7 Common Makeup Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

In my years as a professional makeup artist, I've seen certain mistakes repeat over and over. The good news is they all have solutions, and once you know them, they're easy to avoid.

Mistake number one is choosing the wrong foundation shade. Many people test foundation on their hand or wrist, but the correct shade is verified on the jawline, where the face meets the neck. The right foundation should disappear into your skin, not create a visible line. In Medellín, where we tan easily, it's helpful to have two foundation shades to mix depending on the season.

The second most common mistake is not blending concealer correctly. Concealer should be applied in an inverted triangle shape under the eye and blended with a damp sponge using gentle patting motions, never dragging. This prevents it from settling into fine lines and gives a natural, luminous finish.

Applying too much powder is the third frequent mistake. Powder should only be used on the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) to control shine. Applying it all over the face, especially under the eyes, ages and dries out the appearance. My rule: less is more with powder.

The fourth mistake is neglecting the brows. Brows frame the face and can completely transform your appearance. It's not necessary to fill them in excessively; sometimes a simple clear setting gel that brushes them upward is enough to give structure to the face.

The fifth mistake is not adapting makeup to the event's lighting. Makeup that looks perfect in natural light can look completely different under artificial lights or a camera flash. If you're going to an evening event or will be photographed, the makeup needs more intensity and definition.

The sixth mistake is forgetting the neck and ears. If you use foundation on your face, blend some down to the neck and ears to avoid the mask effect. This is especially important if you'll be wearing your hair up.

The seventh and final mistake is not prepping the lips. Applying lipstick over dry or cracked lips ruins any look. Gently exfoliate your lips with a wet toothbrush and apply lip balm 15 minutes before lipstick for a perfect, long-lasting finish.