of saline solution.
The Mascara Miracle
There is nothing more frustrating than reaching for your favorite mascara only to find that it has become dry, thick, and clumpy. My first instinct used to be to just throw it away. The best hack I ever learned to save it is to add two or three drops of saline solution or contact lens solution into the tube. Then, swirl the wand around to mix it in. The saline helps to rehydrate the formula, thinning it out and bringing it back to life for a few more weeks of smooth, clump-free application.
The biggest lie you’ve been told about makeup is that you need to “set” your entire face.
The Setting Myth
I used to believe that setting my entire face with powder was a non-negotiable step to make my makeup last. I would apply a layer of powder over every inch of my skin. As someone with dry skin, this often left me looking cakey and flat, emphasizing texture I didn’t know I had. The truth is, most people only need to set the specific areas where they get oily or where makeup tends to crease, like the T-zone and under the eyes. Leaving the rest of your face powder-free allows for a much more natural, skin-like finish.
I wish I knew this about using brown mascara for a softer, more natural look when I was younger.
The Softer Statement
From the moment I started wearing makeup, I believed that mascara had to be the blackest black possible for maximum impact. I wore harsh, black mascara every single day. As someone with fair hair and skin, it often looked a bit severe for a natural, daytime look. I wish I had known about the magic of brown mascara sooner. It provides the same length and volume but in a much softer, more natural-looking way. It defines the eyes without the harsh contrast, making it perfect for “no-makeup” makeup days.
I’m just going to say it: Your makeup collection is stressing you out.
The Collection Chaos
My makeup collection used to be a source of major anxiety. My drawers were overflowing with products I never used, expired items, and multiple versions of the same thing. Getting ready in the morning felt overwhelming because I had too many choices. I finally did a massive declutter, keeping only the products that I truly loved and used regularly. Having a smaller, curated collection made my routine faster, more enjoyable, and so much less stressful. You don’t need a huge collection to create beautiful looks.
99% of people make this one mistake when applying individual false lashes.
The Placement Problem
I wanted the natural, fluttery look of individual false lashes, but my attempts were always a failure. I would try to place them directly on top of my lash line, and they would look spidery and obviously fake. The mistake I was making was the placement. The secret to a seamless look is to apply them from underneath your natural lashes. You wiggle the tiny cluster up and into the base of your own lashes. This way, the base of the false lash is completely hidden, and they look like they are truly growing from your lash line.
This one small action of using a white pencil in your waterline will change the way you look more awake forever.
The Bright Eyed-Trick
I always struggled with looking tired, especially in the mornings. My eyes would often look red and small. I tried piling on concealer, but nothing seemed to help. The simplest and most effective trick I ever learned was to line my lower waterline with a white or nude eyeliner pencil. This instantly cancels out any redness in the waterline and creates the illusion that the whites of your eyes are bigger. It’s a two-second action that makes you look instantly more awake, brighter, and well-rested.
If you’re still buying makeup sets with colors you’ll never use, you’re losing money and creating waste.
The Set Trap
I used to be a sucker for a good value set, especially around the holidays. A palette with 50 eyeshadows and 10 blushes for a low price seemed like a great deal. But in reality, I would only ever use the five or six neutral shades, and the rest of the vibrant blues, greens, and purples would sit untouched until I eventually threw the whole thing away. I learned that it’s much more economical and sustainable to buy individual products that I know I will love and use completely, rather than being tempted by a set full of colors I’ll never wear.