Problem: There's nothing fluid about your wonky attempt at wearing liquid eyeliner. The result is more raccoon than cat-eye.
Solution: This is definitely a case of practice makes perfect, but there are a couple of behind-the-scenes tricks to inking in an impeccable line. Don’t feel you have to get a perfect line from start to finish in one go. You can break the single line down into three parts. Starting from the outer corner, connect the portions as you work. Hold your eyelid taunt to help create a more accessible working surface.
Try: Joe Fresh Liquid Eyeliner in Black, $6, www.joe.ca
Also see: No Makeup, No Problem! Stars Showing Off Their Bare Faces
Beauty Blunder #2: Over-Plucked Eyebrows
Problem: Brows frame the face and over-plucking will make you look cartoonish or surprised (at best).
Solution: First, things first: put down the tweezers! Second step: Fake full arches until hairs grow back in. A brow pencil makes beefing up your brows easy. The pointy tip provides precise control, and, with diligent blending, the subtle shading looks natural. For best results, fill in using short strokes, then go over arches with an angled brush to soften any harsh lines.
Try: Smashbox Angle Brow Brush 12, $28, www.sephora.com
Also see: Cheap & Easy Five-Minute Makeovers
Beauty Blunder #3: Bleeding or Faded Lip Colour
Problem: Lip colour that evaporates or leaves your lip line--making you look like a clown
Solution: Layering isn’t just a technique for dressing yourself in chilly weather – it can help lock down your favourite lip colour. Start by applying a moisturizing lip balm, nothing too goopy. Then use a creamy lip liner to define lips and create a base stain all over. Next, apply a layer of lipstick. Next, place a one-ply piece of tissue (i.e. a separated sheet of toilet paper) over lips and lightly dust translucent powder over top. The powder will set the shade. Top with another layer of lipstick and you’re set.
Try: Sephora Collection Smoothing Translucent Setting Powder, 0.24oz, $19, www.sephora.com
Also see: Fall Makeup We Can't Wait to Try
Beauty Blunder #4: The Dreaded Foundation Mask
Problem: A distinct demarcation in skin tone between your face and neck, making it look like you're literally wearing a mask of makeup.
Solution: While the skin on your face and neck will never be exactly the same tone there should be a seamless transition from one to the other. Getting the right shade of coverage is essential. Test colours along your jaw line and in natural light to find the best fit. Check out sheer formulas, like tinted moisturizers or BB creams. They’re designed to create a healthy glowing finish that doesn’t look (or feel) heavy. And, since most redness and discolouration occurs in the T-zone, foundation should be applied from the centre of your face and blended outward. That leads to less product appearing along your hairline and jaw.
Try: Maybelline New York Dream Fresh BB Cream, 30ml, $11, www.maybelline.ca
Also see: Overnight Makeover Products to Get You Gorgeous While Sleeping
Beauty Blunder #5: Dry and Damaged Hair
Problem: Split ends and frizz, evidence of the love triangle between you, your blow dryer and flat iron.
Solution: The sleek and shiny results of a blow out can become addictive, but if you’re submitting your mane to the toil of heated tools on the regular it’s best to step up your hair care routine. Think of treating your hair like your face: daily care plus weekly special attention. For everyday styling, be sure you’re using products specifically designed to protect hair from high temps. And then once a week, bust out a deep conditioning treatment to revive heat-stressed strands.
Try: Body Shop Rainforest Radiance Hair Butter, 200ml, $14, www.thebodyshop.ca
Also see: Bye-Bye Beach Hair: 8 Products to Revitalize Your Sun-Stressed Tresses
Beauty Blunder #6: Unblended Blush
Problem: Your cheeks sport stripes of blush that look like they were applied with a roller.
Solution: You’re only as good as your tools, so you’re set up for failure if you stick with those bitty brushes that accompany most compact blushes. For a truly natural-looking flush, invest in a fluffy contoured blush brush that can distribute and diffuse powder over cheekbones and along temples. Dust on, blend in and repeat.
Try: Pandora’s Makeup Box Angled Blush Brush #25, $35, www.ebeauty.ca
Beauty Blunder #7: Greasy Locks
Problem: You were a little over zealous with (insert hair product name here) and the result is gross, greasy tresses.
Solution: It may seem counterintuitive to apply more hair product at this stage, but a dry shampoo is exactly what you need. Its powdery texture will act like a sponge, soaking up excess product. Spray or shake directly at roots and brush through thoroughly to distribute evenly.
Try: Rock Your Hair Bombshell Big Hair Powder, 25g, $19, www.ebeauty.ca
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