No matter how experienced you are with makeup, we’ve all been guilty of a few makeup mishaps from time to time. Sometimes it’s the small things—like not blending enough or choosing the wrong shade—that can stand between you and a flawless finish. The good news? With a few tweaks, you can take your makeup game to the next level.

So, what are the most common makeup mistakes, and how can you avoid them? Let’s dive in.

1. Choosing the Wrong Foundation Shade

One of the most common makeup mistakes is using a foundation that doesn’t match your skin tone or undertone. Whether it’s too light, too dark, or not the right undertone, a mismatched foundation can throw off your entire look.

When testing foundation, don’t just swatch on your hand—your hands and face can have different tones. Instead, test on your jawline and in natural light to ensure the foundation blends seamlessly with both your face and neck and knowing your skin's undertone is key.

2. Over-Applying Concealer

Concealer can be a game-changer for brightening your under-eye area or covering blemishes, but over-applying it or using a shade that’s too light can lead to a cakey, unnatural finish. The goal is to blend it into the skin, not let it sit on top.

Use a small amount and build coverage as needed. Prime your brush with the product, then apply it to the skin with light strokes and blend it seamlessly into your foundation for a natural, lifted look.

3. Not Blending Enough

Blending is the secret to flawless makeup, yet it’s often the step that gets rushed. Whether it’s foundation, eyeshadow, or contour, not blending thoroughly can result in harsh lines, streaks, or uneven coverage.

Invest in the right brushes and take your time blending each layer of product. Buff foundation into your skin, and ensure that contour, blush, and eyeshadow transitions are seamless.

4. Using Too Much Powder

Setting your makeup with powder is important, but too much can leave your skin looking dry and cakey, especially if you have dry or mature skin. Heavy powder can also settle into fine lines, making your makeup look less natural.

Apply powder sparingly with a light hand, focusing on the areas where you tend to get oily, like your T-zone. Opt for a translucent or finely-milled powder to avoid a heavy finish.

5. Neglecting Your Brows

Your eyebrows frame your face and give structure to your look. Neglecting them or over-filling them can throw off the balance of your makeup. Thin, sparse brows can make your face look unfinished, while overly bold or blocky brows can draw too much attention.

Choose a brow product that matches your natural hair colour and use short, light strokes to fill in sparse areas. Focus on defining the shape without over-drawing the lines.

6. Using the Wrong Blush Placement

Blush can bring life to your complexion, but applying it in the wrong spot or using too much can distort your face shape or look unnatural.

Blush should be applied to the apples of your cheeks and blended upward toward your temples. If you go too low or use too much product, it can drag down your features. The goal is to lift and add a natural flush.

7. Applying Makeup in Poor Lighting

Lighting makes all the difference when it comes to applying makeup. Dim or artificial lighting can lead to makeup that looks great indoors but unnatural in daylight.

Always try to apply your makeup in natural daylight or use a mirror with good lighting to see how your makeup will truly look throughout the day. This ensures even blending, proper shade matching, and avoiding over-application.

8. Ignoring Your Skin Type

Using the wrong products for your skin type can result in your makeup not sitting well on the skin. For instance, using a mattifying foundation on dry skin can make your face look flaky, while using dewy products on oily skin can make you look greasy.

Know your skin type and choose makeup products accordingly. Hydrating foundations and creams work well for dry skin, while mattifying or oil-free products are great for oily skin types.

9. Forgetting to Clean Your Brushes

Dirty brushes can lead to uneven makeup application and even cause breakouts. Using the same tools repeatedly without cleaning them transfers oils and bacteria back onto your skin.

Make a habit of cleaning your makeup brushes regularly. Ideally, deep clean them once a week to ensure a flawless application and to maintain good hygiene.

Makeup is all about enhancing your natural beauty, and avoiding these common mistakes can make a world of difference in how your makeup looks and lasts. Small tweaks—like choosing the right shades, blending thoroughly, and paying attention to your skin type—can help you achieve a smooth, flawless finish every time.

Remember, makeup is an art, and mastering it takes time, practice, and a little bit of knowledge!