In fashion, many looks come and go — and come back, like flared leg jeans and babydoll tops. The same thing applies to makeup, since we’re seeing a comeback of blue eyeshadow, for example. The thing that makes an old style suddenly au courant is demonstrating a new way of using it — say, dabbing a bit of the blue shadow under the bottom eyelashes for the thinnest line possible.
However, some makeup looks depart from the fashionable no matter what era you’re in, so check out these nasty little makeup sins (from the top down) and repent if you’re guilty!
- ARTIFICIALLY PENCILLED EYEBROWS — Some of us survived the 60′s and 70′s with the Twiggy look of no eyebrows, but we don’t have to look like an artist’s line sketchbook. Do not just draw a line — practice making feathered strokes like eyebrow hairs, then use an old toothbrush (that you have washed and saved) and gently brush the pencil strokes upward for a more natural look, regardless of thickness.
- USING THE SAME EYE COLORING FROM LASH TO BROW — While skin is a great canvas for color and fun, your eyes are not the base for paint chips. Color has never been meant to be slathered on like sunblock. The artistry of makeup lies in its subtle use, even if the look is Las Vegas Showgirl. Use bright beautiful color on the lids or half the lids (outer or inner half), and apply lighter colors to highlight and darker colors to create beguiling depth. But never, ever, smear one color everywhere.
- DEATH MASK FOUNDATION — Do not apply just one color foundation all over your face. Some areas will need more (to cover a scar perhaps), while other spots won’t need much at all. You want lighter and darker areas to show off your unique features. You don’t want to look washed out or like you’re off to your own funeral.
- PAINT-BY-NUMBER CIRCLE SHAPED CHEEKS — Hold that blusher! If you’re planning to put colored circles on your cheeks, forget it unless you make your living as a professional clown. Blusher is supposed to simulate the sun’s kisses on your face where the skin is more exposed: forehead (unless you wear bangs), nose, chin, and cheeks. Smile and lightly apply blusher on the cheek parts that stick out more than others. You can always add more — if you blend very carefully.
- LIPLINER ISSUES — Lipliner is used to help fill in the cracks around your lips (generally more prominent among postmenopausal women). It is not meant to be seen. Your lip color should match the liner, period. Do not wear lipliner by itself or in a darker shade than your lipstick.
- MIXING COLOR FAMILIES — If you’re wearing terracotta or rust colored blusher, you should not be wearing lipstick from the pink family. In the same vein, if you want to wear spring pink blusher, be sure your lipstick is not alfresco brick. There is something unsettling about having more than one color family on the same face.
Check out our other articles about color. According to basic art principles, some colors work best with certain wardrobe and jewelry hues. This may be the perfect way to experiment with color on you!
