4 Mega makeup mishaps to avoid

Top 4 makeup don'ts

Looking fabulous isn't always easy. Busy schedules, hectic lives and alarm clocks that don't go off can all contribute to a look that's less than ideal. Add to that a slew of makeup mishaps that can happen to the best of us, and you could be dealing with a beauty disaster. To help make sure you avoid anything that will detract from your look, we put together a list of four things to steer clear of no matter what.

 

Sticking with the same "look"

Makeup is like fashion – it changes with the seasons and trends come and go all the time. To avoid falling into a beauty rut, try to incorporate something new each season into your makeup routine. If you've been wearing the same makeup look for 10 years, it's probably time to change it up. If you're shy about changing things up, start small. Try incorporating a new lip color each season as a simple way to ease into fresher (and more current) makeup looks. This winter, opt for a bold red lip or a rich wine-inspired hue (think plum or raspberry).

Over-lining your lips

It still surprises us when we notice women who wear a dark, thick lip liner on the outside of their lips and a lighter shade on the inside.

This look may have been a trend in the early '90s, but even then we doubt it was very flattering. The overly lined look can make you look like you forgot to put lipstick on (yikes) or err on the side of clownish – not a good look for anyone.

It can also age you (especially if your liner is particularly dark), and brings the eye directly to your lips and away from the rest of your features.

 

Not wearing blush

If you've been skipping blush when it comes to your makeup routine, it might be time to add it into your repertoire. Why? Because blush brings life to the skin and it gives you that healthy glow that makes you look alive. Pick a shade that complements your skin tone and gives you an instant pick me up when you put it on. Winter is an especially good time for blush, when complexions are often pale from being indoors and out of the sun.

Over-bronzing

Bronzer can help warm the skin and make us look like we've been to the beach (minus the sun damage). However, when bronzer isn't applied correctly, you can cause more harm than good. Too much bronzer will create shadows in all the wrong places on the face and can age you up to ten years (not ideal). Apply bronzer only to the high points on your face, such as the cheek bones, tip of the nose and around the hairline to add warmth to the skin and avoid the aging effect of too much ill-applied bronzer.

More beauty tips and trends

Makeup guru Vincent Longo shares his winter makeup tips
Get a buzz on: Caffeinated beauty products
Top 10 beauty and spa trends for 2012