Every week there seems to be a brand new trend in the beauty industry, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should try them. I’m a freelance makeup artist and these are 10 things that I don’t think you need to try.
- Overlining your lips
Overlining the lips to create a fuller and plumper look is something that has been so popular with the beauty industry for decades, it does give an amazing illusion when done right but with the thousands of videos that get posted on social media… there are so many that really don’t work.
The perfect advice I could give is to always make sure that the video you’re following has a similar lip shape as you, that will give you a more successful look rather than looking like you completely messed up your liner.
Follow the natural outline of the corners of the lips and learn where to place your contrast, this will take a few attempts to perfect but keep it as natural as possible. For a successful over-lined lip, always use two different tones of lip liners and a light lipstick to blend over the contrast.
To give some more dimension, top the look with gloss, to achieve that luscious plump lip.
2. Contour diagrams or contour tools
Contour tools that you see posted all over social media do not work for everyone. The main reason being is that everyone’s facial structure is fairly unique and different. The one thing I see everywhere is the plastic contour tool that looks like it’s suppose to help you put your dress shoes on.
Contour tools don’t work for everyone as it doesn’t create a natural contrast but instead a sharp cut that doesn’t fit the face. What’s even worst is following a contour diagram with everything mapped out. After all the product is blended, you end up adding more product in a hope to save the disastrous attempt.
Feel the natural hollows of your bone structure and examine where the natural shadows should be laid… contour is there to enhance your natural features, not to create a dark contrast of colours where they don’t belong.
3. Unflattering lashes
We all adore wearing lashes whether it be strip or extensions but please don’t fall into lashes that are so fluffy and large that it touches or cover your brows.
Being that extra can make you look cheap and rather tacky, we all love dramatic lashes as it adds more to the look… as long as it’s not too much for the day time.
Always ask for a second opinion as another set of eyes definitely will help.
4. A hundred step to a flawless base
Everyone wants to have the flawless skin base. All over social media there are videos where you have to do so many layers to achieve a look.
Well in reality, seeing that in the natural light – away from the room where a camera is lit up with a ring light and a filter… what you’d actually get is a cakey base. It will feel heavy on the skin, it’s probably blocking up your pores (especially if you’re acne prone) and it is generally just an unflattering look.
To achieve a flawless base, you don’t need to focus on what to place on your skin to cover your concerns, focus more on your skincare for a long term solution.
5. Over brightening
This is something that all influencers are guilty of on their social media that creates the bright spotlight beauty trend. There is no need to over brighten your under eye as you’re losing the focus from the face.
A lot of young girls do this as it’s a beauty trend that they really got stuck into. You don’t need it… a little dark circle doesn’t mean you need to cover your face with a pale white concealer. Using a fuller coverage concealer that’s 2 shades lighter than your foundation will work perfectly instead.
6. Glowing for the gods
Some people say you can never have too much highlight…… well they’re wrong as there is definitely such a thing. Some people see their extreme highlighting as a beautiful and ‘glowing’ but we see it as overpacked and unblended.
Less is definitely more for this scenario, especially if the formula is well created to achieve that dewy glass shine, to glow like the gods you may just need a little liquid highlighter instead of layering 5 different highlighters.
Always apply your highlighter with a point of light on the area to ensure a more natural but glowing look.
Always swatch your product first and avoid the chalky formula but most importantly ensure the tones are made for your skin.
7. Statement lips
A nude eye paired with a statement lip is something that every date night girl loves to wear or a plain Jane wanting to venture out to something more adventurous. This look is something that has been a staple for a long time. However, if you’re going to do a statement lip, make sure that you commit to it all night, always bring your lippy with you and if it’s a matte lip… scrub, prime and moisturise your lips.
I see so many glamorous gals go out for dinner, looking absolutely stunning with their bold lip look but so many don’t top up. This leaves you with an unflattering ombré between the lipstick and the natural lip.
8. Unrealistic inspiration photo reference
Now this is where I talk more about makeup appointments for events or just getting a freelance/store artist to do your makeup.
When you’ve saved a screenshot of a specific look please do remember that your artist may be amazing but we can’t transfer that exact look onto your face. We’re not magicians! A lot of the inspiration looks that you have saved are more likely to be photoshopped and well edited. The main problem is that your skin, eye shape and colour can be completely different to your brief… we can only do our best to recreate that.
9. Over carving your brows
This is mainly known as the ‘insta brow’ and honestly this is the one thing I hate to see on people. It is especially bad if they use a brighter concealer to highlight the under brow and use the same shade for above the brow. You don’t need to carve the top of your brows and if you are going to, at least blend it in.
Carve the bottom of your brow, yes. A lot of people carve the top of their brows to create this over structured brow and they always fill their brows dark from the tail to the front.
Most brow brushes and brow products come with a spoolie… UTILISE it and blend the products out, soften the front so that it looks more natural.
10. Blush on the apple of the cheeks
This is something that was so popular in the 90’s and a lot of people have carried it on as they haven’t realised the new methods of applying blush. As with many other industries, makeup is continuously evolving. The blush on the apple of the cheeks is so dated and it certainly makes your makeup look that way.
Try applying your blusher right on top of your bronzer. You’re still able to see the blush with a more natural approach, the apple of the cheeks are left with just a touch of colour instead of looking like you’ve been slapped.
To conclude this list, makeup is always evolving and when the trends come around you don’t need to do them all, try new things to elevate your look but make sure it fits your face. Remember, make-up is art so be creative.