You're Using These 30 Cosmetics the Wrong Way

Makeup and skincare can boost our confidence and enhance our natural beauty, but too many people are using products the wrong way! In fact, even the most seasoned beauty enthusiasts can fall into common traps. Here are 30 cosmetics you might be using incorrectly.

Putting Your Fingers Into Jars

Nudebynature pressed powder — Photo by Gabrielle Henderson

You might have just washed your hands, but bacteria could still be on them. Then you dip them into your makeup jar, which gives the bacteria home in the jar. It is best to use a spatula or literally anything else except your fingers to get something out of a container.

Not Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

Assorted makeup brushes — Photo by freestocks

Oh, another place that bacteria calls home! Make sure you wash your makeup brushes regularly. This will help prevent bacteria growth – bacteria you could put on your face!

Not Removing Makeup Before Bed

a pink and yellow bag of food on a blue surface — Photo by Towfiqu Barbhuiya

Sleeping in your makeup is an extremely bad idea. You could clog your pores and cause yourself to get blemishes. It also is just better to wash your face after the day is over because you don’t know what it has come in contact with.

Rubbing Your Skin When Applying Skincare

woman with her hand on cheek — Photo by x )

Rubbing your face will harm your skin. You will lose elasticity and cause yourself to get wrinkles in the long run. When applying skincare, try to pat it in and not rub it in.

Not Prepping Your Skin

man standing in front of sink — Photo by Lumin

It is important to do a skincare routine before applying makeup. This will get your skin ready and prepped, which could cause your makeup to lay better on your face.

Not Changing Your Foundation As You Get Older

Skin changes as we age. So if you keep using the same foundation for years and years, chances are that it won’t look the same on your skin. As you age, it is important to make sure you find the right foundation for your skin type.

Using Too Much Concealer

Person holding makeup — Photo by Kelly Sikkema

Concealer, well, conceals. But if you use too much of it, it does the exact opposite. Too much concealer can make your fine lines and wrinkles stand out. Or you can just get the dreaded cakey look.

Having Too Many Mascara Layers

woman with blue eyes — Photo by Tommy van Kessel

The more mascara, the better, right? Wrong! If you wear too much mascara then you are taking a risk for your eyelashes to become clumpy. No one wants their eyelashes to look chunky!

Not Applying Blush

selective focus photography of makeup palette — Photo by freestocks

Not wearing blush could make you look pale, especially if you put foundation on. Don’t ever skip the blush! However, it is important to make sure that the blush is right for your skin tone.

Not Setting Your Makeup

women's Chanel pressed powder beside tube bottles — Photo by Glow Repose

If you aren’t setting your makeup, then what are you doing? You should be using setting powder or a setting spray to lock in your makeup and help it last longer. Everyone wants their hard work to last!

Applying Foundation to Bare Skin

brown and black calvin klein perfume bottle — Photo by Hitesh Dewasi

Always start with a primer to create a smooth base and help your foundation last longer. This step will ensure an even application and prevent the foundation from settling into fine lines.

Applying Concealer Before Foundation

Apply foundation first, then use concealer to cover any remaining imperfections or discoloration. This method prevents a cakey appearance and will give you a more natural finish.

Pumping the Mascara Wand

silver and black makeup brush — Photo by Ashley Piszek

Twisting the wand inside the tube prevents air from entering, which can dry out the mascara and introduce bacteria.

Pulling the Eyelid While Applying Eyeliner

woman in gray shirt smoking cigarette — Photo by Artem Labunsky

Instead of pulling your eye, gently rest your finger on your eyelid to keep it steady. Pulling the skin can cause wrinkles over time and lead to uneven lines.

Applying Blush Only to the Apples of Your Cheeks

black and red square frame — Photo by Evangeline Sarney

Smile and apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, then blend upwards towards your temples for a more natural and youthful look.

Skipping Lip Liner

Want your lipstick to last longer? Outline your lips with a lip liner to prevent feathering and ensure your lipstick stays in place.

Using Too Much Highlighter

black eyeshadow palette on white table — Photo by Kelsey K

Apply a small amount to the high points of your face, like the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, and your cupid’s bow. Less is more to achieve a subtle, glowing look.

Not Using an Eyeshadow Primer

person holding makeup brush with makeup palette — Photo by Kelly Sikkema

An eyeshadow primer prevents creasing and will make sure your eyeshadow lasts longer.

Applying Setting Powder All Over

three makeup brushes on top of compact powders — Photo by Rosa Rafael

Focus the powder on your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), which is where oil tends to accumulate. This technique prevents your makeup from looking cakey.

Drawing Harsh Eyebrows

woman with black hair and blue eyes — Photo by Ali Yılmaz

You don’t have to color in your eyebrows like a coloring book! Use light, feathery strokes to mimic real hair, filling in sparse areas for a more natural look.